Pte 16053 / 295058 John Atherton

[Tim Bell]

John enlisted on 01/01/1915 (SWB Roll). He initially served in 11th Bttn Manchester Regiment 16053 as part of the MEF from 15/09/1915 (Star Roll).  He was later transferred to 1/7th Bttn 295058 and attached to a Trench Mortar Battery (BWM / VM Roll). He was discharged with SWB on 11/12/1917 (SWB Roll)  with VDH (Valvular Disease of Heart) 20% disability aggravated by his service (Pension Card).  John died on 12/12/1920 , aged 40, from VDH.  His wife Annie received a Widows Pension. She lived at 10 Spreadbury St, Lightbowne, Moston, Manchester.   John was buried in Plot M.V51 Failsworth Cemetery.
As John Atherton died from a condition that had been attributed to his service three years earlier, it appear he would qualify for CWGC commemoration.  I will order DC to confirm his cause of death.


Edit 12/12/19 & 14/12/19 Not sure about 1901 or 11 Census

[Tim Bell]

DC attached confirming VDH as cause of death.  VDH had been aggravated by service, so IFCP will make the application for commemoration.

[Tim Bell]

We need to see if John Atherton has a headstone at Failsworth and review any inscription.

[Tim Bell]

John Atherton's commemoration was approved by CWGC today. He now has an entry in UKBOR, pending acceptance of his burial at Failsworth Cemetery, where a new headstone may need to be erected.

[Tim Bell]

John Atherton's burial has been accepted at Failsworth.  CWGC are producing a new headstone. https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/75467875/john-atherton/