John Charles Gainsborough (1887-1917)
Secretary from Newcastle served in 15th and 1st/6th DLI commemorated on Arras Memorial
John Charles Gainsborough was born in Westgate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1887. His parents were George and Elizabeth Gainsborough. The son of a tailor, he lived with his parents at 40 Elswick Street, Westgate, Newcastle-upon Tyne until they moved to 29 Campbell Street sometime before 1911.
He served in both the 15th and the 1st/6th Battalions of the Durham Light Infantry and died on 14 April 1917 in the first week of the ‘Battle of Arras’ during the vigorous attack mounted by the Germans from their second line of defence. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and his name is inscribed on the Arras Memorial.
Birth date: 1887
Death date: 14-Apr-1917
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: 40 Elswick Street, Westgate, Newcastle-upon Tyne (1891 & 1901 Censuses)
29 Campbell Street, Newcastle-upon Tyne (1911 Census)
Employment: Secretary in a Hosiery Mill (1911 Census)
Family: Father: George Gainsborough
Mother: Elizabeth Gainsborough
Siblings: Mary, George, Elizabeth, Bella, Jane & William Gainsborough
Military service:
15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Regimental Number: 36663
1/6th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Regimental Number: 5910
Private
Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal
Memorial(s): Arras Memorial, Bay 8
DLI Book of Remembrance, Durham Cathedral
St Paul’s Church, Havelock Place, Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 1914-1918 Panelling (The church has since been demolished)
St Paul’s Church, Havelock Place, Elswick, Newcastle-upon-Tyne 1914-1918 Roll of Honour
Gender: Male
Contributed by John Edwards