John Boyes Daniel (1882-1918)
Man from York served with 13th DLI, injured at the Battle of the Somme before returning to duty
John Boyes Daniel was born to John William and Isabella Daniel in 1882 in York. He grew up with two older brothers, two younger brothers, and a younger sister. The 1911 census states that he was employed as a signaller on the railway. John enlisted on 8 September 1914 and became Private 17287 in the 13th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry (DLI). While still in England John was reprimanded twice. The first offence was on 15 November 1915 when John was found to be absent when on active service. He was apprehended by the police two days later. For this offence he is recorded as being admonished. The second offence occurred six months later when John was absent from roll call. For this he was once against admonished.
John remained in England until May the following year when he was posted to France. While in France he took part in the early days of the Battle of the Somme where he was injured. He was admitted to the No. 34 Casualty Clearing Station on 9 July with a gunshot wound to his back. John was transferred the same day by the No. 22 Ambulance Train along with fellow member of the 13DLI, James Middleton, who had also received a gunshot wound. John was transferred back to England on 10 July where he spent time recuperating.
Once recovered, John returned to France with it being noted that he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry on 14 December 1917. However, it was while with the 2DLI in France that Private Daniel was killed in action on 7 August 1918.
John is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery in West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. The inscription on his gravestone reads:
“For ever with the Lord”
Birth date: 1882
Death date: 7-Aug-1918
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: York, Yorkshire (enlistment papers)
Religion: Church of England
Employment: Signal Man (Enlistment papers and 1911 census)
Family: Parents: John William Daniel, Isabella Daniel (deceased between 1901 and 1911)
Siblings: Edmond Daniel, Arthur Daniel, George Daniel, Thomas Daniel, Alice Maude Daniel
Military service:
Private 17287
13th Battaltion, Durham Light Infantry
3rd Durham Light Infantry
2nd Durham Light Infantry
Medal(s): 1914-15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Gender: Male
Contributed by Gemma, Durham University Intern
