29-year-old Private John Henry Bridges died of wounds at no. 19 Casualty Clearing Station on 5th January 1918 whilst serving with the 3rd/10th Battalion Middlesex Regiment. He was born in Notgrove, Gloucestershire and was the youngest of the seven children of parents, Richard (a labourer) and Elizabeth (née Sly) who had married in Stroud in 1873.
Sometime between 1891-1901 the family moved to Winterton Farm, Warings Green, Tanworth-in-Arden, where Richard worked as a cowman. By 1911, the family was at Broad Lane and Richard had changed jobs to become a council roadman. Only one of the children – Arthur George (born 1888) was living in the family home.
It seems that John became a labourer, as this was the occupation he gave when he enlisted in the Army in December 1915. He served for two years and 30 days before his death.
He is buried at Duisans British Cemetery, France and is also commemorated on Tanworth-in-Arden war memorial.
If you have any further information, please let us know.
Tracey
Heritage & Local Studies Librarian
Tel.: 0121 704 6977
email: heritage@solihull.gov.uk
Solihull Life 
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