Ward, John

John Ward was born in Leigh, England to parents Richard and Alice Ward on November 5, 1894. In 1911 he immigrated to Canada with his father, Richard, and the two secured employment in the coal mines near Lethbridge, Alberta. In 1912, his mother Alice and sisters, Lizzie and Sadie, joined them in Lethbridge. On June 10, 1915 John Ward enlisted with the 20th Battery 5th Brigade Canadian Field Artillery CEF in Lethbridge, Alberta. He arrived in England on August 18, 1915 and remained in England until embarking for France on January 15, 1916. Gunner Ward remained at the front lines with the 20th Battery 5th Brigade for 33 months and saw action at several key battles including the Somme and Vimy Ridge. On October 1, 1918 Gunner Ward was killed in action in France. Sadly after nearly 3 years of action on the frontlines, Gunner Ward lost his life just 41 days before the Armistice was declared. He was laid to rest at Ontario Cemetery near Seins-Les-Marquion. John Ward was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. His mother, Alice, was presented with the Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her son