Soldier – Kerr, John – Military Funeral at Conisbrough

June 1915

Mexborough Times, June 19th

Military Funeral at Conisbrough
Local Hero Succumbs to his Wounds
Private John R. Kerr, Conisbrough
Second Battalion, K.O.Y.L.I.

Not for very many years has there been such a large gathering at a funeral in Conisbrough as was seen on Saturday afternoon last when private John Robert Kerr of “C” company, second Battalion, K.O.Y.L.I., was buried with military honours.

Private Kerr was the son of Mr Peter Kerr, of 1, Ivanhoe road, an engine driver employed by the Hull and Barnsley Railway company, and was only 20 years of age. As previously stated in the times, Private Kerr, was in the regulars, went to the front soon after the outbreak of the war, and took part in the retreat from Mons.

He was wounded in the Street fighting at St Quentin, but made a good recovery and rejoined his Regiment about the beginning of March. On 17th of April, he was again in the thick of the fighting, and during the struggle near Hill 60. He had the misfortune to be hit in the thigh by shrapnel.

He was removed to hospital, Chatham, where he died on Wednesday week, after his leg had been amputated. On Friday the body was brought to Conisbrough, where it was met by Mr W.H.Appleyard, who had this charge of the funeral arrangements.

The service on Saturday afternoon, was of a most impressive character, and was conducted by the reverent, J Roberts Davies. About 60 men of the K.O.Y.L.I.from Doncaster were present in charge of Lt Keats, together with the Conisbrough Boy Scouts when the scoutmaster, H Parker and hundreds of people lined the road leading to the cemetery. The deceased Belt were placed on the coughing, which was covered with the union Jack, and at the conclusion of the service if I’m imparted Asim fired three rounds of the great, and the bugler sounded the home quotes last post.” Among surveyors was “doggy” Butler, K.O.Y.L.I., a former member of the Denaby F.C.