GAVAN John

Additional information on the memorial: Lab. Batt. Wor’strs 2 July 1916.

There is no record of this casualty on Soldiers Died in the Great War or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

John Gavan enlisted as Driver, 81877, in the Royal Artillery at Woolwich on 27th November 1890 for a period of 7 years service with 5 years in the reserve. He stated he was born in the Parish of St Thomas, Stourbridge, Worcestershire and gave his age as 18 years and 9 months. His next of kin was his father, Mr John Gavan, 5 Coventry Street, Stourbridge. John was employed as a Labourer and was also serving in the Worcestershire Militia. He was 5 feet 3¾ inches tall with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair. John’s service sheet records that he was posted to 45 Battery on 15th January 1891, was awaiting trial for 6 days from 4th April 1891 and he was tried and imprisoned for 42 days on 10th April 1891. He returned to duty as a Driver on 22nd May 1891. On 3 August 1891 John spent a further 3 days awaiting another trial and he was tried and imprisoned for 37 days on 6th August 1891. John was discharged from the army at Woolwich on 11th September 1891 as being “incorrigible and worthless”.

The death of John Gavan aged 46 is registered in the September Quarter 1916 under the Stourbridge Registration District.