John Arthur Baxendale (1899 - 1960)

John Arthur Baxendale joined the army in 1915, aged 15 claiming to be 19. He was posted to the 8th Batallion, Royal East Surreys. After serving 252 days he was discovered and discharged from the army for "Lieing about his age".

Less than 3 months after his discharge, the 8th Battalion of the East Surreys were made famous (infamous) for crossing the Somme on day kicking a 3 footballs for motivation. The regiments received 50% casualties on this day.

Arthur Baxendale served again in the army during the first world war as the address on his marriage certificate is given as North Camp, Farnborough in 1919.

  30th July 1915 - 6th April 1916

 

War Diaries for the Royal East Surreys are located here