Farnworth Weekly Journal 24 September 1915

Farnworth Soldier Killed

Mrs. Wildman, of Lea Farm, Highfield, Farnworth, received official intimation on Tuesday morning of the death of her son, Private John William* Wildman (19077), aged 22 years, of the 1st battalion Border Regiment. It was stated that he was killed in action at the Dardanelles on August 21st, on the same date as several other local soldiers. He was a moulder at Messrs. Bennis's Ironworks at Little Hulton. He enlisted on January 7th, and after training in Essex, went to the East in July. Private F. Greenhalgh, of 176 Clegg-lane, in a letter home written on August 28th says he had seen nothing of Wildman since they made the big advance.

At the same time that Pte. Wildman was killed, his pal and cousin, Pte. Harry Hooper, of 427 Plodder-lane, who enlisted with him, was wounded in the arm. He has been taken to hospital, and is progressing favourably. Both men were associated with St. George's Day and Sunday Schools.

Farnworth Weekly Journal 19 November 1915

PTE. WILDMAN'S DEATH

Mrs. Wildman, of Lea Farm, Highfield, Farnworth, has just received a letter from Sergt. A. Thompson, of the C Company, 1st border Regt. confirming the death of her son, Pte. J. W. Wildman, which took place at Suvla Bay on August 21st. Sergt. Thompson says he fears she might not have learned the sad news, because a parcel has just arrived for Pte. Wildman, which he had taken the liberty to distribute among the men of the Company. He says: "You can rest assured your son took a noble part in the engagement, and met his death gallantly fighting for country and the defence of the home and the dear ones left behind. I regret to say that the regiment suffered severely in the casualties that day. Your soon was very popular in the Company, and was held in high esteem by his officers, the N.C.O.'s, and the men, and his burial was conducted with all the rites due to the dead.

John was the eldest son of John Thomas Wildman b.1867, a farmer, and Mary Wildman née Eckersley b.1874.

John first appeared on the 1901 Census living at Lea Farm, Highfield, Farnworth with his parents and brothers Harry b.1895, Clifford b.1897 and George b.1900. The family also employed a cattleman who lived with them.

John's father died in 1908.

In 1911 John was living at the farm with his mother and siblings Harry, Clifford, George, Alice b.1903 and Arthur b.1905. The family also employed a live-in waggoner.

While Harry and Clifford were working on the farm, John was employed as a moulder's apprentice.

John's name is on Farnworth War Memorial.

* He is not referred to as John William on any other record.