Dawn Redmond

John Nathan was my Great-Grandfather. Born Jewish, he married a gentile girl, Mary Ann Gardener, they had five children. On 15 March 1915 John attested in Kingston into the Army Veterinary Corps. He had been medically examined on 9 March, when he gave his age as a very precise 34 years and 364 days. He was a small man at 5 feet 5½ inches tall, weighing 126lbs, with a chest measurement of 37 inches and an expansion of 5¼ inches. He had vaccination marks received during infancy, physical development described as fair, but only 6/9 vision in both eyes. He lived at 227, Hook Road, Epsom, and his occupation was horse keeper. John left for France, from Southampton, on 4 June 1916, disembarking in Le Havre on 5 June 1916. He served in notable battles including the Somme, and the Battle of Ypres, before being transferred to the 9th Btn York & Lancaster Regiment and in Nov 1917 being sent to join the Italian campaign. He remained in Italy still serving and when finally about to travel home to his family, died there of Influenza on 5 Jan 1919. Following notification of his death, by telegram, on 24 June 1919 Mrs Nathan, at 227, Hook Road, Epsom, received notification that she was to receive a weekly pension of 37/11d (in decimal currency £1.90) in respect of herself and her 5 children. Then on 14 July 1919 she was asked to acknowledge receipt of her husband's personal property. In due course she received his British War medal and Victory medal as well as her plaque and scroll commemorating his death