CSM J Mainwaring (1889 - 1916)

John Mainwaring was born on 15th July, 1889, the son of Richard, a baker, and Alice. He was baptised at St Mary Magdalene on 29 August. During his early years John's family lived at Bylet Cottages, Bridgnorth, later moving to St John's Street.

After leaving school, John may have been a professional soldier before emigrating to Canada, but in the 1911 census he was recorded as a farm hand on his aunt's farm near Truro. When he enlisted in Canada in January 1915 he declared that he had previously served six years in the 9th Liverpool (King's Own) Regiment.

John served with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, part of the 3rd Canadian Division. By the time John joined them the battalion had been reassigned as an infantry regiment. During his time, the batallion took part in the Somme battles of 1916, the Arras Offensive and the Second Battle of Passchendale.

John died on 19th November, 1917, a few days after the 3rd Canadian Division had been involved in the capture of Passchendale village. He is buried in Louez Military Cemetery, Duisans.

The death of CSM Mainwaring was reported in the Bridgnorth Journal 17th Feb., 1917.

KILLED IN ACTION
[Bridgnorth Journal, February 17th January, 1917]
It is officially reported that 117405 Company-sergt.-major J. Mainwaring, 2nd Batt. Canadian Mounted Rifles, 8th Brigade, 3rd Division, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Mainwaring, late of No.6, St John's Street, Bridgnorth, was killed in action in France on November 19 last year. Letters received by the parents bear testimony to the soldierly abilities of this Bridgnorth boy and to the esteem in which he was held by his officers and comrades.

Raw notes