J Marston (1896 - 1917)

Jesse Marston was born late in 1896 and was baptised at Monkhopton on 28th February, 1897. He was the son of Edward, farmer, and his wife Caroline Eliza. They lived at Oxenbold Farm House, Monkhopton, Much Wenlock.

Jesse was educated at Bridgnorth Grammar School. He joined the Shropshire Yeomanry, later transferring to 6th Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action at the Battle of Langemarck (a phase of the 3rd Battle of Ypres) on 16th August, 1917. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

As Private Marston, 26562 (formerly 1991 Shropshire Yeomanry) Jesse was awarded the Victory and British medals.

LANCE-CORPORAL KILLED
[Bridgnorth Journal, 1st September, 1917]
Mr [sic] C. E. Marston, of Oxenbold, has received official intimation of the death of his youngest son, Lance-corpl. J. Marston, 6th K S.L.I., who was killed in action on Aug. 16th. He was in charge of a Lewis gun team. An attack was made on the Boches at 4.45 a.m., and at 6 o'clock Lance-corporal Marston and his gun team went forward to occupy a trench our first wave had captured, when he was shot through the head and died instantly. 2nd-Lieut. R. H. Banks, in a letter of condolence to Mr. Marston, sen., says: "He was speaking to me two minutes before it occurred, and I feel very sorry indeed to lose suoh a good man. He was the best man in my platoon and was full of courage. I sympathise with you, as having lost my brother a short time ago I know what your feelings will be. The whole of my Platoon wish me to convey to you their heartfelt sympathies in your loss." Another officer writes: "A more efficient, cheerful, hard-working N.C O. never existed. He did particularly good work in an attack at the end of April and was marked for early promotion. We have lost not only a splendid soldier but one of the best fellows I ever met."