BRIDGNORTH MAN’S NARROW ESCAPE
[Bridgnorth Journal, 23rd November, 1918]

Pte John Jennings, of 10 Hollybush Road Bridgnorth, in narrating how his sergeant-major gained the military medal and how he himself had a miraculous escape from death, says that on October 7th. at 4 pm, Sergeant-major Nelson had charge of 20 M.T. wagons, loaded with ammunition, and eight men; and were detailed to a certain map reference near the Hindenberg line. On arriving there, the party were observed by Fritz's sausage balloons, and the roads were under constant shell fire for over an hour. During that time one of our boys was badly wounded by a shell splinter in the left thigh. Sergt.-major Nelson and Pte. Jennings just missed being hit by another shell, but with great courage at once rushed to the unfortunate Tommy and although hampered with a further supply of shells which came quite near, attended to his injuries, and with the aid of several men of the 72nd Labour Coy. (to which Nelson, Jennings and the wounded man belonged) safely removed him to a dressing station. Sergt.-major Nelson has many friends in Shropshire, Liverpool, Manchester, and Preston, his home being at 45 Berry Street in the last-named town. He has 21 years to his credit in the Loyal North Lancs, took part in the South African war, and came out to France in 1914. He very popular with the men. Pte. Jennings has been in France in the forward areas since March 3, 1917.