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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 508

Pair: Private J. Packard, Sherwood Foresters, who was Killed in Action on 26 September 1917

British War and Victory Medals (202376 Pte J. Packard. Notts. & Derby. R.), very fine (3)

John Packard was born at Settle and attested into the 2/5th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters on 11 January 1916 at Settle. He served in France from 26 February 1917 and was killed in action on 26 September 1917. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

The War Diary for the 2/5th for the 26th September 1917 noted:

'ZERO DAY.
2.10 a.m. Company's reported in position ready for attack.
3.50 a.m. Commencement of bombardment of 2 hours duration previous to ZERO HOUR. (Enemy Barrage retaliaion on his Barrage Lines).
5.50 a.m. ZERO HOUR. For report on operations see description see description attached 10.15 a.m. Battalion Head Quarters move from CAPRICORN KEEP to GALLIPOLI.
6 p.m. Commencement of Retrogade Movement.

It is likely that Packard was killed in the retaliatory barrage in the early hours of the morning.

West Yorkshire Pioneer. 19 October 1917.

Packard - Killed in action, Sept. 26th, Pte. John Packard, of the Sherwood Foresters, son of Mrs. Packard, of Albert Hill, Settle.

19 October 1917

Another Settle Hero


It is with regret that we have to record the loss of another Settle hero, Pte.John Packard (Albert Hill), of the Sherwood Foresters, being killed in action on the Western front on Sept. 26th. Only 20 years of age, he joined up at the age of 18, and after undergoing his training crossed over to France in February last. In civil life he was employed by Messrs. Thos. Clark and Sons, provision merchants, and was highly esteemed for his integrity and his cheerful and obliging nature. He received his first knowledge of military training as a member of the local Cadet Company, in which he held the rank of Colour-Sergeant. Much sympathy is felt for his mother and brothers and sister in the great loss by the death of this gallant young soldier. The bad news was conveyed to his mother in a letter from his commanding officer, Capt. J. W. N. Stebbing, which read as follows: - "I am deeply sorry to have to inform you that your son, Pte. J. Packard, of my company, was killed in action on Sept. 26th. Please accept from me my deepest sympathy with you and your family in your loss, ane let me express my regret at not being able to write at once. Your son was one of my best men, and a soldier in whom I could always rely to do his duty when called upon. Quiet and unassuming, he was in his own way one of the most thorough men under my command and I shall feel his loss to my company deeply. He was killed instantly by the bursting of a heavy shell close to him during an attack in which the company was taking part, and I am glad he suffered no pain. He was buried close to where he fell. The place, I am afraid, I cannot disclose yet, but I can assure you that his grave is marked. I only wish I could comfort you with more information, but I imagine you know the limits of one's correspondence. offering you once more my most sincere sympathy with you in your great trouble."

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Sold for
£70

Starting price
£40