CARRINGTON, John

Private John Thomas Carrington
1737 South Notts Hussars
280667 Corps of Hussars

John Thomas Carrington joined the South Notts Hussars at the outbreak of World War One, aged 21 years. He served in the Middle East before transfer to the Western Front, later in the war. The troopship transporting them through the Mediterranean, from the Middle East theatre of war to the Western Front, was attacked and sunk by a German U-boat. He survived in the water, swimming with a broken arm, until rescued and, after recovering, served on the Western Front in a Machine Gun Battalion until the end of the war. John’s Medal Rolls Index Card gives his service number as 1737 with the South Notts. Hussars, and also 280667 with the Corps of Hussars; initial theatre of war: Egypt which he entered on 13th September 1915. He was a recipient of the 1914-15 Star and also British War and Victory Medals.

He was born in Codnor Park on 1st May 1893, to Samuel Carrington and Sarah Anne Carrington (formerly Wagstaff), the youngest of four brothers, and on leaving school, worked at Codnor Park Forge. John’s parents originated from Brinsley and his father was also a forge man. In 1911 John’s family was living at Albert Avenue, Jacksdale. Siblings were Samuel Ezra, Selina, George and Gladys. In 1901 they were at Lime Kiln Row, Codnor Park when another brother Joseph b. Brinsley was still living at home.

After the war, the family lived at Jacksdale, where he was employed in one of the local collieries. His home remained in Jacksdale, all his married life. He married Gertrude Anne Waddoups at Somercotes St Thomas Church in 1920. They had three daughters, Kathleen b. 1921 m. Clarry Williams, Joan b. 1924 m. Betram Mutch, Joan served as a WAAF in WW2 and Bessie b. 1927 m. Harold Baugh. All three girls were married at St. Mary’s, Westwood, place of residence given as Wagstaff Lane, Jacksdale.

John gained employment at Riddings’ Ironworks, after the 1926 General Strike, before he retired in 1963, at the age of 70 years. He also served in the Jacksdale Home Guard during WW2.

His wife, Gertrude Anne, died on May 28th, 1970, aged 68 years. John died on July 24th, 1970, aged 77 years. They are both buried in Leabrooks Cemetery.