Sapper John Robert “Jack” Wilbraham
477057 Royal Engineers
John Robert Wilbraham was born in 1882 at Somercotes, Derbyshire son of Robert Wilbraham, a labourer roadman, born Cotes Park, Alfreton and his wife Mary Ann (nee Haddon) born Oakham, Rutland. Jack’s father had also been married previously to Mary Maria Buxton who had died in 1872, so Jack had elder half brothers and sisters Henry, George, Ellen, Mary Hannah and Agnes. He also had a younger sister named Annie. Jack grew up at Greenhills Lane, Riddings and by 1901 the family was living at George Street, Riddings, when Jack, aged 19, was employed as an apprentice joiner and his sister Annie, aged 16, as a pupil teacher.
In 1909 Jack married Elizabeth Ann White and by 1911 they had set up home at Sedgwick Street, Jacksdale. Jack was employed as an estates joiner for the local ironworks and colliery. Jack and Elizabeth had been married for 2 years but had not had any children by 1911. In 1918/1919 John is listed on the Absent Voters Roll as absent from Sedgwick Street.
John served with the 12th Division Signal Company, Royal Engineers and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals. His service record has not survived.
After the war Jack was employed by James Oakes & Co, as a foreman joiner at Riddings House. In 1926, he was also one of the formative committee members of the Jacksdale Branch of the British Legion and in 1927 was appointed vice chairman.