Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of John and Catherine WEARMOUTH, cnr Albert and Vickers Streets, Sebastopol, Vic.

John Williams Wearmouth (SN 248) was born in Clunes, but attended the Sebastopol State School. He enlisted in Ballarat on 14th February 1916. He was 18-years-old, single, Painter and Paper Hanger. He joined the 39th Infantry Battalion and embarked on the HMAT A11 Ascanius in Melbourne on 27th May. He reached the battlefields of France in November 1916 and, aside from a bout of mumps, remained safe until 12th October 1917 when he was killed in action in the Passchendaele area. He has no known grave and his name is on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.

Pte John Williams Wearmouth, killed in action on 12th October, was the son of Mr and Mrs Wearmouth, of Albert street, Sebastopol. He enlisted at  Ballarat in February, 1916, and left for abroad with the 39th Battalion. He was born at Clunes, and at the time of his enlistment was 18 years of age. He received his education at the Sebastopol State school. When he enlisted he was in the employ of Mr Frank G. Williams, painter and decorator, of  Ballarat. He was a member of the Rubicon street Methodist Church Choir, and also took a keen interest in the Sunday school. He was also a member of  the Sebastopol United Choir. He was of a very manly and genial disposition, and was beloved by a very large circle of friends both old and young. The  news of his death was received with deep and sincere feelings of regret. Although only 18 years of age he was most insistent in his desire to serve  against the enemy, and his persistency gained the consent of his parents. In writing to his mother he stated that whilst he loved his home he was proud and glad to be fighting for his King and Country and the liberty of those whom he loved.