My Pal Jack

[icegemm]

My Pal Jack

There’s a mother somewhere in Buckingham

Who morns for her lost son

There’s a cross on the river Ashon

Still marks the grave of a chum

And the author of these verses

Was there when the deed was done

I met him whilst serving in India

At the time he was only a lad

We soldiered together for several years

And many good times we had

I taught him the ways of a soldier

As regards polishing and laying down kit

And from that time onwards as comrades

Our friendship ne’er altered a bit

He could dance and sing a little

Trouble ne’er came to his side

That’s how my pal jack lived

Shall I tell you how he died

Twas September 20th nineteen hundred and fourteen

With the Prussians charging our trenches

And things were not looking serene

They charged upon us in thousands

We stuck it as best as we could

But what with machine guns and rifles

We had to retire to a wood

In retiring my company got captured

And I looked around for Jack

But nowhere could I see him

So I made up my mind to turn back

To try and find my comrade

I saw him what a sight

Surrounded by fire of the enemy

Striking out left and right

Then I saw him reel and stagger

He cried “come on Tom”

And I ran to the place where he had fallen

To help him if I could

But the glassy stare in his eyes told the tale

And the ground was stained with his blood

We buried him there, where he had fallen

At the sound of the enemy’s guns

And wrote on a little wooden cross

To a dear and faithful chum

I’ve only him to thank that I am here

T’was through him I turned back

He lived and died a soldier

My pal Jack

This is the true story of Pte Jack Bunting killed in action September 20th 1914, and although severely wounded was seen to stand up and fight with his fists rather than be taken a prisoner, and to his death I dedicate these verses

His pal Tom

[kevin]

Thank you Alice, for allowing us the honour of hearing how Jack fell, the words now even 93 yrs later move me, and also to be allowed to remember how friendship's still carry on after death.

To Remembrance and to the memory of Jack Bunting.

Kevin

[Pighills]

Thanks Alice.

I'm humbled to read the words.

RIP Jack.

[WhiteWolf]

Thanks for sharing this with us Alice.

Regards

Andy

[susanhemmings]

How very sad and totally moving.

Thank you for sharing this Alice.

Susan.

RIP Jack and Tom.

[nittenman]

Alice,

A very touching poem, indeed. It is nice that you have been able to share it with us.

Name: BUNTING, JOHN HENRY

Initials: J H

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)

Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Age: 27

Date of Death: 20/09/1914

Service No: 8153

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Bunting, of 32, Chancery Lane, Beckenham, Kent. Also served in the North-west Frontier Campaign, 1908.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Memorial: LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL

Remembered with pride,

Keith

[kevin]

And to Tom and Jack's other pals of the 1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment that fell on the 20/09/1914, all will be remembered.

3961 Brown,Percy Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France

4107 Carter,Charles C.S.M 1st Batt 20/09/1914 42 son of the late James & Deborah.Husband of A.M.C.Carter, 22 Southcote Rd, Bornemouth. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

4249 Eyles,Alfred Henry Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

4668 Wilson,George Francis Dmr 1st Batt 20/09/1914 33 son of Edmund.husband of Rose of Hindon,Salisbury. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

5713 Pickard,Francis George L/Sgt 1st Batt 20/09/1914 33 son of the late William and of Sarah of 9 Wood Place,Beeston Hill,Leeds,Yorks. Chauny Communal Cemetery British Extension,Aisne,France.G.Ref.5.I.14.

5861 Copeland,Frank(Copland at the CWGC) L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 31 son of George & Annie,husband of Gertrudea, of 100 Maidstone St,Bradford Moor,Bradford. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Somme,France.

6479 Briggs,Charles Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 28 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France

6480 Robson,Ernest Lindsay Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

6564 Missett,James C/Sgt 1st Batt 20/09/1914 28 husband of Teresa of 10 Belvoir St,Hunslet,Leeds Vendresse British Cemetery,Aisne,France.G.Ref.Troyon Chyd.Mem.17.

6571 Hill,Andrew Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 Villers-en-Prayeres Communal Cemetery,Aisne,France.G.Ref.B.4.

6576 Thorpe,John Henry Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 31 husband of Elizabeth Kyme Oakes(formerly Thorpe) of 3 Parkfield Corner,Dewsbury Rd,Leeds. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

6605 Archer,Mark Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

6620 Taylor,Harry Inman Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 28 son of Margaret of Lengs Yard,Newgate,Pontefract, and the late Joseph.husband of Ada Moore(formerly Taylor)of Sherburn St,Cawood,Selby,Yorks. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

6692 Burton,Robert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

6708 Power,Joseph Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

6733 Cox,Joseph Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 31 son of Philip & Annie Mary,193 Alfred Rd,Brightside Lane,Sheffield. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7123 Priestley,Bert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 32 son of William & Eliza,husband of Louisa B. of 109 Robey St, Firth Park,Sheffield. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7125 Smith,Robert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7154 Cawkwell,Alfred Edward Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 33 husband of Martha Louisa, 13 Glouster St,Gipsyville,Hull. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7173 McGregor,Frank Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 Sissonne British Cemetery,Aisne,FranceG.Ref.N.12.

7180 Greenwood,Alfred Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 30 son of Alice of 931 Penistone Rd,Owlerton,& the late Samuel,husband of Emma Woodcock(formerly Greenwood) of 40 Harewood Rd,Owlerton,Sheffield. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7236 Appleby,Harry L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7265 Ellis,John Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7268 Stead,Ernest Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 29 son of Thomas & Annie Elizabeth of 41 Musgrove Fold,Leeds,husband of Florence and father of Bertha of Teistan Barrowby Lane,Whitkirk,Leeds. Chauny Communal Cemetery,British Exension,Aisne,France.G.Ref.Coll.grave.5.L.6-16.

7353 Hudson,John Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7363 Warner,George L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 30 son of Mr and Mrs Samuel of Swan Hill,Framsden,Ipswich,Suffolk. Husband of Emma Warner(now Prankitt) of Thorpe Lane,Cawood,Selby.Yorks. Chauny Communal Cemetery,British Extension,Aisne,France.G.Ref.Coll.grave.5.L.6-16.

7385 Buckley,Fred L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France

7425 Riley,John Thomas Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 30 Son of Katherine Riley,of 25 Loughrigg St,West Bowling,Bradford.husband of Julie Riley,of 19 Scott St,Keighley,Yorks. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7479 Missett,John Edward Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Sein-et-Marne,France.

7508 Young,William Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 28 son of James of 14 Yorkshire St,Newcastle.husband of Elizabeth. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7509 Parkin,Harry Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 30 son of Tom of 40 Brown St,Sheffield,husband of Sarah Sellers(formerly Parkin)53 Brown St,Sheffield. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7515 Roe,Charles Blyton Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7518 Simmonds,Harry Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France

7610 Croft,Albert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 28 husband of Sarah Esther,8 Planetrees Rd,Leeds Rd,Bradford. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7622 Bedford,Horace Henry Sgt 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7636 Pratt,George William Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7647 Hoolighan,John(real name Holehan) Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 26 Son of Ellen Holehan of 7 Ada View,Richmond Hill,Leeds, and the late Thomas. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7656 Sanderson,Samuel Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7691 Shaw,Albert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7697 Porter,Edward Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seeine-et-Marne,France.

7750 Ward,George Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 29 Son of James Ward, of 6 Brunswick Place,Haymarket. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7761 Wadsworth,Herbert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7785 Pond,William Henry Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 29 son of Mrs Elizabeth of 162 Goswell Rd,London. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7797 Boyington,Fred Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7860 Ellis,Joseph Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 26 son of Mrs Ellis of 9 Beaconfield St,Wigginton Rd,York Chauny Communal Cemetery British Extension,Aisne,France.G.Ref.5.K.13.

7885 Roe,Ernest Victor Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7938 Sandiforth,Arthur Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

7998 Kay,William Sgt 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8007 Massey,Robert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France

8010 Etherington,William Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8079 Cunningham,Fred Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8108 Allgood,Harry Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8118 McNulty,William Henry L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France

8121 Binns,George William Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 27 son of Harry & Amelia, of Greenwood Yard,Hunslet,Leeds. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8127 Westcott,George Arthur Sgt 1st Batt 20/09/1914 24 son of George Alfred and Priscillia of 5 Queens Rd,Karachi,India. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8153 Bunting,John Henry Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 27 son of Mr &Mrs Bunting, 32 Chancery Lane,Beckenham,Kent. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8160 Marshall,Herbert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 27 husband of Alice Ellen O'Shaughnessy(formerly Marshall) of 25 Gas Holder St,Moorside,Hunslet,Leeds. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8168 Rooke,Arthur Eustace Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 25 son of the late Leonard Arthur and of Arabelle Annie of 24 Old Burlington St,Westminster,London. Chauny Communal Cemetery British Extension,Aisne,France.G.Ref.6.B.5.

8208 Newell.Albert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France

8275 Parrsloe,William(Parsloe at the CWGC) Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8317 Shepard,Albert Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8380 Bellinger,Reuben L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Somme,France.

8406 Kane,William James Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 24 son of Mr & Mrs John. of 1 Stonebridge Gate,Ripon. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8409 Martin,George Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 son of Mrs G. of 5 Bank Yard,Richmond,Yorks. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8434 Thackray,William(spelt Thackwray at the CWGC) L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8479 Bates,John L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 38 son of Anne, 13 Duncan Terrace,Islington,London. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

8501 Briers,Sidney Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 24 son of the late George William & Georgina. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

9333 Ratliff,Arthur Henry Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 20 son of Arthur Henry & Mary Eliza of 87 Sirdar Rd,Ipswich. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France

9420 Parker,Robert Winder Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 22 son of Thomas of 29 Parker Avenue,Bracebridge,Lincoln. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

9452 Slater,William Henry Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

9739 Thorley,George L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 21 son of George & A.E. of 13 Clarence Ave,Bedford St,Hull. Ploegsteert Memorial,Comines-Warneton,Hainaut,Belgium.Panel 3 and 4.

9750 Roberts,Herbert Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

9754 Haney,Peter L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

9828 Brightmore,Edward John Henry Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

9869 Hemsworth,Frank Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 25 son of William & Mary of 61 Bertie St,Sticker Lane,Bradford. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

9873 Allinson,Robert Henry Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 19 son of Mrs Allinson of 27 Grattan St,Kirkstall Rd,Leeds La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-etMarne,France.

9931 Hamilton,John Alexander L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

9953 Ward,Walter Charles L/Cpl 1st Batt 20/09/1914 19 son of Walter and Margaret La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

9975 Hutchinson,Samuel Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France

9988 Townrow,Bertie William Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 20 son of Mrs A Gettings(formerly Townrow)of 21 King Edwards Terrace,Dominiex Rd,Redford,Notts. La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

10007 Hudson,John Thomas Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Siene-et-Marne,France.

10060 Hewett,Fredrick David Arthur Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Seine-et-Marne,France.

10080 Bullock,Ernest Edward Pte 1st Batt 20/09/1914 La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,Somme,France

[icegemm]

Hi Everyone.

My mum is researching Private John Henry Bunting to see if he has any living relatives in the hope that we can give them a copy of the poem. She feels very strongly that this poem belongs to them that they should know how he died and where he was laid to rest.

She has asked me to let you know that we will keep you all posted on any progress we make. If we had a poem like this written about someone who belonged to us we would be very proud.

Thanks for appreciating it as we do. It is the first time she has shared this poem publicly, so it was a big thing for her to do.

Alice x

[Guest]

Hi, 

I've Been researching my family tree on my father's side and John Henry Bunting is my great uncle. 

I didn't even know there was a poem written in his memory. 

I spoke to my great uncle (John's nephew) he didn't have any idea either! 

Adam 

[Kath]

Dundee Evening Telegraph 15 December 1914

 

[Guest]

Hi All, 

I am the granddaughter of John Bunting, Jack Bunting was my grandads uncle. 

My grandparents, John and Kathleen, had this poem displayed in their hallway and as a little girl I would ask about this. My grandad would tell me what this poem meant to us and until my grandads recent death we have found letters from Jack to his sister whilst he was serving for country. It was very moving and brought tears to our eyes. I am honoured that Jack was a proud man and didn’t go down without a fight, even though I didn’t know him, I am so proud to be related to this piece of history and he will never be forgotten, We Remember ..... all of them x

Edited 11 November , 2018 by Guest
Admin error

[Guest]

I have since another version of this poem upon further research both slightly different the one on here says how his pals went back and buried him but my version says that they had no time to bury him as they had to advance, there are more differences than that. 

The one I found was in a A5 leaflet with 2 other poems and a picture of Tom Hobson on the front. 

I am still struggling to find the service record for John Henry Bunting from his time in the North West Campaign of 1908? 

[TheRecordKeeper]

Hi there; I'm a historian currently researching a series of record/autograph books belonging to a nurse in Camiers Dannes at the 22nd General Hospital. This poem is in one of the record books. In this case, a serviceman named W.A. Scott left it behind for us in December of 1916. Here are some images from the autograph book. You can find the rest of my research here. I'm thrilled to find more information about these men, as this is one of my favorite poems in the autograph books I'm researching. I hope someone is still active on this thread.

 

[IPT]

Hobson could be 19396 Thomas Archibald Hobson, 9th West Yorks, from Sheffield, enlisted 12/4/1915 and discharged with sickness 9/2/1917. He appeared in wounded lists in June 1916, August 1916 and May 1917.

 

 

[Jenny Bunting]

Hello, I saw my brother has posted previously. Thank you so much to everyone who has commented on this post. I wanted to share with you my tribute to John Henry Bunting. My Great Great Great Uncle, after reading the beautiful poem and newspaper extract I felt I wanted to honour his dedication to King & Country. This is my lower leg forever inked to remember him, he won’t be forgotten. I shall ensure this information will passed onto the next generations of Buntings also. If anyone has any more information regarding him that I could put into the information pack I would be most grateful. As a previous commenter said they had letters from J.H.Bunting I would love to be able to add these to the piece I’m composing for my cousins, niece & nephew. I also want to pass the finished document into my Great Uncle, John’s Great Nephew, as I know he would love to hear about him further. My email address is (removed by moderator) please feel free to email me regarding this many thanks Jenny Bunting. 
 

(And yes my email address does have two y’s in it, many people think it’s a typo, thank you in advance.) 

[Michelle Young]

Welcome to the forum. I’ve removed your email address from your post. Never a good idea to put information like that on a public forum as spammers do visit and can harvest information like that. Members can use private messages to contact you off forum. 

[Jenny Bunting]

Oh okay, I wasn’t sure how it works. Thank you for the heads up. Really appreciate it x