Ypres 2016 - Menin Gate Bdr. Gregg

Menin Gate South

Commemorated on the Menin Gate is Bombardier John Gregg who as killed on 8^th May 1915. He, along with Gunner William Fishwick were the first Northumbrian Gunners killed on the Western Front in the First World War.

John William Gregg was born on 24th March 1895 in Jarrow, the eldest son of George and Emma Louisa Gregg residing at 48 Gladstone Street Hebburn. He was educated at Grange Boys School in Jarrow, leaving at the age of 13. He was employed at Palmers Works as an apprentice boiler maker. 

 He enlisted into the 5th Durham Battery Royal Field Artillery at Hebburn, part of the 4th Northumbrian Howitzer Brigade, on 23rd October 1913. The Brigade formed part of the Divisional Artillery. Mobilised 4th August 1914 he volunteered for Imperial Service. 

Tthe Northumbrian Division left the North East on the 18^th April, arriving in Ypres 22^nd April. At that time the 2^nd Battle of Ypres was raging.

On the 8^th May the Hebburn Battery was located near La Brique when the Germans succeeded in locating the Battery and shelled it killing Bombardier Gregg and Gunner Fishwick.

Gunner William Fishwick is buried in La Brique Cemetery
http://northumbriangunner.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/ypres-2010-la-brique-cemetery.html

Bombardier John Gregg has no known grave, he is recorded on the Addenda Panel on the
Menin Gate.

CWGC Information - Bombardier John William Gregg

 

Bombardier Gregg JW Royal Field Artillery

Bombardier Gregg JW RFA
Menin Gate South - Addenda Panel

 

 His name can be found on the Palmer Cenotaph where he is listed under the Jarrow Engine Works, and he is recorded on the Roll of Honour for Grange Boys School in Jarrow.

 

Palmers Works War Memorial
Jarrow

 

Palmers Works War Memorial
John W.Gregg  Jarrow Engine Works