The Soldiers

LIEUTENANT J. P. EVERITT

Lieut John Paxman Everitt
Born: London, 1897 
Died of Wounds.1/7/1916.Age 19

John Paxman Everitt, son of Clergyman Charles, and his wife Elizabeth E. Everitt was educated in London.
In 1910, at the age of 13, entered Malvern College, becoming a school prefect. During his time there, played for his college in both the football and cricket elevens.

On the 14th of December 1914, at the age of 17, he accepted a commission in the 10th Battalion Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. On the 12th of June 1915, he was posted to the West Yorkshire Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant and given command of 14 Platoon, D Company, Leeds "Pals".

He was killed in action leading his men" over the top" on 1st of July 1916 during the Battle Of The Somme

An extract from a letter to his mother from a private in his regiment shows the admiration that his men held him.

"I am proud to be able to say that he was always kind, and a gentleman. I admired his principles. He was well liked and admired by his men and the few that them remain, join me in sending our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement."

The Malvern College Obituary reads:
"His career here marked him out to be a leader of the first order and one cannot speak too highly of the splendid example he set to those over whom he was in authority. Full of grit, a thorough gentleman, with his ideals and with a cherished hope for the welfare of his school and House, he answered the call of his country in the same grand spirit that was characteristic of him throughout his schooldays."

Lieut.- Col. S.C.Taylor and Officers who proceeded with the Battalion on Active Service.Lieut.- Col. S.C.Taylor and Officers who proceeded with the Battalion on Active Service.

Back Row - Lieut J.G Vause, 2nd Lieut. T.A.R.R.E. Willey, Lieut G.S.Ward, Lieut. R.H Raynor, 2nd Lieut. R.H Tolson, Capt. R. Atkinson, Lieut. H. Smith, 2nd Lieut. A. Liversedge.
Middle Row - 2nd Lieut. M. Booth, 2nd Lieut. L. Foster, Lieut. R.M. Blease, 2nd Lieut. A.N. Hutton, Lieut J.S. Pape Smith, Lieut S.M Bikersteth, 2nd Lieut. J.P Everitt, Capt J.L Armitage, Lieut N. Evers, Lieut. E. Lintott
Front Row - Capt. T.C Boardall, Revd. C. Chappell (Chaplain), Hon. Lieut. and Quartermaster R.J Anderson, Capt P.H. Mellor, Major L.P. Baker, Lieut-Col S.C. Taylor, Capt. and Adjt. E.K. De Pledge, Capt. T. Gibson, Capt. G.C Whitaker, Capt. L. Bathurst (R.A.M.C.), Capt. S.T. Neil

His body was never recovered, So He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial to the missing, France.