GAVAN, John

The name of John Gavan is recorded on the Stourbridge and the Catholic Church Memorials but is not mentioned in 'Soldiers Died' or the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Register. The church memorial also specifies the date and 'Labour Battalion' of the Worcesters. This was the 14th Battalion in the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division which went to France after training on Salisbury Plain in June 1916. It was stationed near Vimy and suffered four men killed from 1st July to 17th September. However, John Gavan's name is not mentioned in regimental sources although it is possible that he served under an alias.