JACQUES, John R

John Jacques was born at Rugby on the 27th January 1880 and lived in Stourbridge at some point in his life. He enlisted as a regular soldier in the 7th Dragoon Guards but by 1914 he had emigrated to Winnipeg, Canada, was married to Ethel and trading as a shipper. He volunteered at the outbreak of war for the Canadian Expeditionary Force and joined Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). With his military experience he was soon promoted to Company Sergeant Major. The Canadians were in the front line by the Spring of 1915 and in 1916 were stationed at Vimy Ridge. This was always a closely contested area of the Western Front and on the 15th September he was killed in action. Company Sergeant Major John Jacques is commemorated on the Vimy, Stourbridge and St. Thomas's church Memorials.