TRANTER, John

John Tranter lived with his parents at Spring Cottage, The Drive, Halesowen,. He attended Hasbury C of E School and was a member of the local Methodists. He worked in the local nut and bolt trade and was secretary of the Hasbury football club. When war came, he enlisted in the Worcester Territorials and was sent to the 1/8th Battalion who had served in France since March 1915. In 1916 it was very active on the Somme and in the Spring of 1917 it was involved in following the German forces back to the Hindenburg Line. After the remarkable storming of the 'Mound' at Templeux Guerard early in April the Worcesters went on to attack Gillemont Farm, situated on a spur overlooking the Hindenburg Line. A two company attack on this important position was undertaken on the 24th April but German resistance was fierce and no territory was gained. Losses were heavy and included Private John Tranter. He was 28 years of age and is commemorated on the Thiepval, Halesowen, Halesowen United Methodist church and Hasbury C of E School Memorials.