Current Information:

Age-21

16, Payne Street, Deptford

Born & Enlisted-Islington

On 15th February, 1915 the 2nd East Yorkshire battalion of 83 Brigade, 28th Division moved into the front line at Ypres. At 5.30am on 17th February one of their trenches was blown in by a mine after which it was occupied by the enemy. At 11.30am a counter attack was launched and the trench was retaken but not without cost. The battalion suffered nearly 70 casualties, a number that included John Sparks who was killed.