John Robert Andrews

War Service

Rifleman John Robert Andrews was in the 5th Battalion, Essex Regiment when he died on 20th December 1943 aged 23, fighting with the 8th Army in Italy. He was buried at Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy. He had been in the army for three and a half years and abroad for nine months. There is a picture of him in Keithley News 22nd January 1944 and his name appears on Keithley WW2 Memorial Plate in the Library.
Pontefract & Castleford Express 21 January 1944
“A former Knottingley man who is remembered for his cheery nature and outlook has been killed in action in Italy. He is Rifleman John Robert Andrews the son of Mr & Mrs A Andrews of Fearnley Green. His wife Mrs Louisa Andrews of 1 King Street, Howarth, Keighley received notification of his death from the War Office on Monday. Twenty three years of age, Rifleman Andrews joined the Army over 3 years ago and spent most of his time in Scotland. He was home on leave in September and was afterwards sent to Italy. Only yesterday week his parents received an airmail letter from him. Between leaving school at 14 years of age and being called up he was employed by Messrs Gregg & Co, Bottle Manufacturers of Knottingley. He had been married for some 2 years.”
Pontefract & Castleford Express 28 January 1944 (with photo)
“KILLED IN ACTION
Rifleman John Robert Andrews formerly of Knottingley, whose death in action in Italy, was reported in the “Express” last week.”

Family Life

John Robert Andrews was born on 24th March 1920 at Christ Church. He was the son of Arthur, a Glasshand and Methinia (nee Milton), who married at the same church on 1st August 1915 when Arthur was a serving soldier.
John Robert Andrews married Louisa Wright of Oxenhope in the fourth quarter of 1941. Their marriage was registered at Keithley and they resided in Hawarth.

Sangro River War Cemetery