Soldier Record

John Frederick Theedom enlisted at Grays Essex in 1914, he was the son of Walter James Theedom of 8, Pump Street, Hordon on the Hill Essex. 71536 went to France in May 1915. He was transferred to the 35th Machine Gun Corps (inf) in the same year at Helaire, France. John fought at Loos, the battle of the Craters, Ovillers, The Somme, Poziers, Arras. On the 20th November the 12th Eastern Division moved forward with the tanks on the first batle of Cambrai, ground was covered at some distance including taking the Hindenburg line and canal. I believe the Essex were in Lateau Wood and held this position until the Germans made a strong counter attack, alas, Pte John Ferderick Theedom was lost in this attack.

He has no known grave, but his name is enscibed on the Cambrai Memorial, Panel 12, which is situated at Louveral. His name is on the right as you enter the Colonade, level with the War Stone. There are some 8,000 names on this memorial, all of which, have no known grave. A sad and lonely place alongside the main road between Cambrai and Albert.