Mexborough and Swinton Times December 8, 1917

Officer Killed.

Former Schoolmaster’s Sacrifice.

The news of the death in action or Captain John Middleton Downend (Northumberland Fusiliers) on Nov. 24, has been received by his relatives and friends with a shock painful surprise and with feelings of profound sorrow.

As he had faced death on numerous occasions and had passed unscathed through so many terrible conflicts, hope was cherished that’ he would live to see the end of the war.

Capt. Downend was an old boy of the Barnsley Grammar School, and after leaving York College became assistant master of the King’s Road School, Wombwell. He was later appointed headmaster of the Cross Hill Boys’ School, Hemsworth.

In August, 1915. Capt. Downend joined the Inns of Court O.T.C., and left for France in June, 1916; where he took part in the Somme battles, and later in the fighting at Arras in 1917. He came home on leave in August, 1917, was promoted full Lieutenant, and later to the rank of captain

With a winning personality, and with a nobility of character inspired by high ideals, the deceased officer was loved and honoured by 4 great number of friends. England can ill-afford to lose such noble sons as he, wag anal although victory over the enemy will surely be hers, it will top a victory won by the priceless blood of her best and bravest who Wood in time of peace be her light and her glory.

Capt. Downend leaves behind. to mourn his loss his widow, mother, sister  and brother. The following letter has been written by Lieut. Maddock to Capt. “Downend’s widow: —

“The enemy commenced, shelling, so we cleared, the trench and were all standing together at the head of one of the dug-out shafts. A shell burst right in the entrance and, one us had a remarkable escapes, but Capt. Downend was killed instantly. We have been deprive, of the best company s commander any man could wish to serve under. He was popular wherever he went, and was always the same, serene, but exacting in the execution of any difficulties which he might be called upon to perform. We shall miss him very much, and I am asked by the officers and men to express their deepest sympathy with you.

He was buried at 10-30 this morning (November 26) in the little military cemetery near here. The whole company wanted to attend the funeral, but as this was impossible I took 10 of the men who had been longest in the company. The ceremony was very impressive to us all; we saluted him and left him.

A battalion cross is being be made, and as soon as completed will be fixed at the end of his grave.