Regimental Serjeant Major 8368 John Trobridge

BMD details:
Marriage of John Trobridge to Agnes Sawley at Chester, Cheshire. Vol 8a - Page 690.

Family details:
Son of John and Ada Trobridge; husband of Agnes Trobridge, of Greenbank, Boughton Heath, Chester. Born at Thatto Heath, St. Helens.

Census details:
1901 census - The Trobridge family lived at 7, Scholes Lane, St Helens. Herbt was a 39 year old Tailor. His wife Ada was 35 and their son John was aged 11. The census showed that John was born in Hoylake. 1911 - Sees 23 years old John based at Chester Castle and Barracks, Chester. He is serving with the Cheshire Regiment. His parents are living at Nutgrove Villa, Thatto Heath, St Helens in 1911.

Notes:
D C M & Bar. Spelled as Trowbridge on the Cenotaph. [url=http://www.sthelensrollsofhonour.co.uk/lmem.php?lmem=1][pic]/john_trobridge.jpg[/pic][/url][caption]The panel on the Soissons Memorial bearing the inscription for RSM John Trobridge. (Photograph courtesy of Ste M. and FAG)[/caption]

Although John Trobridge's entry on CWGC states that he was born in Thatto Heath, his service records record his place of birth as Hoylake, Cheshire, on 7th October 1887. These records also contradict his age on CWGC as he would have been 30, and not 27 as recorded. He was a Painter by trade when he attested to the army on 7th January 1907, giving his age as 19. His original period of service came to an end in January 1914, when his report stated 'He bears a very good character. I believe him to be honest, sober, reliable, hardworking, clean and intelligent He has been employed as on officer's servant'. His intended residence was Nutgrove Villa, Thatto Heath, St Helens. The 1911 census showed this as the residence of his parents, Herbert and Ada. He was assigned to the Army Reserve and then recalled on the outbreak of war in August 1914. John Trowbridge sailed for France on 16th August 1914. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant in the field on 11th September and then to Sub Company Sergeant Major on 31st August 1915. He was relieved and posted back to England on 1st September 1916, returning to France in late August 1917. He initially joined the 13th Battalion on 11th September and was then posted to the 10th Bn on 14th February 1918. John's records show that he married Agnes Sawley at the Parish Church of St Paul in Boughton, Cheshire, on 9th February 1916 - it is assumed that he was on leave in the UK at the time. John's daughter, Mary, was born on 2nd August 1917. [pic]imgs/WW1_misc/John_Trowbridge_Marriage.jpg[/pic][caption]Marriage Banns[/caption] John Trobridge was killed in action on 27th May 1918. After his death, his widow Agnes completed the next of kin form, showing the address of her and their daughter as Greenbank, Broughton Heath, Chester. His parents were recorded as Herbert and Ada Trobridge, of Thatto Heath, St Helens. [box] [b][u]London Gazette 3rd September 1918[/u][/b] Citation for Distinguished Conduct Medal For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. When all the officers of his company became casualties, he took over command. Throughout the fighting he showed great courage, initiative and resource and was a fine example to his men. [b][u]London Gazette, 3rd October 1918[/u][/b] Citation for Bar to Distinguished Conduct medal For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. After all the officers of his company had become casualties he attained and held his objective until ordered to withdraw. His coolness and courage under very trying circumstances were most exception. [/box]