John Aubrey Holdsworth

Rank: 
Private
Regimental number: 
270075
Unit at enlistment: 
215th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
No
Date of death: 
August 10th, 1918
Cemetery: 
Fouquescourt British Cemetery - Somme, France - I.E.4.
Commemorated at: 
Freemason Brant Lodge No. 45
Birth country: 
Canada
Birth county: 
Oxford
Birth city: 
Woodstock, Ontario
Address at enlistment: 
RR 4 Woodstock, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
121 Park Avenue, Brantford, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Teacher
Employer: 
King Edward Public School
Religious denominations: 
Methodist
Marital status: 
Single
Age at enlistment: 
29

Letters and documents

Circumstances of Casualty: Killed in Action. While acting as scout and advancing ahead of his Company, through Rosieres towards Hallu, he was struck in the temple and instantly killed by a bullet from an enemy sniper’s rifle. 

BX August 28, 1918

Mr. E.E.C. Kilmer received word yesterday that John Aubrey Holdsworth, who enlisted in the 215th Battalion here, had been killed in action on August 10. Mr. Holdsworth was principal of King Edward School here, succeeding Lieutenant Frank Dickson in that position when the latter enlisted with the 19th and 36th Battalions. He qualified for a commission and later reverted to go to France.

BX April 22, 1916

Principal John Aubrey Holdsworth Given Wrist Watch

A very pleasing event took place at King Edward School on Thursday afternoon, April 20, when the pupils presented Mr. Holdsworth, the principal, who enlisted with the 215th Battalion, with a military wrist watch. An address was read by Livingstone Chapman, expressing the regret of the pupils at the loss of their principal and also expressing their appreciation of his patriotic spirit in offering his services for King and Country. On Tuesday last the teachers of King Edward School presented Mr. Holdsworth with a signet ring in token of the kindly relations existing between him and his assistant staff.

BX May 11, 1916

Four Principals Are Now in Khaki – Two More Offered Services but Were Rejected on Physical Grounds

Brantford public school principals have made a record in this Great War that few cities can compare favorably with.  Out of the seven public schools in the city four of the principals are now in khaki and are training with their respective battalions. Two others offered their services but were rejected.  As the principal of the other school is a lady, it can be truly said that a full percentage of the male principals in Brantford have offered to do their bit.

Captain Walter Joyce of Central School is now with the 215th Battalion, in training here; Captain Thomas Bingle of the King George School is with the 125th also in training here; Lieutenant Frank Dickson of the King Edward School is with the 36th Battalion now overseas, and Sergeant John Aubrey Holdsworth, who succeeded Mr. Dickson and was only at the head of King Edward School for a short time when the path of duty was opened to him, is with the 215th Battalion.  Mr. Rowe of Dufferin school who holds a lieutenant’s certificate and Mr. White assistant principal of Dufferin, who possesses a captain’s certificate both offered their services but failed to pass the doctor’s test.

BX April 11, 1917

Honored Brothers in 215th Battalion – Brant Lodge, A.F. and A.M., Made Presentation to Khaki-Clad Members

A goodly number of Masons turned out to the regular meeting of Brant lodge, No. 45, A.F. and A.M., last evening to do honor to five of their brother members in the 215th Battalion which is slated to go overseas shortly.  An excellent address was delivered by R.W. Bro. Rev. G.A. Woodside on “Conditions After the War,” and the manner in which he handled his subject showed that he had given it deep thought.  Worshipful Master A.E. Day then called on the military members of Brant Lodge, Brothers Capts. R. Tyrwhitt and L.H. Coates, Lieut. T. Watts, Sergt. Holdsworth and Pte. Betty and presented each of them with a money belt and a parchment.  R.W. Bro. Dr. Hanna voiced the sentiments of all the members in a few well chosen words.  Light refreshments were served.