1910-1998

John's Letter to his sister Annie Weston, and her husband Walter

John Henry Staniforth was born on May 19th, 1910 to Sidney Staniforth, a drayman, and Annie Maria Pearson.

He was baptised at St. Thomas' Church in Wincobank on June 1st. Both the baptism record, and the 1911 Census show the address 16 Cromer Street. In 1911, Sidney, born 1887 in Darnall (Aged 24), is working as a 'Steel Dray man', Annie, born 1883 (aged 28) is noted as being from Darlington. By this stage the family have two sons, Sydney, aged 2 and John Henry.

Sidney Staniforth dies March 19th, 1931. A few years following, War broke out in Europe and John Henry Staniforth fought with the York & Lancaster Regiment, reaching the rank of Lance Corporal. His service number was 4744028.

Envelope of letter, addressed to his sisters address at Attercliffe

In 1940, John is listed amongst other Prisoners of War, taken by Germany. During this time he began writing letters to his sister, Annie Maria Staniforth, now the wife of Walter Weston.

One such letter reads:

Dear Annie + Walt, sorry I haven't wrote before, I am getting on quite well and am in quite good health. Hope Walt is OK these days and I hope it won't be long before i'm seeing you all. Give my love to Ralph and Geoffrey and remember me to Harry and our Jess if you see them, your loving brother Jack.

It seems that he was a prisoner for a total of 3 years, as in 1943 J. H Staniforth is listed amongst a number of soldiers being freed from German forces.

John Henry Staniforth survived the war, before passing away in his native Sheffield in 1998.

Credit must be given to Barry Proctor for providing the personal letters and envelopes written by JH Staniforth to his sister in Attercliffe.