Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
John Robert Thayer was born on 19th August 1892 in Dorking, Surrey to railway signalman Thomas William and Mary Maria (nee Roots). He was baptised on 9th October 1892 at St Martin’s, Dorking. At the time of his baptism the family lived at Mill View, Lincoln Road and Thomas was working as a railway signalman.
John’s father Thomas was born on 3rd August 1859 in Lambeth to sawyer Jesse, born about 1816 in Westbury Green, Sussex and Helen (nee Arnot), born about 1832 in Scotland. Jesse later re-married Agnes. Thomas married Mary on 7th August 1886 at St James’, Westminster. At the time of the marriage Thomas was working as a porter and lived at Buckland, Surrey. Mary lived at 40 Savile Row, London. John’s mother Mary was born about 1850 to baker Edward James, born about 1815 and Sarah (nee Richardson), born about 1818, all born in Tonbridge. In 1864 Sarah re-married agricultural labourer James Cook.
John Robert had four siblings: Harrie Elmira born about 1887; Thomas William born about 1889; Archibald George born about 1890, all in Dorking, Surrey and Nellie May born about 1895 in Ashford, Kent.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at Leslie Road, Dorking. Thomas was working as a railway signalman and Mary was at home looking after their children Harrie, Thomas and Archibald.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at 16 Lavender Hill, Tonbridge. Thomas was working as a railway signalman and Mary Maria was at home looking after their children. The household further comprised of Jack, a nephew.
John Thayer enlisted on the 1st of September 1909 in Maidstone, Kent into the Royal Field Artillery. He was a Driver with regimental number 58508. At the time of his enlistment John Robert was working as a labourer and lived at 16 Lavender Hill. He had dark brown hair, brown eyes and a swarthy complexion. He had a linear scar on his right cheek.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived at 16 Lavender Hill, Kent. Thomas was working as a railway passenger guard and Mary was at home. The household further comprised of their children: carpenter Thomas, railway engine cleaner Archibald and dressmaker’s apprentice Nellie. Mary Maria stated that she had given birth to five children, of whom all, were alive. The accommodation had five rooms.
At the time of the 1911 Census, John Thayer was a driver of the 17th Battery of the Royal Field Artillery stationed at Hilsea Barracks, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
John’s mother Mary died on the 18th of August 1913.
John married Edythe Lilian Delicate, on 25th September 1917 at St Stephen’s, Tonbridge. At the time of the marriage John was a Quartermaster Sergeant.
Edythe was born on 22nd December 1891 in Gosport, Hampshire to soldier Peter Richard, born about 1842 in Salisbury, Wiltshire and Mary McEwan, born about 1860 in Scotland. Peter was later working as a brewer labourer. Edythe was baptised on 3rd January 1893 at St John’s the Evangelist, Forton, Hampshire.
The couple had a son. John Robert Thayer was born on 27th July 1918 in Gosport.
John Thayer served from 1st September 1909 to 21st August 1914 at home; from 22nd August 1914 to 10th February 1915 in France; from 11th February 1915 to 24th July 1915 at home; from 25th July 1915 to 4th August 1917 in France and from 5th August 1917 at home. John Robert was promoted to Bombardier on 22nd January 1914 and a Corporal on 13th August 1914. He was then promoted to Sergeant on 23rd February 1915 and a Battery Quartermaster Sergeant on 5th June 1916.
He received a gunshot wound to the right eye in the field.
On 26th April 1917 John was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field.
At the time of his death he was a Battery Quartermaster Sergeant of the 6th Reserve Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery.
John Thayer died on 28th September 1918 of pneumonia and cardiac syncope in Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot. His wife was present at his death. He was buried at the Tonbridge Cemetery. His Cemetery reference number is: B.3367.
He was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the 1914 Star.
John’s wife Edythe received £4, 9s and 4d on 6th March 1919 and a further £9, 13s and 4d on 18th December 1919 in Soldier’s Effects. John’s son John Robert Jnr. received £8, 18s and 8d on 3rd April 1919 and a further £19, 6s and 8d on 27th February 1920 in Soldier’s Effects.
Edythe also received her husband’s articles of personal property, including: a silver watch, cigarette case, scissors, a case containing a safety razor set, leather belt and a pocket wallet containing a photograph and coins.
At the time of John’s death his wife lived at 113 Leesland Road, Gosport. John’s father Thomas lived at 118 Leesland Road, Gosport.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Tonbridge, Kent | |
| Son of | Thomas William and Mary Maria (nee Roots) of Leslie Road, Dorking | |
| Husband of | Edythe Lilian Delicate of Gosport, Hampshire | |
| Father of | John Robert Thayer | |
| Regiment | 6th Reserve Brigade. Royal Field Artillery | |
| Number | 58508 | |
| Date of Death | 28th September 1918 | |
| Place of Death | Aldershot, Hampshire | |
| Cause of Death | Pneumonia and Cardiac Syncope | |
| Age | 27 | |
| Cemetery | Tonbridge Cemetery, Kent |
