OBITUARY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 9, 9 December 1936, Page 13

OBITUARY

MR J. E. AVARDLE. There passed away at his residence in Broadway, Palmerston North, on November 30, Mr John Edward Wardle, who was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mr Wardle lett England about 10 years ago lor the Dominion. He had the experience of being held as prisoner in Germany tor several years during the Great War. He was 42 years of ago. Born in Stockport, Cheshire, Mr Wardle spent most of his youth in Salford, Manchester, and was employed in the plush-making trade. In 1012 lie joined the Army Reserve forces and landed in France as a member of the Cheshire Regiment on September 22, 1914. On October 22 lie was, with others, made prisoner, at the age of 20, being sent then to Wahn-Schieszplatz in Germany. He was able to rejoin the forces on December 3, 1917, after regaining his liberty as an exchange prisoner. Mr Wardle saw service with the First and Third Cheshire Regiments. For eight and n-half years after the War Mr Wardle was engaged in business in Cheshire and in January, 1927, he came to New Zealand with his wife and family. They spent a few months in the Capital City before coming to Palmerston North, where for the greater part of his residence Mr Wardle was employed in turn by Messrs Watson Bros, and Community Stores, Ltd. For the past two years Air Wardlc’s health had not been of the best and lately had become worse, the trouble being the aftermath of his war experiences.

When the Imperial Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club was formed in Palmerston

North some months ago Mr Wardle was appointed to the committee, and it was a matter for keen disappointment to him that ho was not able to tako a greater part in the club’s activities on account of his health. Himself an “Old Contemptible,” Mr Wardle was borne by six fellow “Old Contemptibles” to his last resting place at the Kelvin Grove Cemetery on December 2. They were Messrs A. Shelldrake (Suffolk Regiment), S. Thompson (Seaforth Highlanders), N. Clark (King’s Royal Rifle Corps), A. Whittingham (Grenadier Guards), R. Hewitson (Cheshire Regiment), and E. Carpenter (19th Hussars and Royal Flying Corps). In addition to his widow, Mrs Evelyn Wardle, Air Wardle leaves four sons and one daughter.