Private John Lynas Sellers

(Also known as Jack)

Service Number: 18135

1st Bn. King's Own Scottish Borderers

Died 23rd April 1917, aged 21

Son of Arthur & Mary Sellers, 4 Lee Street, Burnley (formerly James Street)

From the Burnley Express dated 12th May 1917:  BOY'S BRIGADE SERGEANT KILLED IN ACTION

Mr. Sellers, of James Street, Burnley Lane has received news from a pal of his son Pte. Jack Lynas Sellers 18135, K.O.S.B., that the latter was killed in action about the 25th April.  Mr. Sellers received a field card from his son dated the 22nd April, and the communication from his comrade conveying the sad intelligence was dated 26th April, when Pte. F. Maybury wrote as follows: - "I write these few lines with deep regret to inform you that your dear son Jack was killed while in action.  As an old friend of Jack's, I thought it my duty to inform you of what had happened.  It pains my to convey so sad a message.  I was not with him when he was killed but was informed by men of his company, so I thought it best to let you know as soon as possible.  I hope I am not in any way doing wrong, as poor old Jack and I enlisted together, and have been together practically all the time on active service.  I will close, hoping that with God's help you will be able to bear the news.  You have my deepest sympathy".

The deceased soldier, who was nearly 22 years of age was, previous to volunteering for enlistment January 1915, employed as a clerk by Messrs. Duerden, wholesale grocers etc.  As a boy he attended Abel Street School and, winning a scholarship, was at the Higher Grade School for nearly three years.  He attended St. John's R. C. Church, Ivy Street and was Sergeant in the Boy's Brigade.  Pte. Sellers saw service in the Dardanelles and, after being in Egypt for a short time went to another sphere of operations.  Mr. A. Sellers, who is employed in the office at Bank Hall Colliery, is well-known, not only in Burnley Lane but throughout Burnley, largely through his musical associations.  Much sympathy will be felt with Mr. & Mrs. Sellers in their bereavement.

Commemorated on the Arras Memorial, France: Bay 6