JOHN Clayton was just 17-years-old when he signed up for the South Lancashire regiment of the Army.

But he told the officers he was aged 19 and 210 days.

However, John’s ruse to be enlisted and sent to France failed miserably as at just five foot and four and three quarter inches tall, weighing just seven stone and with a chest measurement of 33 inches it was decided he was “not being likely to become an efficient soldier”.

His nephew John believes this was an excuse by those carrying out his medical as they had, most probably, caught him out as too young to join up on that April 16, 1915.

But not to be deterred John hot footed it to Farnworth, explains Mr Clayton and was signed up for The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment — on the very same day.

“He would go on to be awarded the Military Medal — not bad for a man who had been refused entry to the Army because it wasn’t thought he would make a competent soldier,” he says.

Mr Clayton, aged 82, lives in Yorkshire with his wife, 81-year-old Mary.

He was born in Bolton and brought up in the town until the age of 10 but retains a deep affection for Bolton.

His uncle was born in 1897 and lived at number 63 John Brown Street which was in the Chorley Old Road area of town.

He had four siblings and worked as a piecer at Park Mill.

As with many young mill workers at that time the idea of serving King and country and getting away from the daily drudge of mill work was so tempting that fear of war was far from their minds.

They would have little idea of what war really meant for them.

But young John would not return from this war. He was killed at Passchendaele Ridge and his mother received a scroll from King George at Buckingham Palace to recognise he had paid the ultimate sacrifice.

While in the Army young John was a much admired and highly successful marathon runner for which he received medals — one of which Mr Clayton proudly displays in his home.

Mr Clayton has created a moving tribute to the uncle he never knew.

His God mother was his Auntie Cissy who had carefully treasured her brother John’s possessions and then given them to Mr Clayton.

He has John’s Military Medal, a marathon medal, his photograph and scroll announcing his death.

That young man who was so desperate to join the Army and fight for his country could not have known, or feared, what was ahead of him.

Like so many others he knew nothing of war and would think himself invincible.

His family would live with the desperate sadness of that decision for ever.

Although Mr Clayton left Bolton aged 10 he has always enjoyed a deep affinity with the town he was born in.

“I am very fond of Bolton and my Bolton ancestors,” he says.

He had thought long and hard about how John’s sacrifice could be recognised and believes by telling the sad story it will resonate with other readers who have similar stories to tell.

We would love to hear from you if you have similar stories of bravery and courage to tell. As we mark the 100th anniversary of Passchendaele this coming Remembrance Sunday will hold a very special place in the hearts of the Clayton family and many just like them. Get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk