John Joseph Soar

Lance Sergeant, Honourable Artillery Company

Age 16, Class VI B: 'Good work.'

John Joseph Soar was a student at Alleyn’s until 1910. During this time, he lived at 16 Knights Hill, West Norwood with his parents, Alfred and Marina. When he enlisted in the British Expeditionary Force in June 1915, he already had some previous military training from his time at Alleyn’s and through his joining of the City of London Volunteers. This training would be put to good use after he joined the Honourable Artillery Company and embarked for overseas service in February 1916. John served in France for 76 days with the HAC. During this time, he quickly moved up the ranks and was promoted to Lance Corporal and later Lance Sergeant. Unfortunately, in March 1917, John was unable to remain overseas due to chronic muscle pain. He returned home to England where he remained for the rest of the war. After the end of the conflict, he received the British War and Victory Medal as well as the Silver War Badge. This badge was issued to all service personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness in the war.