John was born in Stamford in 1898. In 1911 he was living at 50 St Leonard’s Street. His parents were David and Sophey (nee Sales) Bolland. His father was born in Greetham, Rutland and in 1911 he was foreman painter of agricultural implements. His mother was born in Tooting, Surrey.

John and 5 siblings were all at home sharing 4 rooms. His 21 year old sister, Winifred Lizzie, was a domestic servant, his elder brother David Victor (19) was a compositor in the printing industry. John and 3 younger siblings were all at school.

John Bolland’s grave, Stamford

In 1901 the family were living at 2 Stanley Street. His mother is now ‘Sophia’ and  John’s paternal grandfather is living with the family. In 1891 this had been the grandparents’ home shared by his son and family.

John enlisted in Stamford. Gunner John (Jack) Bolland (186484) served in the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Field Artillery. He was wounded and died at home on 12th January 1917 aged 18. He is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave (S.E.4) in Stamford Cemetery.

His name is also on the Stamford War Memorial and St George’s Church Memorial, at the time of his death his parents were living at 23 Conduit Road.

His parents died in Erith, Kent – his father in 1947 and mother in 1950.