John Walley Rangecroft was born about October 1896 near Hull, Yorkshire. He was the son of John Robert Rangecroft and Isabel Walley. They had married in York about September, 1895.

In the 1901 census John is with his grandparents, George and Ann Rangecroft at 21, Swann Street, York. His grandfather was a railway goods worker, born Bradley Green, Staffordshire.

In the 1911 census John and two siblings, Constance and Benjamin, are living with their mother and stepfather, George Eshelby at 9, Barron Street, Darlington. George was an engine fitter in the loco dept. of the railway company (N.E,R.)

John Walley Rangecroft joined the 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, Pte. 21467, and went to France 13 July, 1915. He had formerly been 10091 in the West Yorks Regiment.

John was killed in action May 9, 1916. He had become a Lance Corporal.

John Walley Rangecroft is the brother of the grandmother of Ivor Briggs of Aycliffe.

Letter received from Infantry Records at York, dated May 19, 1916, informing of the death of John W. Rangecroft who was killed in action.

Letter also dated May 19, 1916, stating that Lance Corporal Rangecroft was killed instantly by a bullet in the head, when putting out wire with a party in front of the trench, difficult work which requires good men who know the work.

The letter was written by Captain Cooper, O.C.Y.Coy.

Notification of the site of John Walley's grave.

Letter dated July 18, 1921 that accompanied the medals awarded to John Walley Rangecroft.

John Walley Rangecroft's medals

John Walley Rangecroft "Death Penny"