Pte John Thomas Canderton, G/13318, 11th Battalion The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, was killed in action on the Somme on October 26th, 1916. He was aged 19.

In a letter to parents William and Alice Canderton, of 24 Maple Road, Luton, Lieut H. M. Todd wrote that Pte Canderton was killed while observing the enemy lines from his trench. He was buried with all the reverence due to a soldier fighting for his King and country.

In his last letter home, written on October 22nd, Pte Canderton said he was packing all his troubles in his old kit bag and smiling in his little wooden hut, hoping to be eating his Christmas pudding at home.

Pte Canderton had worked in the carpenters' shop at the Diamond Foundry before joining up at the fourth attempt on May 15th, 1916. During his 12 weeks training he was awarded the "crossed rifles" and additional pay for his shooting skills. He had gone to the front in August.