Farren, John
Lieutenant John Farren. - All accounts from C.O., fellow officers and men alike - speak of the distinguished service and gallantry of Lieutenant John Farren of the Suffolks. He entered the Army immediately on the outbreak of the War, and was killed on November 13th, 1916. First as a Second Lieutenant and then as a full Lieutenant he saw more than a year's service in France before he was wounded on July 1st, 1916, while fighting gallantly at Montauban. After a period of convalescence he was offered "light duty" at home, but, refusing this, he went out again to his old regiment in France. In the following November he participated in an attack on the German trenches at Serre, and it was here that he met his death. The attack was to keep the Prussian Guard from going to the relief of Beaucourt Hamel, in which the British were successful. Farren's brother officers write telling how, at the head of his men, he pushed forward right to the German front-line trench where he received a mortal wound which killed him instantly. His body was never recovered. His C.O. has written in the highest terms of his courage and great ability as an officer; and fellow officers in hospital have said how his men were full of his praise. Always cheerful and bright, Lieutenant Farren spent the last night before the attack in keeping those round him in good spirits. King's College Review, Dec. 1917
Biographical
| Surname(s) | Farren |
|---|---|
| First name(s) | John |
| Family details | Son of William and Adelaide Farren of 7 Cambridge Rd, Wimbledon |
| College | King's College London and/or King's College London Hospital |
| Dates at college | 1913 |
| Dept / course | Faculty of Engineering and Science |
| Military unit | Suffolk 3rd Battn attd 2nd Battn. |
| Date enlisted | On outbreak of war |
| War / conflict | World War One (1914-1918) |
| Campaigns | France Mautauban and Serre |
| Date of death | 13 November 1916 |
| Age at death | 22 |
| Rank at death | Lieutenant |
| Place of death | Serre |
| Cause of death | Killed in action |
| Burial place | Queens Cemetery Puisteux, Pas de Calais, France |
| Commemoration(s) | Kings College Chapel |
| Notes | Letters in file from father advising son had joined and stationed at Colchester and would resume studies after war. Also letter of sympathy from Principal 22 November 1916.
Lieutenant Suffolk Regiment attached Royal West Surrey Regiment * King's College * son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Farren of Wimbledon * killed instantly during the attack on Serre after he had taken his platoon through the enemy wire on 13th November 1916 : he fell on the enemy trench and his body was not recovered until September 1917 * buried at Serre. Roll of the Fallen, University of London O.T.C. 1914-1918 |
| Sources | King's College London Archives; Commonwealth War Graves Commission |
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