John Sydney Cull, known as Jack, who is commemorated on the Broadway War Memorial was born in Badsey near Evesham, Worcestershire, on 2nd November 1890. Jack, the third son of Jack Ernest and Ruth Cull, was brought up in Badsey with his nine brothers and sisters and as a boy attended Badsey Infants School.
After leaving school Jack worked for his father in the family bakery at The Sumachs in the village. Following the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 Jack tried to enlist but was rejected on medical grounds. He was finally accepted in October 1914 and he enlisted with the Queen’s Own Worcestershire Hussars. Jack subsequently trained as a gunner and was transferred to the 15th Squadron Machine Gun Corps following its formation in February 1916. Shortly before he was posted with his squadron Jack married Maud Marion Richardson at the Parish Church of St Michaels’, Broadway on 5th February 1916 and the couple set up home in Broadway.
Jack served in Mesopotamia but died from influenza on 25th October 1918, a month before the war in Mesopotamia ended and he is commemorated on the Tehran Memorial, Iran (panel 5, column 1). A memorial service was held for Jack at St James Church, Badsey, on 19th December 1918 and his name is engraved on his parents’ headstone in the churchyard.
Broadway Remembers Pte. Jack Cull, born 2nd November 1890, who died 95 years ago today on 25th October 1918.
Broadway Remembers 