John Cyril Bugden

A Gunner with 4th Divisional Ammunition Column, John died on 15th of June 1916 at the age of 26. 

John was born at Suffield, Norfolk, in 1889, a son of John Henry and Sophia Bugden. In 1891 his family lived at Elm Farm, Suffield, and this was still their home in 1911 when John work on the farm with his father. Later his parents lived at The Laurels, Rushmere. 

In May 1911 John sailed for Australia. 

John was working as a labourer when he enlisted in the Australian Army, at Perth, on 15 November 1915, service number 2007. He was posted to the 36th Depot and, on 14 December 1915, he joined the 4th Depot Squad. John was transferred to the 14/10th Light Horse on 4 January 1916. He was taken on strength of the 3rd Training Regiment, at Heliopolis, on 15 March 1916 and the next day he was admitted to 4th Auxiliary Hospital, Helipolis, with an injured arm. He was discharged to duty on 1 April 1916.

John was transferred to the Australia Field Artillery and, on 7 April 1916, taken on strength of the 4th Divisional Ammunition Column. On 6 June 1916 he proceeded to Alexandria to embark for France. He disembarked at Marseilles on 12 June and was immediately admitted to No 2 Australian General Hospital, Marseilles, with pneumonia. John died at No 2 Australian General Hospital, Marseilles, on 15 June 1916. His cause of death is recorded as broncho-pneumonia and carbuncle on face.  

John’s personal effects, two identity discs, a wallet, a letter, and a photo, were sent to his father. John was buried at St. Pierre Cemetery, Marseilles, and later reburied at Mazargues War Cemetery.