Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James and Eliza Surman.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
John Surman was born in 1894 in Bardon Crescent, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leicestershire. He was the son of James and Eliza Surman.

In 1911 he was living with his mother and uncle at 14, The Old Row, Bardon Hill and was working at Bardon Quarry. Also at the family home were his two brothers, Thomas (b 1893) and James Frederick (b 1899).
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Submitted by F. Tilley 2016

Coalville Times article - Friday May 4th, 1917

Sportsmen throughout Coalville and district will regret to learn that Private John Surman, of Bardon Hill, has recently been killed in action. He joined the Leicestershire Regiment a little over 12 months ago, and was later transferred to the Northumberland Fusiliers. Before the war he worked at Bardon Quarries, and lived with his uncle, Mr James Surman, at 14, The Old Row, Bardon Hill. The deceased soldier was a popular footballer and cricketer with the Hugglescote clubs, and was also on the ground staff of the Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

The following is a copy of a letter received by Mr Surman from the deceased’s officer. “It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of your son. I feel sure it will lessen your grief to know that his death was instantaneous. Your son was one of the best of my platoon, and I feel his loss very much. He was always brave, and willing in duty. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement.”

Coalville Times article - Friday May 11th, 1917

BARDON HILL

A memorial service to Private Jos. T. Surman, a cricketer, whose death in France was recorded last week, was held on Sunday evening at St. Peter’s Church, where he was formerly a chorister. The Rev. H. V. Williams, preached the sermon, concluding by saying that Joseph Surman had played a good game, but had been bowled out by the fastest ball he had ever faced, and had retired to the pavilion.

THANKS

Mr and Mrs J. Surman, 14, Old Row, Bardon Hill, desire to thank most sincerely all friends for kind expressions of sympathy extended to them on the death of Private J. Surman, recently killed in action. Friends please accept this, the only intimation.

Coalville Times article - Friday April 19th, 1918.

IN MEMORIAM

In loving remembrance of Joseph Stanley (Jack) Surman, Private, Northumberland Fusiliers, nephew of Mr James Surman, of Bardon Hill, who died from shell shock, somewhere in France, on 20th April, 1917. Aged 32 years.

A gallant soldier who gave his life for his King and country in the great war.

“Gone, but not forgotten.”

From his Uncle, Aunt, and his soldier brothers, Harry and Fred.

In loving memory of Private Joseph Stanley Surman, of Bardon Hill, 1/5th Northumberland Fusiliers, who fell in action in France, April 20th, 1917.

“Gone from us but not forgotten,
Never shall thy memory fade,
Sweetest thoughts shall ever linger
Round the spot where thou art laid.”

“Day by day we all do miss him,
Words would fail our loss to tell,
But in Heaven we hope to meet him,
Evermore with him to swell,
May he be a link in memory’s chain.
That will bind us to Heaven till we meet again.”

From Fiancée, and Family

Coalville Times article - Friday April 18th, 1919

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Pte. J. S. Surman, 1/5th Northumberland Fusiliers, died of shell-shock, April 20th, 1917.

“His sunny smiles and pleasant ways
Will linger with us all our days.”

From his Fiance, Sarah.

Coalville Times article - Friday April 23rd, 1920

IN MEMORIAM

Surman – in remembrance of Pte. J. S. Surman, Northumberland Fusiliers, killed in action, April 20th, 1917.

“Gone, but not forgotten.”

From Auntie, Uncle and Brother

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from Coalville Times) by Andy Murby 19/10/2017