Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Mr John Thomas and Mrs Sarah Jane Naylor of Chapel Lane, Ibstock, Leics. His enlistment documents record that he gave his father, John Thomas Naylor of 58, Chapel Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire, England as his next of kin. He gave his trade or calling as Miner and stated that he was unmarried. Information taken from his medical examination shows that he was 5 foot 6 ¼ inches in height, weighed 140 pounds and had a chest measurement of 33 to 37 inches. His complexion was described as fair with blue eyes and brown hair. He gave his religion as Church of England. His record of service gives the following information. Embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia aboard H.M.A.T. A54 “Runic” 20th January 1916. Disembarked Alexandria, Egypt and proceeded to Zeitoun, Egypt 26th February 1916. Taken on the strength of the 20th Battalion at Moascar, Egypt 15th March 1916. Embarked from Alexandria, Egypt aboard H.M.T. “Ingoma” 18th March 1916. Disembarked Marseilles, France 25th March 1916. Wounded in action, gun shot wound to left thigh, France and admitted to 5th Australian Field Ambulance 12th November 1916. Transferred to 36th Casualty Clearing Station 13th November 1916. Transferred to 3rd Stationary Hospital, Rouen, France 14th November 1916. Admitted 2nd Convalescent Depot, Rouen, France 15th November 1916. Proceeded to 2nd A.D.B.D. Etaples, France 7th December 1916. Rejoined 20th Battalion in the Field 9th January 1917. Admitted to 5th Australian Field Ambulance with dyptheria 1st July 1917. Rejoined 20th Battalion in the Field 8th July 1917. Charged with the offence of absenting himself without leave, in that he absented himself from 9.00pm 2nd September 1917 till 9.00am 4th September 1917. Award 14 days Field Punishment No.2 by Lt. Col. A. W. Ralston DSO. Total forfeiture 16 days pay. Awarded the Military Medal, France 31st October 1917. Killed in action, France 8th April 1918. A letter sent to his father from the Base Records Office, A.I.F. dated 17th June 1918 reads. Dear Sir, I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from the Fourth Supplement No. 30476, to the London Gazette, dated 11th January 1918, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your son, the late No. 3850 Private J. W. Naylor, 20th Battalion. AWARDED THE MILITARY MEDAL His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Military Medal for bravery in the field to the undermentioned soldier:- No. 3850 Private J. W. Naylor. The above has been promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, No. 76, dated 23rd May 1918. A War Pension was awarded to his father, Mr John Thomas Naylor of five shillings per fortnight, and also to his mother Mrs Sarah Jane Naylor of five shillings per fortnight payable from the 24th June 1918.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday May 10th, 1918

LOCAL CASUALTIES

Mr and Mrs J. T. Naylor, of 58, Chapel Street, Ibstock, have received information that their son, Pte. John William Naylor, of the 20th Battalion Australian Imperial Force, was killed in action on the Western Front on April 8th whilst serving with the B.E.F. The deceased soldier who had been over two years’ service in France, and enlisted in Australia, was 28 years of age. Before emigrating to the Colonies, he was a member of Canon Broughton’s Bible Class at Hugglescote.

Coalville Times article - Friday April 11th, 1919

IN MEMORIAM

In fond remembrance of Pte. John W. Naylor, M.M. Australian Imperial Forces, killed in action April 8th, 1918. Fondly remembered by Mother, Father, Brothers and Sisters. 58, Chapel Street, Ibstock.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 15/2/2018