Royal Army Medical Corps

John James Beard was born about 1865 in Hammersmith to James and Sarah (nee Lydford) Rampton. Father was a painter decorator from St. Pancras and she was originally from Somerset.

In 1871, census shows the family living at 11 Usher Road. Father James (32), Mother Sarah (31), William (9), John (6), Selina (5), Albert (3) and Alexander (8mo.) John was born in Hammersmith and the rest of his siblings were also born around London.

In 1881, he is with family at 41 Johnson Street, Hammersmith. Father is no longer listed on the census and Sarah is stated to be a widower and a seamstress. Two further siblings have been born Ada (8) and Arthur (4). John has followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a House Decorator, but at the time unemployed.

He married Edith Harriett (nee Beacon) on 17th December 1904 in the Parish Church of St Andrews, Haverstock Hill. At the time he was resident at 27 Lorrimou? Square, Walworth

The 1911 census shows the family are living at Belle Vue Villa, Kennel Ride, Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire. He is recorded aged 46 as an Army Pensioner and Dispenser with a private pratice (or practitioner)

Family:

• Edith Harriett 1877 – 1967 She was 13 years his younger and was born in Havant, Hampshire
• Winifred 1906 Born in Hornsey, London
• Marjorie 1908-1964 Born in Hornsey, London

The electoral register for 1945 show John living at 14 Whitehaven House, in Wandsworth, Battersea.

Military

Extensive Service Records are stored at the National Archives for this soldier.

A Short Service Attestation (3 Years Colours – 9 Years Reserve) record dated 13th September 1887 shows he became Regimental No. 7886 of the Medical Service Corps. He was 23 and previously working as a Railway Porter. Upon completion of his short service, he elects to extend service to 12 years in the colours and, again, in 1897 to complete 21 years colour service.

His attributes upon discharge are 5 foot 5 inches with a fresh complexion, dark brown hair, dark blue eyes and a chest of 38 inches.

The later part of his military career sees him receive an acting appointment of Sergeant Major and service with the Territorial Force, before electing to leave with 3 months’ notice in line with Kings Regulations. His service conduct is stated to be exemplary. His transferrable skills to civilian life are listed as: Dispenser, Trained Nurse, Instructor in First Aid and Ambulance Work. He is aged 45 years and 4 months.

Miitary Milestones

• 9th November 1893 Promoted to Corporal
• 5th January 1897 Re-engaged to complete 21 years’ service.
• 17th May 1897 Promoted to Lance Sergeant
• 19th February 1898 Promoted to Sergeant
• 25th July 1898 Posted to Malta
• 7th August 1899 Posted to Aldershot, UK
• 1st March 1900 Promoted to Staff Sergeant (2nd Class)
• 9th November 1902 Posted to Belfast
• 26th January 1903 Posted to Aldershot
• 4th August 1903 Appointed the permanent staff of the London Companies
• 14th August 1903 Posted to London, UK
• 5th October 1905 Appointed Acting Sergeant Major
• 28th October 1907 Permitted to extend service beyond 21 years
• 9th February 1910 Discharged from Service as Staff Sergeant

As a Staff Sergeant, he was a holder of the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) with gratuity.

Masonic:

Post Military

After leaving the Army he set up at a Private Practice Dispenser. The death index shows he died at Battersea in 1946. A supporting death certificate exists showing that he was 81 at the time of death on the 3rd January 1946. E.H Rampton, widow was present at time of death. They were resident at 14 Fontarabia Road, Lavender Hill, Battersea. Cause of death had been certified by O. W. Nelki L.R.C.P.

1. Cardiac Failure
2. Myodegeneration Cordis
3. ArterioSclerosis, Bronchitis, Angina Pectoris

A subsequent memorandum to the Army for claim of 2/7 by Mr J.G. Desborough of South Battersea for the issue of a death certificate was submitted dated 7th January 1946