Lost when the steamshipDalton, of West Hartlepool, was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterannean on April 10th, 1917.
John was born in 1870 in Hartlepool the son of William Wardle a block and mast maker from Pelaw Main and Mary Wardle (nee Moffett), and was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Throston, on July 13th, 1870. The family were living in Millbank Terrace at this time.
On June 30th, 1897 he married Nellie (or Nelly) Sophia Wilkinson, of Dewsbury, Yorkshire, at St. Hilda's Church, Hartlepool. His occupation at this time is given as Marine Engineer.
The 1901 Census records shows John, Nellie and their 1-year old daughter Bertha living at No.21, Milbank Crescent, Throston. Ten years later Nellie is recorded as living with Bertha at 12, Raby Road, West Hartlepool – presumably at the time of this Census John was away at sea.
In his will John left £346-3s-1d to his wife. Records differ as to his last known address: on the probate document it is given as 136, Marsh Street, West Bowling, Bradford; other records give the address as 6, Tankerville Street, West Hartlepool, or 12, Central Avenue, Little Horton, Bradford.
