John Colin Sproston was from Little Hamwood, Staffordshire, the son of Christopher Sproston and Ellen (nee Morris). He died on the 20th of October 1918 at Tank, Waziristan, of pneumonia coming after influenza. This was the time that influenza was sweeping India, and many other soldiers were also affected. It appears that at the time of his death he was away from the main body of the regiment. This is evident from a letter to his parents from the Officer Commanding 'C' Company, as well as other documentation showing at this time that the regiment was at Simla / Jutogh in the Himalayan foothills. The letter mentions that he was sent to Tank in charge of sanitation, so perhaps he was working on the military facilities there in anticipation of further requirements, which indeed came about in 1919.

The documents forwarded to the family on his death were kindly provided by his great nephew Colin Sproston.

John Colin Sproston documents.

Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914-19

Sproston, John Colin, resident Little Hamwood, Norths Staffs, enlisted Fulham, 740966, Pte., died in India, 20 Oct 1918.

['Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914-19', Vol. 10, Part 76, Page 207, 25th (County of London) Battalion (Cyclists), pub. 1921 by His Majesty's Stationary Office]

  
[Courtesy of Commonwealth War Graves Commission]
http://www.cwgc.org/search/certificate.aspx?casualty=1437871
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1437871 

See the following web pages for more information on John Colin Sproston :-

• Ancestors of John Colin Sproston

• Sproston Family History Site