Henry Code DCM

The Early Years
John Henry Code was born on 16th February 1869. He married Elizabeth Marsden in 1896, fathering 2 girls and 2 boys. Up until 1910, the family lived at 122 Droylsden Road, Audenshaw before moving elsewhere in the local area. Employed as a carpenter for Clayton Gas Works, his employers released him to serve in annual Territorial Army camps.

Services during the War
He enlisted in the 5th (Ardwick) Volunteer Battalion, Manchester Regiment on 15th March 1886 and was promoted to sergeant in December 1890. In 1892, John Henry Code won the 'Singleton' trophy for his sharp shooting, something that was to become a habit. In 1908 the Battalion was designated the 8th (Ardwick) Battalion. He served during the Boer War in the Imperial Yeomanry. He was promoted Colour Sergeant in December 1902, and continued his service, gaining recognition as being an excellent marksman. In June 1914, he is shown as being a joint top scorer of the Battalion along with Captain Oldfield at the Altcar Rifle Meeting.

Career and Medals awarded
In September 1914, the Ardwick Battalion sailed to Egypt and later Gallipoli. John Henry Code was now appointed Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant and was a constant inspiration to his comrades in the Battalion . His work at Gallipoli gained him the Distinguished Conduct Medal. It was later gazatted as: "Conspicuous gallantry, devotion to duty and continuing good services, his courage and skill has been most marked". He later went on to serve in France for the remainder of the War.

He is pictured at the top of this page with Harold Henry (his son) at the 1909 Summer Camp in Colwyn Bay, North Wales.