On Saturday 10 October, the Passchendaele Museum received a remarkable donation from the United Kingdom. During a visit by participants of The Frontline Walk organised by the Army Benevolent Fund, one of the initiators of the multi-day walking event, Iain Forbes, presented the Memorial Plaque, several medals and a number of documents belonging to the fallen British soldier John Regan.

About John Regan

John Regan was born on 2 February 1896. He grew up in Manchester as the eldest of six children. No records have been found indicating when he enlisted or detailing his military career. It is known, however, that he held the rank of Corporal and served with the 23rd Battalion, Manchester Regiment, part of the 104th Brigade, 35th Division.

On 16 and 17 October 1917, this battalion relieved a battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment in the front line north-east of Langemarck during the Battle of Passchendaele. On 18 October, the Manchester Regiment was itself relieved, but from 20 October onwards the 23rd Battalion returned to the front line north-east of Langemarck.

On 22 October 1917, the battalion took part in an attack on Houthulst Forest. Initial gains were made, but the attacking troops soon came under fire from both flanks and from positions that had been bypassed during the advance. The battalion lost almost all of its officers and was reduced to around fifty men under the command of a Company Sergeant Major.

The survivors subsequently withdrew to their original positions, after which the battalion was relieved. Among the casualties was John Regan. Initially reported missing on 22 October 1917, his parents and family endured a long period of uncertainty before receiving confirmation in late August 1918 that he had been killed in action.

A remarkable donation

“Behind every object lies a human story. Thanks to this donation, we can not only continue to commemorate John Regan by name, but also document his personal history in the Passchendaele Archives, the online database of the knowledge centre of the Passchendaele Museum. In doing so, his story will be preserved and remain accessible for future generations,” said Chairman Joachim Jonckheere.

Participants in The Frontline Walk organised by the Army Benevolent Fund pose with the donated artefacts. Third from the left is Iain Forbes, who donated the items, alongside Evy Van de Voorde, Collections Manager at the Passchendaele Museum (fourth from the left).



Today, John Regan is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial (Panels 120-124). His personal belongings will be displayed next year in the renewed visitor centre at Tyne Cot Cemetery. The new visitor experience places the stories of the fallen and the missing at its heart. John Regan’s Memorial Plaque, medals and documents will help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the personal consequences of war and its lasting impact on families and loved ones.

The Memorial Plaque and several medals belonging to the fallen British soldier John Regan



John Regan