IMPORTANT NOTE: on 8 May 2008 the 'J.S.Strange Collection' will be launched as a main menu option on this website. This will include over 200 images relating to Captain Strange's war time exploits. See the front page 'Latest News' section of this site for more information.  

I am grateful to Sue Thorndycraft (Captain Strange's grand-daughter) for much of the following:

John Stanley Strange was born at Bradfield near Aldermaston in 1884. He was the son of John Stanley Strange, owner of the Aldermaston Brewery. He subsequently attended Charterhouse School. In 1909 he married (in York) Mary Jerram of Kensington and the couple subsequently had four children John, Rosemary (known as Sue,) Francis (known as Peter), and Mary.

At the outbreak of war his name appeared third on the list of early recruits for the Swansea Battalion (14th Welsh). He seems to have followed his father as he is listed as a brewery worker (possibly a manager with the Swansea Brewery) His Swansea Battalion number was 17158. However, obviously showing some aptitude, he was soon promoted to Lieutenant.

John Stanley Strange pictured in 1916. Photo: Chris Jordan.

In June 1916 he took part in a raid on the German trenches for which he was awarded a Military Cross. The citation in the London Gazette read:

For conspicuous gallantry when reconnoitring the enemy’s position prior to a raid, and later commanding a covering party to the raiders. He also displayed great courage when searching for a missing officer under Machine Gun fire. Both the men with him were wounded, but he brought them both in after two hours under heavy fire, at FARQUISSART on 3^rd June 1916.

For an account of this raid use this link:

http://swanseabattalion.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=53

On the 10 July 1916 he was wounded in the attack on Mametz Wood by a shrapnel wound to the right shoulder. He was hospitalized in Rouen (Red Cross Hospital number 2) before being transferred to the Hospital Ship Western Australia. He received treatment at the Royal Free Hospital before being declared fit to attend a medical board on 19 July 1916.

For more on the Mametz Wood attack use this link:

http://swanseabattalion.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=53

On 31 July 1917 he took part in the Third Ypres attack. For his actions in this he was awarded a Distinguished Service Order. The London Gazette citation read:

 For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Having led his company with great ability and determination to its final objective, he took over command of the front line, and held it for three days until relieved. He personally reconnoitred his whole front, and sent back very valuable information, setting a fine example throughout to all ranks under most trying circumstances.

For more on this attack use this link:

http://swanseabattalion.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=53

 On 10 May 1918 he led 'C' company of the Swansea Battalion in support of an attack by the 15th Welsh (Carmarthen) Battalion on Aveluy Wood. Misdirected British artillery fire fell amongst the attacking troops and in the confusion the now Captain Strange was initially reported as missing. However, it was subsequently confirmed that he had in fact been taken prisoner. His Brigade commander had reported that if anyone could have gotten the men through the barrage, it was Captain Strange.

Post war Strange had provided the War Office with an account of how he came to be captured. It read: 

At 9 a.m. 10/5/18 the 15th Battn. Welsh Rgt. were ordered to make a local attack in Aveluy Wood. I, in command of C Coy 14th Welsh, was ordered to establish the left flank as the attack proceeded. The troops under my command were assembled shortly

in rear of the left flank of the attacking troops. At Zero hour, our artillery barrage fell short & inflicted considerable losses on the left flank of attack. As a result the left flank of attack did not advance & was disorganised. After a short time, seeing the situation, I went forward to put out some advanced posts to cover reorganisation. The wood consisted of thick undergrowth. I placed 6 men in a position in advance of the left flank & then returned to do the same on the extreme left. There I found few men unwounded, but collected 6 (including my runner) & led them forward. Four of them were hit, leaving 1 Lewis gunner with gun & 2 magazines & my runner. I sent back the runner to bring up more men, placing the gunner to cover me, advanced to find a position for the men whom I had sent for.

After going a short way forward, I suddenly encountered an enemy post of 5 men. I attacked them. I shot 3, killed the 4th & overpowered the fifth intending to bring him back a prisoner, but he got away from me and ran down a communication trench. After shooting the first three I had dropped my rifle. I ran after the escaping German, caught him & killed him. By this time I had lost my bearings, but found direction by my compass & started to get back through the wood. After going some 15 yards, I heard several shots near me, found that I was in a small clearing 20 yards in rear of the enemy's first line of resistance, which was manned by 25 to 30 men. Covered by a few rifles I was called on to surrender. I did so. My orders & secret maps, I was able to hide in the trench before being searched.

J. S. Strange

Capt.