Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 17 February 1940

Soon Promoted

Within a few weeks of enlisting, John James Gillis of Snape Hill, Darfield, was promoted Lance Corporal. Gunner Gillis joined up in August at the age of 20.

The life of a soldier fascinates him and he intends to get higher up if possible. He writes to tell his parents to burn his pit clothes, as he hopes never to have to return to that kind of work again.

Gillis is 6ft. 3ins. and weighs nearly fourteen stones. He has gained weight since enlisting.

Each week he says he looks out for his “South Yorkshire Times.” and his mother has not yet failed to send it to him.