Rifleman John Elkin (6985544) served in 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles during World War Two. He was the son of Thomas Elkin and Sarah Jane Elkin of Drumquin, Co. Tyrone.
He died during Operation Varsity on 24th March 1945 aged 22 years old. Despite the number of casualties sustained by the Rifles, the mission was successful. 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles quickly and effectively secured their objectives around the village of Hamminkeln.
John Elkin’s grave is in Section 34, Row C, Grave 9 of Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. His headstone bears the inscription:
Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast. Ever remembered.