Our reporting on local veterans is a collaboration with RyeVets.org to highlight those from Rye who have served our country across times of war and peace. There are over 2,100 veterans from the City of Rye. Learn more about how you can help research and write biographies of those that have served.
John, born in Port Chester, NY in February 1897, was the son of Andrew H. and Emily Batten. His parents, originally from England, had a strong connection to the building industry, as his father was a prominent builder in partnership with his brother, William H. Batten.
Date of Birth: 1897
Died On: 24-Aug-1918
Street Address: 111 Railroad Ave
Service Number: 1206730
Branch of Service: U.S. Army WW I – Company B, 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division
When John was still a baby, his family relocated to Rye, where he spent his childhood. He was a beloved young boy with a rosy complexion and fair hair, well-liked by everyone. From the age of eight, he sang in the choir of Christ’s Church until he eventually moved to Flatbush, Long Island, to live with his sister.
John attended public schools in Rye and actively participated in community organizations, such as The Young Men’s Club and later the YMCA. During their time in Rye, his family resided at 111 Rail Road Ave, also known as Theodore Fremd.
Tragically, just two days after John’s passing, his first cousin, Charles A. Batten, who hailed from Rye as well, would also lose his life in the same area while serving with The Royal Highlanders of Canada.
John Batten enlisted in Co B of the 23rd Regiment of the National Guard. When the regiment was federalized, it became the 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division.
After serving for seven months on the Mexican border, John and his regiment were deployed to France. He held the rank of Sergeant in Company B of the 106th Infantry. Unfortunately, John lost his life in action on August 24, 1918, while participating in an operation to dislodge the Germans from the Dickebusch-Scherpenberg area.
The circumstances surrounding Sgt. John Batten’s death were relayed to his family by his friend Sgt. Henry Helfrich and were published in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle on November 2, 1918. More on Batten.
I am humbled by the bravery, patriotism, and commitment of these fallen heroes. I may be wistful but their life stories speak of a time when our country was more united. Thank you for running this series. I salute them all.