James Ward (abt. 1895 - 1917)

James was born in Alveley. His birth was registered early in 1895. He was the son of James Ward, a coal miner (hewer), and his wife, Mary Ann. The family lived at Whittal Cottage, Alveley by 1901 and were still living there at the time of James junior's death in 1917.

In 1911 the sixteen year-old James was working as a domestic servant (general work) at the Cape of Good Hope public house in Billingsley.

James joined the newly-formed 5th Battalion Kings Shropshire Light Infantry at the start of the war and went to France with his battalion in May 1915. The battalion was involved in battle several times before James was killed in action at the Battle of Vimy Ridge (a phase of the Battle of Arras) on 9th April, 1917. The battalion's main objective was to take an enemy strongpoint known as 'The Harp'. They did this successfully, but:

The weather on this occasion added much to the difficulty of the troops, there being a series of violent snowstorms. [Wood p.151]

Private James Ward, 16495, 5th KSLI, was buried in Tilloy British Cemetery, Tilloy-les-Mofflaines. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals and the 1915 Star.

Margaret Sheriden adds: 'The Ward family were very musical and part of Alveley Brass Band for many years. James's brother George Ward sounded the last post at Alveley Remembrance services for many years.'