R James Pte KSLI

Richard James was born at Fegg Hayes, Chell, Staffordshire in 1898. He was the son of Richard James, a miner, and his wife, Maria. By 1911 the family had moved to Alsagers Bank, Newcastle-under-Lyme. After the war, when the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records were drawn up, Richard senior and Maria lived at Heath Farm, Bagginswood, Cleobury Mortimer.

Richard was resident in Highley when he joined the Army. He served in the 7th Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry. He was killed in action on 27th September, 1918 at the Battle of the Canal du Nord.

The 7th K.S.L.I. attacked at 5.20 a.m., three companies in the line, with magnificent dash in spite of severe opposition. A company on the right had a particularly stiff fight to gain their objective, losing their commander, a platoon officer and 34 other ranks. The centre company pushing on slightly in advance of their objective, captured a German battalion commander and 150 of his men. In addition, the 7th K.S.L.I. captured 52 machine guns, 4 trench mortars, 3 anti-tank rifles and 350 prisoners, including 6 officers. [Wood p. 261]

Private Richard James, 35060 KSLI, was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.