Background
James was born on 26 January 1893 and died on 17 March 1968 at the age of 75.
James was born on 26 January 1893 and died on 17 March 1968 at the age of 75.
Prior to his service in the Green Howards regiment, he was employed as a coal miner. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery during fighting near the French town of Armentièresearch On 19 December 1915, the Green Howards were facing heavy bombardment from German artillery, see History of 10th Battalion Green Howards As a result of this shell fire a wall collapsed, burying two soldiers, one of whom was Jack Robinson, his brother-in-law.
In recognition of his bravery and for receipt of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, James was presented with an engraved cigarette case by the people of Murton village.
However, the records detailing the reasons for this award were lost during the blitz in World World War World War II What is known, is that at some stage in the war James suffered a shrapnel wound that caused him to lose part of his lung. James had four children.
Jack, James, Mary and Irene. He is buried in the cemetery of Street Joseph"s Roman Catholic Church in the village of Murton.
Members of his family have speculated that perhaps he joined the army as a means of escaping from the dangers of life in the coal mines.
