Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Henry Reed, a general labourer, born 1855 in Thurmaston, Leicestershire and his wife Emma Reed (nee Agar, married in the 2nd quarter of 1880 in the Leicester district), born 1860 in Birstall, Leicestershire. James Edward, a schoolboy, was born in the 1st quarter of 1888 in Birstall, his siblings were, William H., a schoolboy, born 1880 in Birstall, Harriett Agar, a schoolgirl, born 1882 and Ada, a schoolgirl, born 1883, the latter two siblings were both born in Thurmaston, Harry, a schoolboy, born 1885 and Albert Agar born 1889, the latter two siblings were both born in Birstall, in April 1891 the family home was at Square Yard, Wanlip Lane, Birstall. In March 1901 James was employed as an errand boy and was residing in the family home at Square Yard, Front Street, Birstall, together with his father, a builders labourer, his mother and siblings, William, a general farm labourer, Harriett, a boot and shoe trade fitter, Ada, a boot and shoe trade fitter, Harry, a market gardener’s labourer, Albert, Nellie, born 1894 and Frank, born 1896, the latter two siblings were both born in Birstall. In April 1911 James was employed as an under gardener and was residing in the family home at Birstall, together with his father, a general labourer, his mother and siblings, Harry, a farmer’s waggoner, Albert, a farm labourer, Nellie, a hosiery trade worker, Annie, born 1902 and Lily, born 1903, the latter two siblings were both born in Birstall. James first entered the theatre of war on the 29th July 1915 in France. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 14 Jul-16 - 3.00 am. Dispositions as follows, Battalion HQ. same place as above, “D” Company in 2 lines of 2 platoons with its right on the railway 200 yards in front of north edge of wood. “C” Company moved up to the north edge, “B” Company supporting 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT lying in the north east corner of the wood, “A” Company supported the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT lying out in the open on the eastern side of the wood. Battalion raiders and “D” Company bombers were lying out in front of “D” Company 1st wave. During our intense bombardment from 3.00am., enemy subjected the north edge of the wood and the wood itself to very heavy bombardment and machine gun fire. 3.25am. “D” Company advanced preceded by the raiders and bombers to their objective which was about 100 yards of VILLA TRENCH to the left of the railway LEFT TRENCH and ASTON TRENCH. During intense bombardment they crept up as close as possible. In the actual attack this Company suffered considerably from hostile machine gun fire, not a single officer reaching VILLA TRENCH. The Company was led by its N.C.O.’s. Very little opposition was encountered once VILLA TRENCH was reached, dug outs were immediately bombed and the Lewis guns which followed up closely took up a position in VILLA TRENCH and caused a considerable number of casualties amongst the retreating enemy. Although the majority of the raiders had been knocked out, the remainder did excellent work in bombing towards the left flank and blocking VILLA and ASTON TRENCHES. “D” Company consolidated these trenches as quickly as possible. At 4.25am. “C” Company and 1st waves of “A” and “B” Companies advanced over the 450 yards of no man’s land and arrived at BAZENTIN LE PETIT WOOD, “C” Company going up the west side of the wood as far as FOREST TRENCH support, eventually advancing with 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT as far as the north edge of the wood on the way bombing two enemy dug outs in the wood. This Company’s final position was from ASTON TRENCH to within about 100 yards of north west corner of wood. “B” Company and “A” Company on arrival at the wood pushed forward in support of 7th and 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT the whole three advancing to the north edge of the wood and BAZENTIN LE PETIT village. The enemy put up a strong resistance in FOREST TRENCH but withdrew to the outskirts of the village and the extreme north east corner of the wood, the time was about 8.00am. During the advance over no mans land a number of casualties received due to enemy machine gun situated in the middle of the wood on platforms up large trees. About 5.00am. Commanding Officer and Adjutant came over to south west corner of wood where Battalion HQ. was established. 5.25am. Last wave of “A” and “B” Companies came over and passed right through the wood to the north edge. 5.00am. Enemy counter attacked up ASTON and VILLA TRENCHES with bombs and rifle grenades, “C” Company under 2nd Lt. ALEXANDER formed bombing parties and drove them back, the latter and the Colonel losing their lives about this time. The left flank was continually rifle grenaded till about 2.30pm. 10.00am. Enemy counter attacked the north edge of the wood but were repulsed by rifle and Lewis gun fire after 3 hours of fighting. About this time 50 men were sent up from FOREST TRENCH where they were consolidating to support “C” Company’s right. Every effort was now made to consolidate positions gained. From 3.00 to 4.15pm. enemy bombarded BAZENTIN LE PETIT WOOD and no man’s land very heavily, using tear shells, when the 1st EAST YORKSHIRE REGT came up with reinforcements. Night of 14th/15th. North edge of wood was much troubled by a party of enemy entrenched outside, who caused several casualties with rifle grenades and sniping. This party was eventually driven out by stokes gun on night of 16th/17th instant.
The War Diary records: 15 Jul-16 - 6.00 am. Battalion had orders to withdraw to a spot in rear of MAMETZ WOOD together with the 7th and 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT. On its arrival it was ordered to resume its positions in BAZENTIN LE PETIT WOOD as soon as possible, which it did. Nothing of importance happened after this till the Battalion was relieved except continual sniping from the enemy. Rations and water and small arms ammunition came up each evening and were successfully distributed except in the case of an isolated party of “B” Company in BAZENTIN village on evening of 14th.
On Friday August 11th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – BIRSTALL CRICKETER KILLED. Sergt. J. E. Reed, aged 28, of the Leicestershire Regiment, Machine Gun Section, was killed in action on July 15th. He enlisted in August 1914, and has been 12 months in France. He was a member of the Birstall Cricket Club, and respected by all who knew him. Previous to enlisting he worked as a gardener at Bitteswell Hall, Lutterworth. His father and brothers and sisters live at Birstall.