Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Bolesworth, a gardener, born in the April quarter of 1839 in Hinckley, Leicestershire (son of William Bolesworth, 1808-1876 and Elizabeth Pincher, 1816-1891) and his wife Jane Ann Bolesworth (nee Stevens, married in the October quarter of 1870 in the Hinckley, Leicestershire district), a stocking maker, born 1851 in Desford, Leicestershire (daughter of Thomas Stephens and Mary Maria Hewins). James was born in the October quarter of 1885 in Hinckley, his siblings were Mary Jane, a hosiery trade worker, born in the July quarter of 1871, Harriet, a hosiery trade worker, born on the 24th April 1874, Elizabeth, a schoolgirl, born in the January quarter of 1878, William, a schoolboy, born in the April quarter of 1879, Florence, a schoolgirl, born on the 8th November 1880, John (Jack), a schoolboy, born on the 20th June 1884, George, born in the January quarter of 1887 and Sydney, born in the October quarter of 1888, all his siblings were born in Hinckley, in April 1891 the family home was at 6, Workhouse Yard, Stockwell Head, Hinckley. In March 1901 James was employed as a hosiery trade cotton carrier, and was residing in the family home at 1, Druid Street, Hinckley, together with his father a journeyman gardener, his mother and siblings, Florence, a hosiery trade winder, Jack a hosiery trade machinist, Sydney, a hosiery warehouse boy, Rachel Ann, born in the April quarter of 1892 and Walter, born on the 20th May 1899, the latter two siblings were both born in Hinckley. In April 1911 James was employed as a framework knitter and was residing in the family home at 1, Druid Street, Hinckley, together with his father, a gardener, his mother and siblings, Rachel, a hosiery trade winder and Walter a framework knitter, also residing with the family was James’s paternal nephew, Tom Bolesworth, born 1911 in Hinckley. On the 23rd September 1911 James married Sarah Jane Herbert in the Wesleyan Chapel, Barwell, Leicestershire, the Service being conducted by the Minister, Joseph G. Dawson, the witnesses being Wm. Sharpe and Ellen Sharpe. Sarah was born on the 16th October 1886 in Barwell, and was the daughter of Phoebe Sharpe (nee Callington) of 30, Stafford Street, Barwell. They resided at 48, Stockwell Head Hill, Hinckley. James’s father died aged 73 years on the 29th September 1912 in Hinckley. James lost two brothers during the war, William died on the 13th May 1915 from wounds received in action and Sydney fell in action on the 1st October 1917.
FAMILY NOTE: James also had the following older siblings, Thomas, born in the January quarter of 1872 and Adeliza, born in the January quarter of 1876, both siblings were born in Hinckley.
James enlisted/attested into the Militia on the 5th September 1904 in Hinckley, and was allotted the regimental service number 9053. He gave his place of birth as Hinckley, Leicestershire and age as 18 years 11 months. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as hosiery, presently in the employ of Messrs. Moore, Edie, Goode Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire. He gave his present address as Hinckley, Leicestershire
He confirmed that he was presently serving with the 1st Volunteer Battalion Leicestershire Regiment.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 18 years 11 months, height 5-feet 7¼ inches weight 119 lbs, chest measurement of between 31½ and 33½ inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had hazel eyes and his hair colour was dark brown. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Militia. Date 6th September 1904. Place Leicester.
He gave his next of kin as his father, William, mother Jane. Spring Gardens, Hinckley, Leicestershire. Brothers, (y) Sydney, (y) Walter. Sisters (o) Florence, (y) Rachel.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Attested. 5/9/04.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 5/9/04.
Commenced. 49 days drill training. 5/9/04.
Transferred. To Leicestershire Regt. 19/10/04.
James enlisted/attested into the Regular Army on the 19th October 1904 in Leicester, and was allotted the regimental service number 7521. He gave his place of birth as Hinckley, Leicestershire and age as 19 years. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as hosiery.
He confirmed that he was presently serving with the 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regiment. (Militia).
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Leicester on the 19th October 1904 and recorded his birthplace as Hinckley, Leicestershire, declared age as 19 years, trade or occupation as hosiery, that he was 5-feet 4½ inches in height, weighed 129 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 33 and 36 inches and his physical development was described as good. Enlisted at Leicester on the 19th October 1904. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 19 years, height 5-feet 7½ inches weight 129 lbs, chest measurement of between 33 and 35 inches his complexion was described as fresh, he had brown eyes and his hair colour was dark brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, none. He gave his religion as Church of England.
He was certified as fit for the Army. Date 19th October 1904. Place Leicester.
After six months service and gymnastic course his height was 5-foot 8 inches, his weight was 132 lbs and had a chest measurement of 36 inches.
He gave his next of kin as his father, William, mother Ann, brother, (y) Sydney, (y) Walter, sister, (y) Rachel, Spring Gardens, Hinckley.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Casualty Form – Active Service (B.103). Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Leicester. 19/10/04.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 19/10/04.
Posted. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt., Colchester. Pte. 24/1/05.
Granted. Messing Allowance. 19/4/05.
Posted. To 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 21/9/06.
Awarded. 1st Good Conduct Badge (without pay). 19/10/06.
Transferred. To Section “B” Army Reserve. 18/10/07.
Mobilized. 5/8/14.
Posted. To 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 5/8/14.
Embarked. With 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regt. 8/9/14.
Landed. At St. Nazaire. 10/9/14.
Appointed. Lance Corporal (unpaid). 3/5/16.
Killed in action. In the Field. 15/916.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 19/10/04 – 8/9/14. 9 years 325 days.
Expeditionary Force, France. 9/9/14 – 15/9/16. 2 years 8 days.
Total Service. 11 years 333 days.
He was awarded the 1914 Star with Clasp & Rose, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
SERVICE RECORD NOTE: In September 1940, as the result of a fire caused by an incendiary bomb at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London, approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers’ documents for the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and unfit for consultation and became known as the “burnt documents.” As a consequence, the content and condition of the surviving records can range from good to extremely poor. The hand written information is, in some instances barely legible, and the number of pages that should comprise a full record, in some cases are either badly damaged or missing entirely, however where possible the available information has been transcribed so that it may at least offer the reader a little descriptive insight into some, if not all of the events and background information surrounding the period of service.
On the 3rd April 1917 James’ widow Sarah Jane Bolesworth of 48, Stockwell Head, Hinckley, Leicestershire was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of thirteen shillings and nine pence, commensurate on the 16th April 1917.
The War Diary records: 15 Sep-16 - Battalion moved into its attack position during the night and were finally settled down and ready to attack by 4.30am. 2nd Lieutenant DAVIES attached Q 6th Division. The Commanding Officer decided to attack with “D” and “B” Companies in the front line, with “D” on the left and “B” on the right. “A” and “C” Companies formed the second line, with “A” on the left and “C” on the right. Two Lewis Guns accompanied each Company, and two were left in reserve with Battalion Headquarters. Two Bombing Squads of ten each were also formed in each Company. These squads carried the full amount of bombs, while every man also carried two Mills No.5 bombs (one in each pocket). The fighting strength of the Battalion going into action was 23 officers including (the Medical Officer and Chaplain) and 643 other ranks. About 5.50am two enemy aeroplanes appeared above us, but did not stay long. About this time also, a Tank was noticed on our right moving quietly up to the enemy’s front line. On arriving there he immediately opened fire with his machine guns, enfilading the German trench on either side. He was very heavily fired on by the enemy’s machine guns which apparently had no effect as he still continued his movements and firing. Nothing further happened till ZERO (6.20am) when the attack commenced. The leading Company’s at once advanced at the walk in from lines 30X entrance between lines. A heavy machine gun fire was immediately opened by the enemy from about T.15 b 0.4. The Support Companies followed on in the same formation 300X in the rear of the last wave of the leading Company. Battalion Headquarters moved immediately in the rear of the last wave of Support Companies. The mist and smoke was terribly thick, and allowed no observation by the Support Company’s and Battalion Headquarters as to what was exactly happening to the leading Companies. Owing to this (mist and smoke) a slight error occurred in direction. The right and left under orders to keep in touch with units attacking on our right and left, moved with these units thereby causing a small gap near our centre. This was immediately filled up by Support Companies. The Artillery barrage opened too late to do any harm as the whole of the Supports had crossed the road moving due south from GINCHY (the place where the barrage was directed) before the barrage commenced. Battalion Headquarters had by this time moved into a shell hole about T.14 b 7.4. Throughout the advance the Battalion suffered very heavily from Machine Gun fire. The Battalion had not gained its objective line held up by very heavy fire, and the very strong and undamaged wire of the trench leading from the North West corner of the Left Quadrilateral (a strong point hitherto unknown). “A” Company immediately entrenched itself on a small ridge about T.14 b 9.6 to T.14 b 8.2. Efforts were made to locate the exact positions of “B,” “C” and “D” Companies. It was found that “B” and “C” were entrenched about T.14 b 7.7 had lost very heavily while unsupported. “D” Company had lost very heavily also and the remainder (“D” Company) were still advancing with the GUARDS and occupying shell holes between our new position and the German wire ( a few of the latter came in under the cover of darkness). Good communication was kept with the contact aeroplane by means of flares and groundsheets throughout the day. Great difficulties were experienced in keeping track with Brigade Headquarters owing to the impossibility of using means of wired signalling, and the heavy barrage kept up throughout the day making it impossible for a runner to succeed in getting through. And then later Private PARRY (“A” Company) did excellent work in getting through and returning safely to us, thus three times saving the day, he was finally detained by Brigade Headquarters after a fourth journey. Throughout the day the trenches were improved, and by night everyone had more or less good cover. “A” Company, “B” Company and Headquarters were subjected to heavy shell fire throughout the day. “B” and “C” Company were moved up to where our new line was continued to the right and left. The night was quiet except for heavy sniping in front of “C” Company and its attack on one line of trenches and a communication trench (in course of construction) line carried without any serious opposition. These were occupied by the 9th Bavarian Regiment. No prisoners were taken. Casualties, 2nd Lieutenant J. C. WEBB, 2nd Lieutenant J. G. KENNEDY and Lieutenant A. H. PINDER were all killed. 2nd Lieutenant F. B. STEVENSON, Captain H. PICKBOURNE, 2nd Lieutenant H. A. GRAVES, 2nd Lieutenant W. BLACKLOCK, Captain G. H. SALMON, Lieutenant J. H. JOHN and 2nd Lieutenant R. PICKERSGILL were all wounded. Captain C. W. HERBISON, 2nd Lieutenant G. H. GRISTWOOD, 2nd Lieutenant J. BURNETT and 2nd Lieutenant J. G. GARDNER were all wounded and subsequently died. Other Ranks, “A” Company 23, “B” Company 35, “C” Company 23 and “D” Company 27 were killed. “A” Company 36, “B” Company 69, “C”. Company 56 and “D” Company 60 were wounded. “A” Company 5, “B” Company 11, “C” Company nil and “D” Company 16 missing in action.
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