Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Selina James, born in the January quarter of 1869 in Loughborough, Leicestershire and baptised on the 25th April 1870 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough. William Henry was born in the April quarter of 1889 in Loughborough.
In April 1891 William was residing at the White Swan Public House, Wellington Street, Loughborough, this being the family home of his paternal grandfather, William James, a publican, born on the 9th April 1838 in Long Whatton, Leicestershire (son of William James, 1811 and Ann Jacques, 1808-1860) and his wife Martha (nee Smedley, married on the 2nd June 1859), born 1834 in Loughborough (daughter of James Smedley, 1801 and Frances Matlock, 1811), also residing in the family home was his mother, Selina, a hosiery trade worker, his widowed paternal uncle, John, a hosiery trade mechanic, born in the April quarter of 1863, Samuel, a hosiery trade worker, born on the 21st November 1870 and baptised on the 16th January 1876 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough, Joseph Henry, a blacksmith, born in the October quarter of 1872 and baptised on the 16th January 1876 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough, paternal aunt’s Elizabeth, a schoolgirl, born in the April quarter of 1876 and baptised on the 18th June 1876 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough and Kate, a schoolgirl, born in the October quarter of 1879 and baptised on the 11th November 1880 in All Saint’s Church, Leicester and cousin William Henry, a schoolboy, born on the 3rd July 1887, all his uncles and aunts were born in Loughborough.
In March 1901 William was residing at 130, Station Street, Loughborough, together with his paternal grandfather, William, a glove trade worker, his wife Martha, a dressmaker, his aunt Kate, a shirt machinist and cousins, William James, an iron trade worker, born in the January quarter of 1885 and baptised on the 20th January 1885 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough and Albert Edward P. James, born on the 5th December 1896, both cousins were born in Loughborough.
In April 1911 William was employed as a hosiery trade fireman, and was residing at 17, Mills Yard, Loughborough, together with his paternal grandfather William, a hosiery trade worker and his wife Martha.
William married Harriet Francis on the 26th October 1913 in the Church of St. Nicholas, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. He gave his name as William Henry Billson James at the time of his marriage. Harriet was born on the 21st March 1884 in Hatley St. George, Cambridgeshire and baptised on the 20th April 1884 in St. George’s Church, Hatley, Cambridgeshire (daughter of William Francis, 1847 and Catherine Weatherington, 1845). After marriage they resided at Chapel Terrace, Loughborough.
William’s widow Harriet married widower, Albert Leimage (Limmage) in the April quarter of 1919 in Rugby, Warwickshire, Albert was born in in the January quarter of 1874 in Oundle, Northamptonshire, in June 1921 they were residing at Cesters Over, Churchover, Pailton, Warwickshire together with Albert’s children, Albert Thomas, born in the October quarter of 1904 and baptised on the 11th December 1904 in Shilton, Warwickshire, Edith Harriet, born in the July quarter of 1909 and baptised on the 4th July 1909 in St. Peter’s Church, Church Lawford, Warwickshire and Doris Lilian, born in the April quarter of 1914 and baptised on the 7th June 1914 in St. Peter’s Church, Church Lawford, Warwickshire, all the children were born in Warwickshire.
FAMILY NOTES: [I] William’s grandmother Martha James, had previously married Henry Lexington (Lepington/Leperton) Pritchard on the 23rd September 1855 in All Saint’s Church, Loughborough, Henry was born in 1839 in Loughborough and was baptised on the 3rd February 1839 in Emmanuel Church, Loughborough. Henry and Martha had a daughter, Martha Sarah Leppington Pritchard, born in the January quarter of 1856 in Loughborough and baptised on the 5th March 1856 in Emmanuel Church, Loughborough. Henry Pritchard died in the December quarter of 1855 in Loughborough.
FAMILY NOTES: [II] William’s paternal grandparents William and Martha, also had the following children, George born in the July quarter of 1859, Frances, born on the 29th March 1861, William, born on the 6th March 1865 and Robert born in the January quarter of 1867, all the children were born in Loughborough.
FAMILY NOTES: [III] William’s mother, Selina James, married William Albert Winton in the July quarter of 1898 in Loughborough, William was born in 1871 in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, they had the following children Leonard James, born on the 4th September 1895 and baptised as Leonard James James on the 18th July 1897 in All Saint’s Church, Thorpe Acre, Loughborough, Evelyn May James, born in the January quarter of 1897, Albert Victor Winton, born on the 16th November 1898, John Robert Winton, born in the July quarter of 1902, Archie Winton, born on the 10th June 1904, Kathleen Lavouring Winton, born in the July quarter of 1907 and Frederick, born in the January quarter of 1911, all the children were born in Loughborough. William therefore had a total of seven half-blood siblings.
William enlisted/attested into the Army Reserve (Special Reservists) on the 3rd November 1908 in Leicester, and was allotted the regimental service number 10090. He gave his place of birth as Emmanuel, Loughborough, Leicestershire and age as 18 years 8 months. His marital status was given as unmarried and his trade or calling as grocer’s assistant.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Leicester on the 3rd November 1908 and recorded his birthplace as Emmanuel, Loughborough, Leicestershire, declared age as 18 years 8 months, trade or occupation as grocer, that he was 5-feet 6¼ inches in height, weighed 125 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 32½ and 35 inches, his physical development was described as good, his vision was described as R.E.-V=D6. L.E.-V=D6, pulse rate 78. Enlisted at Leicester on the 3rd November 1908. Joined on enlistment 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Regimental No. 10090.
His description on enlistment recorded his apparent age as 18 years 8 months, height 5-feet 6¼ inches weight 125 lbs, chest measurement of between 32½ and 35 inches, he had blue eyes and his hair colour was dark brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, mole right groin, large mole between shoulder blades, large mole left loin. He gave his religion as Wesleyan.
He was certified as fit for the Army Reserve. Date 3rd November 1908. Place Leicester.
He gave his next of kin as his mother, Selina Winton, Sparrow Hill, Loughborough.
The compilation of events that occurred during his period of military service are taken from the following sources: - Statement of the Services of. Military History Sheet.
Joined. At Leicester 3/11/08.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 3/11/08.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 3/11/08.
Commenced. Special course of training. 3/11/08 – 2/4/09.
Awarded 3rd Class Certificate of Education. 18/12/08.
Attended. Musketry course. 24/4/09 – 23/5/09.
Admitted. To Leeds Hospital, influenza. 26/3/09.
Discharged. From hospital. 30/3/09.
Attended. Annual training. 24/5/09 – 7/6/09.
Attended. Annual training. 6/9/10 – 26/9/10.
Temporarily unfit for annual training. 1911.
Attended. Annual training. 29/7/12 – 24/8/12.
Attended. Annual training. 4/8/13 – 20/8/13.
Discharged. By purchase. 5/7/14.
Character on discharge. Very good. 5/7/14.
Discharge address. 14, Chapel Terrace, Southfield Road, Loughborough. 5/7/14.
Summary of Service.
Home service. 3/11/08 – 5/7/14. 5 years 245 days.
Total Service. 5 years 245 days.
William enlisted/attested into the Army Reserve (Special Reservists) on the 3rd September 1914 in Loughborough, and was allotted the regimental service number 13297. He gave his place of birth as Emmanuel, Loughborough, Leicestershire and age as 25 years 6 months. His marital status was given as married and his trade or calling as driller.
He confirmed that he had previously served with the Leicestershire Regt.
His medical history was compiled during an examination that took place in Loughborough on the 3rd September 1914 and recorded his birthplace as Emmanuel, Loughborough, Leicestershire, declared age as 25 years 6 months, trade or occupation as driller, that he was 5-feet 6 inches in height, weighed 148 lbs, had a chest measurement of between 33 and 35½ inches, his physical development was described as normal, his vision was described as R.E.-V=normal. L.E.-V=normal. Enlisted at Loughborough on the 3rd September 1914. Joined on enlistment Leicestershire Regt. Regimental No. 13297.
His description on enlistment recorded his height 5-feet 6 inches weight [not recorded] lbs, chest measurement of between 33 and 35½ inches, he had normal grey eyes and his hair colour was brown. The following distinctive marks were noted, tattoo marks right forearm, anchor and initials, Scotch girl and [not discernible] He gave his religion as [not recorded].
He was certified as fit for the Army Reserve. Date 3rd September 1914. Place Loughborough.
He gave his next of kin as his wife, Harriet James, 12, Chapel Terrace, Southfield Road, Loughborough. Mother, Selina Winton, 20, Sparrow Hill, Loughborough.
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. 3/9/14.
Posted. To Depot Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 3/9/14.
Posted. To 3rd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 4/10/14.
Posted. To 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. Pte. 12/12/14.
Embarked. From Southampton to join the Expeditionary Force. 12/12/14.
Joined. 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. In the Field.
Admitted. To 7th Brigade Field Ambulance, ICT feet. In the Field. 10/2/15.
Admitted. To No. 6 Casualty Clearing Station. In the Field. 12/2/15.
Transferred to 4th Stationary Hospital. St. Omer. 17/2/15.
Discharged. From hospital. 12/3/15.
Appointed. Lance Corporal (unpaid). 19/5/15.
Admitted. To 8th Brigade Field Ambulance, NYI. In the Field. 30/7/15.
Admitted. To 4th General Hospital, Havre. 30/7/15.
Discharged. From Hospital, Havre. Class “A.” 21/8/15.
Rejoined. 2nd Bn. Leicestershire Regt. In the Field. 26/9/15.
Embarked. From Marseilles. 10/11/15.
Disembarked. At Alexandria. 17/11/15.
Embarked. From Port Suez. 23/11/15.
Promoted. To Corporal. 27/11/15.
Disembarked. At Basra. 8/12/15.
Killed in action. In the Field. 6-7/1/16.
Summary of Service.
Home Service. 3/9/14 – 11/12/14. 100 days.
France. 12/12/14 – 13/11/15. 337 days.
Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. 14/11/15 – 7/1/16. 55 days.
Total Service. 1 year 127 days.
He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, 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.
The War Diary records: 6 Jan-16 – Right Bank Column Operation Orders for 6th issued. Extracts from Right Bank Column Operation Orders and Battalion Orders. First day of battle of SHAIKH SA’AD. March was to have been resumed at 8.00am with intention of bivouacking that night at bend of river immediately up-stream from SHAIKH SA’AD but was much delayed by heavy mist. At about 10.00am march was resumed, the Battalion forming part of the Main Body, 53rd SIKHS (F.F.) leading. On nearing HIBSH, at about 12.00 noon, the enemy were reported in an entrenched position, about 2 miles South East of SHAIKH SA’AD, extending from river bank for some 1500 yards. The Battalion now deployed into line of Companies in fours, at 50 paces interval, and 200 yards in rear of 56th (F.F.) RIFLES. Battalion continued advance in this formation, and was eventually ordered to prolong this line to the left of 53rd SIKHS (F.F.) in echelon at 200 yards distance. At about 2.00pm orders were issued to attack this position and advance to the bend in the river at SHAIKH SA’AD. The attack commenced with units of the Brigade in following formation: - 56th RIFLES (F.F.) on the right, 53rd SIKHS (F.F.) in echelon 200 yards distance to the left, 2nd LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT in echelon 200 yards distance to left of 53rd SIKHS (F.F.), the 51st SIKHS (F.F.) being in reserve. The Battalion advanced in the following formation (distance from the enemy’s position now about 1500x)
The War Diary records: 7 Jan-16 - At 11.12am orders were received that the attack would shortly be renewed on both banks. In the meantime, enemy’s line was subjected to bombardment from 28th Battery ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY. Orders were received to renew the attack at 2.00pm, the Battalion moving forward as soon as 53rd SIKHS were seen to leave their trenches. The 92nd PUNJABIS had now been attached to the Brigade to support the attack on the left of the Battalion. “A” and “B” Companies advanced in short sharp rushes, supported by “C” Company, “D” Company being kept close up in reserve under cover. The advance progressed in spite of very strong opposition and “D” Company was thrown in, the whole Battalion finally carrying out the assault successfully over about 300 yards. Two of the Battalion machine guns pushed along the nullah X Y towards X, greatly assisted the advance in first enfilading Turkish trench P and later distributing their fire along trench Q. The Battalion was splendidly supported throughout by one section of the 28th Battery ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY, the Forward Observation Officer advancing with his telephone immediately in rear of the Battalion. The enemy’s trenches were occupied and quickly put in a state of defence, while, from both ends of these trenches a line of entrenchments was extended for some considerable distance, the left flank being well turned back. About 80 prisoners were taken by the Battalion, and a large quantity of rifles, ammunition, equipment etc. Many dead and wounded Turks were found in the trenches. The Battalion buried 62 enemy dead on its section of trenches. Enemy sniped to some extent during the night from our left flank. The following casualties among officers occurred during this day’s operations. Officers killed Lieutenant DOWDING and Lieutenant ROYCE. Wounded Captain SUTHERLAND, 2nd Lieutenant BILLINGS, 2nd Lieutenant BELLE and 2nd Lieutenant BUCKINGHAM. Other ranks killed and wounded on operations of the 6th and 7th January totalled 303.
On Monday February 7th, 1916, The Leicester Daily Mercury published the following article on page 6, under the heading. – LOCAL CASUALTIES. – The wife of Corporal W. H. JAMES, living at 14, Chapel Terrace, Southfield-road, Loughborough, has received official notice that her husband was killed in the Persian Gulf on January 6th-7th. Corporal James was an old soldier, and was working at the Empress Works when the war broke out. He re-joined the 2nd Leicester’s on September 3rd, 1914, and his wife last saw him early in October of that year. He went to France in December, and after a spell of duty in Egypt went to the Persian Gulf. Since joining the colours Corporal James never came home on leave.
On the 25th July 1916, William’s widow Harriet James, of 95, Arkwright Town, Chesterfield was awarded a weekly Army Dependant’s Pension of ten shillings and six pence, commensurate on the 7th August 1916.
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