Lives of the First World War

known 4th May 1917

FOUGHT IN TWO CAMPAIGNS – MORTALLY WOUNDED IN MESOPOTAMIA Sergeant David James (sic), a Macclesfield man who has fought with gallantry in two campaigns, died in Mesopotamia on April 16th from wounds received in action on the 11th of that month. Notification… has reached his wife, who lives with her five children at 100 Black Road, on Saturday. Sergt James was born in Hurdsfield thirty-five years ago, his father, the late Mr David James, being a silk weaver. Educated at Daybrook St School, the sergeant was afterwards employed at the Lower Heys Mill, and at the age of 18 joined the 4th Cheshires, with whom he served continuously for nine years and 36 days, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He fought in the South African War from 1900-2 and possessed the Queen’s and King’s medals, each with two clasps. Upon leaving the colours he returned to his employment at the Lower Heys, and at the outbreak of the present war his period of service in the Special Reserve had expired. In September, 1914 he rejoined the Cheshires as a private, and within three days had been restored to his former rank of sergeant. For some time he was employed as drill instructor at various camps in England, and 18 months ago was drafted out to Mesopotamia, where he had since been operating with the Persian Gulf Forces. Mrs James, who has been married 14 years, has received no details [of how] her husband met his death. His brother, Lance-Corpl John James, is serving with a Scottish regiment in England, and a nephew, Charlie James – son of Mr George James of Hurdsfield – is with a Rifle Corps in France…

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