Lives of the First World War

known 1st January 1865

Volunteer with Church Army serving at a Church Army hut within half a mile of German trenches. Killed in a lorry accident on 18/06/17. Named in the Memorial Chapel at St Annes Parish Church, on the memorial in Ashton Gardens and at Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery Plot I, Grave L27 James volunteered with the Church Army to go to France for six months in support of the troops. He was in charge of a Church Army hut half a mile from the German trenches and was accidentally killed in a lorry collision. Mrs. Kershaw received a letter from the Church Army which is quoted in the St. Annes Express: “It can be said that he has really given his life for our country and our gallant soldiers, by whom he was loved and revered.” The Express continues “Mr. Kershaw, who was an esteemed resident, came to St. Annes about 10 years ago and when the Training Corps was formed joined the ranks. He interested himself in the County Palatine Artillery during their stay in St. Annes, and assisted in musketry drill at the Training Corps quarters. Numerous Stannites, who valued his friendship, will regret his death most sincerely, for although well above military age, he was most anxious to do what he could to help those who are fighting the battle of liberty.” The above information is based on what is written in the St Annes Express, but does not give any personal information. However, news items in several other Lancashire newspapers report that James had just retired from business as a Manchester cotton manufacturer. The articles also suggest that James may have been killed by shell fire rather than simply a lorry accident. An article in the Manchester Evening News of 23rd August 1917 goes back to the lorry accident story and mentions that James was formerly of Great Lever, near Bolton, and a member of the firm, Thomas Kershaw Ltd of Manchester. Finally an entry in the 1917 Probate Calendar identifies James at 149, St Annes Rd East, St Annes-on-the-Sea with probate granted to his widow Emma Clara Kershaw and an estate of £18,349 1s 6d. Armed with this information the family including two teenage girls were identified in 1911 living at Parbold near Southport. James was identified as a coloured cotton goods manufacturer aged 43 and born in Swinton a suburb of Manchester in the direction of Little Lever and Bolton. He was married to Emma Clara Booth in Bolton in 1888Q3. Sources of Information CWG, 1911 Census, St Annes Express (photo, 22 & 29/06/17), Manchester Evening News (23/8/1917), Probate Calendar 1917, GRO Marriage Index..

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