Private James Battle.

10868 1st East Lancashire Regiment.

Killed in Action 1st November 1914, aged 24.

James was born about 1890 in Burnley, the son of Mary Battle. In the 1901 census he lodged with his Mother at 7 Cow Lane Burnley.

From The Express and Advertiser dated 14 November 1914: THE DEATH ROLL. SAW BROTHER DIE. SAD NEWS FROM BATTLEFIELD.

 The local death roll among the East Lancs is added to by the news of the death in action, of Private James Battle 10868, whose mother resides at 18 River Street Burnley. She has not received any official War Office intimation, but unfortunately, the sad news is only two true, as Private Joseph Battle's brother was with him when he died.

The late Private James was a regular with the East Lancs, having passed from the Militia to the Line Regiment about two years ago. He was only 22 years of age, and before going out to the front he had been at Preston and Colchester. His brother John has been in the army 19 years, and went through the Boer War. Previous to joining the Army, Private James Battle was a labourer. In a postcard he said he was alright on October 28th.

The information regarding his death is contained in a letter from Private John's wife to his mother's sister, who at once wrote to Mrs Battle who is very much distressed.

The letter says: "just a few lines to let you know we have had a letter from Johnny's wife with sad news in it, and no one can tell you how sorry we are. You must bear up the best way you can. I am very sorry to inform you that James was killed on the 1st of November, and she said Johnny stayed with him till he died. He said he died with a smile on his face, and he has left all in your favour, also his kit. He also said that Father Bloomfeldt sent his sympathy to his mother. At Colchester they are saying prayers at the barracks church and also the sister's at the convent, and we will have prayers said for him. I hope he is in heaven. I think if there is any at all the soldier who dies on the battlefield should be in it."

After telling Mrs Battle to write to the War Office to let them know she had been informed of her son's death, and telling them that her other son saw him, and watched over him till he died, the sister adds: "I cannot tell you how badly we have taken it."

Lived at 9 Charles Row.

James was buried in Lancashire Cottage Cemetery, Belgium. Grave Ref: I.B.15.