Private James Henry Pollitt.
15067 11th East Lancashire Regiment.
Died of Wounds 1st November 1916, aged 40.
James Henry was born about 1875 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, the son of Henry and Sarah Pollitt. In the 1881 census the family lived at 80 Helena Sr Burnley, Henry 36 a miner was born in Bury, Sarah 32, Samuel 14, Willie 11, Thomas 9, James 5, all born in Barnsley. Sarah E 3, Henry 2, and Arthur E 8 months, all born in Burnley.
The family had moved to 46 Dall St, Burnley by the 1891 census. Henry 48, Sarah 43, William 18 a miner, Thomas 17 a miner, James 16 a weaver, Sarah 13, Henry 12, Clara 4 and Mary E 4 months.
James married Mary Holdsworth in the March quarter of 1898, Burnley.
In the 1901 census James (25) a labourer and Mary (24) were living at 27 Milton St., Burnley with their two children John Henry (2) and Maggie (4).
Their family had grown by the 1911 census and they still lived at 27 Milton St. James 35 a miner, Mary 35, John 12 a weaver, Nelly 9 James Thomas 4 and Willie 1. James and Maggie had had 8 children 4 of whom had died.
From The Express and Advertiser dated 8th November 1916: BURIED AT HOME. BURNLEY "PAL" WHO WAS MORTALLY INJURED.
The funeral took place at the Burnley Cemetery on Monday of Pioneer 15067 James Henry Pollitt of the Burnley "Pals", who died on Wednesday in the Lincoln hospital from internal injuries and trench fever. The soldier whose home was at 42 Milton Street Fulledge enlisted in September 1914, when the "Pals" action capital Battalion was formed. With this he served in Egypt and France. He had a narrow escape on July 1st, and but for the steel helmet he was wearing he would have been killed, for a piece of shrapnel shell struck the helmet with some force and knocked him unconscious. Just over 3 weeks ago he was buried by a shell and when recovered he was found to be suffering from Shell Shock and internal injuries through being crushed. When in hospital he was also reported to have a slight attack of trench fever. He was sent over to England and death took place on November 1st in the presence of his wife who had been sent for. Pioneer Pollitt who was aged 40 years and was a detailer at Spa Pit Hapton Valley, had previously been in the Army, being in the King's Royal Rifles for a short time when he was 19. The soldier, who leaves a widow and five children, was on the Roll of Honour at St. Saviour's. There was a funeral service at this church, conducted by Mr Rathbone, prior to the internment at the cemetery.
From the Burnley News dated 8th November 1916: TRENCH FEVER VICTIM. BURNLEY SOLDIER BROUGHT HOME TO BURY.
The funeral took place on Monday at Burnley Cemetery, of the late Pioneer James H Pollitt, of 42 Milton Street whose death occurred on Wednesday last at Lincoln hospital, as a result of trench fever. Deceased, who was 40 years of age, had served at the front with the 11th East Lancs “Pals” Battalion, which he joined shortly after the war broke out. Formerly he was a detailer at Spa Pit Hapton Valley. He leaves a widow and 5 children.
Mr W Rathbone of St. Saviour's Protestant Mission, conducted a service at the house and officiated at the graveside. The mourners were: Mrs Pollitt. and children. Mr Pollitt. father. Mr and Mrs Sam Pollitt. Mrs Mary Pollitt.. Mrs Barrett. Mr and Mrs Tom Pollitt.. Mr and Mrs Harry Veewers. Mr and Mrs Harry Pollitt. Miss Clara Pollitt. Mr and Mrs Harrison. Mrs Schofield. Mr John Wilson. Mr and Mrs Rooney. Mr Richard Gardner. Mrs Haigh, son and wife and daughter(Barnsley). Mrs Knowles. Mrs Blakey. Two representatives from the Hapton Valley Pit were also present. A large number of Floral Tributes were sent.
Lived at 42 Milton Street.
James left his effects to his widow Mary E.
James Henry was buried in Burnley Cemetery, England: Grave Ref; SCREEN WALL. N.E. 2626. Son of the late Henry and Sarah Eliza Pollitt; husband of Mary Elizabeth Pollitt, of 42, Milton St., Burnley.
