Private James Feeney
5189 1st East Lancashire Regiment
Killed in Action 27th November 1914, aged 22.
James was born in the March quarter of 1892 in Burnley, the son of Thomas Feeney and Bridget Cawley. In the 1901 census the family lived at 8 Lowerhouse Fold, Burnley. Thomas 42 weaver , Bridget 41 both born in Ireland. Mary 20 weaver, Michael 18 weaver, Margaret 15 weaver, Thomas 13 weaver, John 11, James 9, Anne 5 and Catherine 1. All the children were born in Burnley.
By the time of the 1911 census the family had moved to 38 Towneley St., Burnley. Thomas 54, Bridget 53, James 19, Annie 16, and kate 11. His parents had been married 33 years having 9 children one of whom had died.
From the Burnley News dated Wed. Dec. 9th 1914: Hit while fetching water. Burnley soldiers end.
In a letter from the Commanding Officer the intelligence is conveyed that Private James Feeney, whose father resides at 38 Towneley Street Burnley, was killed in action on November 27th. The letter is dated 29th of November 1914 and headed Belgium. It precedes; -" I regret to inform you that your son number 5189, Private James Feeney, was killed in action on the 27th of November 1914. He had just left the trenches for the purpose of obtaining water and on returning he was hit. I am sorry to lose him, he was a good soldier, always ready to do his share of whatever work there was to be done. In conclusion I wish to express my deepest sympathy in your sad loss. I am yours faithfully J. Dawson O.C 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regiment Belgium."
Private Feeney has two brothers in the army, one of whom has been wounded, while another is at Southport. Two of his brothers in law are also in the army.
Lived at 38 Towneley Street.
James left his effects to his father Thomas.
James was buried in Lancashire Cottage Cemetery, Belgium: Grave Ref; I.A.15.
Photo courtesy of George Coppock 2025