| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
James Sowerby was born in Beverley on 10 Apr 1886 and baptised at St Mary’s on 18 Jul of that year. He was one of four children born to Henry Sowerby (1852-1939) and his wife Emily (nee Mills) (1859-1953). Henry, from Wykeham in North Yorkshire, had married locally-born Emily in 1881. He had been a seed crusher but established a wine merchant’s business in Saturday Market, called Mills and Sowerby. The family lived at 20 St Giles’ Croft. Nothing is known of James’ education but perhaps inspired by his maternal grandfather he became a solicitor, training in London and later working in Brighton. He was unmarried.
James’ war service is difficult to cover as most of his papers are missing. He joined the 10th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers as a private. They were also known as the “10th Stockbroker rifles”. He went to France with them on 30 Jul 1915. As part of 3rd Division they took part in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. On 15 Jul 1916 they took part in the Battle of Bazentin Ridge on the Somme. They took the village of Bazentin-le-Grand but at heavy cost. James was killed in this action in unknown circumstances. His body was not recovered initially and he was “presumed dead”. He is commemorated at Pozieres British Cemetery at Ovilliers in France. He was awarded the War and Victory Medals.
James is commemorated on the Hengate Memorial and on the Minster’s East Riding Memorial. His name is also on the St Mary’s Roll of Honour. |