| Description | Work completed by volunteer includes the following information:
James was born in Beverley the 23 Dec 1894 and baptised at St Mary’s Church the 6 Feb 1895, the son of Frank Dawson and Eliza Betsy. James was raised on Newbegin and later at 106 Walkergate, Beverley. He worked as as an errand boy but later as a plater’s labourer at the Beverley shipyard. James joined the Beverley Church Lads’ Brigade in 1908 but was “dismissed for bad behaviour”.
James enlisted on the day Great Britain joined the war. He arrived in France on 9 Sep 1914 serving with 1st Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment, reaching the rank of Corporal. He served in the action on the Aisne Heights in 1914 and Hooge in Belgium in 1915. The 1st took part in many actions on the Somme, including the battle of Albert and the Battle of Bazentin Ridge. It was in the action at Morval that James was killed in action. James’ body was not recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing on the Somme. He was awarded the War and Victory medals as well as the 1914-15 Star.
James is remembered on the Hengate War Memorial and the East Riding Memorial in Beverley Minster as well as St Mary’s Church and the Church Lads’ Brigade Rolls of Honour.
Includes, information taken from census, military records, Commonwealth War Graves, newspapers |