South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project
The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One |
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Military History |
| Theatre of War in Which Died | Campaign Medals | Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial |
|---|---|---|
| France & Flanders | 1914 Star, British War & Victory Medals | Le Touret Memorial |
| First Arrived in Theatre | Bravery & Conduct Medals | SWFHS Area Memorials |
| 14 Aug 1914 in Rouen, France | ~ | Leamington Spa War Memorial |
| Action, Battle or Other Reason Died | Date and Place Enlisted | Other War Memorials |
| Battle of Armentieres | January 1904 in Warwick | ~ |
| Place of Death | Previous Regiments or Units | |
| near Bois de Biez | ~ | |
Circumstances of Death
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James is listed as being killed in action on 24th October 1914. He was initally reported as missing in action. The 2nd Battalion war diary entries for the period 20th to 25th October 1914 are transcribed below. Illies - 20.10.1914: Really heavy attack made on trenches occupied by Battalion, sustained heavy losses. Captain Bagley wounded. A & D Coys sent out to reinforce firing lines. Lt Sleigh wounded, Lt Watay killed. Illies - 21.10.1914: Further heavy attack and considerable casualties, Captain Gibson killed. 6 officers and large number of men reported missing. Remainder of Battalion withdrawn from trenches and placed in billets near western edge of Bois de Biez. Heavy attack at night on 14th Infantry Brigade. Bois de Biez – 22.10.1914: Heavy firing still continuing on our right. Battalion still in billets. Battalion mustered today total other ranks about 300. The notification arrived that Commissions had been granted to CSM Murphy and Sgts Brast & Holden. During operations on 21st Oct machine guns under Lt Fletcher? did excellent work. Cpl Winode and Pte Millward particularly distinguished themselves. Sgt Winsor, machine gun Sgt, killed. About 10om 22 Oct Battalion was ordered out to assist R.E. in digging trenches and was withdrawn about 4am Bois de Biez - 23.10.1914: Battalion moved to billets at Richebourg St. Vaast and remained at rest all day. Richebourg Avaast - 24.10.14: Battalion remained at rest in billets at Richebourg St. Vaast Richebourg Avaast - 25.10.14: Situation practically unchanged. During afternoon Battalion ordered out to reinforce Royal Irish Rifles but later was withdrawn to billets. About 7pm a party of about 200 men Capt. Melville was ordered out to assist R.E. in making and improving trenches in vicinity of Neuve Chappele. Raining very heavily. Reinforcement of about 65 other ranks joined the Battalion being taken forward from La Coutre by Quartermaster. |
| Personal & Family History |
| Birth Date/Place | Baptism Date/Place |
|---|---|
| 4 Jul 1883 at Leamington, St John | |
| Parents Names | Abode |
| John Toone and Caroline Watkins | 51 Court Street, Leamington Spa |
| Schools | Colleges |
| ~ | |
| Address History | Employment History |
| 1883 - 33 Court Street, Leamington Spa | 1891 - Scholar |
| 1891 - 51 Court Street, Leamington Spa | 1901 - Bricklayers Labourer |
| 1901 - 51 Court Street, Leamington Spa | 1904 - Soldier in South Lancashire Regt |
| 1911 - Napier Barracks, Lahore, India | 1911 - Private in 1st Bn South Lancashire Regt |
| 1914 - Army Barracks, Tidworth, Hants | 1914 - Private in 2nd Bn South Lancashire Regt |
