Soldier Record
James Yearsley
Contributed by: Claire Robinson, on 2008-11-08
| Rank | |
|---|---|
| First Name | James |
| Surname | Yearsley |
| Year of Birth | 1897 |
| Year of Death | 1916 |
| Regiment | Welsh Guards |
| Place of Wartime Residence | Denton, Lancashire |
James's Story
My Great Uncle Jim lied about his age to join the army at the start of the war. He joined the Grenadier Guards as was one of the original Welsh Guards when the regiment was created in 1915, being at the inauguration ceremony presided over by King George V.
He died of wounds, the day after being wounded at the Battle of the Somme in September 1916. He was 18. Three of his four brothers also served in WWI, including my Grandad who was in the 4th Queen's Own Hussars. His photograph hung over the chimney breast until his mother died in 1942.
Jim is buried in the Extension Cemetery in Corbie. We had a photograph of my Uncle Charlie (his youngest brother) at his grave in the 1930's and I always used to ask if we could go when I was growing up. My Mum and I I have been there twice on pilgrimages organised by the British Legion. I hope that I will be able to go again.
Everyone should tour the battlefields if they get the opportunity. You can only fully appreciate the atmosphere that they have even today if you are there.
No additional memories have been submitted