| Notes |
- James Haigh was born in 1896, the sixth child of ten, and third son of Plasterer Henry Haigh and his wife Martha Alice. In the 1911 census, the family are living in Newtown, Holmfirth and James is employed as a woollen jerrier.
James was killed in action on 27 August 1918, his death reported in the local paper as follows: “Official intimation has been received by Mrs Henry Haigh, Newtown, Holmfirth, to the effect that her son, Lance Corporal James Haigh, of the West Yorkshire Regiment was killed in action on August 27th. Thus is brought to close a comparatively lengthy spell with the colours, for James was one of those young Britons to whom the calls of the Empire made a successful appeal in the earlier days of the war, and he has laid down his life for the nation at the age of 22 years. It was during Eastertide 1915 that his decision to join the colours was acted upon and he had been in training but five or six weeks when he crossed over to France and became identified with a Pioneer Battalion. James was later transferred to the West Yorkshires, to which branch of the service he has been attached. Despite the strenuous life he was called on to lead, the young soldier maintained the cheerful spirits for which he was always noted, and many a breezy letter have the members of the family received from the lad who was busily engaged out yonder. His smiling face cheered many a despondent soul, and the brightness of his countenance was but the reflection of his pleasant, happy disposition. With the forces James proved of that mettle which made a most favourable impression amongst his superior officers, and he had the satisfaction of being raised to the rank of Lace-Corporal, with prospects of further promotion. As a boy he attended Mr. J. W. Brown’s school and was also a scholar at the Wesleyan Sunday School. His elder brother, Sapper Robert Haigh, is on duty in France, having been with the colours over two years. A large circle of friends identify themselves with the sympathy expressed for the family in the loss of such a bright and cheerful son and brother.”
Created by:
|
Our Haigh & Gurden Family
