James's Story.
James Hallsworth was a 31 year old married man, who lived at 9 Egerton Street, Runcorn. He was born and enlisted in Runcorn.He was a member of the Cheshire Territorials.
He worked at Castner Kellner Works, Weston Point and was mobilised on Tuesday 4th August 1914.
In a letter from his Sergeant Major to his wife, he wrote
"Believe me, it gives me very great pain to have to send to you the very sad news, for during the whole period of three years and three months your husband has been out here with the company he has never failed in his duty and was a fine example to his comrades. We always had the greatest confidence in him and he was greatly respected by all ranks. I beg, on behalf of every man in the company that you will accept our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement.
He was buried by our Chaplain this afternoon in a British Cemetery and we have erected a cross tot his memory.
His Captain wrote " He was proceeeding to work with his section, when a shell burst near him, killing him and wounding several others, but it may be some consolation to you to know that his death was so quick he could have suffered no pain, he was quite unconscious for three minutes that he lived after beling struck by shell fire.
The war diary states that on the 4th May 1918, the 5th Cheshires were carrying out work on FEUCHY - SWITCH SUPPORT extending same in conseqence of extension of Divisional front.
On the 5th Maym the diary states
Casualties 1 OR killed and 2 OR's wounded.
The OR killed was James.
Photograph taken by Graeme Ainsworth
Compiled by Graeme Ainsworth and Percy Dunbavand.