JAMES HIGGINSON NORBURY 

James Higginson's Story.

James Higginson Norbury was born in Knutsford in 1888, one of nine children born to John (a butcher) and Sarah (a butcher) Norbury of Queen Street, Knutsford. When he left school he became a bank clerk.

James joined the army and became Private no. 5372 in the 20^th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).

He arrived in France on the 15^th November 1915.

He was promoted to Lance Corporal.

James was killed in action on the 20^th July 1916.

On that fateful day:

The Battalion war diary for this dates state:

˜20.7.16 HIGH WOOD Map reference MARTINPUCH AREA

19^th Brigade attack at 3.25 am on HIGH WOOD. Attack by 1^st Cameronians and 5^th Scots Rifles and 20^th Royal Fusiliers in support 2ns Royal Welsh Fusiliers in reserve, North corner and North West corner of wood not taken.

2^nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers came up about 12 noon. The front and support line set across wood from east to west, with a strongpoint about S4 in support line.

Held on to this position until relieved by 100^th Brigade at midnight then withdrew to (unintelligible) ground MAMETZ WOOD

Casualties:

Officers 4 killed  8 wounded  3 missing

O.R. 375 killed, wounded or missing.'

Researched and compiled by Tony Davies.