James's Story.
Birkenhead News 04 March 1916Heswall Soldier Killed.
Leaves Wife and Seven Children.
Sad news was conveyed to Mrs. James Brierley of Grange Mount, Heswall, on Sunday, to the effect that her husband had been killed by shrapnel somewhere in France. The chaplain (Rev A.G. Brooke), writing to Mrs. Brierley, mentioned that a stray shot dropped in the camp, and they were all surprised to find Brierley dead. He had been hit in both legs and the body, and death was instantaneous. Another Heswall lad, C. Fisher, son of the Sandon Arms licensee, who was nearby at the time, had a miraculous escape, his clothing being torn by the flying fragments.
Gunner Brierley, who was 35 years of age, enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery about 12 months ago, and was stationed some time at Crosby before being drafted out to France. He was very well-known and popular in Heswall, his parents being old natives of the district. Before the war he was employed by Messrs. W. J. Griffiths, the Heswall builders. Much sympathy is extended to the widow who is left to mourn his loss with seven young children.
James' grave in Lijssenthoek Cemetery, Belgium.
Photo by Chris