James Frederick's Story.
James Frederick Abbott in Bootle, Liverpool, in 1899, the youngest son of James and Mary Ellen Abbott. His father was born in Chard, Somerset, in 1867, and his mother had been born in Prescot, Lancashire, in 1865, and the couple married in 1892. They had 5 children, of which 2 died. By 1911, the Abbott family were living at 57, Abbey Street, Birkenhead (an 8 room property), and James Abbott (Snr) was employed as a Dock Labourer. 2 of their 3 surviving children: Dorothy (born in Bootle, Liverpool, in 1897), and James Frederick Abbott were still at home and recorded as “Unemployed”. James and Mary Ellen Abbott had also taken on no less than 10 boarders: Edward Brien (18/Unemployed); Thomas Hughes (17/Unemployed); George Coleman (21/Ship’s Steward); Frederick Wase (31/Railway Checker); Anne Wase (29); Charles Wase (4 months); Henry Swift (39/Ship Rivetter); Albert Heathcock (35/Ship Rivetter); Patrick Mullins (28/Plater’s Helper); and William Betham (28/Plater). James Frederick Abbott was initially educated at St. Mary’s School, and then attended Higher Elementary School, Conway Street, Birkenhead. On leaving school he became an Apprentice Electrician at Messrs. Cammell Laird & Co., Shipbuilders, Birkenhead.
On 12th January 1917, James Frederick Abbott enlisted at Birkenhead, initially into the Royal Field Artillery (No.137048) as a Gunner, but was subsequently transferred to the 1st/2nd Bn. Monmouthshire Regiment. It is not known if Private Abbott actually served with this battalion in France or Belgium. He was again transferred, this time to the 1st Bn Somerset Light Infantry (No.29216), and gained promotion on appointment to Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal Abbott continued to serve with this battalion until he was killed in action on 14th April, 1918. This battalion was part of 11th Brigade, 4th Division, and on the date when Lance Corporal Abbott was killed, was attacking the village of Riez du Vinage. The 1st Bn Somerset Light Infantry had crossed footbridges over a canal at 6.00 p.m., 14th April, 1918, with the 1st Bn. Hampshire Regiment. The assault teams of these two battalions sheltered as a barrage was put down on German positions in the village. Initially, when the attack went in, resistance was slight. The Somerset’s then followed a creeping barrage, but immediately became pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire. Eventually, the assaulting sections managed to get into Riez du Vinage, and clear the village, after heavy fighting. A counter attack ensued from the direction of Pacaut Wood, but this was repelled with heavy losses to the German attacking force, and a number of guns were also captured. Lance Corporal Abbott’s body was never recovered and identified from the battlefield, and is therefore commemorated on Panel 3, The Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
His medal entitlement consisted of; Memorial Plaque, British War Medal, and Victory Medal.
James Frederick Abbott is also commemorated on his family tombstone in Flaybrick Hill Cemetery, Bidston, Birkenhead, and on the Higher Elementary School war memorial (now missing).
Family application form requesting James to be added to the Birkenhead War Memorial.
Researched and compiled by Peter Threlfall.
The Birkenhead News reported his death.
Birkenhead News, June 8, 1918
“A Good Soldier”
News has been received by Mr and Mrs. James Abbott, of 57, Abbey Street, Birkenhead, that their youngest son, James, aged 19, was killed in action on the 14 April. His Captain wrote to say he was a splendid sportsman and a good soldier, and his company were all sorry to lose such a brave soldier. He was educated at St Mary’s School and then went to H E School, Conway Street. Previous to joining the colours he was an apprentice electrician at Cammell Laird and Co.s. He was in the Somerset Light Infantry.
The picture of James and the newspaper article added by Chris Booth.