James's Story.
James is remembered on the Christ Church Memorial at Barnton, Northwich.
N/wich Guardian article dated 7th September 1917. WOUNDED, PRIVATE JAMES LEICESTER
Mr. Faithful Leicester, of 64 Church Road, Barnton, received information on Saturday that his son Private James Leicester of the Inniskilling Fusiliers had been wounded. A letter he sent to his son a fortnight previously was returned and on the envelope was written: present location not known. Private Leicester, who is 19 years of age, enlisted in March 1917 and was sent on active service in June. Prior to joining the Army he was employed by Messrs Brunner Mond and Co. at Winnington. He is cousin of Private Lewis Minshall, who was awarded the Military Medal for bravery some time ago.
N/wich Guardian article dated 23rd August 1918. PRIVATE JAMES LEICESTER
About twelve months ago it was announced in the “Guardian” that Private James Leicester of the Inniskilling Fusiliers and son of Mr. and Mrs J. (F?) Leicester, of Church Road, Barnton, had been posted as missing. On Friday his parents received an official notification stating that it is presumed his death occurred on or since August 16th 1917.
Cheshirebmd records the birth of a James Leicester in 1898 in Weaverham which works in with his age of 19 as per the article. The 1911 census has this Leicester family living at 94 Church Rd., Barnton. Head of the family is Faithfull Leicester, aged 63, Chemical Labourer Born Barnton; Annie aged 59 born Hartford; with five children all at home, three lads being Lewis aged 17, brick-setters labourer; James aged 12 and John aged 11, both at school, all three born Barnton. There are two sisters Nora and Emma and another five “in-law” family living with them.
C.W.G.C. remember a James Leicester, Pte., with the 7th Bn., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, No 41900, on the Tyne Cot Memorial (Panel 70 to 72) Belgium, died on the 16th August 1917 aged 19. Brother of Mrs Vernon of 94 Church Rd., Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire.
N.A.M.C. have a medal card for James Leicester, Pte., with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, No 41900, Awarded the British and Victory medals, T.o.W. and D.o.E. not addressed. It is not recorded on the medal card that James had been Killed.
B. M.& Co. R.o.H. booklet includes a James Leicester at the Winnington Works listings, Pte. 7th R. Innis Fus. died and with that is remembered on the Winnington Works Memorial. James is also remembered on the Northwich Town Memorial, St. Helens Church Memorial, besides the Barnton Church Memorial
Research Bob H.