James's Story.
James Biddlecombe was born in Liverpool, in 1891, the son of William Ware Biddlecombe and Lydia Alice Biddlecombe. His father had been born in Southampton, in 1852, and his mother had been born in 1858, in Atherton, Lancashire. They married in 1877, and went on to have 10 children, of which 3 died. By 1911, William Ware Biddlecombe was employed as an Iron Turner in the shipbuilding industry, and was living with his wife and 5 of his surviving children, at 26, Cavendish Street, Birkenhead. His 5 children living with him were: Ellen Hope Biddlecombe (born in 1882); George Biddlecombe (born in 1888); James Biddlecombe (born in 1891); Thomas Biddlecombe (born in 1893); and Ralph Biddlecombe (born in 1895). Ellen was a Dressmaker; Goerge was an Iron Turner in Engineering; James was an Apprentice Iron Turner in Engineering; Thomas was an Apprentice Shipwright in Ship Repairing; and Ralph was an Apprentice Brass Finisher in Engineering. By 1917, his father had moved to 43, Kingsley Street, Birkenhead.
In November 1914, James Biddlecombe travelled to Southampton, and enlisted into the Royal Field Artillery. On completion of his training he was sent to France on 22nd July 1915, and posted to the 60th (Howitzer) Battery Royal Field Artillery. This battery was part of 44th (Howitzer) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, 2nd Division, and had been serving in France and Belgium since August 1914. On 23rd June 1915, the 60th (Howitzer) Battery was moved to the 3rd (Lahore) Division, which left France on 8th December 1915, and was sent to Mesopotamia. James Biddlecome had originally been promoted to Fitter Staff Sergeant, but was later just a Staff Sergeant. Staff Sergeant Biddlecombe continued to serve with his battery until he was killed in action on 13th April 1917. His body was never recovered and identified from the battlefield, and is therefore commemorated by name only on Panel’s 3 and 60, The Basra Memorial, Iraq.
His medal entitlement consisted of Memorial Plaque, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal.
James Biddlecombe is also commemorated on the war memorial archway in Christ The King (St. Anne’s) Church, Birkenhead, and on the Hamilton Memorial & United Reformed Church (now demolished) war memorial, Claughton, Birkenhead.
Researched and compiled by Peter Threlfall.
Researched and compiled by Peter Threlfall.