James Walkden

Private. 31769. Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.

Born: 1889.

Son of Charles and Emma, of 8 Scar Bottom, Milnsbridge.

Brother of John B, Arthur, Harold, Eleanor, Albert, Charles F, and Reginald.

Husband of Maud and father of three childen.

Address: 173 Scar Lane, Milnsbridge.

Occupation: Cotton Spinner at Shaw & Shaw, Britannia Mills, Milnsbridge.

Attended Milnsbridge Wesleyan Chapel & Sunday School.

Enlisted: June 1917.

Killed in action: 20th November 1917. Aged 28.

Commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval. Panel 6 & 7.

This Memorial commemorates more than 7,000 servicemen of the UK and South Africa who died during the Battle of Cambrai and have no known grave.

The attack began early morning on the 20th November 1917 (the day James lost his life) and the initial advances were remarkable. However by 22 November a halt was called for rest and reorganisation, allowing the German forces to reinforce. During the fierce fighting of the next five days much of the initial ground gained was lost. The result was disappointing, but valuable lessons had been learnt about new strategies and tactical approaches to fighting.

James had been in France for six months before he was killed. His brother had been discharged after being wounded, and another brother was serving in Palestine.

His name appears on the Roll of Honour at St. John's Church, Golcar.