No.R/10559, Rifleman, James GRASS
Aged 19
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James Grass was born in Brandon,(Thetford Q4-1896 4B:373), son of James Elijah and Eliza Jane GRASS(née SPALDING). 1901 census...Aged 4 he was at The Lodge House, Fettercairn, Kincardine, Scotland with his father James [35] gamekeeper born Brandon :his mother Eliza [35] born Brandon; brother Walter [14];sisters Mabel [9], Edith [7], Lily [6] (3 sisters born Brandon) and Ethel [2] born Freebridge Lynn, Norfolk. All entered as born in England. 1911 census...Aged 14, a gardener, he was at Bury Road, Brandon with his widowed mother, brothers William [28] a gardener, born Weeting and Harry [9] born Brandon and sister Ethel [12] born Lynn, Norfolk. There is some confusion as so far it has not been possible to identify the birth registration for either William or Walter. His brother Walter was killed in France on the 30th July 1915. see here |
click here to go to the Brandon at War website for more information
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He enlisted in Norwich. The battalion war diary for 3rd October:- "REPORT OF OPERATIONS - About 2.30 pm the Germans bombarded our front lines, support and communication trenches near the 'Quarries' at Vermelles, with 8" high explosive shells - Minenwerfers - and aerial torpedoes,paying special attention to their old observation post and Officers dug-outs. During this time we were informed by the Royal Artillery that the Germans were seen massing behind their lines, so we prepared for an attack. About 4:30 pm the Germans started bomb attacks up the two trenches running SW from point g.5.D.91 This attack continued for 2 1/2 hours during which time the Germans never gained a footing in either of our trenches. One one occasion they attempted to leave theirs, presumably with a view to attacking, but a heavy rifle fire and machine gun fire was at once opened on them, they did not make a second attempt. We considered our success was entirely due to a properly organised supply of bombs and the steadfastness of the bombers. There were three lines of supplies organised via New Trench from point g.5912 to the V in St. Elie Avenue, also via St.Elie Avenue and Goeben Avenue. We expended over 2,000 bombs in 2 1/2 hours. CWGC have recorded 9 killed, 3 buried in Vermelles and 6 named on the Loos memorial. James' widowed mother, Eliza, received the news from a comrade at the Front. She got a letter at her home at 64 Bury Road, similar to when with her late son Walter died. The letter, dated October 5th 1915, read:- "It is with much regret that we have to inform you of the death of your son James. He was on sentry duty in the trenches while the Germans were bombarding, and, like a true Briton, he stuck to his post. A shell dropped close by, and a flying piece caught him. He suffered no pain, death being instantaneous." the point G.5.d.91. mentioned above photo: Roy Beardsworth click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
