James Ormerod

Private 2432
1st/5th Bn, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry

James was killed in action on 28 May 1915 and is buried in Grave D. 2. in White City Cemetery, Bois-Grenier, France.

Bois-Grenier is a village about four kilometres south of Armentières.

At the time of his death 1st/5th Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry formed part of 148th Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Division. The Division had only arrived in France between 12-19 April 1915.

In British Battalions on the Western Front January-June 1915, Ray Westlake describes how 1st/5th Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry were part of 3rd West Riding Brigade, West Riding Division, which became 148th Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Division on 12 May 1915.

They moved to Southampton and landed at Le Havre on 13 April 1915. They then moved to Berguette, Merville then billets near Doulieu.

They began instruction, and then toured in No. 6 Section, Fleurbaix sector. During this time they rested at La Gorgue.

On the Commonwealth War Graves Debt of Honour Register, James is simply noted as 'J. Ormerod'.

The Soldiers Died in the Great War Database records that James was born in Bacup, but enlisted in the Army in Doncaster.

There is an inscription on Guisborough War Memorial, in the historic North Riding of Yorkshire, to James Ormerod of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.