Name
James Edward Marsh
1898
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
29/06/1917
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
G/13875
The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
PHILOSOPHE BRITISH CEMETERY, MAZINGARBE
I. S. 24.
France
Headstone Inscription
"SADLY MISSED"
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Cheshunt memorials,
The Abbey Church of Waltham Holy Cross and St Lawrence Memorial
Pre War
James Edward Marsh was born in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire in 1898. We believe his parents were James Marsh, a traveller, and Marion (Burton) Marsh.
He was baptised at The Abbey Church of Waltham Holy Cross and St Lawrence, Essex, on 28th April 1898.
At the age of 2, he was fostered by Emma Covington and her husband Walter.
1901 Census records James, aged 3, living with Emma and Walter Covington and their daughter Lilian (3) at, 64 Eastbrook Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex.
1911 Census records James Edward Marsh aged 13, as an Adopted son, living with Emma and Walter Covington and their daughter Lilian (15), still at 64 Eastbrook Road, Waltham Abbey.
Wartime Service
James enlisted at Epping, Essex, on 7th June 1916, aged 18, giving his occupation as a Machinist at the Royal Small Armes Factory, Enfield. He was posted to the Army Reserve on the same day the 7th June 1916.
James was called-up on 17th November 1916, and posted to the 99th Training Reserve Battalion on the 18th November 1916, with the service number TR/10/41314. He was appointed unpaid L/Cpl on 20th February 1917.
On 12th April 1917, he was transferred and proceeded overseas to the 1st Battalion, The Buffs, (East Kent Regiment), with the service number G/13875.
James was Killed in Action just 69 days later on 29th June 1917, aged 19, he is buried in the CWGC Philosophe British Cemetery, Mazingarbe, France.
Additional Information
His foster mother Emma Covington was awarded a Gratuity of £25, on 19th March 1918, and his effects of £5-8-8, pay owing and his war gratuity of £3.
Acknowledgments
Stuart Osborne
Jonty Wild
