Name
James Daniel O'Brien
7 Mar 1896
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
23/04/1917
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lance Corporal
12039
Bedfordshire Regiment
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
ARRAS MEMORIAL
Bay 5.
France
Headstone Inscription
NA
UK & Other Memorials
Letchworth Town Memorial, Church of St Nicholas Memorial, Norton
Pre War
James Daniel O’Brien was born on 7 Mar 1896 (baptised 24 Dec 1905) in Deptford, Kent in 1896 to James Kevin O’Brien, labourer, and Esther Elizabeth (nee Pretty).
On the 1901 Census the family of parent and James were living with Esther Elizabeth’s mother, (H)Ester Pretty at 29, Creek Street, Deptford.
On the 1911 Census the family of parents, James, Elizabeth (born 1900), Charles (born 1906), Ivy (born 1908), Violet (born 1911) and Esther Pretty (born 1850) were living at 113, Church Street, Deptford, Kent.
His parents later lived at 80, Glebe Rd., Norton. He worked for Messrs Ewart and Sons
Wartime Service
No Service Record was found for James who enlisted in the Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 10239 in Hitchin probably in Sep/Oct 1914.
Following his training he went to France on 30 Jul 1915 with 6th (Service) Battalion of the Regiment as part of 112 Brigade, 37 Division. They were take part in the Battle of the Ancre (13-18 Nov 1916). James was transferred to 1st Battalion, Bedfords at sometime and also promoted to Lance Corporal.The 1st Battalion had been in France since Aug 1914 and as part of 15 Brigade, 5th Division and in 1916 had fought in many Battles of Somme and would have required reinforcing. In 1917 they were in the Arras Offensive and took part in the Battle of Vimy (9-14 Apr) and La Coulotte (23 Apr). James was killed in this last action, reportedly by Gunshot Wounds of Machine Gun fire.
His remains were not recovered and he is remembered on the Arras Memorial.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of £12 10s and arrears of £2 13s 5d was paid to his mother.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Dan Hill, Ellen Barnes, Jonty Wild
