Name
James William Element
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
17/08/1917
19
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
G/22645
The Buffs (East Kent Regiment)
6th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
MONCHY BRITISH CEMETERY, MONCHY-LE-PREUX
Plot I, Row J, Grave 30.
France
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Borough Roll of Honour,
St John the Evangelist Church Memorial, Watford
Pre War
Son of James William and Letitia (nee TURNER) ELEMENT of Watford.
His parents married 25 December 1895 at St Mary’s, Watford. James died 1952 in Watford aged 85, and was buried 29 July in Vicarage Road Cemetery, Watford; Letitia died 1965 in Watford aged 92, and was buried 5 August, also in Vicarage Road Cemetery.
James was born 17 April 1898 in Watford, and baptised by the midwife on the same day. He attended Victoria Junior School, Watford; then Beechen Grove Board School, Watford, from 1 September 1908 to 17 April 1912. He resided in Watford.
On the 1901 Census, aged 2 he lived in Watford, with his parents and two siblings. On the 1911 Census, at school aged 13, he still lived in Watford, with his parents and five siblings.
Recorded as born, living and enlisting in Watford.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Watford; was entitled to the Victory and British War medals, and was killed in action.
Additional Information
There is a Death announcement for James in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 15 September 1917; plus In Memoriams in the issues dated 17 August 1918 and 23 August 1919.
Has a entry in the National Roll of the Great War.
Unfortunately, James’ Service Record appears to be one that did not survive the World War Two bombing.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
