James RILEY

27 April 1917

RILEY – Died in hospital in France, April 17th, Sapper James Riley, of the Royal Engineers, husband of Mrs. Riley, of 13, Ethel Street, Barnoldswick, aged 34.

27 April 1917

BARNOLDSWICK SOLDIERS’ DEATHS IN FRANCE

The death occurred on the 31st ult., at the 3rd Canadian Hospital, Boulogne, of Pte. John Robinson, Border Regiment, following inflammation of the bladder. Deceased, who was 40 years of age, leaves a wife and two children now residing at Cragg Row, Salterforth. He belonged to an old Barnoldswick family, being the son of the late Mr. John Robinson, joiner and cabinet maker, Ouseldale.

Mrs. Riley, 13, Ethel Street, Barnoldswick, received official intimation on Monday of the death of her husband, Sapper Jas. Riley, R.E., which took place from bronchial pneumonia at No. 11 Casualty Clearing Station, France, on the 17th inst. Sapper Riley had been in France about four months. Early in February he broke one of his ribs and sustained other injuries through falling into a trench, and was in hospital several weeks. In his next letter home (March 1st) he wrote:– "I am going back up the line, but am feeling far from fit.” He had been in the army two years, having first enlisted in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, but was transferred to the Royal Engineers, about a year ago. He was 34 years of age and a native of Fleetwood, but had resided in Barnoldswick about ten years, and was very highly respected. A stonemason by trade, he was formerly employed by Mr. C. Blakeley, contractor. He leaves a wife and one little girl.