Main CPGW Record
Surname: RILEY
Forename(s): James
Place of Birth: Fleetwood, Lancashire
Service No: 480430
Rank: Sapper
Regiment / Corps / Service: Royal Engineers
Battalion / Unit: 460th Field Coy
Division: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division
Age: 34
Date of Death: 1917-04-17
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: I. J. 83.
CWGC Cemetery: VARENNES MILITARY CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: BARNOLDSWICK, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
James Riley was the son of James and Margaret Riley, née O'Hare. James, senior, was born in Co. Tyrone and Margaret in Co. Armagh, Ireland.
1891 Fleetwood, Lancashire Census: 4. Poulton Grove - James Riley, aged 8 years, born Fleetwood, son of James and Margaret Riley.
1901 Fleetwood, Lancashire Census: 4. Poulton Grove - James Riley, aged 18 years, born Fleetwood, son of James and Margaret Riley.
James was married to Florrie Grisdale (or Grisdall) in 1910.
1911 Barnoldswick, Yorkshire Census: 18, Valley Road - James Riley, aged 28 years, born Fleetwood, Lancashire. [James and his wife Florrie were living with John Thornber, widower.]
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Spr James Riley, [Pte] 4262, W. Rid. R.; R.E. (T), 3538; 480430, R.E.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Spr James Riley, [Pte] 4262, W. Riding Rgt.; R.E. (T), 3538; 480430, Royal Engineers.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Spr James Riley, 460 (W.R.) Fld Coy R.E. Date and Place of Death: 17.4.17. France, 11th C.C.Stn. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Widow - Florence. £15 16s. 11d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: card(s) exist for James. Name(s) on card(s): Widow: Florence Riley, born 7.11.83. Address: 13, Ethel Street, Barnoldswick, York[s]. Children: Monica, born 23.6.14.
A short biography of James is included in: ‘Barnoldswick – A small Town’s part in conflicts 1800 to 2014’ by Peter Ian Thompson (2014).
Data Source: Craven’s Part in the Great War - original CPGW book entry
View Entry in CPGW BookEntry in West Yorkshire Pioneer Illustrated War Record:
RILEY, Sapper James, aged 34 years, R.E., 13, Ethel Street, [Barnoldswick], died in France, April 17, 1917.
---
Click the thumbnail below to view a larger image.
Sapper James RILEY
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Royal Engineers
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 62nd (2/West Riding) Division
---
---
View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
27 April 1917
RILEY – April 17th 1917 from bronchial pneumonia at 11, Casualty Clearing Station, France, Sapper James Riley, R.E., husband of Mrs. Riley, 13 Ethel Street, Barnoldswick, aged 34 years.
27 April 1917
BARNOLDSWICK
Mrs. Riley, 13 Ethel Street, Barnoldswick, received an official intimation on Monday of the death of her husband, Sapper James 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, first enlisted in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, but was transferred into 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.
19 April 1918
RILEY – In loving memory of my dear husband, James Riley, who died in France on April 17th, 1917, aged 34 years.
We cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see,
But all is well that’s done by Thee.
From his loving Wife and Child, 13 Ethel Street, Barnoldswick.
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
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.
Comment on this Soldier Record
You can leave comments on this soldier record. Please note all comments will be manually approved before they appear on the website.
No comments yet.