James VARLEY

24 December 1915

MARTON – Marton’s Response

The following eligibles from Marton visited the Recruiting Office at Skipton to attest under Lord Derby’s scheme, the majority succeeding in passing the medical examination:–Single–Messrs. A. Bushby, W. Cooper, W. Fell, J. Harrison, R. Harrison, W. Maudsley, F. Robinson, R. Sprout, R. Standing, A. Wilson, H. Wilkinson, J. Varley; married–Messrs. E. Cooper, J. Crossley, R. Frankland, J. Gill, H. Miles, J. Lancaster, C. Lancaster, H. Jessop, W. Moor, G. Parker, H. Reynolds, A.A. Ryder, E. Thompson, E.H. Whittaker. For immediate enlistment–J. Graham.

22 February 1918

WEST MARTON SOLDIER ACCIDENTALLY KILLED IN FRANCE

We regret to record the death in action in France of Private James Varley, of West Marton. In a letter received by Mrs. Varley, dated February 13th, Lieut. R. G. Fowle, the C.O. of the detachment, tenders his sincere sympathy, and states that Private Varley left the camp on the afternoon of the 8th inst. Whilst walking along the light railway track he was run over by a truck and received injuries to both legs and left arm. He was immediately removed to the field ambulance, but the splendid efforts of the doctor were fruitless.

“I was by his side until his last moments, and I can assure you that he suffered very little pain, being unconscious for most of the time. However, he recognised me some minutes before he passed away, and I asked him if he would like me to send any message to his mother and father, and he said, ‘Yes, send my love.’ We buried him on Saturday afternoon, the 9th inst., in a nice little cemetery quite close by. A party of his friends carried the body, and quite a number of men attended the burial, I also being present. His friends are making a cross for the grave, and I am hoping a little later to send you a photograph of your dear son’s last resting place. Your dear son was a bright lad, always willing to do his duty. He was well liked by all the men, and I must say he was one of the best men I had in the detachment. He has fought his last fight and has gone to a land where wars cease and there is ‘Peace, Perfect Peace.’ May God comfort you in your sorrow.”

Private James Varley, who was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Varley, of West Marton, was of a cheerful nature and with a deep sense of duty to his country. Private Varley offered his services at the commencement of the war, but to his great disappointment did not succeed in passing the medical examination. He, however, tried several times, and finally succeeded in joining the Army. He was engaged in anti-aircraft observation work at the time of the accident. He has bravely done his best, and deep sympathy is felt for his bereaved parents and the family.

01 March 1918

VARLEY – Killed in France, February 8th, 1918, Private James Varley, Royal Fusiliers. attached to Anti-Aircraft Section, son of Mr. and Mrs. Varley, West Marton, aged 27 years.

07 February 1919

VARLEY – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, James Varley, of the Royal Fusiliers, who died in France February 8th, 1918.

We prayed for his safe returning,
And longed to clasp his hand;
But God has postponed the meeting
Till we meet in the better land.

From Father, Mother, Brother and Sisters, West Marton.

VARLEY – In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, James Varley, Fusiliers, who was killed in Belgium February 8th, 1918.

From Mr. and Mrs. Walter Varley and Family, Nelson, Lancs.

06 February 1920

VARLEY – In memory of a dearly loved and sadly missed son and brother, Private James Varley, Royal Fusiliers, who was killed February 8th, 1918, and was interred at Renninghilst Cemetery, Belgium.

We cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see,
But all is well if done by Thee.

From Father, Mother, Brother and Sisters, West Marton.

13 February 1920

VARLEY – In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Private James Varley, Royal Fusiliers, who was killed in Belgium, 8th February 1918.

From ----- Walter Varley and Family -----.

11 February 1921

VARLEY – In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Private James Varley, Royal Fusiliers, who was killed in Belgium, 8th February, 1918.

From Mr. and Mrs. Walter Varley and Family, Nelson, Lancs.

VARLEY – In loving memory of our dear son and brother, who died in Belgium, Feb. 8th, 1918.

Translated from the warfare of the world into the Peace of God.

From Mr. and Mrs. Varley and Family, West Marton.