Main CPGW Record
Surname: GROVES
Forename(s): James William
Place of Birth: Barnoldswick, Yorkshire
Service No: 45840
Rank: Private
Regiment / Corps / Service: Northumberland Fusiliers
Battalion / Unit: 21st (Service) Battalion. (2nd Tyneside Scottish)
Division: 34th Division
Age: 28
Date of Death: 1917-09-26
Awards: ---
CWGC Grave / Memorial Reference: II. C. 7.
CWGC Cemetery: TINCOURT NEW BRITISH CEMETERY
CWGC Memorial: ---
Non-CWGC Burial: ---
Local War Memorial: EARBY, YORKSHIRE
Additional Information:
James William Groves was the son of James and Margaret Groves, née Booth? James, senior, was born at Nunburnholme and Margaret at Bingley, Yorkshire.
1891 Barnoldswick, Yorkshire Census: West Gate - James W. Groves, aged 2 years, born Bingley, Yorkshire, son of James and Margaret Groves.
1901 Barnoldswick, Yorkshire Census: 7, Westgate - James W. Groves, aged 12 years, born Barnoldswick, son of Margaret Sandham, widow. [Margaret had married Thomas Sandham in 1896.]
1911 Bingley, Yorkshire Census: 25, Hulbert Street - James William Groves, aged 22 years, born Barnoldswick, Yorkshire. [James was boarding with Alice Ward.]
James was married to Sarah Ellen Baldwin in 1915.
British Army WW1 Medal Rolls Index Cards: Pte James W. Groves, 45840, North'd Fus. D. of Wds.
British Army WW1 Medal and Award Rolls: Pte James William Groves, 45840, 10th Northd Fus.; 12th Northd Fus.; 1st [sic] Northd Fus. D. of Wds.
Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Pte James William Groves, 45840, 21 North Fus. Date and Place of Death: 26.9.17 France 55 CCS. To whom Authorised/Amount Authorised: Widow - Sarah E. £6 12s. 5d.
UK, WW1 Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923: Pte Jas. Wm. Groves, 45840, 21st North'ld Fus. Date and cause of death: 26.9.17 died of Wounds received in action. Name(s) on card(s): Widow: Sarah Ellen, born 6.5.94. Address 1. 3, Chapel Sq., Earby, Nr Colne. Address 2. 52, Carleton Street, Nelson, Lancs. Children: Elsie, born 14.12.15.
The 1921 Census shows that Sarah and Elsie, both born at Earby, were living at 18, Red Lion Street, Earby. In 1930 Sarah was living with her mother Margaret and brother Tom, at 3, Chapel Square, Earby.
James is commemorated in the Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial, Edinburgh.
See also:
‘Earby in the First World War’ by Stephanie Carter, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2014).
‘Our Finest Crop’ by Steven Marshall, published by Earby & District Local History Society (2020).
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:
GROVES, W., aged 28, N.F., 5, Chapel Square, [Earby], died of wounds Sept. 28, 1917.
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Private James William GROVES
Regiment / Corps / Service Badge: Northumberland Fusiliers
Divisional Sign / Service Insignia: 34th Division
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View Craven Herald Articles
View Craven Herald Articles
05 October 1917
GROVES – September 28th 1917, at No. 55, Casualty Clearing Station, France, from wounds received in action, Pte. Wm. Groves, Northumberland Fusiliers, formerly of Earby, aged 28 years.
05 October 1917
EARBY – THE TOWNSHIP'S TOLL: PRIVATE GROVES DIES FROM WOUNDS
The death took place on Friday last, from wounds received the previous day, of Private William Groves, Northumberland Fusiliers. He was 28 years of age and leaves a wife and one child living at 6, Chapel Square, Earby. Before joining the Army he was employed as a weaver at Spring Mill. Private Groves had been previously wounded, and had not long since returned to the Front. His wife received the following letter from the Matron at No. 55 Casualty Clearing Station:–
September 26th, 1917.
“Dear Madam, – I regret to inform you that your husband, Private W. Groves, who was admitted to hospital last night suffering from a gunshot wound in the abdomen, died early this morning. I can assure you that everything that was possible was done to try and save him, but he gradually became weaker and passed away in his sleep. I am sorry there is so little I can tell you of your husband’s last moments; he was such a short time in hospital, and was too ill to send messages. He will be laid to rest in Fricourt Military Cemetery, and there will be a cross with his name and regiment to mark his resting place. With sincere sympathy to you in your great sorrow. Believe me, yours truly, M. POTTS, Matron.”
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
View West Yorkshire Pioneer Articles
05 October 1917
GROVES – Sept. 28th, from wounds received in action, Pte. W. Groves, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, of 5, Chapel Square, Earby, aged 28.
05 October 1917
EARBY CASUALTIES
The death took place on Friday last, from wounds received the previous day, of Pte. Wm. Groves, Northumberland Fusiliers. He was 28 years age, and leaves a wife and one child living at 5, Chapel Square, Earby. Before joining the army he was employed as a weaver at Spring Mill. Private Groves had been previously wounded, and not long since returned the front. His wife received the following letter from the Matron of No. 55 Casualty Clearing Station:–
“Dear Madam – I regret to inform you that your husband, Pte. W. Groves, who was admitted to hospital last night suffering from a gunshot wound in the abdomen, died early this morning. I can assure you that everything that was possible was done to try and save him, but he gradually became weaker and passed away in his sleep. I am sorry there is so little I can tell you of your husband’s last moments; he was such a short time in hospital and was too ill to send messages. He will be laid to rest in Fricourt Military Cemetery, and there will be a cross with his name and regiment to mark his resting place. With sincere sympathy to you, in your great sorrow, – Believe me, yours truly, M. Potts, matron.”
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