Oldham Historical Research Group

'THE GREAT WAR',     'THE WAR TO END WAR',     'WORLD WAR 1'
'What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
- Only the monstrous anger of the guns.'
                                                                                                  
from 'Anthem for Doomed Youth' by Wilfred Owen

THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
JULY TO NOVEMBER 1916

SOLDIERS IN OTHER REGIMENTS

Private James Bradshaw, 7284

Private James Bradshaw

Private James Bradshaw, 7284
2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment

Newspaper obituary:

"Private James Bradshaw, of the Manchester Regiment, has fallen in action, being killed on July 9th 1916. Bradshaw was an Oldham man, his parents residing at 30 Conduct Street, Oldham. He went to work at Messrs Robinson's iron foundry, Rochdale, and lived in Hurst Street, Rochdale. He was 33 year of age and leaves a widow but no family. The deceased soldier has two brothers serving at the front and another brother is at home, having been wounded at Mons.
Bradshaw was a reservist and had fought through the campaign. A letter received by his widow and dated July 12th is as follows:

I deeply regret having to write to you such bad news. Your husband was shot on Monday evening last and died a minute and a half later. It will be comforting to you to know that he suffered little pain, if any. He was a splendid fellow in every way and a favourite amongst both officers and men. He had been my servant for some time, so I came to know him well. I feel that I have lost a true friend as well as an excellent servant. It is difficult to express in words one's feelings, but please accept my sincere sympathy in your sad loss. I miss him very much. If at any time I can be of any help to you in any way that is in my power you will be doing a kindness in informing me. His pay book and identity disc will be sent to you. Trusting you will bear up bravely and remember these partings are not for ever, your sincerely, R. A. M. Morris, lieutenant."

Medal card
Medal Index Card

He was buried in Bouzincourt Communal Cemetery

CWGC

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