James Wheatley
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
James was born in 1897 in Arnold and was the son of John a colliery banksman and Mary Wheatley née Wells of 45 James Street, Arnold. His father John was born in 1864 in Bedfordshire, his mother Mary Wells was born in 1868 in Arnold, they were married in 1889 in Arnold and went on to have 12 children all born in Arnold. Sadly 1 of the children died in 1905 (Phylis she was 1 year old) their surviving children were : John Henry b1890, Horace 1892, Mary Ann 1894, James 1897, Lottie 1899, Ada b1901, Fred b1902, Fanny b1906, Doris b1908 and Phylis b1910. In 1901 they lived on Cross Street and in 1911 at 45 James Street (both Arnold Nottingham). James married his wife Annie Trueman (born 1897) in 1918 their marriage was recorded in the Basford registration district, they lived on Furlong Street, Arnold and had a son James born 22nd September 1918. He would never see his son as he died on 8th September 1918. Following his death his widow Annie was awarded a pension of 20 shillings and 5 pence a week which commenced on 24th March 1919.
Private James Wheatley enlisted at Newark in January 1915 into the Sherwood Foresters (330613) [probably 8th Battalion which was raised locally]. It is likely that he went to France with the Foresters and was wounded. On recovery, he was posted to the 2/4th Queen’s West Surrey Regiment which had sustained heavy losses in Gallipoli. James subsequently died of wounds on 8th September 1918 , received during the German spring offensive in 1918. He is buried in Esquelbecq Military Cemetery France Grave Reference: II H 5
His older brother John also served during the Great War he served in the Machine Gun Corps and was killed in action on 15th April 1917 in Greece, he is buried in Struma Military Cemetery in Greece. In memoriam published on 8th September 1919 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “WHEATLEY. – In loving memory of Pte. James Wheatley, 45 James-street, Arnold, Notts. and Derbys., died of wounds in France September 8th, 1918; also Corpl. John Wheatley, M.G.C. Never will their memory fade. – From mother, father, sisters, and brothers.” Above is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
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