James Dalby
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Note: name given as James Daley and James Dolby on two memorials. James Dalby was born in Daybrook in 1895, the son of John a hosiery worker and Elizabeth Dalby née Jennison of Boyd Terrace, Daybrook, John was born in 1851 at Daybrook, Elizabeth Jennison was born in 1853 at Eastwood, they were married on 14th December 1878 at St Marys Church, Arnold, they had 9 children. In the 1911 Census the family was shown living at Cottage Row, Daybrook. James was 13 years of age and working in the bottling department of Home Brewery at Daybrook. He had eight siblings. His mother, Elizabeth, died on 4 January 1915 aged 55 years, and his father, John, on 12 January 1917 aged 66 years.
Rifleman James Dalby enlisted on 2nd January 1915 at Nottingham, giving his age 19 yrs and 5 months and his address as Boyd Terrace, Daybrook his next of kin was his father John of the same address. Posted to the Rifle Brigade he reported to their depot at Winchester on 10th January 1915. He embarked from Folkstone on 21st July 1915 landing the following day in France. He was with his battalion on 3rd September 1916 as it waited in the assembly trenches near Guillemont ready to attack the village. There they suffered considerable discomfort from over-crowding and many casualties from shell fire. At noon, which had been set as ZERO hour, the advance began, rapidly contested by the Germans who laid down a heavy artillery barrage and much machine gun fire. However the attack proved completely successful, reaching the Guinchy-Wedgewood Road. James was one of the casualties of this attack. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial on the Somme.
Inscription on family headstone, Redhill Cemetery: 'In loving memory of Elizabeth the beloved wife of John Dalby who died Jan. 4th 1915, aged 55 years. Peace after pain. Also John, the beloved husband of the above who died Jan 12th 1917 aged 66 years. Thy will be done. Also Rif'n J Dalby, the beloved son of the above, killed in action (Guillemont, France) Sep 3rd 1916 aged 21 years. Duty nobly done. Also Albert the dearly beloved husband of Elizabeth Thyrza Dalby and son of the above, fell asleep July 28th 192(-).'
