James Riley
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of William and Hannah Riley and the brother of Joseph, Violet Emily Lee and Francis Henry (killed in action 10/3/1915) Riley. In 1901 they lived at 2 Thimble Hall Cottages and in 1911 at 116 Sherwood Street (both Warsop Nottinghamshire). He was the husband of Ida Rabbitt and the father of Madge Lilian, Mary and Dorothy Riley. Ida's brothers Harry and Fred Rabbitt were kiled in action 21/8/1915 and 8/7/1916 respectively.
James Riley enlisted on 25 August 1914 and was 22 years 275 days old. He was 5 feet 5 inches tall. He was killed during the battalion's first attack of the war. The battalion moved forward to Hill 50 on the night of 7/8th in preparation for the attack. At 4.45 on 9 August the battalion moved forward - formed into two long lines about 200 yards apart. After good progress, where the battalion moved 1000 yards, heavy fire was encountered close to Hetman Chair. Men from the battalion got to within a few feet of Hetman Chair but died there. James was one of many to die that day and he has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial. John Morse
Photograph printed in Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser, 09/09/1915. James may have been identified but for some reason 'kind hearted' chaplains or medics removed men's identity discs. In James's case, it was sent to his wife. His brother Private Frank Riley enlisted at Mansfield whilst residing at Warsop, he initially served with the service number 11983 Leicestershire Regiment, he was killed in action on 10th March 1915 whilst serving with the 2nd battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. Having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial.
