James Slater
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
His family details are as yet unknown. Although his army service record exists it has no details regarding his next of kin. All correspondence was sent to Mrs Charlotte Elizabeth Thompson of Kyme Locks, Chapel Hill, Dogdyke, Lincoln; James Slater had been her lodger for 2 years.
James Slater enlisted on 22nd March 1915 at Chesterfield. He gave his age as 26 yrs and his address as 28 Durrant Road, Chesterfield. He served with the 1/6th battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment and landed in France on 29th March 1916 with the 8th Reinforcement. James was accidentally killed on 28th May 1916 during a training exercise. He is buried in Foncquevillers Military Cemetery (grave ref. 1.D.6).
A court of enquiry was convened on 28th May 1916, its president was Major E Hall 6th battalion Sherwood Foresters. 'An unpleasant accident this morning. A live round got amongst dummy ones on a Lewis Gun being used for instruction. Killed one man and wounded another. I sat on the Board of Enquiry – no one to blame.' Lieutenant Josiah Taylor.
