James Henry Banks was born in Bradford on the 3rd September 1893 to William Banks and Mary Ann Banks (Plester). His parents were married in Bradford, West Yorkshire in 1889. On the 1911 Census James is recorded as living at 53 Birk Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire and is working as a ‘Tile Cutter Assistant’. His siblings were: Alfred 1890 - 1910; Margaret Ann (Cissie) 1892 - 1984; Ann Elizabeth (Annie) 1896 - 1966; Mary Ann 1898 – 1898 and Alice 1899 – 19__. Military History: Service Number: 10500; Rank: Private; Regiment / Division: 13th Brigade 5th Division; Battalion: 2nd Battalion The Duke of Wellington Regiment (West Riding) On commencement of mobilisation, in 1914, Private Banks was recalled to the colours, reporting to the 2nd Battalion, which at that time was stationed at Portobello Barracks, Dublin and was posted to C Company. On the 14th August 1914, the Battalion sailed for Le Havre, France, on board the SS Gloucestershire arriving there at 4pm on the 16th. Leaving Le Havre on the 18th, the Battalion, went by train, to Landrecies, arriving at 6.30pm, and then by column of route (marching) to Marouilles where the Battalion stayed for 3 days. On the 21st the Battalion was once again on the move, via Mecquignies, to Bavai. On Sunday 23rd August, the Battalion took up positions on the canal bank at St Ghislain. C Company, in which Private James Henry Banks served, was held in reserve. On the 23rd the German Army reached Mons in Belgium and was halted by British Army for a while. Information from regimental and local sources showing war diary entries for the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Wellington Regiment 23rd August 1914 identifies that 6 of their men were killed that day. Where exactly Private James Henry Banks was killed is not known. He is buried at Hautrage Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave Reference l.8.A. His medal index card shows that he was awarded the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the 1914 Mons Star (with C & R - Clasp and Roses entitlement).

MARGARET HOLDEN