James Edwin Winterborn

A Private with the 2/6th Battalion, James died on 19th of July 1916 at the age of 24.

James was born at Aylsham, Norfolk, in 1892, a son of John and Agnes Ann Winterborn. In 1901 his family lived at 42 Victoria Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 they were living at 9 Grove Road and James was a furniture upholsterer. Later his parents lived at 18 Windsor Road and then at 448 London Road South.

James enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the Norfolk Regiment and served with the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion. He was transferred to the Gloucestershire Regiment, service number, and joined the 2/6th Battalion in France. 

From 10 July 1916 the 2/6th Battalion were in trenches near Fauquissart. On 19 July they began an attack, as described in the War Dairy:

Bombardment of eastern trenches 11 a.m. return bombardment about 50 casualties. First wave of two platoons left tranches at 5.40 p.m. Barrage lifted 7 o’clock. Two more waves and part of 4th (Battalion) went out. Men practically blown back as they went over parapet by machine-gun and shrapnel. Withdrawn about 7 o’clock. Artillery turned on east front line again. 8 o’clock orders received to attack again at 9 p.m. 8.20 p.m. orders received cancelling attack. 9 p.m. orders received to prepare for relief by 2/7 Worcesters. Relief completed 2 a.m. Total casualties 13 officers 165 other ranks.

James was reported missing on 19 July. Enquires were made with the Red Cross. Because no conclusion had been reached about his fate before March 1917 he was, technically, renumbered as 267217 but he would never have actually used that number himself.