James Alfred Ward

A Gunner with 326th Siege Battery, James died on 31st of October 1917 at the age of 19. 

James was born at Kirkley on 28 April 1898, a son of James and Bessie Ward (note her first initial is also given as A). In 1901 his family lived at 2 Morton Road, Kirkley, and by 1911 they were living at 57 Morton Road. By 1916 they were living at 30 Clemence Street and later they lived at 98 Norwich Road, Lowestoft.

James attended Morton Road County Council School and subsequently worked at the Conservative Club, Lowestoft. 

James enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft on 18 May 1916. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 135027. James went to France on 20 September 1917 and served with 326 Siege Battery.

No war diary exists for 326 Siege Battery, hence details of exactly what happened to James are not known, other than that he was killed in action at Zillebeke Lake, near Ypres, and was buried near Sorrell. Subsequently James’ grave was lost and so he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.