Pte James Thomas Ormerod - 2nd Bn, Border Regiment

[Paul Ormerod]

Remembering James Thomas Ormerod (Private 11028 - 2nd Bn, Border Regiment), who died on 18 December 1914 and has no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial (Panel 6), Belgium.

At the time of James' death 2nd Battalion, Border Regiment, was attached to 20th Brigade, 7th Division.

At 6.15 pm on 18 December 1914 "A" and "C" Companies of the Battalion attacked the German lines. The left of the advance was on the road running southeast of La Cordonnière Farm, and the right on the Sailly-Fromelles road. There were heavy casualties from German fire and from their own barrage. The enemy trenches were reached but the British forced to retire. Survivors were collected by Captain Warren, who, with two platoons of "B" Company resumed the attack. This was checked by un-cut wire and they were again forced to withdraw.

Captain Askew was killed in enemy's line, and his cap returned by the Germans with note informing the battalion that they had buried the body and put up a cross to the memory of - "a very brave British officer." Captain Lamb was fatally wounded, and other casualties included Lieutenant Kennedy and Second-Lieutenant N. Castle wounded.

110 other ranks were recorded as killed, wounded or missing, and "A" and "C" Companies retired to Sailly.

Lance-Corporal Brewer and Private Clare were awarded Distinguished Conduct Medals for bringing Captain Lamb in under heavy fire during this action.

The Soldiers Died in the Great War Database records that James was born in Shaw, Oldham, and enlisted in the Army in Oldham.

Edited 29 August , 2015 by Paul Ormerod