Durham Light Infantry Casualty

[Playsatan]

10480 Pte. J. Willis, 2nd Bn., Durham Light Infantry

James Willis from Gateshead, died 'home' 4th August 1917, buried Gateshead Fell (St. John) Churchyard.

I own his 1914-1915 star

ok, i got some questions.

does died (home) mean that he was wounded, then got shipped back to britain, and died from the wounds at home?

I'm looking to research this soldier, but was wondering if anyone was able to find anything out?

Has anyone got a timeline of actions taken by the Durham Light Infantry throughout the war..

i'm a noob, i know.

[Coldstreamer]

welcome to the forum

died at home could mean this - he could have also been run over by a bus

local paper report might say how and why he died

[SMG65]

Pte J WILLIS actual number was 3/10480.

He was born at Sherriff Hill, Durham, enlisted at Felling, was the son of George Willis and the husband of Amelia Willis, residing at 10 Dean Street, Low Fell.

He was aged 41 years.

I would assume that he was originally 3rd Bn DLI which was a Reserve Battalion and therefore a pre war soldier.

3rd Battalion mobilised at the beginning of August 1914 and consisted of 400 reservists surplus to 2 DLI requirements and special reservists.

Pte Willis may have been drafted to 2 DLI and served in France/Belgium where they were involved in heavy fighting in 1914/15. He has then come home either wounded or for other reasons (illness, unfit, etc). In October 1914 3 DLI was over strength with a 'collection of old soldiers, reservists, recruits and wounded convalescents from the 2nd battalion'.

Pte Willis may have been utilised as an instructor or may have never been fit enough to return to 2 DLI.

If he had died of wounds it should have said that. Died at home tends to mean accident or illness (3 DLI had 64 deaths during the war and never left the UK).

If he was a pre war soldier then his records should be easy to trace.

I recommend going to the website 'The Long Long Trail' for information on researching.

It would also be worth downloading his medal card from the National Archives, you should get the date he left for France.

David Thompson may also read this post and he may be able to furnish you with more details.

Sean

[Playsatan]

^^legend.

thanks for finding some info mate.

i'll have a look on his medal cards, because i have already downlaoded them

[David T]

Has anyone got a timeline of actions taken by the Durham Light Infantry throughout the war..

Timelines for the two regular army battalions were compiled by Durham Record Office, some time ago. I imagine they'll be available online (www.record.office@durham.gov.uk) but, if not, the staff there should be able to copy that for 2/DLI for modest cost if you're unable to get to the DRO yourself. To the best of my knowledge, timelines have not been produced for other battalions raised during the First World War but I might be able to provide some information if you're looking at a particular battalion.

David T.