Pte 51893 James Arnold

• Age: 38
• From: Burscough
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th Btn
• K.I.A Monday 27th November 1916
• Commemorated at: Berles-au-bois C Y Ext
  Panel Ref: H.1

James Arnold was born in 1878 and was baptised at St John the Baptist Church, Burscough on 27th April 1879. He was the son of Thomas Arnold and his wife Mary Ann (nee Smith) who were married 14th October 1871 at St John the Baptist, Burscough. He had 2 brothers, John and William who died young and 4 sisters Elizabeth, Ann, Mary Ellen and Alice. 

The 1881 Census shows the family living at Farm House, Burscough, Ormskirk, Lancashire. His father, Thomas, is aged 31, born in Burscough in 1850 is a farm labourer, his mother Mary Ann is aged 32 ,born 1849 in Burscough is shown as a farm labourer’s wife. At the time of the Census they have three children, John aged 8, born 1873 and William aged 4, born 1877 are both scholars and James aged 2.

The 1891 Census shows the family living at Burscough Town, Ormskirk. His father Thomas, is aged 40 and is a farm labourer, his mother Mary Ann is aged 42, with no occupation listed. At the time of the Census they have six children, John aged 18, is a farm labourer, James aged 12, Elizabath aged 9, born 1882, Ann aged 7, born 1884 and Mary Ellen aged 5, born 1886 are all scholars and Alice aged 1 was born in 1900.

The 1901 Census shows the family living at Turnpike Road, Burscough, Ormskirk. His father, Thomas aged 50 is a general farm labourer and his mother Mary Ann is aged 48, with no occupation listed. At the time of the Census they have four children living with them, James aged 21, is a farm labourer, Elizabeth aged 19, Annie aged 17 have no occupation listed and Alice is aged 11.

The 1911 Census shows the family living at Burscough Town, Ormskirk. His father, Thomas, is aged 60 and is a carter and his mother Mary Ann is aged 62, with no occupation listed. They have been married for thirty nine years and have had nine children of which two had died. At the time of the Census they have two children living with them, James aged 33, is a farm labourer and Annie aged 28 has no occupation listed. 

James enlisted at Seaforth and was serving in the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 51893 when he was killed in action on 27th November 1916 aged 38. 

He now rests at Berles-au-Bois Churchyard Ext, France.

The village remained in British hands from the summer of 1915, when it was taken over from French troops, until the end of the War. It suffered at times from severe shelling, which caused the destruction of the original church. However, its replacement was erected 400 metres distant from the original site, leaving the churchyard seperated from the church. The village was 'adopted' after the war by the County of Wolverhampton. Berles-au-Bois Churchyard Extension was begun by French troops, whose graves are in the South corner. It was continued by the 46th North Midland and other Divisions from September 1915, until January 1917, when it was closed. There are now 144 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-18 war, 2 of which are unidentified in this site. Of these, one grave destroyed by shell fire, is represented by a special memorial. The British burials were in many instances made in groups by Brigades. There are also 44 French and 1 German burials of the 1914-1918 war and 8 German burials of the 1939-1945 war here. The Extension covers an area of 1,066 square metres and is enclosed by brick walls.

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 07th December 1916:

ORMSKIRK DISTRICT

Private James Arnold, son of Mr Arnold of Burscough Town, attached to the K.L.R., has been killed in action in France. He was formerly a farm labourer.

Also in the Ormskirk Advertiser on the same day, 07th December 1916:

ARNOLD - Killed in action in France, Pte James Arnold, aged 37 years, son of Thomas and Mary Arnold of Burscough Town. - He was attached to the King's Liverpool Regiment. 

He was reported killed in Liverpool Daily Post 27th December 1916.

St John the Baptist Parish Magazine cited James Arnold was killed recently in France, attached to the Pals Battalion of the Liverpool Regiment, we have now lost 10 of our boys of the 209 serving. Youngest of four sons with four younger sisters.

Soldiers Effects to father Thomas, Pension 9/- increased to 12/6 to Mrs Arnold, 132a Liverpool Rd, Burscough.

James is commemorated at the following Memorials:

Ormskirk War Memorial, 

St John the Baptist Church

Lathom & Burscough Cross.

We currently have no further information on James Arnold, If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.