3/5361 Private
2nd Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 19th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Division
Age: 40
Date of Death: 21.10.14
Buried: (Royal) Berkshire Corner Cemetery Extension Panel 9
Family history: Son of the late Henry and Elizabeth Horn who lived in Church Street, Laurieston. James lived at 66 Main Street, Bainsford. He was unmarried and was employed as a moulder in the Etna Iron Foundry. James joined the Militia, 3rd Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, in 1903. He re-enlisted in 1907 for a period of six years as a Special Reservist. He signed on again in 1913.
The action leading to his death
The 19th Infantry Brigade was engaged in heavy fighting with advancing German troops around Le Maisnil which lay to the south of the Salient around Fromelles. During the fighting the Battalion had 5 Officers and 200 Other Ranks killed, wounded and missing. Roberts body was subsequently lost and he listed as one of the missing.
He would have known Private John Davidson (alias Patrick Brennan) who served in the same battalion and was killed in the same action. He is also listed on the Memorial. https://www.theypressalient.com/post/patrick-brennan-alias-john-davidson
Medals Awarded:
1914 Star and Clasp, The British War Medal, Victory Medal.
