James Mortimer

James and the Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 11/05/1915 and were part of the 27th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division. James Died of Wounds 13 days after receiving them actions in the Spring and Summer from 15th June - 9th August 1915 at Givenchy, Bellewaarde and Hooge : Localised operations seeking tactical advantage. After the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, the French high command came to believe that the British could undertake an offensive action, not just fight a dogged defence. The prestige of the British in that operation, which was judged by all to have been a success even though it fell far short of the strategic goal of breaking through to Lille, rose considerably. It led to increased French pressure for the British army, still small and woefully under-gunned, to play an increasing part in offensive warfare. The Battles of Aubers and Festubert in May 1915 came as a result of this pressure, with woeful results. The army continued to suffer from a shortage of material, notably heavy artillery and machine guns (although Lewis guns were officially issued from the 14th July onward). Sir John French issued general orders to First Army to the effect that operations be limited to "small aggressive threats which will not require much ammunition or many troops". Three New Army Divisions arrived during May : the 9th (Scottish), the 12th (Eastern) and the 14th (Light). Thirteen more were to arrive during the months July to September, including the 2nd Canadian Division. James is listed on the Bainsford War Memorial, Falkirk which was unveiled on the 10/06/2022. He was working and living with his sister in Falkirk when he enlisted (see photos x 6). A huge thank you to the Bainsford War Memorial Association. James is also remembered on the East United Free Church and Maxwell Parish Churches Rolls of Honour (see photos) and in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour. See photos for James' Medal Index Card, Newspaper clippings (includes another photo of James), his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, St Sever Cemetery and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Cap Badge. James' grave inscription reads "DEARLY LOVED AND SADLY MISSED".