James's Story.
Birkenhead News 24 April 1918DIED OF WOUNDS.
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McNelis, of 172, Brook Street, late of the Axim House, Cleveland Street, have received official intimation that their son Pte. J. McNelis died of wounds in France on April 12th. He joined the South Wales Borderers (the Pioneers) about two years ago, and had been in France a year and eight months. He was home on leave in February last, having only returned ten weeks ago. In a letter Mrs. McNelis received from his chaplain it says :- “Your son was brought into this hospital on the 11th April, and died the following morning. He did not seem to be suffering “greatly. He was buried behind the lines. I sympathise with you in the loss of a good son.
Prior to joining the army Pte. McNelis was in business for himself and was formerly educated at Our Lady’s School. Mrs. McNelis has two sons serving in France, and one wounded in the Borough Hospital.
Although above extract from the newspaper article states James’ date of death as 12th April 1918 his actual date of death is 11th April as recorded on the Commonwealth War Graves database.
James' grave in Lijssenthoek Cemetery, Belgium
Photo by Chris