James's Story.
James Collis was born in late 1880 in Birkenhead to parents Edward, a sawyer, and Mary Collis (nee Williams). A year later, on 18th October 1881, James was baptised at St. James’ Church. Their address at the time was 12K Dock Cottages (Queens Buildings), Birkenhead.
In 1901 he was a boarder in the household of James McShane of 280, Borough Road, Birkenhead. James Collis’ occupation is recorded as a horsekeeper’s groom.
On the 14th March 1909 he married Alice Fawcett at St. Peter’s Church. By 1911 they were living at 15, Edgar Street, Birkenhead. The census below shows the family on the 1911 census, with their 3 month old daughter Alice. Later, James and Alice had two more children, William in 1913 and Lilian in 1915.
With the First World War into its second year James enlisted in the Lancashire Fusiliers, initially with the 5th battalion before transferring to the 2/8th battalion. By the beginning of 1918, James, with his unit, was initially based in the Belgian sector of the Western Front before moving to France at the front line near the town of Hargicourt, north of Saint Quentin.
Divisional map of the Hargicourt area
The divisional war diaries for March 1918 suggest that the Brigade were aware of an impending German attack, however, not its scale and speed. On the 21st March the German Army launched their Spring Offensive. This was the start of the last major attack by the German Army in the First World War in an attempt to break the stalemate of trench warfare. For more information on German Offensive click here
The morning of the 21st started with a heavy enemy bombardment, which also included the use of gas. Following that, the German troops launched their attack overwhelming the British lines.
James was initially reported as missing in action as it was difficult, in the absence of a body, to establish whether he had been killed, or taken as a prisoner of war. It wasn’t until July 1919 that it was declared that James Collis, aged 37, was presumed killed in action. His family were anxious to hear of any news of what had happened to him as reported in the following article from the local newspaper -
Birkenhead News 19th July 1919
In recognition of his war service James was awarded the British and Victory medals.
Private James Collis is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial France and is remembered on the Birkenhead War Memorial.
In 1921 his widow Alice and their three children were still living at 15 Edgar Street, Birkenhead.
The Cheshire Roll of Honour would like to thank James Collis' great granddaughter for his portrait.
Research and newspaper article by Chris Booth