James's Story.
Birkenhead News 05 August 1916“As Brave as a Lion.”
WELL-KNOWN NEW FERRY SOLDIER KILLED.
The sad news has been conveyed to Mrs. Eaton, of 4, Ingleby Road, New Ferry, that her husband, Sergeant James Eaton, of the Cheshire Regiment has been killed in action during the great advance. Sergt. Eaton joined the Army at the outbreak of hostilities as a private and was immediately raised to the rank of Sergeant, being a very fine specimen of a man, standing 6ft. 1in., and 31 years of age. He was one of the most popular N.C.O.’s in the regiment. Previous to enlisting he was employed at Messrs. Lever Bros. in the building department as a joiner for some six years. He was a very popular figure in the South End, having been a member of the well-known entertainers, Lea, Francis and Clyno, singers and dancers.
The following are a few extracts from a letter received by the widow from the late Sergeant’s bosom pal, Sergt. W. Dodd :- “It is with a very sad heart that I write these few lines concerning the death of my one and only pal, your husband. The only consolation I can offer you is the fact that Jim died as a hero, and our officer said, before he knew Jim was killed, that he was worthy of a distinction. He was buried in a nice and respectful manner, and we stood in the trench and carved a little cross for his grave. I cannot realise that he has gone, for I was only speaking and laughing with him three minutes before he died. We went over the top last Sunday morning at 1 a.m., and Jim was acting as an officer. He brought the third line of boys over, all of whom testify to his bravery. Their words were that he was ‘brave as a lion.’”