James's Story.
Birkenhead News 03 November 1915Irish Guardsman Killed.
RECOMMENDED FOR D.C.M.
Notification that her husband, Private James Reilly, of the Irish Guards, has been killed in action has been received by Mrs. Reilly, of 2, Wood Street, Birkenhead. Private Reilly was called up on the outbreak of hostilities, and was despatched with his regiment with the first detachment of the British Expeditionary Force to France in August, 1914.
At the commencement of the war he took part in very severe fighting, and was wounded in the Battle of Mons. He was invalided home, and when visited by a “News” reporter gave a lengthy and thrilling account of the early fighting in France. He again left for the front in January of this year, and on rejoining his regiment was appointed as a stretcher bearer. In a letter dated May 23rd he stated that he had been recommended by the C.O. for the D.C.M. for gallantry in the field. Private Reilly was killed on October 8th, a rather sad coincidence being that on the following day he would have attained his 35th birthday.
Prior to rejoining he was employed by the China Company, and also at Messrs. Clover-Clayton’s some time previously, and was held in high esteem by his fellow workmen.
He leaves a widow and two young children to mourn his loss.