James's Story.
Sergeant J. Banner
Sergeant J. Banner, whose home is at 15 Bold Street, Runcorn, has met a soldier’s death in action. A letter received from the officer of his company said he was killed instantly by an explosion of a shell which fell a foot from him and was buried very nearby in a military cemetery. The officer adds.
“I think he was as cool a man as ever enlisted in the army. Under the heaviest fire he remained cool and collected. I am proud to have had him as a Sergeant. I hope your sorrow at his loss will be mixed with pride in the knowledge that he died gallantly as a soldier."
Sergeant Banner who was 24 years of age join the army two years ago and had been on active service for a year. Five months ago, he was wounded in the back, arm and ankle, but made a good recovery. He was in the first big push and has seen much fighting. He has a brother Alec serving in the machine gun corps in France, and his two brothers, Leonard and Will, are in training. He was associated with Trinity Church Sunday school and choir. He took a great interest in the doings of the Runcorn Harriers of which he was a member. Prior to enlisting he had been employed by Mr. James Hoffland.
Runcorn Guardian, Friday, September 8, 1916.
James enlisted September 4, 1914, and went to France 25 September 1915.
The news article indicates that James was a Sergeant, and there does seem to be some confusion to his rank at the time of his death. His surviving service papers show that he was promoted to a Lance Sergeant August 31, 1915, however it then shows he reverted to a Corporal at his own request just a few days later, September 2, 1915.
In February 1917 his father, James wrote to Infantry Records office stating that James appeared to be promoted to Sergeant 3 July 1916, though his papers did not change and he is listed as serving as a Corporal at the time of death.
The statement shows that his brothers who did serve did return home after the war.
James is buried at Blighty Valley Cemetery.
James enlisted September 4, 1914, and went to France 25 September 1915.
The news article indicates that James was a Sergeant, and there does seem to be some confusion to his rank at the time of his death. His surviving service papers show that he was promoted to a Lance Sergeant August 31, 1915, however it then shows he reverted to a Corporal at his own request just a few days later, September 2, 1915.
In February 1917 his father, James wrote to Infantry Records office stating that James appeared to be promoted to Sergeant 3 July 1916, though his papers did not change and he is listed as serving as a Corporal at the time of death.
The statement shows that his brothers who did serve did return home after the war.
James is buried at Blighty Valley Cemetery.