L/Cpl 15507 James William Bright

James William Bright was born on the 27th December 1878 in Liverpool, the only son of Dublin born James Joseph Bright and his St. Helens born wife, Bridget Eliza (nee Coyle) who were married on the 25th June 1871 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Toxteth. James was of 96 Park Street, His father Michael, whilst Bridget gave the same address, and her mother as Florence. James was baptised on the 05th January 1879 at Sacred Heart Church, Low Hill. 

 

On the 1881 Census the family are living at 48 Tillotson Street, off Crown Street. His father, James, is aged 40, and a carpet planner born in Ireland, his mother Bridget is aged 35 born St Helens. They have five children in the husehold, all were born in Liverpool: Cicely 7, Mary 5, Agnes 4, James Wm 2, and Elizabeth 2 months. 

 

On the 1891 Census the family have moved to 46 Warburton Street, off Mount Vernon Street. His father, James, is aged 50, and still a carpet planner born Dublin, mother Elizabeth is aged 40, an upholsteress born St Helens. They now have six children in the household: Cicely 17 is a confectioner, Mary Elizabeth 15 is a dressmaker, and scholars Agnes 14, James 12, Elizabeth 10, Catherine 8. 

 

His father died, aged 54, in the December quarter  of 1897. 

 

On the 1901 Census the family have moved to 36 Tillotson Street, off Crown Street. James' widowed mother, Elizabeth, is aged 50,  Agnes is aged 23 a dressmaker, James is aged 23 a shipping clerk, Elizabeth 20 an upholsteress, Catherine 18 a dressmaker, and another daughter Ellen aged 5. 

 

His mother died aged 50 in the December quarter of 1902 and was buried on the 14th December 1902 at Yew Tree Cemetery, West Derby, her address at the time was 154 Jubilee Drive. 

 

On the 1911 Census James is lodging on his own at 106 Leopold Road, Kensington where he is a 32 year old clerk. His 4 sisters are on a separate census form at the same address, Agnes(Fletcher) is now married with 4 children. 

 

James enlisted at St George's Hall, Liverpool on the 31st August 1914 as Private No.15507 in the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment [1st Liverpool Pals]. Unfortunately his service records have not survived. 

 
He was billeted at Prescot Watch Factory from 14th September 1914, he trained there and also at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 17th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain.  
 
James crossed to France with his Battalion on 16th November 1915 (from MIC).  

 

James was reported wounded in the Liverpool Daily Post on 06th June 1916:

 

 

17th KLR Battalion War Diary:- 

 

 

The injury was most probably in the chest area, and it turned out to be very serious as he was discharged from the 3rd Battn. King’s Liverpool on 28th June 1917 with the Silver War Badge and a pension. He then appears on the Electoral Roll at 52 Jubilee Drive, Kensington with his married sister Agnes Fletcher. He was soon after engaged to be married to May. 

 

James received all three medals, he also has a pension record in the name of his youngest sister Ellen. 

 

He sadly died unexpectedly at home on the 01st Oct 1920, he was in actual fact aged 41. 

 

His death was reported in the Liverpool Evening Express on 05th October 1920: 

 

BRIGHT - Oct 1, suddenly at the residence of his sister, 52 Jubilee Drive, aged 38 years, James W. (Old Xaverians), only son of the late James and Elizabeth Bright (R.I.P.) (Deeply regretted by his sisters, and fiancee May.) Interment at Yew Tree tomorrow (Wednesday) at 3 p.m. 

 

The death certificate records the cause as Endocarditis and Congestion on the lungs; the Endocarditis being entirely due to his Army Service. 

 

[Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, including the valves, caused by bacteria in the blood and sometimes linked to trench fever or dysentery] 

 

His grave at Yew Tree Cemetery is at present unmarked (ref: 4B46) but should be marked by a CWGC headstone in the near future. 

 

With the reference to “Old Xaverians” his name is not on the Roll of Honour at St Francis Xaviers College, Woolton. He may have just represented their football and athletic teams but enquiries will be being made. 

 

Grateful thanks are extended to Paul Charlesworth for permission to use the photograph of James' resting place. 

 

We currently have no further information on James William Bright, if you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.