BOXLEY, James

James Boxley was born in Lye and originally served in the West Riding Regiment. He transferred to the newly formed Machine Gun Corps and went to the 88th Company which fought with the 29th Division from 1916. After returning from Gallipoli this Division was engaged on the Somme for three tours of duty. In the Spring of 1917 they moved into the Arras sector and led a major advance towards the Hindenburg Line. They attacked Monchy-le-Preux on its notable hill on the 14th April and again on the 23rd April. The German defence was very effective for both attacks and losses were high. Private James Boxley was killed in action on the 23rd April and is commemorated on the Arras, Lye and Wollescote and Lye church Memorials.