HOLLIES, James

James Hollies was the son of Oliver and Fanny Hollies of 92 Maltmill Lane, Blackheath. He enlisted in the Hampshire Regiment and was sent to the 1st Battalion. At the start of 1918 the German Spring offensive was anticipated and the assault opened on the 21st March with the Battle of St. Quentin and retreat over past battlefields. The Battle of Arras was a brave attempt to hold the line but the British forces were seriously outnumbered. Losses were huge and among them was Private James Hollies. He was 19 years of age and was killed in action on the 28th March 1918. He is commemorated on the Arras, Blackheath and Halesowen Memorials.