PLANT, James

James Plant was born in Dudley but was living in Brierley Hill at 120 Moor Street with his wife when he volunteered for the Worcesters. He joined the 10th (Service) Battalion in the 19th Division. They took part in the 1916 Battle of the Somme from the first day of the 1st July when they were at La Boisselle. They were in the front line on the 3rd and helped to capture La Boisselle with great courage. Notably, Private Turrall was awarded the Division’s first Victoria Cross. They suffered heavily in the attacks on High Wood and James Plant recuperated in a hospital at Norwich after being gassed. In 1917 they were involved in the Battles of Messines and then the Third Battle of Ypres. They fought in the first battle on the 31st July at Pilkem Ridge and were again in action in the late September battle of the Menin Road. Private James Plant was seriously wounded at one point and died of wounds on the 31st October. He is buried in Couin New British Cemetery (A 8) near Doullens and commemorated on the Brierley Hill and Brierley Hill church Memorials.