POSTINGS, James Edward MM

Edward Postings lived in Stourbridge and enlisted in the Leicestershire Regiment. He was posted to the 6th (Service) Battalion in the 21st Division. In 1917 they had a very active period of front line service, fighting in the April Arras offensive and again in the long Third Battle of Ypres. They ended the year being involved in the Battle of Cambrai. It was probably during this year that James Edward Postings' bravery was rewarded with the Military Medal. In March 1918 the Leicesters were near St. Quentin in the second line of British defence at Epehy. The first great Spring offensive of the German forces was launched on the 21st and they were quickly involved. The overwhelming artillery barrage was followed by a steady German advance in great numbers. The British troops had no alternative but to fall back after making brave attempts at resistance. Large numbers of casualties were taken on that day and among those killed in action was Private Edward Postings. He is commemorated on the Pozičres, Stourbridge, St. Thomas's church, Methodist church and Greenfields school Memorials.