RUTTER, James Henry

James Rutter lived at Maythorns, South Street, Brierley Hill and worked as a fitter in the Earl of Dudley’s Round Oak works. He was a devoted member of the Delph Church, and for many years demonstrated the keenest interest in all matters affecting the religious and social side of the work there. He was a member of Mr Fred James’ Bible class. He was also an accomplished musician, playing the euphonium in the Town Band, as well as cello and clarinet. He volunteered in 1914 for the South Staffords and went to the 8th (Service) Battalion in the 17th Division. They went to the Western Front in July 1915 and their first major battle was on the Somme in 1916. They were in the second wave of the attack of the first day of the Battle and were responsible for taking Fricourt and Mametz Wood. In 1917 they were at Arras for the later stages of the Battle in April and suffered heavy casualties in an attack when the artillery had failed to cut the enemy wire. They returned to the line in late May at nearby Gavrelle but shelling was severe and Private James Rutter was one of those killed in action on the 28th May. He is buried in Bailleul Road East Cemetery, St Laurent-Blangy (V A 3) and commemorated on the Brierley Hill and Brierley Hill church Memorials and the Delph District Roll of Honour.