SIDAWAY, James

James Sidaway attended Hallesoen C of E school and lived with his wife, Elizabeth, at 358 Lower Hasbury. He was probably recalled in August 1914 from the Reserve to join the 3rd Battalion of the Worcesters. This battalion fought at Mons and on the Aisne in 1914 and in the Ploegsteert sector in 1915. In March 1916 they moved to Vimy ridge and then began a contest among the craters and pits of this much tunnelled area. A German attack on the 21st May won some British trenches. In retaliation the Worcesters attacked on the 23rd and regained the position. Such actions could be costly and Private James Sidaway was among those killed in action. He was 33 years of age and is buried in Ecoivres Military Cemetery at Mont St. Eloi (II B 1). He is commemorated on the Halesowen and Halesowen C of E school Memorials.