WEBBER, James G

James Webber lived at 11 Union Street, Stourbridge, with his parents, James and Alice. He enlisted in the KRRC and went to the 2nd Battalion in the 2nd Division. This battalion was heavily involved in the 1916 Battle of the Somme. In late July they fought in the long struggle for Delville Wood. In August they had advanced little but helped to attack near Guillemont where the German reserves again prevented any breakthrough. In September they moved to the northern flank of the Somme at Serre. The front was quiet until November when it was decided to make a final attempt for the year. A major attack went in at 5.45 a.m. on the 13th November. It was a foggy morning and all went well until the second German line was reached. The enemy defence held out and their machine gunners drove the KRRs back. Losses were high and included Rifleman James Webber who was killed in action. He was 21 years of age and is buried in Redan Ridge No. 2 Cemetery (C 62) and commemorated on the Stourbridge and St. Thomas's church Memorials.