Littleborough soldiers who fell during December 1916

Private James Law

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Two local soldiers fell during December 1916, one from injuries received during the last days of the Somme and the other in Iraq.

Private James Law 

James was born in Littleborough in 1890 and at the time of the 1891 census he was living with his family at Forest Lodge, Calderbrook.

By 1911 he was still living there with his brother Reuben and his married sister and their family.

Prior to enlisting in Bury on 11 August 1914, he was employed as a carter by Messrs Haigh & Son, Summit.

On Friday 12 January 1917 it was officially confirmed that Private 3517 James Law, 6th Bn South Lancashire Regiment had been killed in action on Friday 22 December 1916.

His name is inscribed on Panel 23, Basra Memorial, Iraq and also on Littleborough Cenotaph, St James’ (Calderbrook) Church, Roll of Honour and War Memorial.

His brother Reuban Law was killed earlier on in the war during September 1915.

Private William Edward Kirkland

William was born in Littleborough in 1888 and having in Wardleworth he had returned to Littleborough where in 1901 he was living with his grandfather, William at 17 North Street, Littleborough and was employed as a stationary electrical engineer.

By 1911 he was living with his family at 4 Rooley Moor Road, Rochdale and was a mill stoker.

Prior to enlisting in Rochdale in August 1915 he was a fireman at the Roy Mills, Royton living at 4 Meanwood Brow, Rochdale.

Private Kirkland went to France in March 1916 and fought during the latter stages of the Somme at Gueudecourt where he was severely injured.

On 2 December 1916, 29-year-old Private 23266 William Edward Kirkland, 10th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers died in a hospital in Glasgow from wounds he had received.

His body was interred with full military honours on Thursday 7 December 1916 in the Rochdale Cemetery.

A firing party attended from the Lancashire Fusiliers depot, Bury, and four soldiers acted as bearers.

Volleys were fired over the grave and the 'Last Post' was sounded.

The funeral service was conducted by the Rev A Broadbent, curate at St Clement’s Church which Private Kirkland used to attend.