Pte 539 James Edward Duckworth

[Tim Bell]

Pte 539 James Edward Duckworth
Pte Duckworth’s number indicates he was a Pre-War Territorial with a number of years service. Soldiers Effects indicates service in 6th Bttn. James had previously served in the 3rd Militia Bttn of the LNL, 1654 from 1889.  He served in the Boer War from 1899. He had been a Labourer in an Iron Works.
James died at 12 Plantation Hill Sq, Accrington from Bronchitis & Cardiac Muscle Failure contracted on Active Service on 10/2/1915, aged 45. Reg Haslingden Q1 1915 8e/215.  There is no record that James had been discharged and he was probably still serving; possibly working on munitions attached to a Supernumerary Company in Accrington.
Widow Elizabeth received a Pension until her death on 9/10/1916. 7 Oxford St, Accroington, later 29 Spring St, Rochdale. Soldiers Effects refers to 2 daughters Ruth and Lily. James had been a Labourer in an Iron Works and it is not clear if he had been discharged.
James is commemorated on the Ashton Civic War Memorial.
DC needed to confirm James was still serving as no indication that cause of death was related to service otherwise.
DC confirms cause of death, but not continuing service.

[Tim Bell]

This case will not be progressed. We have no evidence James was still serving and the occupation as "Labourer at Iron Works" with no reference to Army service.  Equally we have no evidence that his cause of death was attributable or aggravated.

[Tim Bell]

We had no proof that James Duckworth was still serving at the time of his death. His commemoration should now be accepted as he died from Bronchitis contracted on Active Service. Case on hold because we have no evidence Pte Duckworth had contracted Bronchitis in the period when he was embodied.

We need a burial record

[mack]

i have searched all over the area where james lived and i cant find a burial,i dont have access to accrington cemetrey records,its possible he may be buried there

mack

[Tim Bell]

Recent cases support a positive adjudication.
Burial in Accrington Cemetery 26218-34.  E442

[Tim Bell]

Case Rejected 25/04/2024