Newark Herald, 5 August 1916 (photograph}:
‘Another Newark Hero Killed. Private James Harper'
'The name of this splendid young Newarker has to be inscribed on our local roll of Honour, for, at the early age of 24 years, he has given his life in the National cause – for King and Country. He is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs James Harper of 85 Sleaford-road, and though he is not really one of Newark’s born sons,he can be claimed as a resident, from the fact that he has lived in the town for considerably more than half his life. Young Harper was a native of Hull, and came with his parents to Newark some fifteen years ago, when he was only nine. He attend Lovers’ Lane Council School, and was a member as well as one of St Leonard’s choir. At the age of 14 he entered the employment of the late Mr Robt. Hodginson, at Northgate house, working in the house and in the stables. His inert abilities were recognised, and the family were advised to give him a wider opportunity of usefulness, so that, with this view, he went to the works of Messrs. Ransome and Co., and was there at the outbreak of the war.
'He joined the 3rd Leicesters in September, going with one of his shop companions. After being at a camp outside Leicester for a few weeks, he was removed with others to Aldershot for training, and afterwards to Salisbury Plain. He was home on a few occasions, the last time being in June, a year ago, shortly after which he sailed for France, and had, therefore, been out for over 12 months. He wrote regularly, always in a most cheerful strain, never uttering a single murmer, and recently he was buoyed up with the prospect of paying a visit to his parents. The last letter from him was received on June 21st, and in this he mentioned the sad death of Lieut. Barling [DOW 15 June 1916], and also that he had been to see the grave of Alfred Savage [KIA 22 September 1915] (another Newark lad) who was just behind the trenches, and had a nice cross upon it. He concluded by saying, ‘I am hoping to see you soon.’ After that there was a field card, which was delivered to his mother after the date on which he had been killed.
'The first his parents heard of this dire result was from a neighbour, who had been informed from another source. That was a week last Monday, and on the following Thursday a letter came into the town from Sergt.-Major R Mayfield, who stated, ‘I have just seen poor Jim Harper, dead on the battlefield.’ On Sunday morning last the official announcement was received from the War Office, confirming the already certain news. Mr Harper, the father, as well as two of the deceased’s brothers, are employed at Messrs Ransome and Co.’s works, and much sympathy is felt for the family in their sad and heavy bereavement.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Newark Herald, ‘Roll of Honour’, 5 August 1916: ‘Harper. Killed in action, Pte. James Harper, 3rd Leicester Regiment, eldest son of Mr and Mrs James Harper, 85, Sleaford-road, aged 24 years. He went to do his duty, He has done his best; From the battlefield He has gone to rest.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Report published 9th August 1916 in the Newark Advertiser:- 'Son of James & Edith Jean Harper, 85 Sleaford Road, Newark. A native of Hull, he came with his parents to Newark 15 years ago (when aged nine). Attended Lovers’ Lane Council School and a member of the Church Lads Brigade, also St. Leonard’s choir. At age 14, he began employment with the late Robert Hodginson at Northgate House, working in the house and stables. Then for Ransome & Co. where his father and two brothers also worked. Enlisted in the 3rd Leicesters in Sept. 1914 and home for the last time in June 1915. Confirmation received in a letter from Sgt. Maj. R. Mayfield, “I have seen poor Jim Harper, dead upon the battlefield”.'
Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his father James was his sole legatee.