James William Ball

He was born in 1887 the son of James William and Fanny Ball of 14 Duke Street, Old Radford, Nottingham (CWGC). James married Fanny Start Mellors in Nottingham in 1906 (Oct/Nov/Dec); they had three children. In 1911 James (24) and Fanny (23) were living at 81 Kennington Road, Radford, with their two young children, Lily (2) and William (1). Three years later in May 1914 when James attested in the Territorial Force they were living at 5 Ledgers Yard, off Ilkeston Road, Nottingham. They had recently moved from that address when James was killed in July 1917 and Fanny was living on High Street, Old Basford, when James' personal property was returned to her in November 1917. She later lived at 14 Duke Street, Old Basford; her address when she requested James' medals in 1921.

In 1911 he was a labourer in an iron foundry but by 1914 when he attested in the Territorial Forces he was a collier at Radford Colliery. He joined the Territorial Force (Sherwood Foresters) in May 1914.

5 Ledger's Yard, Ilkeston Road, Nottingham

James attested in the Territorial Forces on 18 May 1914 and mobilized on the outbreak of war. His service record shows the periods he served at home and in France: Home 18 May 1914-27 February 1915 (286 days), France 28 February 1915-26 March 1916 (1 year 27 days), Home 27 March 1916-17 November 1916 (236 days), France 18 November 1916-10 July 1917 (235 days). He served a total of 3 years 54 days. He was selected for the Brigade Mining Section on 18 May 1915 (part 2 Orders 29 May 1915). His period of home service in 1916 followed hospital treatment for a gun shot wound to his scalp. He was treated in the field and then in hospital at Rouen before being evacuated to England; he was in hospital from 27 March until 15 April 1916 (England from 24 March). He was posted to the 1/8 Bn Sherwood Foresters from 25 April 1916 while he was serving at home, returning to the 7th Bn Sherwood Foresters on 2 December 1916 after his return to the Western Front. James was appointed unpaid lance corporal on 1 February 1916 reverting to the rank of private on 18 November 1916, but was then appointed paid lance corporal the following year on 11 June 1917. He received a shell wound to the chest on 25 June 1917 and was treated in 9 Red Cross Hospital, Calais, where he died of his wounds on 10 July. He is buried in Calais Southern Cemetery (grave ref. Plot G. Row 5. Grave 15). James qualified for the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 16 July 1917: ‘Ball. Died July 10th of wounds received in action, Lance-Corpl. JW Ball, SF, late 5, Ledger’s-yard, Radford. A bitter blow, a shock severe, to part with one we loved so dear, his heart was good, his spirit brave, his resting place a soldier’s grave. Sorrowing wife and children.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 16 July 1917: ‘Ball. Died July 10th of wounds received in action, Lance-Corpl. JW Ball, SF. He did his duty. Ethel and Will (in Egypt).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 16 July 1917: ‘Ball. Died of wounds received in action, Lance-Corpl. JW Ball, SF. Duty nobly done. They miss him most who loved him best. From Marie, Will, Ada, Dan (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 17 July 1917: ‘Ball. Died of wounds, July 10th, Lance-Corpl. JW Ball, Sherwood Foresters, of 5 Ledger’s-yard, Ilkeston-road. We never knew what pain he had, we never saw him die, we only know he passed awary, without a last goodbye. Sorrowing brothers and sister.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) His personal property comprising a lavender sachet, testament and hymn book, were returned to his widow in 1917. His widow was his sole legatee. Fanny was awarded a pension of 26/3d for herself and three children with effect from 21 January 1918.