James Henry Chadwick

Early Life

James was the son of Hiram and Alice Chadwick of Upper Edge, Elland, Halifax, Yorkshire. James studied at Cambridge University where he gained a Batchelor of Arts degree followed by post-graduate studies in London which earned him a Master of Arts degree. Later, James took up a post as H.M. Inspector of Schools. James never married.

Service Life

Lieutenant Colonel James Henry Chadwick began his military service as a Private in the Royal Fusiliers. In November 1914, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Manchester Regiment.

The following year, he was promoted to Captain and by November 1916 had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, commanding the 24th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. For his service in the army, which included going overseas to France in 1915, James was awarded the Allied Victory Medal, British War Medal and 1914-1915 Star.

In addition, James was mentioned in despatches (MiD) (London Gazette: 25 May 1917) and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Order for ‘Distinguished service in the Field’, (London Gazette: 4 June 1917). James’ medals can be seen in the Museum of the Manchester Regiment.

We Shall Remember Him

James was killed in action on 4 May 1917, aged 36. He was directing operations at Ecoust, near Bullecourt, when he and his runner, Lance Corporal Archer MM, were killed instantly by a shell explosion nearby.

James is buried in Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, Mory, France (Grave/Memorial Reference – I.C.10). His Next of Kin Memorial Plaque is on display at the Museum of the Manchester Regiment in the Ladysmith Gallery memorial cabinet drawer 2.