Chronicle-le-Street
CWGC Headstone
Copy of Armstrong Letters
In Memorium
Chester-le-Street Chronicle 30/08/1918
James Armstrong was born on the 29th September 1890 at St. Bede's Row, Birtley, son of William and Sarah (nee Charles). James was christened at St. John’s Parish Church on 26th October 1890. He was one of 12 surviving children from a family of 15 as sadly three died in infancy.
By 1911 the family had moved to 4, Laburnum Street, Newtown, Birtley and James was employed as a coal miner (hewer) by the Birtley Iron Company. He played football for local team the "Birtley Rovers".
Age 21, James married Catherine McDermott in December 1911 and the couple had 2 sons born in Birtley - William in February 1913 and James in December 1914. Their daughter Elizabeth was born in Barnsley in October 1917.
The 1/8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry was one of the Regiment’s Territorial Battalions, and James had enlisted for a four year term from 9th November 1909 to 8th November 1913.
He returned to the Battalion on 30th April 1914, and landed in France on the 20th April 1915. His brother William (known as Buff) enlisted with the R.G.A. and saw service in India, and brother John (Jack) joined the Yorkshire regiment. Brother-in-law Alex Henry was also to enlist.
James Armstrong was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in 1916. A German trench threatened the lines and it was decided it must be put out of action. He was one of the men placed in charge of this mission. Although successful, only two men from the twelve volunteers returned. He was presented with a gold watch and chain from the people of Birtley in recognition of his bravery. The DCM, second only to the Victoria Cross, was awarded to James following his actions in a raid on the 25th May 1918.
He carried out several daring patrols prior to a raid on enemy trenches, where he led the party forward and bombed the enemy. He personally captured a prisoner, who was later interrogated. These actions were carried out under heavy machine-gun fire and bombing, and an important identification was secured.
After the raid of May 25th, he had been sent down to the transport lines for a rest. The Battalion reached Baslieux, but as the enemy were approaching a move was made to Fismes, which was under shellfire as they passed through. James was killed on the 27th May 1918 by a shell, which exploded near the wagon he was riding in.
Lieut-Col. P. Kirkup, M.C., D.S.O. said of him that he was one of the bravest men he ever had the honour to command.
A letter written home by James to his brother-in-law Alex Henry (June 1915) tells of the troubles of the 1/8th Battalion and how they were "all cut up".
It also mentions the deaths of Tom Ross and John Dilkes (both killed on the same day 26/04/1915) and Mike Bussey (killed 24/05/1915).
Some time later he also wrote to the parents of Fred Alderson who was killed in the same incident as Martin Coyle (26/02/1916).
Also mentioned was the death of Pte. A. J. Robson, from Washington.
Sergeant Terence McManus (1/8th Battalion D.L.I., 300384) wrote to James’ parents after the death of his friend. The best pal I have ever had or could ever wish to have, I don’t think I need hardly mention poor Jim was well known here not only in the Battalion but in the whole area and a finer and more respected chap never donned a uniform and as fine as brave a lad as was ever born, a heart as big as a lion with a good word for everyone and a helping hand for anyone in need.
He wrote a letter to the parents of Pte. Fred Alderson following the death of their son.
A LUCKY SORT OF LAD (Chester-le-Street Chronicle 18/06/1915)
Private James Armstrong, 8th D.L.I., writing to Private A. Henry, 4 Laburnum Street, Birtley says; - You will have heard about Mike Bussey getting killed I was not far from him when it occurred and Tot Brown thought I had got the knock as well. Mind I thought so myself. I was lying between two sandbags when a shell came and hit one of them. It hit me on the head, and as I was asleep it made me shout. It knocked me into the trench and Tot dare not look up as he thought I was killed. I have been a lucky sort of lad while we have been out here. On another occasion we were lined up in a wood at night near the firing line. We were going to dig some trenches. While we were standing a stray bullet struck me in the neck but did not hurt me. Paddy Wheelan has the bullet in his pocket. I have asked for it but he wont part with it. We left England on a Monday, and we were in the firing on the Saturday night. We marched nine hours, and it rained all the way. We had a fellow leading us, but he lost his way and he led us in fours through the German lines and we never lost a man. When we tell any of the Regulars this they wont believe us, but it is the truth. When we got on to the battle-field we did not know which was our front as we did not see any trenches, so we had to dig ourselves in. It afterwards appeared that we were between our own first line of trenches and the Germans, and it was there we lost a lot of our lads. The first one I saw get wounded was Tom Ross. This was early on Sunday morning. In the evening we were ordered to take a trench. We took it and just as we were getting into it I saw Jim Dilkes get wounded. I could not get to him at once, but had to wait until we got the order to retire. He was hit in the thigh. He asked me for a drink, and just as I lifted his head to put the bottle to his mouth he got shot through the cheek. He said: I am done Jim, so I had to run for my own life for the Germans were not more than fifty or sixty yards away, and I think they must be bad shots or they would have had me on the floor. Never mind, I got through. It was a sort of trap we were in, and no one knows how we got out of it. On Monday morning we got the order to retire and we went back about two miles. Not one of us knew where we were going. Some took the road and some took the fields, and all those who took the road were taken prisoner. I stuck to Capt. Stevens, our Adjutant. When we found the first line of trenches the 12th Londons were in them, and as we had gone back two miles that will give you an idea how we were all cut up.
BIRTLEY PRESENTATION (Chester-le-Street Chronicle 06/04/1917)
At the Theatre Royal, Birtley on Saturday afternoon, the fourth local man to win honours on the field was presented with a gold watch and chain. This was Lance-Corpl. James Armstrong D.L.I., of Newtown who has won the Military Medal. Mr. B. Bolam J.P. presided, and there was a large attendance. The St. Joseph’s band played selections at intervals.
The Chairman said he was glad to see such a large gathering to join with the Committee in doing honour to one of their own lads. He was one of the Faithful Durhams, and was a member of the Territorial Force at the outbreak of the war. He was so faithful that amongst so many others he volunteered immediately for foreign service. The man whom they proposed to honour that day was one of the men who a few years ago was obscure, but who were now “at the front” in more senses than one. L-Corpl. Armstrong was one of the men of whom they ought to be proud, because he had distinguished himself on several occasions, and on one special occasion he had been honoured by his superiors. Mr. Bolam appealed for support for the funds to enable the committee to continue these presentations when necessary.
ONE OF THE BRAVEST
Mr. W. Dennison then made the presentation. He said that remembering as he did that the comfort of the people of this country at the present time was due to such men as Armstrong, he thought they could not do sufficient for them. He had been in conversation with several men who belonged to the same battalion as Armstrong and they all told him that their guest of that evening was one of the bravest, if not the very bravest man in the battalion. (Appl.) There was never a call for volunteers without Armstrong being one of those who responded. The circumstances under which Armstrong was awarded his medal were as follows: A German trench threatened danger in our lines, and it was decided that it must be put out of action by bombing. Twelve volunteers were called for, and Armstrong was one of those who stepped forward. He was one of the men placed in charge, and the party accomplished its mission – but only two came back out of the dozen. The officer was delighted at the successful issue of the raid, and immediately recommended Armstrong and his companion for the Military Medal. Mr. J. Dodds also eulogised Armstrong’s services.
A MODEST HERO
Armstrong, on rising to reply was cheered most lustily and the band played “He’s a jolly good fellow.” He said I thank you very much for the present of the watch and chain. It is very kind of the people of Birtley to remember me in this way. I think that is all I can say. The modest hero then sat down amid applause.
The Chairman: Lance-Corporal Armstrong believes in “Deeds” not “words.”
Songs were sung by Messrs. Greenwell, Gibson and Stephenson and Miss Earl. Capt. E. H. Kirkup wrote regretting his inability to be present, as he was to preside at a similar ceremony at Ouston at almost the same time. Before the war Armstrong was one of his own men, and he hoped to congratulate him personally on his distinction.
Obituary for James Armstrong
BIRTLEY M.M. GOES UNDER (Chester-le-Street Chronicle 14/06/1918)
The parents of Sergt. Jas. Armstrong (27) D.L.I., who reside at 4 Laburnum Terrace, Newtown, Birtley, have been informed of his death on 27th May. The deceased went out with the Durhams in 1915, and at an early stage won distinction. Twelve men were asked to volunteer, and Sergt. Armstrong was placed in charge of and successfully accomplished the mission, but only two men came back. For this he received the Military Medal and Birtley showed its appreciation of such gallant service by presenting him with a gold watch and chain in April 1917. Further distinctions were to have been conferred upon him for valuable services rendered. Two other sons are serving, viz. Gunner Wm. Armstrong R.G.A., now in India, where he has been for two years; and Pte. George Armstrong, West Yorks.
FOUR BIRTLEY WARRIORS (Chester-le-Street Chronicle 30/08/1918)
(See top right photo above)
Sergt. J. Armstrong, Pte. J. Armstrong, Gnr. W. Armstrong, Pte. A. Henry
Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, 4 Laburnum Terrace, Newtown, Birtley, have had three sons and a son-in-law in the fighting line. A short time ago we notified the death of Sergt. James Armstrong (27), D.L.I., who by his bravery secured the M.M. and was presented with a gold watch by the inhabitants of Birtley. Since his death further recognition of his gallantry has been forthcoming by the awarding of the D.C.M. Lieut.-Col. P. Kirkup, MC, D.S.O., in writing to the parents tended his sincere sympathy regarding the death of Sergt. J. Armstrong, who served under his command for a considerable time. The news of his death came as a great shock to him, as he thought he was out of the danger zone, but unfortunately this was not correct. He was glad that he had been awarded the D.C.M. for his bravery and gallant conduct in a successful raid carried out against the enemy trenches two nights before he was killed. He is greatly missed by all ranks in the Battalion and was one of the bravest men he ever had the honour to command.
Research : Jean Atkinson/James Pasby
He is remembered at Birtley on B127.01
