He is believed to be the first man from Hartlepool to fall.
Colin Boyd has submitted the following:
James was born on 01/12/1890, the son of Robert and Mary Dale of Grace Street, West Hartlepool and was christened at Stranton Primitive Methodist Chapel on 30/12/1890.
When he enlisted in the Royal Navy on 01/12/1908 James was described as 5' 3½" tall with black hair, grey eyes and fresh complexion and was working as a milk boy.
James was killed in action on board the light cruiser HMS Arethusa during the Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28/08/1914. The ship was badly damaged by German cruisers and had to be towed into port after suffering 11 dead and 17 wounded.
James William Dale is remembered at Hartlepool on H115.16 and on ourList of Ships’ crews
