221827 Pte. James Toole British Army 14th Battalion Durham Light infantry from:5 Buckingham Terrace, Leeholme, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham (d.24 December 1915) James Toole was the younger and only brother of my maternal grandfather, Alexander (Alex) Toole. My grandfather and his brother both joined the DLI along with their cousin Richard Toole.
James was killed on Christmas Eve 1915, aged 20, but my attempts from a distance to ascertain how and exactly where have drawn a blank. He is buried in Poperinge, West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen), Belgium. He is listed with others on the main war memorial in Coundon, but is not named on the roll of honour in Coundon Working Men's club, although his brother Alexander who survived the war is! I would love to know more about his military service to pass onto his family who are eternally proud of his sacrifice. Additional Information: | According to 14th DLI War diaries, the battalion entered the trenches in the Potijze Defences at 7pm on 24th December 1915. A quiet night was had without a shot being fired, 25th was quiet with some shellfire around 8pm but there were no casualties killed or wounded on either the 24th or 25th.
Previous last listed casualties were on the 20th when there were 3 killed and 13 wounded. It is possible that your relative was wounded previously and unfortunately died on the 24th.
Hope this is of help.D.C. Martin
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