709 Pte. James Le Doux Army 7th Btn. North Staffordshire Regt (d.25th Jan 1917) I am researching my paternal family tree and came about this gt uncle about whom I knew nothing previously. I seems that he was killed in battle in the Balkans, and is remembered on the Basra Memorial. (If anyone has any photos I would be grateful for a look at them). Further research proved that he went to war leaving a very young wife and baby boy. The baby boy also died on 2nd August 1918 from diptheria. How sad this young wife and mother must have been! James had two brothers, William and Leonard, both of whom also served in the army. Both were invalided out. Leonard - RAFA Driver 698(my grandfather)- suffered deafness as a result of being 'promoted' to gunner. My father also served in the army duing WW2 and was involved in the 'cleaning up operation' after the relief of Belsen. He will not tell us anything - not even what he did before that (although I have been told that he was involved in detection of landmines) the whole thing probably brings back memories too awful for us to imagine so we dont push him for details. Until now I didnt realise just how brave our soldiers were back then - and the youth of today SHOULD remember and SHOULD be taught. I have nothing but honour and respect for all those men and their families
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