James Hope D.C.M.

Died on the 27/11/1918 at home of pneumonia whilst on leave

James arrived at Gallipoli on the 24/06/1915. The Division was involved in the these moves and engagements at Gallipoli - Gully Ravine (28th - 29th June), Achi Baba Nullah (12th - 13th July), Krithia Nullahs (29th December) until the evacuation of Helles (7th - 8th January 1916). The Division moved to Egypt after being evacuated from Gallipoli. Phases of the Palestine campaign in 1916 - Dueidar (22nd April) and The Battle of Romani (4th - 5th August). Phases of the Palestine campaign in 1917 - The First Battle of Gaza (26th - 27th March, the Division being in reserve), The Second Battle of Gaza (17th - 19th April), The Third Battle of Gaza (1st - 7th November), Wadi el Hesi (8th November), The capture of Junction Station (14th November), The Battle of Nabi Samweil (20th - 24th November), The Battle of Jaffa (21st - 22nd December). Orders were received on the 24/03/1918 that the Division would be relieved by the 7th (Meerut) Division and that it would then proceed to France where it fought in the Battle of Albert (phase of the 2nd Battles of the Somme), The Battle of the Scarpe, The Battle of the Drocourt-Queant Line (2nd Battles of Arras), The Battle of the Canal du Nord (Battles of the Hindenburg Line) and the The Final Advance in Artois. The Division was in the front line north of the Mons canal and was engaged on clearing Herchies on the 11/11/1918. James died at home of pneumonia whilst on leave after over 4 years of active service. He died 16 days after the Armistice. James was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for (London Gazette 26/01/1918) - "On 2 occasions whilst wiring in front of new positions he displayed steadiness and fearless devotion to duty and earned the admiration of all". I personally laid a Poppy at the Family Plot on the 27/03/2022 (Mother's Day). James is also remembered on the Coatbridge Baptist Church Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for James' Medal Index Card, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, James' D.C.M. listing from the London Gazette 26/01/1918, James' Pension Records x 3, Old Monkland Cemetery, another photo of the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery, James' listing on the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery and the Royal Engineers Cap Badge. Finally, see photos for the 52nd (Lowland) Division Order of Battle (the Division he was serving with before he headed home on leave). FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING BATTLES JAMES' FIELD COMPANY WERE INVOLVED IN 1st APRIL 1918 - 31st MAY 1919 or BATTLES THE 52nd (LOWLAND) DIVISION WERE INVOLVED IN THROUGHOUT THE WAR PLEASE CONTACT ME.