James Irons

Killed in Action on the 14/08/1916 shot in the head near Martinpuich during the Battle of Pozieres (part of the Battles of the Somme)

James and the Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 13/05/1915. The 10th and 11th Battalions were attached to the South African Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division until being amalgamated on the 14/05/1916 and were part of the 46th Brigade, 15th (Scottish Division when James was shot in the head and died instantly as his platoon advanced on enemy lines in the Battle of Pozieres (part of The Battles of the Somme), 23rd July - 3rd September 1916. The Battle - Pozieres was a small, straggling village on the main Albert - Bapaume road. It is situated on high ground that gives the occupier observation southwards along the road towards Ovillers, La Boisselle, Albert and beyond; to the east across to High Wood, Delville Wood and beyond ; and westwards to Thiepval. Possession of Pozieres was key to making possible any further advances towards Bapaume, the capture of the Thiepval ridge and the breaking of resistance at High and Delville Woods. The Battle for Pozieres and nearby Mouquet Farm became an epic in its own right, with tenacious German defence keeping determined British - Australian attack at bay for several weeks. This was the first large-scale Australian battle in France and proved to be its costliest in terms of total casualties. SEE PHOTOS x 12 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY AUGUST 1916. The objectives from the 15th (Scottish) Division, August 1916 - The Division had to capture that part of the German front known as the Switch Line from the Bazentin - Martinpuich road to Muster Alley. The Division did not gain all its objectives but those won were of great importance. On the 13th and 14th of August local operations were continued ; bombing attacks were made by the 45th Brigade on that portion of the Switch Line still in enemy hands but little progress was made. On the 14th the 10/11th Battalion actually got into the enemies front line, and remained there for some time, but were obliged to withdraw owing to enemy machine-gun fire, which prevented reinforcements coming up. SEE PHOTOS x 13 FOR THE 15th (SCOTTISH) DIVISION BOOK 27th JUNE - 17th AUGUST 1916. See Directory for James' younger brother Wallace's page. See Newspaper clipping (1) for a letter sent to his father by the Battalion's Chaplain. James is also remembered on the Kipps Roll of Honour with his brother David (see photos). See photos for James' Medal Index Card, his CWGC Grave Registration, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his Pension Records x 2, his name on the Thiepval Memorial, the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge, the 15th (Scottish) Division Order of Battle x 13 (the Division he was with when he died) and Newspaper clippings x 2 from the Coatbridge Leader 16/09/1916 and the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser 16/09/1916.