James McKeown

The 1/6th Battalion arrived at Le Havre on the 04/03/1915 and were part of the 137th (Staffordshire) Brigade, 46th (North Midland) Division when James fell. James was Killed in Action on the opening day of the Battle of Beaurevoir, 3rd - 5th October 1918. Montbrehain village was taken on the 3rd by three Battalions of the Sherwood Foresters of the 46th Division, but it could not be held at the time; it was finally captured by the 21st and 24th Australian Infantry Battalions two days later. This was part of the Battles of the Hindenburg Line, 12th September - 12th October 1918 : A series of very large scale offensive operations that advance to and break the Hindenburg Line system. Carried out by the First, Third and Fourth Armies these victories rank among the greatest-ever British military achievements. The German Army fights on but it is increasingly clear that their ability to do so is declining fast. Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and United States Divisions all play key parts. James originally enlisted in the Highland Light Infantry (23427) before transferring to the North Staffordshire Regiment. See directory for James' brother William's page. All 3 brothers are remembered on the St. Patrick's Church (book) and Stewarts and Lloyds Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for James' Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report, James' Pension Record, his previous Regiment the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge and the North Staffordshire Regiment Cap Badge.