2nd Lt James Arthur Greenhalgh : “Bolton Wanderers Player Killed in WW1 Buried After DNA Research”

By | May 23, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Bolton Wanderers WW1 soldier
2. DNA research burial Bolton Wanderers player

2nd Lt James Arthur Greenhalgh, a footballer killed in World War One, was buried with full military honors after his remains were identified. The Ministry of Defence revealed that Greenhalgh was shot in his trench near Violaines, France, in October 1914. A German officer allowed a captured soldier to bury his body, but the grave’s location was lost, and he was listed as missing. In 2020, his remains were unearthed and identified using DNA. Greenhalgh, a schoolteacher, was killed in an attack by the Cheshire Regiment. His funeral took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Guards Cemetery near Neuve-Chapelle, attended by his family.

1. Bolton Wanderers WW1 hero
2. DNA research Bolton Wanderers soldier

Discovery of World War One Footballer’s Remains

In a significant development, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently announced that the remains of 2nd Lt James Arthur Greenhalgh, a footballer who tragically lost his life during World War One, have been identified. Lt Greenhalgh, who also worked as a schoolteacher, was shot in October 1914 while his trench near Violaines, France, was overrun by enemy soldiers. After the war, his body was lost, and he was listed as missing. However, in 2020, his remains were discovered and identified using DNA, leading to a funeral with full military honours at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Guards Cemetery near Neuve-Chapelle.

Details of Lt Greenhalgh’s Tragic Demise

According to an MoD representative, Lt Greenhalgh, aged 25 at the time, was killed in the early hours of 22 October 1914 when the 1st Battalion of The Cheshire Regiment came under attack. Despite efforts by a patrol to raise the alarm, the trenches were rushed by the enemy before they could resist, leading to bayonet fighting. As a result, six officers and 209 other ranks went missing, many of whom were taken prisoner. Lt Greenhalgh was reported to have been shot in the head during the skirmish, and his men were unable to recover his body.

The Emotional Reunion with Lt Greenhalgh

The discovery and subsequent burial of Lt Greenhalgh’s remains have been an emotional experience for his family. His great-niece, Joanna Potts, expressed her gratitude for finally being able to lay him to rest after all these years. The burial service in France was attended by members of Lt Greenhalgh’s family, and the coffin was carried through the cemetery by serving soldiers of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment. The service was conducted by Royal Artillery chaplain Reverend Gary Birch, who emphasized the importance of honouring and respecting the sacrifices made by service personnel.

Reflecting on the Past

Rev Birch highlighted the significance of commemorating and paying respects to those who gave their lives in past conflicts. Each burial, whether of known or unknown service personnel, serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and learn from the lessons of history. The identification and burial of Lt Greenhalgh’s remains not only provide closure for his family but also serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during times of war.

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