James Arthur Greenhalgh : “Bolton Wanderers Player WWII Burial”

A professional footballer who tragically lost his life in the trenches of World War One has been laid to rest with full military honours after his remains were finally identified by researchers.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed that 2nd Lt James Arthur Greenhalgh, a player for Bolton Wanderers, was fatally shot during an enemy attack on his trench near Violaines, France, in October 1914.

Despite being buried by a captured soldier at the time, Lt Greenhalgh’s grave was lost, and he was declared missing in action. It wasn’t until 2020 that his remains were unearthed and identified through DNA testing.

His funeral took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Guards Cemetery near Neuve-Chapelle, where he was finally laid to rest after over a century of being listed as missing.

According to MoD representatives, Lt Greenhalgh, aged 25 at the time of his death, was a schoolteacher who balanced his football career with his passion for educating young minds.

The fatal incident occurred during an early morning attack on 1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, where Lt Greenhalgh and several of his comrades were overwhelmed by enemy forces. The battalion was forced to retreat, leaving behind several missing soldiers, including Lt Greenhalgh.

The emotional toll of Lt Greenhalgh’s loss was felt not only by his fellow soldiers but also by his family and loved ones, who had long awaited closure regarding his final resting place.

After the war, efforts to locate Lt Greenhalgh’s grave were unsuccessful, leading to his commemoration on the Le Touret Memorial as a missing soldier.

It wasn’t until recent construction work on the outskirts of Violaines that the remains of Lt Greenhalgh and two other soldiers were discovered. Through meticulous DNA testing, Lt Greenhalgh was positively identified, allowing for a proper burial ceremony to finally take place.

The burial service, attended by members of Lt Greenhalgh’s family, was a poignant moment of closure and remembrance for a man who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of his country.

The coffin, carried by serving soldiers of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, was laid to rest with the utmost respect and reverence, honouring Lt Greenhalgh’s memory and legacy.

The poignant service was a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave soldiers like Lt Greenhalgh, whose legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who remember his courage and selflessness.

For his great-niece Joanna Potts, the emotional journey of finding closure for Lt Greenhalgh after all these years was unexpectedly moving and deeply meaningful.

The commemoration of Lt Greenhalgh’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of war and the importance of honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.