Person

James Fettes was born in Saint Bede’s parish, sometime in 1886. He enlisted in the Durham Light Infantry in September 1914 and served in France, disembarking on 11 September 1915. For his service he was awarded the 1915 Star alongside the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Details about his life before the war and his family are not known, however a short article written by James appeared in the Chester le Street Chronicle; describing his experience in the trenches around Christmas time.

This article appeared in the Chester le Street Chronicle, 7 January 1916:

“PUDDING ON GUARD
J. FETTES, 15th D.L.I. writes:- ‘I had my Christmas pudding one morning while on guard in the trenches. I can tell you I had the fun on to get it warm. I got my tin dixie into which I put the pudding with some water. I made a bit fire with old letters etc. and warmed it up champion. Then I rigged up a little shelter in our trench and at three o’clock in the morning three Tommies had a very delicious bite all on their own, while Fritz was blazing away over our heads. I threw the empty tin over to Fritz, and hope he had the smell, as that was his share. We are about flooded out, and it is great sport going in and out of the trenches as sometimes we have nearly to swim for it.'”

Civil Parish: Witton Gilbert

Birth date: 1886

Armed force/civilian: Army

Organisation membership: 8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
Labour Corps

Military service:

Enlisted: 9 September 1914
8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry; Later 15th, and Labour Corps
Private
Disembarked: France, 11 September 1915

Medal(s): 1915 Star
Victory Medal
British War Medal

Gender: Male

Contributed by Sacriston Heritage Group | Durham County Record Office. Jack Mulligan, Lewis Cooper and Daniel Hyatt