James Robert Laws (1886-1917)
Norfolk born man served with 1st/9th DLI commemorated at Arras
James Robert Laws was born in Wallington, Norfolk in the parish of Yarmouth in 1886. He was a slater and roof tiler. His parents were Robert James and Elizabeth Laws of 19 Selby Rd, Plaistow. His brothers were John William Laws, of 55 Alexandra St, Canning Town; and Arthur Laws, of 19 Selby Rd, Plaistow. His sisters were Martha, Sallie, Dora, Laura, Bella, Florrie (married).
He married Gertrude Edith Crandle at Holy Trinity church, Canning Town, London on 4 September 1909. They had two sons named Ronald James, born 2 February 1911, and Edward Robert, born 22 Aug 1914. He enlisted in Stratford, London on 1 December 1915 for the duration of the war, aged 30, both at Canning Town.
He was 5ft 6 and 3/4in and weighed 148 pounds. He embarked for France with the Expeditionary Force on 6 Oct 1916. He was killed in action in France on 14 Apr 1917. His army number was 325639. He joined the 89th Training Reserve Battalion, then the 1st/9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry as a Private (325639).
He is commemorated on Bay 8 of the Arras Memorial and also the Port of London Authority Roll of Honour.
In 1917 his widow, Gertrude was living at 17 Egham Rd, Plaistow. Gertrude was living with her two sons at 6 Albert Rd, Devonport when she completed a declaration about the living relatives of James Laws, presumably some time after 1917. His widow was “awarded a pension” of 22/11 a week after receiving effects of £1 18s and a gratuity of £3.
Birth date: 1886
Death date: 14-Apr-1917
Armed force/civilian: Army
Gender: Male
Contributed by swejk, darlington
