James was my grandmother Beatrice Hill nee Mellor's cousin.
He fell on 3 rd September 1916 whilst serving in our local ( Holmfirth) 1st/5th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment.
He was 20 and the son of James Mellor of Flushouse, Holmbridge. A member of the extended Mellor family of Austonley.
I knew nothing of James until I noticed his name on the THiepval memorial whilst I was visiting. I noted the name and researched it later and found that he was indeed a relative.
Very many of the men on both sides of my family served in the 1st/5th. Most, including my grandfathers, returned safely.
I want to honour James's sacrifice and give thanks for the safe return of his comrades to Holmfirth.
