JAMES PLATTS


Private 15697

10th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers

Died Thursday 20th September 1917, Aged 27.

Buried: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium.

Grave Ref:  XXIV. F. 18.

 

James Platts was born in 1889 at Bagthorpe, Notts. We have been able to connect the family with number 8, Church Lane, Bagthorpe and  know that his father James who was born in 1864 originated from Ilkeston and his mother Kate (also b. 1864)  from Selston.  James had three sisters, Alice b. 1885, Emily b. 1892 and Florrie b. 1896.  He also had two brothers John b. 1890 and Ernest b.1900.   

 His parents were later residents of Great Northern Road (Pye Hill Road), Jacksdale.  They are buried at St Mary’s Churchyard and their grave pays homage to their son, Private Platts, who ‘fell in action’ but states that James was 28 years old at time of death, unlike the War Graves Commission which indicates he was only 27 years. James enlisted at Nottingham. 

We know he died of his wounds and is buried at Lijssenthoek, a village situated on the main communications line between the Allied Military Bases and the battlefields of Ypres. Close to the front, but out of the extreme range of German artillery, Lijssenthoek was a natural place to establish a Casualty Clearing Station.  Private Platts was probably brought to this field hospital, later dying of his wounds on Thursday 20th September 1917, aged 27/28 years. 

Buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium.  The second largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Belgium.  

James Platts is also commemorated on the Jacksdale War Memorial. 

His father - James Platts  died on the  2nd Jan 1923, aged 59 years.

His mother - Kate Platts died on the 7th November 1918, aged 54 years. 

A Percy Platts is listed on the 1915 Electoral Roll, living at Sedgwick Street and we would be pleased to establish whether he was a relative.

Last updated 28/12/02  


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