James William Bourner

Acting Bombardier 47596, 59th battery, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in action 15 April 1917 aged 29 years. Enlisted Tonbridge, Kent. Buried Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, Pas de Calais, France.

Born Leigh, Kent in 1888. fourth son of James and Charlotte Bourner Forge Square, Leigh, Kent. According to the 1891 and 1901 census there were six sons and three daughters. Three sons were killed in the War.

1891 Census – Bourner Family

RG12/675; Folio 190; Page 11; HSN 77 – The Cottage, (Next to Kennards Farm)

James W Head 36 Gardener (Domestic) Kent Tonbridge
Charlotte Wife 39 Kent, Wye
John Son 10 Scholar Kent,Leigh
Ernest Son 8 Scholar Kent,Leigh
Louisa Dau 6 Scholar Kent,Leigh
Sarah Dau 5 Scholar Kent,Leigh
Robert Son 4 Scholar Kent,Leigh
James Son 2 Kent,Leigh
Mary Dau 6/12 Kent,Leigh

1901 Census – Bourner family (transcribed as BOWRNER)

R13/ 750 page 6 HSN 40 – Coachmans House, The Cottage, (Next to Kennards Farm)

James W Head 46 Gardener (Domestic) Kent Tonbridge
Charlotte Wife 48 Kent, Wye
Ernest Son 18 Groom (Domestic) Kent,Leigh
Robert Son 14 Farm Labourer Kent,Leigh
James Son 12 Kent,Leigh
Mary Dau 10 Kent,Leigh
Charles Son 9 Kent,Leigh
Frank Son 4 Kent,Leigh

Two brothers Charles and Frank were also killed in the war.

Remembered on the Leigh War Memorial.