James William Simpson

War Service

James William Simpson enlisted in the 1st/4th Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment with the service number 33128. He was killed in action in France / Flanders on 3th October 1918 and is buried at York Cemetery, Haspres.
There are four entries about him in the Wakefield Express of 11th October 1919 under the heading “Roll of Honour”.
1. Ever remembered by his loving wife and child. In loving memory of a dear husband Pte J W Simpson, Mount Pleasant, Crofton who was killed in action 13.10.1918.
“Dearer to us than words can tell
Are the thoughts of him we loved so well
Only those who have loved and lost
Can understand war’s bitter cost”
2. In loving memory of our dear son and brother Pte J W Simpson who fell in action 13.10.1918. Also Grandfather of the above, John William Lawton, who died 7th August 1918.
“Sweet to lie passive in His hands
And know no will but His”
From Mother, Father and sister – Mount Pleasant, Crofton
3. In loving memory of my dear grandson Pte J W Simpson, York & Lancaster Regt. Killed in action 13.10.1918 – Grandma, Uncle and Aunt – Dairy Farm, Crofton
4. In loving memory of our dear nephew Pte J W Simpson, Mount Pleasant, Crofton – “Love and remembrance live forever” from his loving Uncle and Aunt Doris.

Family Life

James William Simpson was baptised at All Saints’ Church, Crofton on 18th November 1902. His parents are recorded as Alfred (a miner) and Henrietta, of 10, Third Street. The York and Lancaster Regiment casualty records say that James was born at Allerton Bywater.

York Cemetery Haspres