James Mahoney

Age 24        Single

Driver T2/017141
Attd, 30^th Field Ambulance,
Royal Army Medical Corps

Drowned on
Sunday 17^th June 1917

James was born in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire.  When he was just a few months old, the family moved to Sabden where his parents, Nicholas and Mary began work at Messrs Lockwood and Buckley’s, Union Mill.  James, along with his older sister Margaret and his younger sister Johanna, attended St Mary's Catholic School.  In 1903 the family moved to 87 Barnes Street, Clayton-Le-Moors.

When James left school he was employed as a weaver but, when war was declared, he immediately enlisted in the Army Service Corps.  After serving in France for eighteen months, he was transferred to Solonika, where he was attached to the Royal Army Medical Corps as an ambulance driver.  On the 15^th July 1917 Mr and Mrs Mahoney received the following letter from their son's officer dated 18^th June 1917,

“It is with the deepest regret that I have to communicate to you the news of the death of your son, Driver Mahoney, A.S.C., attached to unit under my command, which occurred last evening.  He was proceeding to collect patients, and in crossing the Gumusdere River, which had considerably swollen owing to very heavy rains, me with an accident which resulted in his being drowned.  His body was recovered later and is being buried today.

Officers, N.C.O’s and men alike mourn his loss, for he was well liked.  On their behalf I tender my deepest sympathy with you in your sad bereavement.  Rest assured your boy did his duty and no man can do more.”

James Mahoney is buried at the Struma Military Cemetery, Greece.

 In Sabden he has been remembered on the School Plaque.