Page 44 - Sylvia Malt - Side by Side v1

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On 10 January 1919, Captain Arthur Jewell North, was posthumously awarded the Military Cross
for “Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his Company in the attack only four days after he
had taken it over, capturing 70 prisoners and four machine guns.”

In Memoriam: Captain North was buried at the Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-le-Grand, which
is located in Fins Village on the road between Cambrai and Peronne, France.

Henry SAUNDERS, Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent) Regt
1881-12th February 1917

James Saunders married Alice Balcombe at St James church in 1900. The couple lived with their six
children at Manor Cottages, North Cray and as an unskilled labourer, James had to take work
whenever and wherever he could to enable him to support his growing family. When there was a
pressing need for men, 34-year-old James felt it was his duty to offer his services for his King and
Country. However, he was at first rejected and he underwent a serious operation before travelling
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down to Maidstone on 20 December 1915. This time, he was able to take the Oath:

“I James Henry Saunders swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance
to His Majesty King George the fifth, His Heirs and successors, and that I will, as in duty bound,
honestly and faithfully defend His Majesty, His heirs and Successors, in Person, Crown, and
dignity against all enemies, and will observe and obey all orders of His Majesty, his Heirs and
Successors, and of the Generals and Officers set over me. So help me God.”

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James was first assigned to the Royal Field Artillery but was later transferred to ‘A’ Company, 10
Battalion Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent) Regt. His keenness as a soldier and his good work gained
him rapid promotion and he was appointed unpaid Lance Corporal on 23rd September 1916 and a
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month later was appointed unpaid Lance Sergeant but was duly paid for this position from 13
November 1916.

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The terrible battles of the Somme, which started disastrously on 1 July 1916, continued for many
months and from October 1916, James Saunders took part in the Battle of the Transloy Ridges on the
Somme. The fighting took place during worsening weather and dreadful battlefield conditions with the
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attack meeting fierce German resistance. On 8 October, the Major General commanding 41
Division, Royal West Kent Regiment, personally penned the following statement:

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“To: Lance Corporal James Henry Saunders, 10 Royal West Kent I wish to place on record my
appreciation of your gallantry in gaining touch with Advanced Posts, in broad daylight and under heavy
rifle fire, in front of the gird trench.”

James Saunders was subsequently awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the Battle and
received a congratulatory letter from King George V.

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On 12 February 1917, Sgt James Saunders was tragically killed in action.