Current Information:

Born-Islington

Enlisted-London

Trois Arbres Cemetery, Steenwerck, France

On 5th November, 1914, the 1st Somerset Light Infantry battalion of 11 Brigade, 4th Division moved to La Plus Douve Farm to make contact with French troops with the intention of attacking Messines. But it was the enemy who held the upper hand here and until relieved on 13th November, 1st Somerset Light Infantry, along with other units from 4th Division, had to endure daily shelling of their positions, some infantry attacks that had to be repelled, sniper fire and wet weather. James Herbert died from wounds on 16th November and it is likely that he was wounded during this period in the La Plus Douve Farm trenches.