Current Information:

Age-18

6, Strathblaine Road, Clapham Junction

St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France

On 24th March, 1915, 3 Brigade of 1st Division, including the 2nd Welsh battalion moved to the Neuve Chapelle sector of the front to relieve the Jullunder Brigade who had been in action during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle earlier that month. There was a good defensive system here with well built breastworks but there was still much activity by both sides following the battle and in the 2 weeks that 2nd Welsh were here they suffered 68 casualties mostly from sniping and hand grenades.  

Then, on 15th April, 1915, the 2nd Welsh battalion moved into the trenches near the Rue de Bois near Fleurbaix where they remained until relieved on 24th April. James Riley died from wounds on 22nd April, after having been sent to a base hospital in Rouen, but the exact date on which he was wounded is not known.