Pte 24882 James Arthur Mercer

• Age: 22
• From: Runcorn, Cheshire
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• D.O.W Thursday 20th July 1916
• Commemorated at: Aston-by-sutton, (st.peters Cy)
  Panel Ref: North of Church

James Arthur was born in the first quarter of 1894 in Runcorn, the son of James Mercer and his wife Elizabeth (nee Kirkham). They were married 06th November 1893 at Sutton Parish Church, St Helens.

The 1901 Census finds James aged seven living with his grandparents at Aston, Runcorn. His grandfather Charles Kirkham is a 59 year old retired joiner, born in Pulford, Cheshire in 1842. His grandmother Sarah Kirkham is 56 years of age and was born in Overton in Flintshire, Wales.They have four daughters living with them; Maria aged 25, Carrie aged 23, Georgina 17 and Julia aged 13. 

Also the 1901 Census  finds his parents living at 9 Cavendish Street, Runcorn – James and Elizabeth Mercer with daughter Julia. James works for L & NW Railway as a carter.

In 1911  the Census finds James aged 17 living with his grandparents at Aston Preston Brook, Runcorn. Charles is now 68 and Sarah is 66. Their two daughters Carrie aged 33 and Julia aged 23 are sill in the household

1911 Census – 9 Cavendish Street, Runcorn - Elizabeth Mercer (Married 18 years with 3 children born and 2 alive) with Julia and 2 visitors.

James Arthur enlisted in Liverpool joining the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 24882. He served overseas from 22nd December 1915.

He was reported wounded in the Liverpool Daily Post on 04th August 1916.

He was wounded by a shell on 04th July 1916 and after receiving treatment in France he returned to the UK but sadly succumbed to his wounds at Southwark Hospital in London. 

A Daresbury Website tells us "he died on 20th July 1916  “at home” of wounds, specifically a gunshot wound to the eye and septic inflammation of the brain"

James Arthur now rests at St Peter's Churchyard in Aston by Sutton.

His funeral service was reported in the Runcorn Guardian: 

ASTON – Funeral of Private James Mercer –

On Sunday the funeral took place at Aston Church of Private James Mercer of the 18th Battalion Kings Liverpool Regiment (Pals). He was wounded at the Battle of the Somme on on July 4th and died in the Southwark hospital, London on July 20th. He was struck by a shell which burst in his face, causing the loss of his right eye and also wounding him in the leg. Before enlisting in January 1915 he was a postman for the Aston district and a prominent member of the Aston Hall Cricket club. This is the fourth member to lose his life and two other members are now in hospital suffering from wounds.

The chief mourners were as follows; Father, mother and sister, Martha, Carrie and Maria Kirkham (aunts), Mr & Mrs Aitken (uncle and aunt), Mr Richards (uncle) Mr & Mrs John Mercer (uncle and aunt, Mrs J Mercer Jnr (cousin) Nellie (cousin), Mr Youd (cousin) and Mr Sturton and Miss Florrie Bell. 

About fifty wounded soldiers from Frodsham Hospital and the local volunteers and Special Constables attended.

The service was conducted by the Rev W. L Johnstone (Vicar of Aston) at Aston Church.

In the church the Hymns ‘Fight the good fight’ and Christ will gather in His own’ were sung. At the graveside the hymn ‘O God our help in ages past was impressively rendered and the ‘Last Post’ was sounded by Private a Webb of the volunteers. 

 Soldiers Effects to his father James and pension to his mother Elizabeth.

We currently have no further information on James Arthur Mercer. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.