Pte 34579 James Ernest Oliver

• Age: 31
• From: Wallasey
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Monday 23rd April 1917
• Commemorated at: Cherisy Rd East Cem, Heninel
  Panel Ref: 7

James Ernest was born in Birkenhead in the March quarter of 1886 the son of John Oliver and his wife Elizabeth (nee Roberts) who married at St Nicholas Church, Liverpool on 08th April 1871. John was born in Maryport, Cumberland whilst Elizabeth was born in Denbighshire. John was employed as a joiner. He was the youngest of seven children, his siblings were; Harriet, Ada, Bessie, Annie, John and Florence who sadly died aged 1 year. 

The 1891 Census shows the family living at 7 Hatherley Street, Seacombe, with his father being away, he was employed as a ships joiner. 

By 1901 the family are living at 7 Buchanan Street, Seacombe. James now 15 is employed as a house painter, he lives with his parents and three elder siblings. His father, John, is a 54 year old ships joiner, his mother, Elizabeth, is 52 years of age. They have four children in the household, James' siblings are shown as; Ada, a 27 year old dressmaker, Annie, aged 23, and also a dressmaker, and 20 year old John R. also a house joiner.  

The family are still living at 7 Buchanan Street in 1911. James is living with his parents and brother John Roland. His father is now aged 64 and still employed as a ships joiner, his mother is 62 years of age. They have been married for forty years and have had seven children, one of whom has sadly died. They have just two children, still living at home and these are; John Roland a ships joiner and James, now 26 and a house painter.    

James enlisted in Liverpool joining the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 34579.

He was killed in action on 23rd April 1917, aged 31.

On that day the Battalion had occupied old German Trenches at Henniel on the Arras sector of the front. In the evening, it moved to a sunken road to support an attack by the 18th and 19th Battalion’s of the Manchester Regiment. Elements of the Pals were to provide mopping up parties for both the Manchester Battalions, who were to move forward at 18.00pm. However, as the orders were not received until 17.45pm,it proved impossible to join the Manchester’s in time for their attack and the mopping up parties followed from where they presumed that the assaulting waves had left.

By this time, the German retaliatory barrage had begun, and the British Front Line was so heavily shelled, that the Battalion took up position in the shell holes in front. As the situation was chaotic, some troops on the right flank had begun to pullback, it was decided to withdraw to the British front line under cover of darkness to consolidate. Eventually, by morning the position became clearer, and the Battalion was able to move forward to occupy the old front line which had been vacated by the Germans, who had retired over the next crest.

Altogether the Battalion’s losses were four officers and one hundred and one other ranks, killed, wounded or missing.

James now rests at Cherisy Road East Cemetery, Heninel in France.

The village of Heninel was captured in a snowstorm on 12 April 1917 by the 56th (London) and 21st Division. The 50th (Northumbrian) Division, advancing from Heninel on the two following days, captured Wancourt Tower. Cherisy Road East Cemetery was made by the 30th and 33rd Division Burial Officers in April 1917. The cemetery contains 82 First World War burials, 19 of which are unidentified.

His effects were sent to his sister Harriet Leech.

A newspaper report at the time of his death sheds light on his character:

We regret to announce the death while in action of Pte James Ernest Oliver of The King's Liverpool Regiment, popularly known as "Mick" Oliver the Seacombe comedian. The gallant soldier who had entertained many local audiences with his patter and dancing joined the Army in 1915, and was drafted to France in April of last year. His cheery, buoyant spirit and liberal gift of wit made him the life of his Company and as his Officer testified "he kept the men cheerful under the most trying of circumstances". He was attached to the Lewis Gun Section and had survived many perilous experiences. On May 5th a letter was received by his father, Mr John Oliver, 7 Buchanan Road, Seacombe - who by the way, has been for 40 years in the service of the Wallasey Ferries, and now fills the position of foreman joiner.- stating that his son was killed on 23rd April - St George's Day. 

The following letter from the officer of his company speaks eloquently of his services:

"It is with great regret that I write to inform you of the death, in action, of your son on 23rd April. At the time of his death he was standing nobly to his post, facing the enemy, as he always did. His death was absolutely painless and instantaneous, and since the action his body has been carefully buried. He was one of my very best men, always cheerful and making others round him keep cheerful under the most trying of circumstances. He did splendid work on 9th April and was spoken very highly of, by everyone."

The deceased soldier was 31 years of age and was the youngest son. He was apprenticed to Mr Robert Clarke, painter, of Victoria Road, Seacombe but for the last years had been acting as a stevedore's storekeeper.

James is commemorated on the Wallasey Memorial.

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