James Leafe (1875–1918)

Private

Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) 90727 4th Battalion

Biography
Born in 1875 in Crich, James left as a young man to work as a labourer in the ironworks, living at Ilkeston. He attested in December 1915, a forty-year-old foundry worker, quoting Alfred Leafe of Roes Lane, Crich as his next of kin. He remained in reserve until July 1917 before receiving a medical discharge in October 1917. He was recorded, of good character aged forty-one, having been awarded the Silver War Badge. He did not serve overseas.

He was probably a Derby Scheme man as he attested on 8/12/1915 and the next day posted to reserve. Mobilised on 26/7/1917, then on the 28th posted to 4th Reserve Battalion in the Sunderland area. On 10/10/1917 he received a medical discharge.[Steve Morse]

James was killed in an explosion at the shell-filling factory at Chilwell, Nottinghamshire on 1 July 1918. This killed 134 workers, most of whom would never be identified. It wounded 250 others, with five dying later of their injuries. His name is recorded on the memorial at Attenborough, Nottinghamshire

Army Service Record
He attested 08 December 1915 aged 40 years, a foundary worker, living at 202 Nottingham Road, Ilkeston. He was 5ft 2½in tall, dark complexion, grey eyes and dark haired. His next-of-kin was his brother Alfred Leafe of Roes Lane, Crich
He was discharged under Para 392 (xvi) aged 42 on 10 October 1917 of good character and with a Silver War Badge.

Silver War Badge
90727, Pte James Leafe, Badge No.494891, enlisted 26/7/17, discharged 10/10/17 aged 41, did not serve overseas.

James's brother Arthur Leafe is also on the Roll of Honour.

CENSUS INFORMATION

1881: Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Edward Leafe Head 45 Hosiery Rib Hand Woodborough, Notts
Mary Leafe wife 38 Home worker Crich
Ellen Leafe daughter 19 Mill hand Crich
Alfred Leafe son 16 Wire drawer Crich
Elijah Leafe son 13 Winder Crich
John Leafe son 11 Scholar Crich
George Leafe son 8 Scholar Crich
James Leafe son 5 Scholar Crich
Mary Ann Leafe daughter 2   Crich
Kate Leafe daughter 1   Crich

RG11 piece 3415 folio 45 page 5

1891: Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Edwin Leafe Head 55 Rotary Rib Hand Woodborough, Notts
Mary Leafe wife 48   Crich
John Leafe son 21 Rotary Pant Hand Crich
George Leafe son 18 Factory Clerk Crich
James Leafe son 15 Factory Hand Crich
Kate Leafe daughter 11 Scholar Crich
Arthur Leafe son 8 Scholar Crich
Samuel Leafe son 7 Scholar Crich

RG12 piece 2747 folio 9 page 12

1901: Clay Cross

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
James Leafe boarder 25 Labourer iron works Crich

RG13 piece 3243 folio 9 page 10

1911: Egstow St. Clay Cross

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
James Leafe boarder 35 Labourer iron works Crich

RG14PN20417 RG78PN1222 RD429 SD2 ED26 SN277