Driver James Brudenell
11254 Royal Field Artillery, 152 Brigade, C Battery
James was born in 1890 at Pye Hill, the son of William Brudenall b. Warmington, Northants, a blacksmith’s striker and later colliery fitter and Elizabeth Brudenall (nee Abbott) of Ironville. The family lived at Pye Hill and later at Albert Avenue, Jacksdale. James brothers William Abbott, Arthur and Ernest Edward also served.
James attested at Mansfield in March 1915 and served for a total of 5 years and 22 days, of which 2 years and 355 days were in France. At time of attestation he was 5′ 4″ tall, single and gave his occupation as a coal miner employed by James Oakes & Co. The 1911 census gives his occupation at the age of twenty as a pony driver at the colliery. In October 1918 he was 24 hours late returning from leave and was awarded the loss of one day’s pay and fatigues for fourteen days. Whilst James was serving he married Emily Smedley giving her address as Thornywood House, Sherwood Rise, Nottingham. In March 1918 James was wounded but details are not given on his service record. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
In 1921 James’ daughter, Marion (born 1920) was baptised at St. Mary’s Church, Westwood.
James also had sisters Sophia and Althea. His parents William and Elizabeth were buried at Ironville.