Sadler, James W 1918.

James William Sadler. Died 3 September 1918
James was born in 1888 to father, John and mother Ellen in Wokingham, Berkshire. He was the first born and had four siblings, three brothers and a sister. By the age of 23, James had become a baker and his father a saw mill labourer. His parents lived at Denmark Street in 1901.
James joined the 12th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles around 1915 and in the October hand landed in Boulogne, as a part of the 36th Ulster Division. The Ulsters, with James amongst it all fought in the Somme, Messines, Cambrai, 3rd Ypres, but it is probable that he was killed during the successful attack on Nieuwkerke (also known as Neuve-Eglise). The town was captured by the Germans on from 14 April 1918, after a stubborn defence by the 49th (West Riding) and 33rd Division, and remained in their hands until it was retaken by the Ulsters on 2 September.
An interesting note is that James was married to Emma Rose (her name by her following marriage) and during the compilation of the memorial list was living in post war France – in Etaples, the city of one of the Allies largest medical areas during the war. We later received correspondence from Caron Harris, the Grand Daughter of Emma from her marriage following the death of James. Emma and James had a daughter, Ella. Here is Caron’s story:

“Without warning or discrimination, war claims its casualties and leaves its survivors. James William Sadler, a casualty of the first world war. Emma Rose Alesine Sadler, his wife and a survivor.
I know very little of James, which is quite sad. He and my grandma, Emma, married in Etaples, France but without digging deep I shall never know when their marriage took place exactly. My grandma was born in Etaples, her father was chief commissioner of police and it seems they travelled around, Arras being a place I heard a lot of when I was younger. Her relatives mostly lived in Le Touquet and were with the French resistance. They hid many young British soldiers in the tunnels under their chateaus. I always think of them when I watch the comedy, “Allo-Allo”.

Grandma Emma certainly had a privileged young life. She lived in fine chateaus and was surrounded by maids. She had horses and also a good education, her English was impeccable. She was a teacher and I remember her playing the piano beautifully. Grandma’s family also had a business in Etaples, a Brasserie/Hotel and this is where she met James and also where later, she met my granddad, (another British soldier).

I could write forever about my grandma but I am here mainly to mention James and to say that although I never knew him, he is very dear to me. I agree with anyone who thinks it’s strange of me to have feelings for a man I never knew but I can assure you my feelings are very real.

I took it upon myself to try find James’ resting place and thanks to the CWGC I managed to locate him. He is buried in Nieuwkerke churchyard, Belgium. I have a picture of his grave which since obtaining a copy of it I look at from time to time and say, “Hiya, James”. I then found ‘Wokingham Remembers’ and it is thanks to this wonderful site that we can keep our loved one’s memories alive and I am able to dedicate a few words to James, a brave man who gave his life fighting for his country.

I shall end on a warming note and that is, my grandma had a child to James. A daughter, Ella Elise Sadler, born in Etaples. Ella had two sons and one daughter. The two sons had children of their own, so although James died, a part of him lives on. A comforting thought for me and a good enough reason to smile.”

Caron Harris

Name: SADLER, JAMES WILLIAM
Initials: J W
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Irish Rifles
Unit Text: 12th Bn.
Age: 29
Date of Death: 03/09/1918
Service No: 45847
Additional information: Son of John James and Ellen Sadler, of 4, Langborough Rd., Wokingham, Berks, husband of Emma Alison Rose (formerly Sadler), of 45, Rue de Montrieul, Etaples, France.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Z. 1.
Cemetery: NIEUWKERKE (NEUVE-EGLISE) CHURCHYARD

Historical Information: Nieuwkerke (also known as Neuve-Eglise) was captured by the Germans on from 14 April 1918, after a stubborn defence by the 49th (West Riding) and 33rd Division, and remained in their hands until it was retaken by the 36th (Ulster) Division on 2 September.

Reading Chronicle , 28th September 1918

” Staff sergeant J W Sadler , Army service Corps, killed in action.

Son of Mr J Sadler of 4 Langborough road, Wokingham.

he served 3 years in the ASC in the bakery department and about 6 months in the Royal Irish Rifles. He was for some years ago in the employ of the late Mr W Chambers, baker and confectioner and was much respected. His Commanding Officer has written a most appreciative letter to his Father.”

Denmark Street, Wokingham, Berkshire.
4, Langborough Rd, Wokingham, Berkshire (parents time of his death)

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