Born Leeds, 3 Nov 1893. Son of Charles Squires (1862-1939) and Mary Ann Johnson (1866-1937), of 10, Newport Avenue, Selby, Yorkshire.
He joined the Police in 1913 and was a Member of the East Riding Constabulary.
He enlisted at Beverley, 4 Nov 1914. Trained at Draycott Camp, Chiseldon, Wiltshire. Served as Corporal, with the 8th Seaforth Highlanders. Posted to France, 10 July 1915. Deployed to Loos-en-Gohelle, Lens. Killed in action, on the assault at Hill 70, Loos, on 25 Sept 1915, aged 22.
Posted as Missing. On 22 Nov 1915 • Body Found By 3rd Infantry Brigade & Buried by Chaplain
Commemorated on the Loos Memorial, France. His army effects were left to his father, Charles. Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory Medal & British War Medal
His name is also recorded on the Police Memorial Plaque, at St Mary’s Church, Hengate, Beverley, (out of the twenty East Riding Policemen killed during WW1, eleven served with the Seaforth Highlanders. and six were killed on the same day at Loos, 25/09/1915). The connection between the Police and the 8th Seaforths comes from Lt Donald Maxwell Dunlop – the son of the Beverley Chief Constable, who was recruited to the Seaforths and seems to have encouraged other local policemen to join him.
Notes: The 8th (Service) Battalion was formed at Fort George in September 1914 as part of K2 and came under command of 44th Brigade in 15th (Scottish) Division. Moved to Aldershot and in November went to Petersfield. Moved to Chisledon Camp (Salisbury Plain) in February 1915, then Tidworth in May.
Landed at Boulogne in July 1915.
James’ brother, Private, George Albert Squires, 2nd King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, was killed in action, on 18 Nov 1916, aged 21 and commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
