James McKeown likeness

James McKeown cap badgePrivate James McKeown

1/6th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment
Service No: 24232

James McKeown grave

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Personal details

Family Information

Son of John and Catherine McKeown. All 3 brothers enlisted on the outbreak of war. James' 2 younger brothers also fell. Private William McKeown of the 1st Battalion Black Watch was Killed in Action on the 09/05/1915 and Private Francis McKeown of the Labour Corps who died on the 21/02/1919 in Hospital in London. He is NOT commemorated on the Coatbridge Memorial. Another brother Lance Corporal Andrew McKeown (6488) of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders survived the war. From the 1901 Census - Address - 16 F3 East Stewart St, Coatbridge - John McKeown aged 35, Catherine McKeown aged 34, James McKeown aged 11, Francis McKeown aged 6, William J McKeown aged 4, boarders Michael McSherry aged 39, Stephen McSherry aged 14, Michael McSherry aged 12. James' Pension was awarded to his mother Catherine.

Born / Resided

Coatbridge / 319 Main St, Coatbridge

Died

Killed in Action on the 03/10/1918 on the opening day of the Battle of Beaurevoir (part of the Battles of the Hindenburg Line)

Enlisted

Glasgow

Employed

Labourer in the Clyde Tube Works

Age

26 / DOB - 21/06/1892

Buried / Remembered

Montbrehain British Cemetery (B. 28), Aisne, France

Cemetery / Memorial Information

Montbrehain village was taken on the 3rd October, 1918, by three battalions of the Sherwood Foresters of the 46th Division, but it could not be held at the time; it was finally captured by the 21st and 24th Australian Infantry Battalions two days later. This cemetery contains the graves of 89 casualties of the First World War, nine of which are unidentified.

Additional Information

The 1/6th Battalion arrived at Le Havre on the 04/03/1915 and were part of the 137th (Staffordshire) Brigade, 46th (North Midland) Division when James fell. James was Killed in Action on the opening day of the Battle of Beaurevoir, 3rd – 5th October 1918. Montbrehain village was taken on the 3rd by three Battalions of the Sherwood Foresters of the 46th Division, but it could not be held at the time; it was finally captured by the 21st and 24th Australian Infantry Battalions two days later. This was part of the Battles of the Hindenburg Line, 12th September – 12th October 1918 : A series of very large scale offensive operations that advance to and break the Hindenburg Line system. Carried out by the First, Third and Fourth Armies these victories rank among the greatest-ever British military achievements. The German Army fights on but it is increasingly clear that their ability to do so is declining fast. Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and United States Divisions all play key parts. James originally enlisted in the Highland Light Infantry (23427) before transferring to the North Staffordshire Regiment. See directory for James' brother William's page. All 3 brothers are remembered on the St Patrick's Church (book) and Stewarts and Lloyds Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for James' Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report, James' Pension Record, his previous Regiment the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge and the North Staffordshire Regiment Cap Badge.

Photos
James McKeown Medal Index CardJames McKeown newspaper clippingJames McKeown remembered at homeJames McKeown remembered at homeJames McKeown remembered at homeJames McKeown remembered at homeJames McKeown additional photoJames McKeown additional photoJames McKeown additional photoJames McKeown additional photo

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