Category: Military
Rank: T/Sergeant
Regiment or Ship: Royal Garrison Artillery
Service Number(s): 83566
Occupation: Electrician and Motor Driver
Date of Birth: 1898
Place of Birth: Forest Gate, Essex
Date of Death: 1980
Place of Death: Peterborough. Ontario, Canada
Address: 126 Station Road, Bexhill on Sea
Photos and newspaper articles
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Family Information
Parents: James C. Broadhurst (1862-1921) and Ida Edith Maud Broadhurst, nee Miles, (1868-1939).
Siblings: Ida Florence Broadhurst (1896-1901) and Mable Gladys Broadhurst (1903-1996).
James married Alice Cook and they had at least one child – a daughter.
First World War Experience
In 1916 James was living in Ontario, Canada, and he came back to England where his family lived – at 126 Station Road, Bexhill on Sea.
He enlisted on 27th May 1916 when he was 18 years and 2 months old. He was 5’ 11”, had a chest measurement of 33½” (expansion 3”), and weighed 147 lbs. He had no distinguishing marks apart from four vaccination marks on his left arm. His vision in both eyes was 6/6. His next of kin was his father, James Christopher Broadhurst, 126 Station Road, Bexhill on Sea.
He was promoted from Gunner to Bombardier on 8.11.1916; to Corporal on 4.5.1918; and T/Sergeant on 20.6.1919. He worked in the Services as a Qualified Signaller.
On 6th January 1917 James was absent from tattoo “till reporting himself at 10.15pm (absent 15 minutes). He received a reprimand.
We know that James was posted to various places during his Service – 15.10.1917 – embarked at Taranto; 20.10.1917 disembarked at Alexandria; 9.5.1918 embarked at Alexandria; and on 17.5.1918 disembarked at Salonica.
In a local newspaper dated 9th June 1917 a photograph appeared with the legend:
“Bombardier James Broadhurst, Signaller, RGA.
Son of Mr and Mrs J. C. Broadhurst, York Hotel, Bexhill on Sea.
Bombardier Broadhurst, who is 19 years of age, was formerly employed at the local Electricity Works, and was a well known member of the local Hickey Team.”
James was awarded both the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.