James Richard Chesworth

King's Shropshire Light Infantry

Personal Details

Born: 24 September 1898 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised October 16th the same year.

Family: He was the second of four children born to William Chesworth, a farm waggoner, and his wife Mary Chesworth. He married Selina E Williams in Whitchurch in 1922 and together they had three children – Sidney W, James R and Jeffrey.

Residence: When James was baptised, the family were living in Tarporley Road, Whitchurch. Prior to the 1901 Census they had moved to 1 Picksley Cottages, Ash Magna, Shropshire where they were still living in 1911. In 1939 he was living with his family at 1 Pooles Cottages, Hollyhurst, Whitchurch. At the time of his death his address was given as 3 Wrexham Road, Whitchurch.

Employment: In 1925 he was working for the London and North Western Railway; by 1939 he was an estate general labourer.

Died: In 1975 in North Shropshire and buried on 21 January the same year in Whitchurch cemetery.

Military Details

Regiment: King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Rank: Private

Service Number: 16595

Date of Enlistment: 5 January 1915

Date of Discharge: 15 November 1918

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for war service.

Other Information: James suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm and shoulder area.

Brother of William Chesworth who also served in WW1.

Medals and Awards

James was awarded the Campaign Medals (1915 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal) and Silver War Badge.


Campaign Medals

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The 1914 Star (also known as 'Pip') was authorised under Special Army Order no. 350 in November 1917 and by an Admiralty Fleet Order in 1918, for award to officers and men of the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces who served in France or Belgium between 5 August and midnight of 22–23 November 1914. The former date is the day after Britain's declaration of war against the Central Powers, and the closing date marks the end of the First Battle of Ypres.

The 1914–15 Star (also known as 'Pip') was instituted in December 1918 and was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who served against the Central European Powers in any theatre of the Great War between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915. The period of eligibility was prior to the introduction of the Military Service Act 1916, which instituted conscription in Britain.

The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.

The Allied Victory Medal (also known as 'Wilfred') was issued by each of the allies. It was decided that each of the allies should each issue their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon. The British medal was designed by W. McMillan. The front depicts a winged classical figure representing victory. Approximately 5.7 million victory medals were issued. Interestingly, eligibility for this medal was more restrictive and not everyone who received the British War Medal ('Squeak') also received the Victory Medal ('Wilfred'). However, in general, all recipients of 'Wilfred' also received 'Squeak' and all recipients of The 1914 Star or The 1914/1915 Star (also known as 'Pip') also received both 'Squeak' and 'Wilfred'. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.


Silver War Badge

Great War History Hub Whitchurch Shropshire Medals Front Image

The Silver War Badge was issued in the United Kingdom and the British Empire to service personnel who had been honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness from military service in World War I. The badge, sometimes known as the "Discharge Badge", the "Wound Badge" or "Services Rendered Badge", was first issued in September 1916, along with an official certificate of entitlement.





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