James Edwin Sheridan

Rank 
Private
Regiment 
East Yorkshire Regiment
Date of death 
23 April 1915
Age of death 
28
Cemetery / Memorial 
Belgium
Biography 

Born in 1886 at Woodford, son of John (Sweeper of Chimneys) and Jane Sheridan. 1891: With his family at 2 Milton Villas, Carnarvon Road, South Woodford. 1901: His parents were at 4 Wooden Cottages, Castle Yard, Woodford Green, father now a Labourer, but James was not at home. 1911: James was a Private in India with 2 East Yorkshire Regiment.

An artillery and gas attack preceded a ground assault by German infantry at Ypres during the afternoon of 22nd April 1915, which breached and pushed back parts of the allied front lines. German forces advanced to Pilckem Ridge. French troops were badly affected by gas and this left 1st Canadian Division vulnerable to German attack from the side and front. James Sheridan and 2 East Yorkshire Regiment were in reserve west of Ypres, but were moved towards Brielen in order to support the Canadians, prior to the counter attack by 3 (Canadian) Infantry Brigade at St Jean during the early hours of 23rd April 1915.

Initially reported missing on 23rd April 1915, James Sheridan was later presumed Killed in Action when no trace of him had been found.  

Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian

Principal Sources:

Ancestry.com