Able Seaman James Chirnside

Able Seaman James Smith Chirnside, Drake Battalion, Royal Naval Division. He was killed in action in France on 25th March 1918, aged 25, during the German Spring Offensive ( Operation Michael ). He was the son of John and Jane Chirnside of Longhirst Colliery and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Arras, France. The Royal Naval Division had been raised in 1914 from Royal Navy and Marine Reservists not required for sea duty. After action at Gallipoli  it was sent to the Western Front and designated the 63rd ( Royal Naval ) Division and fought there until the Armistice in November 1918.  All members of the Division kept their naval ranks. The photographs show British troops preparing to meet the advancing Germans.