James Farnworth
James Farnworth was born in Bolton in 1891.
He was the eldest son of Robert and Ann Farnworth, of Orient House, Deane, Bolton.
His father, Robert Farnworth, was a cotton manufacturer, who later retired to St Anne’s, Lancashire.
James attended the School from September 1904 to not later than July 1908. He also attended the Lycée de Lille in France.
His siblings all attended the School: Thomas (from 1904), Robert (1906-9), Mildred (1905-11) and Harold (1908-14).
His career began in the family cotton weaving business as a Designer He soon became a Director of Robert Farnworth Ltd.
Farnworth family tree - pdfJames's War
James was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant (directly from being a corporal) on 5 March 1916 in the 1st/5th Battalion The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, which recruited many men from Bolton.
During his time in France the battalion was involved in phases of the Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of the Somme. He may well have been killed while in the front line taking part in one of the attacks on the village of Guillemont.
His name appears on the War Memorial for the 5th Battalion The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment on the Chorley New Road edge of Queen's Park in Bolton.
Bolton Journal and Guardian
18 and 25 August 1916
Mr. Robert Farnworth, of St. Anne’s and of Messrs Robert Farnworth, Ltd., Bolton, has received intimation from Col. Hesketh of the death of his son, Lieut. JAMES FARNWORTH. He is stated to have been killed during the barrage put up by the enemy just previous to its advance on August 9th. Lieut. Farnworth was 25 years of age and was educated at the Bolton Church Institute School and afterwards at the Lycee de Lille. He later became a director of Messrs. Robert Farnworth, Ltd., of Orient Mill, Brandwood-st., Bolton, where he was greatly respected. The deceased officer was an esteemed member of Deane Golf Club, and before the war took a deep interest in the Junior Unionist movement. Prior to removal to The Cottage, St. Anne’s, he was actively connected with the work of Deane Church Schools and the local Historical Society.
James Farnworth
2nd Lieutenant
1st/5th Battalion
The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
Born: Bolton 1891
Died: France 09 August 1916
Bolton Church Institute School War Memorial • 1914 ~ 1918