James Bennett was born in Glossop, Derbyshire, England on February 15, 1890, the eldest child of George Bennett and Mary A. Bennett, both of Glossop, England. His siblings included John, Millie, Mary, Hester and Frank. William would marry Emily Bennett, and the couple would reside at 176 Ontario Street, and later 474 Davis Street,
Sarnia. James enlisted January 27, 1915 in Sarnia with the 34th Battalion, at the time listing his occupation as an
oiler on a steamship. He was later transferred, and in 1916, became a member of the Army, Canadian Infantry, 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion, Quebec Regiment, as a Private. On October 1, 1916, James Bennett would lose his life while fighting during the Battle of the Somme, France. He was initially reported as “missing”.
Almost one year after being reported as missing, James’ wife Emily, residing on Ontario Street in Sarnia, would receive the following telegram:
Adjutant General’s office, Militia Headquarters, Ottawa, Canada
Certificate of Death
Certified that No. 602276, Private James William Bennett, 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles, Canadian Expeditionary Force, has been officially reported as missing between the 1st and 2nd of October, 1916, and that, after full enquiry made no information has come to hand which would indicate that he is not dead. For official purposes, therefore, his death is presumed to have occurred on or since the last named date.
W.E. Hodgins, Major General, Adjutant-General. September 5th, 1917.
James Bennett would officially be listed as, Killed in action. This soldier was wounded during the advance on October 1st (1916) on Regina Trench and when his Battalion retired to its former position, he was missing. No further details are available relative to the actual circumstances of his death. Twenty-six year old James Bennett is buried in Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt, Somme, France, Grave II.D.10.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G