Cyril Henry Leigh James

Cyril Henry Leigh James was the son of the Rev R Lee James, Vicar of Watford. He was commissioned into the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry in September 1882, but two months later transferred to the Northumberland Fusiliers. He saw active service in South Africa, later commanding the 1st Battalion of his regiment (1905-9). In June 1911 he succeeded Colonel A G Watson as GOC Warwickshire Infantry Brigade (later 143rd Brigade, 48th (South Midland) Division). He played an important part in the brigade’s peacetime training and in its preparation for war.

James also commanded the unit during its first year on the Western Front, April 1915-May 1916, when he was replaced by Brigadier-General B C Dent. He left behind a reputation for calmness under fire and for looking after the welfare of his men. He was a regular visitor to the trenches. James was not unemployed for long.

In June 1916 he was given command of 177th Brigade, 59th (2nd North Midland) Division TF, then stationed in Ireland. He accompanied the brigade to France in March 1917 and led it in the battles of the Menin Road Ridge, Polygon Wood and Cambrai. 59th Division suffered very badly in the German attack of 21 March 1918: 177th Brigade was the only one fit to resume the fight the following day, coming under the orders of 40th Division.

In May 1918 177th Brigade, together with the other infantry of 59th Division, was reduced to training cadre establishment. The brigade was then reconstituted and confined to construction and garrison duties. It did not re-enter the line and become involved in active operations until 21 August, playing only a limited part in the Great Advance.