Chadderton Gallipoli veteran commemorated.

James Arthur Bocking’s grave at Chadderton Cemetery has been adopted by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

James Arthur Bocking’s grave at Chadderton Cemetery has recently been adopted by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). 103 years after his death, James is now properly commemorated as a casualty of the Great War.

James Bocking was a labourer in an iron works before he enlisted in the 10th (Oldham) Battalion of the Manchester Regiment in September 1914.  Serving at Gallipoli, Egypt and the Western Front, James was wounded in March 1918 and his health suffered in four and a half years period in the Army.  He contracted tuberculosis (TB) and was discharged from the Regiment in April 1919.  James died from TB at Westhulme Hospital on 30 August 1919. 

CWGC say they are committed to commemorating every qualifying casualty of the World Wars with a permanent headstone or memorial inscription.  Manchester Regiment researchers have identified more than one hundred men who are excluded from the CWGC roll.  James Bocking is just one of the recent approvals for commemoration. 

There are numerous other Oldham men who appear to qualify for CWGC status.  With positive adjudication, it's estimated, we could see a almost 30 “new” war graves in the area.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.