GRIMLEY James Martin William

Appears in the Worcester/Worcestershire Roll of Honour Book for navy casualties located in Worcester Cathedral.

James Grimley was born on the 31st March 1896 in the parish of St Barnabas, Worcester. He enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 12th July 1913 and his service history records the following information: Chatham Battalion at Ostend, Dunkirk and Defence of Antwerp 1914. Royal Marine Brigade 12th September 1914 to 16th December 1915. Twice wounded – granted Hurt Certificate on 3rd December 1914 for wound to right upper arm, 30th April 1915 bullet wound to finger on right hand. Rejoined Chatham Battalion 24th June 1915 to 20th October 1915. Dysentry, invalided to UK on 25th November 1915. Embarked HMS Chester 2nd May 1916. Killed in action at the Battle of Jutland on 31st May 1916. Son of Mr and Mrs Grimley, 25 Lansdowne St, Worcester, later of 2 Green Hill, Bath Road, Worcester.

Medals and clasps earned: 1914 Star, Victory and British War Medals and the Clasp. 1914 Star issued to father, Mr M. Grimley on 19th June 1919, Victory and British War Medals and Clasp not issued/claimed.

Source for additional information: Royal Naval Division 1914 – 1919, Royal Marine Medal Roll 1914 – 1920.

HMS Chester was a light cruiser attached to Rear-Admiral Hood’s battlecruiser squadron. At the Battle of Jutland German ships inflicted severe damage to the ship but she managed to escape and return to port for repairs. Over thirty crew members were killed and more than 40 were wounded. One of those wounded was Jack Cornwall, Boy 1st class, who was just 16 years and 5 months when he died from his wounds. For his actions during the battle he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the youngest person in the Navy to receive the award.

A Memorial Service for The Men of Worcester and the Neighbourhood who have laid down their lives in the war was held in Worcester Cathedral on All Saints Day, 1916 at 7.30pm. Martin Grimley, HMS Chester is listed on the Roll of Honour in the service booklet.

James Grimley has no known grave, the photograph available shows his name on Chatham Naval Memorial.