James Thomas Middlehurst was born in 1898 in Windle, Lancashire. He grew up near St Helens with his parents, Thomas and Margaret, and siblings, Mary, Alice, Alfred, Ethel, Hilda and Joseph (who would also serve). 

He enlisted in Warrington into the 2nd Coldstream Guards and arrived in france for the Battle of the Somme in 1916. In 1917, he saw action at 3rd Battle for Ypres and Cambrai, and in 1918, 1st and 2nd Battles of the Somme. 

It was between the battles of Albert and Bapaume that James was deemed killed in action. He is buried at Croisilles British Cemetery, plot III.A.27. 

His brother Joseph (born 1893) enlisted on 18 Nov 1914, serving with 243 Field Company, Royal Engineers (with the 55th Division) No. 7342 / 428336. He was promoted to Sergeant on 8 Jun 1915, and arrived in France in January 1916. 

He was wounded in action in July 1917 but returned to the line after a month in hospital, he was then gassed in December 1917, but remained at duty. He also received the Meritorious Service Medal during his service, but returned home shortly after his brothers death in October 1918. 

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