Born Hull 27/01/1896. Son of the Reverend, James William Penrose (1867-1942) and Mrs. Charlotte Ledran (1874-1951), of 5, Mowbray Terrace, Simmons Street, Hull and “The Parsonage”, Oil Springs, Ontario. When Private, James Ledran Penrose was born in 1896 in Hull, Yorkshire, his father, James, was 29 and his mother, Charlotte, was 22. He had five brothers and one sister. He worked as a student Clerk in Salford before emigrating to Canada, on 27/10/1912.
In Canada, he worked as a salesman in a general store. He was 5 foot, 10 inches tall, 36-39 inch chest, Grey eyes, dark hair, Methodist religion.
He enlisted aged 19, in the 161st (Huron) Battalion, at Wingham, Ontario. Served with the 31st Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment). Killed in action, on 09/08/1918, aged 22. He was killed by enemy machine gun fire, shortly after reaching the crest of the ridge at the capture of Rosieres.
Buried at CAIX BRITISH CEMETERY ; Somme, France. His grave inscription reads, “YOU UNTO DEATH WERE FAITHFUL LADDIE YOURS IS THE VICTOR’S CROWN”
His younger brother, Thomas William Penrose enlisted aged 18. Served as a Machine Gunner. He was wounded in the face two days before James’ death and received the Silver War badge.
