James Neville Marshall, V.C. (1887–1918)

James Neville Marshall, V.C. (1887–1918)

Born on 12th June 1887, at 2 Crosby Place, Steven Street, Stretford, James Neville Marshall was an acting Lieutenant Colonel attached to the Lancashire Fusiliers. On 4th November 1918, while commanding the 16th Battalion at the Battle of the Sambre, a partially-constructed bridge over the Sambre-Oise Canal came under concentrated fire by enemy forces and was broken before his advancing troops could cross. At once, James organised repair parties and, under intense fire, stood on the bank encouraging his men and assisting in the work. When the bridge was repaired, James attempted to cross at the head of his battalion and was killed. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in February 1919.
A blue plaque commemorating his life and bravery was erected at the Stretford Public Hall on 4th November 2018.

Trafford Local Studies Centre