Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

James  was  the son of John and Margaret Rimmer of North Lodge, Widmerpool. His father John was born in 1844 in Haskayne, Lancashire and his mother Margaret was born in 1855 at Liverpool. They had 14 children. In 1891 they lived in Widmerpool where James's father was employed as a gamekeeper. In 1901 James lived at Stretton Hall, Staffordshire where he was a hall boy. By the 1911 census James is living at Clifton Hall where he is shown as being 24 years of age, single and a footman In the same 1911 census his parents are living at Widmerpool and are shown as John Rimmer 67 years a game keeper; he is living with his wife Margaret 56 years and their children, Robert Blackwell 28 years a game keeper, May Jervis 25 years, a parlour maid, Margaret Ann 18 years, a school mistress and Emma 16 years as scholar.

He enlisted on 30th July 1915 at Keswick, Australia and gave his age as 29 years and 11 months and that he was a railway porter. His next of kin was his mother Margaret Rimmer of North Lodge Widmerpool. He served with the 10th battalion Australian Infantry and on 27th October 1915 he embarked from Australia on H.M.A.T Benalla to join the British Expeditionary Force. He had been wounded in action, bomb fragments in the right thigh, on 9th June 1916 and after treatment at 3rd Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, returned to France on 5th September 1916. Wounded in action again on 8th November 1916, leading to the amputation of his left leg, he died nine days after being admitted to the 2nd Canadian General Hospital, Le Treport.

Article published 'The Express and Telegraph,' (Adelaide, South Australia) 13th December 1916. “THE LATE PRIVATE J. RIMMER. “Private James Rimmer died on November 22 as the result of wounds received while fighting in France. He was a native of Nottingham, England, where his parents, who have six other sons on active service, reside. Prior to enlisting Private Rimmer was employed as a porter on the Glenelg railway. He was 30 [sic] years of age, and was of a bright and genial disposition. He was highly respected by all who knew him.”

He is remembered on the Widmerpool - St Peter's Church War Memorial located in St Peter's church, Old Hall Drive, Widmerpool NG12 5PZ. The Roll of Honour is a framed, pre-printed document with the names written in manuscript. It has the printed heading, 'Your prayers are asked for those who have gone to serve our King & Country by land and sea and air. Our Roll of Honour.' The Roll of Honour commemorates men who served in the Great War and the nine men and women who served in the Second World War.

The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA: 1867 - 1922) Wednesday 13 December 1916

THE LATE PRIVATE J. RIMMER.

Private James Rimmer died on November 22 as the result of wounds received while fighting in France. He was a native of Nottingham, England, where his parents, who have six other sons on active service, reside. Prior to enlisting Private Rimmer was employed as a porter on the Glenelg railway. He was 30 years of age, and was of a bright and genial disposition. He was highly respected by all who knew him.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209701738

The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA: 1867 - 1922) Thursday 22 November 1917

HEROES OF THE GREAT WAR

RIMMER.—In loving memory of Private James Rimmer, who died of wounds in France, November 22, 1916

Sweet is the memory he left behind   

Of a life that was manly, clean, and kind;

His fight is fought, he has gained his rest;

We remember him as I one of the best.

—Inserted by Mrs. R. Miller and family, Edwardstown. 

RIMMER.—In loving memory of my dear comrade, Private James Rimmer, who died of wounds in France, November 22, 1916. 

"His duty nobly done."     

—Inserted by Driver A. Miller, 16th Battalion, abroad.   

RIMMER,—In loving memory of Private James Rimmer, who died of wounds in France, November 22, 1916.           

In the bloom of his life God claimed him,

In the pride of his manhood days,

None knew him but to love him,         

None mentioned his name but to praise.

—Inserted by Mr. R. Miller, in France. 

RIMMER.—In sad and loving remembrance of Private James Rimmer, 10th Battalion, who died of wounds in France, November 22, 1916.—Inserted by his devoted friends, Mrs. Wilton, Mr.  and Mrs, W. H. Damarell, 51, Hughes-street, Mile End.

RIMMER.—In fond and loving memory of Private James Rimmer, 10th Battalion, who died of   wounds in France, November 22, 1916.—Inserted by his sincere friends, Mr. and Mrs. E. Green, 

Shierlaw-street, N. Richmond. 

RIMMER—In memory of our friend, Private James Rimmer, died of wounds in France, November 22, 1916.         

He rose responsive to his country's call,

And gave his best, his life, his all.

—Inserted by his friends, Ethel and Ern Miller.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209775552