This is one of a series of posts about local men named on the Keighley Union Workhouse roll of honour.
James was recorded in Keighley Union Workhouse in the 1911 census. He was the brother of John Rush.
Acting Sergeant. 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers Service no. 9437, later 201798.
Early life:
James was born in mid to late 1893 and his birth was registered in Keighley his parents were Henry Rush and Maria Rush née Meeham, who had been married at St. Mary’s Church on Dalton Lane in Keighley on the 14th of March 1889 when they were both aged 21 and living at Oakworth Road. Henry was a Labourer.
By 1911 James was 17 years of age and an inmate in the workhouse children’s home at 30, Clarendon Street with Foster mother Betty Gregory and seven other young men of similar age. He was working as a shopman. His brother John (Jack) was also in the workhouse at this time.
War service:
Keighley News July 15, 1916, page 5:
Private James Rush, of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, who was brought up under the care of the Keighley Guardians, in a convalescent home recovering from a shot wound he received in the leg.
Distinguished Conduct Medal:
In 1918 he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry. Citation:
King’s Own Scottish Borderers. 201798 Pte. (L/Cpl) J. H. Rush, 1st Bn. (Wolverston)
For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, on 28th September 1918, near Veloek, as platoon commander. By his able leadership he materially assisted in the advance of his company. When his platoon was held up by the heavy machine gun fire, he personally led the assault on the pill-box, capturing it, together with the gun and team. Throughout the whole action he showed great courage, and set a splendid example to his comrades. (2.12.19).
Keighley News November 23, 1918, page 6:
Private J. H. Rush, of the K.O.S.B., has been awarded the D.C.M. for services rendered on the western front. Prior to enlisting he was employed by H. P. Tyler, Ltd at one of their Scottish Branches, and was formerly employed by them at their Keighley branch. Private Rush was well known in the Knowle Park district, and was connected with St. Peter’s Church, Sunday school and choir. He was wounded some time ago, and on recovering was sent to France again. His brother, Private Jack Rush, of the same regiment, died of wounds in France during last year.
(Note: H. P. Tyler were a boot and shoe emporium)
James survived the war and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry and the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his war service.
He is remembered on the Roll of honour for St Peter’s Church, and also on the Keighley Union Workhouse Roll of Honour, which is in the care of Cliffe Castle Museum.
Post war:
In the 1921 census James was boarding at 18 Charter Rd, Altrincham in Cheshire where he was the manager of the H.P. Tyler Boot and Shoe shop on George Street in Altrincham.
Source information:
England and Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915.
West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1910.
1901 England Census.
1911 England Census.
UK, World War I Service Medal and Award Rolls, 1914-1920.
Keighley News archives at Keighley Library.
WO95/1552/3 K.O.S.B. Battalion war diary for September 1918.
Keighley Union Workhouse roll of honour held at Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley.
