Born: 1894, Shipley
Died: 19 October 1916
Buried: Guards Cemetery, Lesboeufs
Address: 21 Lane End, Baildon
Parents:
Spouse:
Siblings: Elizabeth
Occupation: Mill Hand (1911)
Organisations/clubs:
Military
Rank: Pte
Medals/awards:
Rolls of Honour: Baildon
Children:
Regiment: Duke of Wellington’s
James Oddy
It would appear that in 1901 seven-
year-old James was living in
Shipley with his uncle and 1911 at
47 Browgate, Baildon with his
sister, Elizabeth Denbigh, and her
family.
It is not clear when he moved to
Lane End, the address given in the
report of his death, published on 24
November 1916.
Two letters have been received by
the way of the Baildon Soldiers’
and Sailors’ Comforts Fund with
respect to the death of Pte James
Oddy of 21 Lane End, Baildon,
who was killed in action on
October 19th.
Cpl Lambert wrote: “I
regret to have to
acknowledge the parcel
from you addressed to Pte
J Oddy of my section
who was killed in action
on 19th.
“The contents of the
parcel have been
distributed amongst the
remainder of the section
who were all close friends
of his.
“We deeply regret losing a good
lad and a sound friend. No one was
better liked than he and his loss is
deplored by us all.
“Our only consolation is
that he died as a brave
man does die, doing his
duty.
“On behalf of my section,
I thank you for the
contents of the parcels
and only regret that it has
not been able to get into
the hands of our pal.”
Platoon Sgt Albert Gray
wrote: “The parcel sent
by the residents of Baildon to Pte
Oddy arrived today but as he was
unfortunately killed during the
performance of his duty, it was
handed over to comrades in the
section to which he belonged.
“It has been their usual custom to
share with each other those gifts
from our motherland.
“Pte Oddy was greatly esteemed by
comrades and as his platoon
sergeant I can testify to his ever
cheerful attention to duty and the
true British spirit under many
trying conditions
“You can assure the senders that his
comrades estimated the parcel in
affectionate remembrance and each
one desires to express his thanks
for the kindly consideration of our
people in the Homeland.
“Trusting you will convey the
message to the interested quarter.”
