At the time of the 1911 census, James was 13 years old, working as a mule piecer and living at 5 High Street, Idle. Also in the house were his 74-year-old, retired engineer father, Baildon-born George, his Windhill-born mother, Isabella, who was 53 years old and given as a grocer and confectioner, his two step-sisters Isabella and Joan Sutcliffe, and his sister Ada. On 16 November 1917, the Shipley Times & Express reported: Pte James Robertshaw, son of Mr G Robertshaw of Cavendish Road, Idle, was wounded in the left hand

some time ago and he is in hospital in Shrewsbury He joined up over a year since and went to France in January. Before donning khaki he was a member of the Primitive Methodist Choir and was a playing member of the Idle CC second eleven. On 20 September 1918 the newspaper reported: Rifleman James H Robertshaw, Queen’s Westminster Rifles (City of London Regt), aged 20, of 21 Cavendish Road, Idle, was killed in action on 28th August. Joining the colours on 24th September 1916, he went to the front in Easter 1917 and was

wounded last October. He returned to the fighting line in Easter 1918. He was employed by G Garnett & Sons, Valley Mills, Greengates, was connected with the Idle Primitive Methodist Church and played for the Idle CC second team. Two weeks later there is a further report: A memorial service was held at the Idle Primitive Methodist Church on Sunday night for the late Pte James H Robertshaw of Cavendish Road, Idle, who was killed in action a few weeks ago. The organist, Mr Harry Pullen, played ‘O rest in the Lord,’ and ‘The Dead March.’