Where did Jimmy serve?

WHITBURN miner James Leadbitter rode off to war on horseback – but where he served on the battlefields of Europe remains a mystery 100 years later.

“We know he saw action during the some of the bloodiest conflicts of the First World War, but he never spoke about what he went through,” said his son, Jim.

“We’re not even certain what regiment he served in, as there are clues pointing to the Northumberland Fusiliers and the Royal Field Artillery. Perhaps he was in both.”

James – known as Jimmy – was born to pit safety lamp examiner William Leadbitter and his wife Mary Elizabeth at Westoe, South Shields, in November 1895.

By the age of 16 he was living at Osborne Avenue with his family, earning a

“I’ve got a small box of memorabilia from that time, which includes a photo of my father on horseback.

“On the back is written, I think, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.

“But I’ve also got a scrap of paper which suggests he was with the Royal Field Artillery – and I’ve found internet records for a J Leadbitter who served as a driver with RFA.”

A further possible RFA clue can be found on a silver cigarette case inscribed to Jimmy from Captain E. Cawston, France 1916- 17- 18 – possibly Ernest Cawston, of the RFA.

A leather wallet with “Amiens” and “Cafe de ...” in faded lettering was saved by Jimmy too, as well as a brass button with “fab. Paris,” some watches and a razor.

“After the Great War, Jimmy returned to work down Marsden pit as a shot- firer in the Yard Team – so called