James Greenhouse – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Nelson Battalion, Royal Navy Division

Able Seaman James Greenhouse – Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Nelson Battalion, Royal Navy Division

Family Background and Early Life

James Greenhouse was born in 1896 in Swansea, the son of John and Jane Greenhouse.

1901 Census

At the time of the 1901 Census, the family were residing at Old Road, Cockett, Swansea. John, aged 43 and born in Builth, was employed as an underground collier, while his wife Jane, aged 40, managed the household. Their children were Mary (12), Philip (10), William (9), Sarah (7), James (5), Henry (3), and Evan (2 months).

1911 Census

By the time of the 1911 Census, the family had moved to Waunarlwydd, Swansea. John, now 54, was employed as a steelworker, and Jane was 50. Their children then present were Philip (21), a tinworker furnace man; William (19), a colliery repairer (underground); Sarah (17); James (15), a tinworker old roller; Henry (13); and Evan (10), the younger boys still attending school.

Naval Service and Death

James enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and served as an Able Seaman with the Nelson Battalion, Royal Navy Division.

On 25^th September 1915, the opening day of the Battle of Loos, Nelson Battalion was engaged in heavy fighting as part of one of the largest British offensives of 1915. Although the main assault was undertaken by army units, the Royal Navy Division was committed to advancing and consolidating newly captured ground under intense German artillery and machine-gun fire. The battlefield conditions were chaotic, with severe shelling, disrupted communications, and heavy casualties among officers and men. The early use of gas during the battle further added to the confusion and danger. It was during this costly and difficult phase of operations that James lost his life.

British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records 

James Greenhouse
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth
credit - findagrave

The British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records confirm that James was killed in action on 25^th September 1915. With no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, which honours sailors of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who died during the First World War and have no known resting place.