Fallen First World War soldier from Corby to be commemorated on 100-year anniversary of death

Sgt James Peerless was born in Corby in 1893 and was killed in action on March 20, 1916.

Corby Council will be raising a dedicated flag outside the Corby Cube this Sunday (March 20) to mark the 100-year anniversary of his death.

Sgt Peerless enlisted in Kettering into the Northamptonshire Regiment (15154) and served in the 6th Battalion.

He lived in Tunwell Lane and Rockingham Road and was one of 12 children.

His death was detailed in the Grantham Journal on April 15, 1916.

An excerpt reads: “Captain Podmore writes concerning the loss of Sergt. James Peerless, Northamptonshire Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Peerless, of Corby, whose instantaneous death by shrapnel on March 20th has already been recorded.

“He was quite the most splendid fellow I have met in the Army; very quiet and modest, and absolutely straight.

“He fully justified his name. I have had no loss so far which I have felt anything like so much.

“Besides being a very lovable man, he was a splendid soldier, perfectly cool under any circumstances, and making all around him cool.”