11th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 14 May 1919.

Gelling was a native of Padiham, Lancashire.

From the Burnley Express, YOUNG MEDALIST'S DEATH. A native of Padiham, but whose mother now resides at 33, Rhoda Street, Nelson, in the person of Corporal James Gellings (18411), East Lancs, has been reported killed in action on 18th October 1918, and he received the fatal injury before he was presented with the Military Medal he had won. In 1915 he joined up at the age of 16, and went out to France in 1916. The father of the deceased, who served in the Boer War, is serving in France with the R.A.M.C. Formerly, the deceased young man worked for Mr. Briggs, newsagent, Leeds Road, Nelson, and was connected with the Elizebeth Street Baptist Church. He was recommended for the Military Medal for an act of bravery on a previous occasion. Mr. Gelling has received the following letter from the captain of his company; "it is with great regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son 18411 Private James Gellings. He was killed in the recent operations of 18 October 1918, having been shot by a bullet from an enemy sniper. He was a good soldier and a promising N.C.O., and the company, who all mourn the loss of one of their comrades, keenly feels his loss. We are forwarding to you the Divisional Honour and Certificate, which he won in conjunction with the Military Medal and we are sorry we were unable to present it to him before his death.

"Soldiers Died in the Great War" shows, Killed in action on the 18th October 1918. Born at Padiham, Lancashire enlisted at Nelson, Lancashire.

Gelling is buried in the Cretinier Cemetery, Wattrelos, Nord, France. The register records that he was aged 20 and the son of James and Christiana Gelling of 33, Rhoda Street, Nelson, Lancashire. He is buried in grave number 10.