Sergeant James Bertram MSM
883 Army Vetinary Corps
Lived at 73 Albert Street
He died 21st of Feb 1958

Photographs courtesy of William Bertram (grandson)

Mr James Bertram (73) who died at his home at 133 Eastern Ave Burnley on Friday was well known in the town by the older members of the meat trade. A lover of horses he joined the Dragoon Guards when still in his teens and served for seven years, mainly in India. On his discharge with the rank of Sgt when he was called to the colours on the outbreak of war. He was immediately sent to France where he took part in the retreat from Mons and other famous battles in which he distinguished himself and was promoted W.O 1st class and awarded the military medal. He was severely gassed during one of the early actions in which this new type of chemical warfare was used and this left his lungs impaired. In consequence of this and having regard to his wide experience of horses, he was transferred to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, then an important branch of the British Army.