Some lives are destined to remain shrouded in mystery, and James Gillighan’s is one of those to be lost to time.

His headstone sits in the quiet Roman Catholic Cemetery in Bath, Somerset. It provides his regiment – the Royal Scots Fusiliers – and confirms that he was a Serjeant at the time of his death on 15th December 1919. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission adds that he served in the 2nd Battalion, but sadly James’ service records no longer exist.

The Army Register of Soldiers’ Effects notes that his next of kin was his brother, Matthew Gillighan, which suggests that James’ parents were not alive, nor that he was married. The document also notes that Serjeant Gillighan passed away in Bath War Hospital.

Another army document – the Service Medal and Award Roll – suggests that the service number on the headstone – 42839 – was actually James’ second number, given to him when he moved to the battalion depot. Tantalisingly, however, his previous regimental number – 15170 – sheds little more light to his service, other than the date he was sent to France – 15th September 1915.

Contemporary newspapers do not have any records for James’ passing, so it is likely to have been natural causes of some description – possibly an illness contracted while serving.

Sadly, there is little more detail that can be added to James’ life. He lies quietly, in a corner of the Bath cemetery, wrapped in mystery.

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