James McAleece was born in Stewartstown, County Tyrone. At the start of the War he was living at Ballyveney, Stewartstown. On the 1st July 1916 they were in the front line in readiness for the Somme Offensive. By the end of that day, 133 men of the 11th Royal Irish Rifles had been killed in action, including Lance Corporal McAleece.
Further Information
James McAleece was born in Stewartstown, County Tyrone. At the start of the War he was living at Ballyveney, Stewartstown.
He enlisted at Clandeboye with the 11th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. The Battalion was raised in County Antrim from the Antrim Volunteers and trained at Clandeboye and Seaford.
They arrived at Boulogne in October 1915 and the Battalion underwent further training, being posted to other more experienced units on the Western Front.
On the 1st July 1916 they were in the front line in readiness for the Somme Offensive.
By the end of that day, 133 men of the 11th Royal Irish Rifles had been killed in action, including Lance Corporal McAleece.
Lance Corporal James McAleece has no known grave and is commemorated on panel 15A-15B on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
James McAleece is commemorated on Stewartstown Cenotaph and on Donaghendry Church of Ireland Roll of Honour (as James McAleish), Stewartstown.
