| James Dunn was the son of Robert & Margaret Dunn (nee McKeown). He was born about 1919.
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| Known family: Robert Dunn, Margaret Dunn (nee McKeown), James Dunn (born about 1919), William Dunn.
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| They lived at Waterloo Terrace, Cookstown.
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| When he was 10 years old his mother passed away and he was then looked after by his grandparents, Robert and Lucinda Dunn.
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| James joined the army as a boy soldier in the 1930s.
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| He then joined the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry.
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| In 1942 he transferred to the Military Police and after a year returned to his old regiment, attached to the 1st Airborne in 1944.
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| He was in India for five years before the war broke out and was in action in Africa, Sicily and Italy, and in Belgium and Holland.
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| The 5th Battalion, the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry served at Arnhem as part of 214 Brigade, 43rd Wessex Division and had seen action from the 17th–27th September.
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| Corporal James Dunn was serving with the 5th Battalion of Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry when he was killed in action near Nijmegen on 23rd November 1944. He was 25 years old.
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| 1945
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th June 1945:
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| Mr Robert Dunn, of Waterloo Terrace, Cookstown, has just received official intimation that his grandson, Corporal James Dunn, of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, previously reported as missing, was killed in action on 23rd November. He was in India for five years before the war broke out and was in action in Africa, Sicily and Italy, and in Belgium and Holland. His uncle Edward is in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 16th June 1945:
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| Mr Robert Dunn, of Waterloo Terrace, Cookstown, whose grandson, Corporal James Dunn, was reported killed on 21st November 1944, has received the following letter from the King:-
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| The Queen and I offer you our heartfelt sympathy in your great sorrow. We pray that the Empire’s gratitude for a life so nobly given in its service may bring you some measure of consolation. George. R.I.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 24th November 1945:
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| DUNN – In loving memory of my dear son, Corporal James Dunn, of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who was killed in action on 23rd November 1944.
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‘Far away from his native land
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With a simple cross at his head
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He fought and died for Britain
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One of God’s honoured dead.’
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| Deeply regretted by his sorrowing father and step-mother. 17 St Jean’s Cottages, Cookstown.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 24th November 1945:
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| DUNN – In loving memory of my dear son, Corporal James Dunn, of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who was killed in action on 23rd November 1944.
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‘He sleeps far away in a foreign land
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In a hallowed grave unknown
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But his name is written in letters of gold
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On the hearts he left at home
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May the heavenly winds blow softly
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Over that sweet and hallowed plot
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Though the sea divides his grave from us
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He will never be forgotten.’
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| Ever remembered by his loving brothers and sisters, aunt and uncle. Waterloo Terrace, Cookstown.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 24th November 1945:
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| DUNN – In loving memory of Corporal James Dunn, of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who served with the Eight Army, killed in action on 23rd November 1944 while in Western Europe.
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‘No welcome on earth for you dear Jim
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But a welcome up above for your life you gave
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For your country brave
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And your duty you have done.’
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| Ever remembered by his grandmother and grandfather. Waterloo Terrace, Cookstown.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 24th November 1945:
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| DUNN – In loving memory of Corporal James Dunn, of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who served with the Eight Army, killed in action on 23rd November 1944 while in Western Europe.
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‘You fought for your country
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Your life was your cost
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You were a true soldier
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You died at your post.’
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| Always remembered by Lucy, William and children. Coagh Street, Cookstown.
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| Memorials
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| Corporal James Dunn has no known grave and is commemorated on Groesbeek Memorial in Gelderland, Holland. The Groesbeek Memorial stands within Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery.
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| Corporal Dunn is commemorated locally on Cookstown Cenotaph.
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| James Dunne was survived by his brother William Dunn, Cookstown.
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| His uncle Edward served with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers.
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| The CWGC record Corporal James Dunn as the grandson of Mr and Mrs Robert Dunn of Cookstown, County Tyrone.
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