Memorials & Monuments
on the Isle of Wight
- Biography -
- Alexander Young Young-James -

ISLE OF WIGHT MERCURY

Friday, August 27, 1915 Page 5

Isle of Wight Rifles.

SERIOUS NEWS REGARDING SEVERAL OFFICERS.
The anxiety which has existed during the last few days regarding the Imperial Service Battalion of the Isle of Wight Rifles - the 8th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment (T.F.) - is still unrelieved. Following the announcement that Rifleman Wray, of Newport, had died as the result of wounds, came the inclusion in the official lists published on Monday of the name of 2nd Lieut. A.G.A. Sutton among the wounded. These two facts clearly indicated that the Rifles had either been in action or had been fired upon in an attempted landing. Since then we regret to announce that more serious news has been received, no fewer than eight of the officers of the battalion being reported as missing and believed to be killed. The names of the eight officers are: -
Major E.H. Lewis (second in command)
Captain D.W. Ratsey
Captain C. Ratsey
Captain A. Holmes Gore
Captain G.C. Loader
Lieut. A.C. Young-James
2nd Lieut. L.C. Watson
2nd Lieut. F.C.M. Raymond

Of course there is still a hope that some of the above officers may have been taken prisoners by the Turks whose record in the treatment of their prisoners is far better than that of the Germans. Very naturally the question repeatedly asked is "If the officers have suffered so badly what has been the fate of the N.C.O.'s and men?" We trust there may soon be an end to the existing suspense.

ISLE OF WIGHT MERCURY

Friday, August 27, 1915 Page 4

Lieut. A.C. Young-James, who is also reported missing, is a solicitor, of Newport, having succeeded as senior partner to the well-known Island practice of the late Mr. Roach Pittis, J.P., on the death of the latter some two or three years ago. He had been in the Isle of Wight Rifles about two years ago, and while stationed at Ventnor a few months ago, made a number of friends in the town. He comes of a well-known family. His partner in the practice, Lieut. C.S. Pittis, is serving in Gallipoli in the same regiment. He married soon after coming to Newport where his wife is residing.

Isle of Wight County Press

Saturday, August 28, 1915

Lieut. A.Y. Young-James, who is reported as missing from the I.W. Rifles, is the son of Dr. Young-James of Bristol, and succeeded to the important legal practice of the late Mr. R. Roach Pittis, J.P., after the death of that gentleman about two years ago. (*) His prospective partner in the practice, Lieut. C.S. Pittis (**) is also serving in the Rifles at the front. Mr. Young-James served his articles with one of the largest and most influential legal firms of Bristol, Messrs. Meade-King and Sons, and after his admission went to Wolverhampton, from which place he came to Newport. He shortly afterwards married, and his wife and infant son are residing at Lugley House, Newport. During his residence in Newport Mr. Young-James was active in identifying himself with objects for the public well-being and was a valued supporter of the Primrose League and the Unionist cause.