Wigan Album

CWGC has a record for a Private James Murphy, aged 36, killed on that day in the 1st Bn. Irish Guards, commemorated at Le Touret Memorial, near Bethune. Only gives that he was the son of Thomas and Catherine Murphy, of Ardcavan, Castlebridge, Wexford.

That sounds right. Apparently, in the 19th and early 20th century Wigan police used to be like New York's - full of Irishmen!

Thanks for the information Rev Long apparently they'd only been married 6 weeks before he was killed by a sniper only information I've got

If James was a member of the Wigan Borough Police killed in action his name will be on the War Memorial that was on the wall of the public entrance to the King Street Police Office. This memorial plaque was moved when King Street closed and is now probably at Robin Park. He may also be on the 1910 group photograph of the Borough Police under Album/Work.
Any personal records/files held by Lancashire Records Office belonging for members of former borough forces have recently been copied and transferred back to local offices. Leigh should have these records if they exist. They may include a photograph together with personal and family details of James.

His name is not inscribed on the Wigan Police Memorial which is now displayed just inside the entrance gate at Robin Park HQ, mounted on a stone. You could check the World War 1 Cuttings Books in the Museum of Wigan Life which are in date order and have an alphabetical index. You may find a photo of him with a short obituary which often gives the occupation.

Is it possible that he was in the County Police. Which was also in Wigan.

You have got the right one Rev Long but he was killed in action 6 May 1915, not the 8th as Margaret states. The 'UK Soldiers Died in the Great War' website shows 5199 L/Cpl James Murphy 1st Bn Irish Guards born and enlisted in Wigan

thanks for all the information i'll see if my husband can find out anything more from his mother