rivate James Archer was born around 1869 in St Alkmunds, Derbyshire. He enlisted into The Sherwood Foresters in November 1893, aged 24. James’ regimental number was 4402 and he was part of ‘E’ Company of the 2nd Battalion. 

He served with the Foresters during the Tirah Campaign (1897-8), which happened in response to unrest in Northwest India. 

The beginning of the trouble (which led to the campaign), began in June 1897 with what was known as the ‘Maizar Outrage’. This was an attack on British Officers who were part of an escort of a political prisoner; three were killed, three wounded and another forty-eight were casualties. The unrest increased after the initial attempt to deter risings in the area. It would not be until mid-September that the 2nd Battalion would be selected as part of operations in the Northwest and join the Tirah Expeditionary Force.  

Sadly, this campaign was James’ first and last as he died of disease whilst serving in India. It was recorded in both the regimental history, and the campaign medal roll, that James died of diarrhoea.