A KEIGHLEY reservist soldier who was recalled to the army on the outbreak of the First World War died in Britain's first major action of the conflict after his comrades had to leave him behind.

Private James Edward Quinliven, of the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment, was posted as missing on August 26 1914 after the battle of Mons.

However, it was not until June 1916 that a news report concluded he had been killed in action.

It noted that during the 1914 battle he had been wounded in the leg, but could not be carried to safety as the Germans were only 100 yards away.

Private Quinliven's name is recorded on La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial, in France, and in Keighley's Roll of Honour in the library.

His cousins, private John Arthur Quinn and private Herbert Quinn also served in the war, with Herbert surviving and John dying in May 1915.

Before the war, James Edward Quinliven had worked for Messrs, Jonas Wells & Son, Keighley.

He had first enlisted in the army in 1903, joining the 3rd Volunteer Battalion West Riding Regiment (Militia).

He spent time based in Ambala, India, and was appointed as a drummer in early 1909.

His military career did not always run smoothly – in 1911 he was disciplined for being drunk at his army camp. He was punished by being confined to barracks for eight days, and also forfeited one of his good conduct stripes.