Brother of Alice Hatton, of 185, New Street, Blackrod, Lancashire, formerly Alice Alker, of Silvester Street, Blackrod, Lancashire. Enlisted September 1914 aged 17. Missing since 24/05/1915 and subsequently presumed killed. Reported to be on the roll of honour of Blackrod Wesleyan Chapel in the BJ&G June 1916. His father also served. The BJ&G possibly recorded him in error as James Alker in an article reporting him as missing in July 1915.

Wounded and taken prisoner of war of the Bulgarians at Salonika, and presumed died of wounds when death was notified.