James William Medley

Date of birth:                1865
Place of birth:              Southampton
Date of marriage:       1887
Place of marriage:      Southampton
Service No.:                  352034
Rank:                               Gunner
Regiment / Division: Royal Garrison Artillery
Battalion:                       Hampshire [RGA – (TF)]
Died:                                6^th October 1918 aged 53 years
Death Location:          Southampton

Life before the War

James’ parents were Robert and Caroline nee Mundell. His father was born in Romsey in 1830 and died 1905 Southampton. Robert had many employments including Fish Monger and General Labourer. After the death of his wife, Robert was living at Southampton’s Incorporation Workhouse as shown in the 1901 census. Caroline was born in Cowes, Island of Wight in 1824 and died in 1893 Southampton. They married in 1850 Southampton.

James had  2 sisters  Eliza b.1851 and Mary A  b 1854, he also had 3 brothers Robert b.1853 d.1894, John Samuel b.1859 and Alfred b.1863

James married Ellen Thompson in 1887. Ellen was born in 1869 and died 1934. They had 9 children: James Archibald Thomas b.1888 d.1954, Lilian Ellen b.1890, Elsie Eliza b.1894, William Frank H b.1896 d.1968, Alfred Charles R b.1898 d.1959, Arthur R J b.1900 d.1959, Beatrice b.1903, Edith b.1905 and George A W b.1908 d.1966.

The family were  living with Ellen’s widowed mother in 1891 and 1901 at 2, Norman Road, Millbrook, Southampton. James was working as a Printer’s Machinist.

In the census of 1911, the family, without Ellen’s mother, were living at 1, Elgin Road, Freemantle, Southampton. James was still employed as a Printers Machinist, whilst James Archibald was a Compositor, both Elsie and William were Book Binders Assistants.

James Archibald’s War Service

James enlisted into the Hampshire Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 2641. He served at Home from 19^th September 1916. He stated he was married to Florence who married on 2^nd August 1913 at Netley Church, Hound Parish near Southampton and his address was 122, Millbrook Road, Southampton. His occupation was Compositor.

James William’s War Service

James is buried in Southampton Old Cemetery, plot 155 A. 229.

Ellen was living at 113, St. Mary Street, Southampton when she was notified of her husband’s death.