Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
James (known as Jim) was born at Beeston, Leeds in 1898. He was the son of Albert Henry and his wife Clara (nee Garside) who had married at Bramley in 1885. The couple had 6 children together but sadly one died.
In 1901 the young family were living at Pickles Row, Church Street, Darton, Yorkshire with their 2 sons Jim and George. Father Albert, was a coal miner labourer.
By 1911 they were boarding with the Robinson family at 8 Dene Terrace, Ferryhill. Mr Robinson was also a coal miner. The Nelson family had grown to include, Eliza, Joseph and Alice. Albert was now a coal miner/hewer whilst Jim aged 13 was a driver in the pit.
Jim Nelson later lived with his parents at 11 Office Row, Eden Road, Shildon.
He joined The King's Own Scottish Borderers in the 6th Battalion with service number 21617. During his service he served with the Borderers in several battalions.
The French had handed over Arras to Commonwealth forces in the spring of 1916 and the system of tunnels upon which the town was built were used and developed in preparation for the major Arras offensive planned for April 1917. But Jim was killed before then on the 21st January 1917 at the age of 19 years.
An inscription was added to his headstone which reads: “Life was denied for God could see eternal rest was best for him”
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
His brother, George Nelson who served as Private No 386896 in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Jim Nelson is remembered at Middridge on M62.01
