Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
James was born at Cornforth on March 19th 1896 and subsequently baptised on April 22nd 1896. His parents were Robert and Annie (nee Atkinson) who married at Stockton in 1873. They went on to have several children together including Jane, William, Robert, Elizabeth, Edwin, Fred, Thomas, Henry their youngest son James.
In 1901 the census shows father, Robert working as a bricklayer at the colliery. The only other worker in the home is Edwin who at age of 12 is a butcher’s apprentice. All the other family members were born at Ferryhill, only James was born at Cornforth.
Mother, Annie died in 1910.
By 1911 the family was changing and some members were moving on. However oldest son, Robert had married and was living at the family home with his wife, Ruth and their young daughter, Ivy. The family lived at Church View Cornforth. Robert senior is now a colliery mason at the pit, Fred a joiner, Thomas a mason’s labourer, Henry a coal miner driver underground, Robert a mason at the coal mine whilst James was a belt boy above ground.
James attested at the age of 19 at Sunderland on January 12th 1915. He joined at Beverley the following day. The few personal details shown were that he was 5’5” tall and weighed 126lbs. His trade was as a labourer.
After training he was sent to France on September 9th 1915. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on April 14th 1916 but sadly only 3 months later he had been killed in action.
James was awarded the Military Medal which was announced in the Gazette list no 29780 dated 10/10/1916.
Several years after his death August 17th 1921 a letter was sent to his father stating that James’ body had not yet been located but the following details were available. He was killed in action in France on July 14th 1916 whilst serving with 8th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. His unit was operating at Bazentin, Montabaun area at that time.
His total service amounted to 1 year 186 days.
Medals;1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
His brother, Henry also fought in the Great War with Royal Field Artillery as number 64155.
James Young is remembered at Cornforth on C115.01 and C115.03 and at Tursdale on T62.02
He is also remembered on the Roll of Honour Battle of the Somme 8th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment.
