Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
James was born to parents James and Isabella (nee Graham) at Auckland in 1894. During their marriage, James and Isabella had 10 children but unfortunately by 1911, 3 had died. Other brothers and sisters included Thomas, George, Emily and Mary, who later became a VAD nurse caring for wounded soldiers in WW1. The remaining siblings living at home in 1911 were Fanny May (a pea packer), Polly and John.
James along with his sons John and James, worked in the coal mines.
James enlisted at Bishop Auckland 8 September 1914 originally serving with service number 14711.
He was 5’7” tall and recorded as having good physical development.
On 14 December 1915 James was promoted to Lance Corporal in the field. 16 July 1916 he received a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and to the left side of his scalp so he was sent for care to England aboard hospital ship HS Lanfranc.
Whilst on active service, 6 September 1916 he was admonished by his senior officer for “overstaying his pass" from tattoo until 5pm 8th September.
He returned to duties 19 October 1916 and was posted to 19th Durham Light Infantry with service number 7163.
Less than a month later, 5 November 1916, he was reported missing in the field then listed as presumed dead.
James was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal
His brother John, a sergeant with Durham Light Infantry was killed in action on 29 March 1918.
James Welford is remembered at Auckland Park on A42.01 at Bishop Auckland on B140.12 and B140.03
He is also remembered in The DLI Book of Remembrance page 306
