Heslop's Local Advertiser
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
James Johnson Lisle was born 1894 and baptised July 22nd 1894 at Christ Church, Gateshead, County Durham by his parents George Lisle 1866 and Margaret Penelope Simpson 1863, both natives of Felling, Gateshead. Prior to their marriage in 1885 George had been a labourer and Margaret was employed as a domestic servant at Dodd’s Hall, Bill Quay in the household of James and Margaret Weir. George and Margaret set up home at 82 Beech Street, Gateshead, they had 8 children, 6 sons and 2 daughters. George Lisle had found steady work as a locomotive engine fireman, by 1888 they had moved to Heworth where he was still an engineman, Thomas (15) was employed at the shipyard’s at Bill Quay. In 1911 they were living at 41, Heworth Street, Felling, their father was still employed at the chemical works, Thomas had left home, William (19) was an apprentice shipwright, James Johnson (16) an apprentice upholsterer, his younger brothers and sisters were either scholars or at home.
James Johnson Lisle on the outbreak of war enlisted at Byker, a suburb of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and was assigned as Private 3311 to the Northumberland Fusiliers, 1st/4th Battalion (Territorials). The battalion initially took on a defensive role but after additional training departed to France April 1915 to join the 149th Brigade, 50th Northumbrian Division. Private Lisle did not join then until 1916 just as preparations were underway for the Battles of the Somme which began July 1st 1916. The 4th Battalion did not see front line action until the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, September 15th-22nd 1916.
Private 3311 James Johnson Lisle Northumberland Fusiliers was killed in action on the first day of battle, September 15th 1916, his body buried on the battlefield. After Armistice, Adanac Military Cemetery was made, the name formed by reversing the name ”Canada” and graves were brought in from the Canadian battlefields around Flers-Courcelette and small cemeteries surrounding Miraumont. Private Lisle was reburied with all honour and reverence grave VII. A. 26. At the time of his demise he was 22 years old and single.
His father George received all monies due to him and his awards of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Margaret Penelope Lisle nee Simpson died aged 75 years, George Lisle in 1946 aged 81 years, both registered in the district of Gateshead, County Durham.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
Heslop's Local Advertiser 13/10/1916 reports the death of:
"Private James J. Lisle, N.F., killed in action on Sept. 15th, aged 22 years. Son of George and Margaret P. Lisle, 2 Heworth Street, Felling."
James Johnson Lisle is remembered at Heworth on H92.03 and at Felling on F32.01
