William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
James was the son of Henry and Ellen (nee Errington) at Seaham Colliery in 1895. The couple had 10 children together but sadly 4 died.
The 1901 census shows the family living at 35 Mount Pleasant New Seaham where they remained for several years. Father Henry worked as a coal miner as did his son William. The other children included Mary Ellen, Margaret Hannah, and Elizabeth Annie.
In 1911 the family was still at the same address, the other sons were now employed at the mine also. William was a putter, John a hewer whilst James was a coal miner/off taker.
James enlisted on March 2nd 1916 but wasn’t called up for service until June 6th 1918.
He was 5’11” tall and put his religion down as Church of England.
On June 14th 1918 he was attached to 7th Reserve Battalion with the Worcester Regiment for training at Blyth. On 14th October 1918 he ceased his deployment with the Worcesters as he proceeded overseas to join his regiment, the Durham Light Infantry on 18th October 1918.
Less than 3 weeks later he was wounded in action sustaining injuries to his forehead. He was picked up by 76th Field Ambulance then admitted to 41 Casualty Clearing Station before being sent on to the General Hospital. This was completed by November 7th 1918.
As his injuries were serious he was sent home to England. He was entrained at Templeux en route to Rouen (trip 224). Then was taken aboard the hospital ship ‘Grantully Castle’ for care at home. This ship had accommodation for 552 beds. He arrived at his destination Southern General Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham on Armistice Day 1918.
On November 23rd 1918 a memo was sent from the hospital to the officer in charge stating that patient, James Hair, had become dangerously ill.
James died at 6.35am on Tuesday December 3rd 1918 from a gunshot wound to the face and also celebro-spinal fever. He had relatives present at his death.
His personal property of a wallet containing a photo, 3 x ½d stamps, cap badge and purse was given to his family.
Recipient of the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
James Hair is remembered at Seaham on S117.05
He is not remembered in the DLI Book of Remembrance.
