CWGC Headstone

William Kirby and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-

James was born at Boldon Colliery in 1888 to his Irish parents Peter and Catherine (nee McKeown). They had 11 children but2 died.

The 1891 census shows the family of several children and others - Daniel, John, Owen, James, Isabella (known as Bella), Catherine, Patrick and 3 boarders. Father Peter and the 3 boarders were all Irish miners.

In 1901 the family were growing up. His sons were working now Daniel a putter, John a shifter, Owen a miner and James pony driver. The other children were at school. There had also been additions to the family which now included Thomas, Agnes and Charles (died aged 3).

By 1911 Peter now aged 74 has retired from the pit. Although his sons are still working there Owen, James (working at Seaham pit) Patrick and Thomas. They have a relative Ann staying with then on census night and also a boarder who is a bottlemaker at the glass bottle works. So there were 10 folk in 3 rooms at 9 Aline Street Seaham Harbour.

Robert married on October 8th 1911 at St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Seaham Harbour to his sweetheart Mary Sarah Miller.

The couple had 3 children together although sadly there first son, Matthew was born and died in 1912. Two more children followed namely James (known as Nobby) and Catherine Ann (known as Kitty) who was born shortly before James senior went to war.

James was working as a miner at Murton Colliery in 1913.

Father Peter died in 1915.

James enlisted at Sunderland and joined the Northumberland Fusiliers. Although very little of Robert’s service is available it is known that he was awarded the Military Medal about February 19th 1917. The honour was published in the Gazette.

The following inscription was recorded :-

In loving memory of my dear husband Lance Corporal James Clark who was killed in action on 01/07/1916 aged 32 years. The beloved husband of Sarah Clark of 49 Adolphus Street Seaham Harbour.

One year has passed and friends around
May think the wound has healed
But they little know the sorrow deep within the heart concealed
Ever remembered by his loving wife and two little ones, also grandmother, brothers and sisters, R.I.P.

An obituary was placed in the Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette on 03/07/1917

‘In loving memory of James Samuel Clark, N.F. (late of Boldon) killed in action 01/07/1916 aged 32 years

A dear brother, a faithful friend
One of the best that God could lend:
Duty called and he was there
To do his bit and take his share
Ever remembered by his loving sister, Bella and brother in law Fred Elmy (now in France)”

James' widow received a weekly pension of 18shillings 6d as from January 29th 1917 for herself and her 2 children. She was also entitled to his monies due to him amounting to £4.16s.3d and later a war gratuity of £6.0s.0d.

Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal

James Samuel Clark is remembered in Dawdon on D41.06 and at Seaham on S117.20

Battle of the Somme Roll of Honour
The CWGC entry for Lance Corporal Clark