James William Reay was born in South Shields 15th February 1895, the only son of James and Matilda Reay, of 18, Eleanor Street, South Shields.

There were three sisters, Mary, age 24, Alice, age 20, and Hilda, age 15, and one half brother called John E, Robson, age 31 (who resided at 77 Broughton Road, South Shields) also a half sister called Margaret Starling, age 30, is shown on his record.

James was educated at the Westoe Secondary School.

His service record states his trade was a Shop assistant, he enlisted at South Shields on the 8th November 1914, stating his age as 19 years 226 days, old for Short Service. His height was 5 feet 6 and a half inch, grey eyes and brown hair weighing in at 126lbs. His religion was Primitive Methodist.

He joined the RGA at Newhaven 11th November 1914.

He was posted 18th December 1914 to 19th Brigade RGA at Sheerness, before transferring 2nd December 1915 to Lydd. Here he qualified as a gunlayer 1st June 1915. James was sent overseas 9th March 1916, before finally being posted to the 61st Siege Battery in the field. He was appointed a Corporal on the 9th January 1917.

James was killed by an artillery shell on his gun position on the 6th May 1917.

His mother received James's personal effects which were listed as 2 Discs, Letters, Cigs case, Purse, Health Badge, Pocket Book, Pocket Knife, Watch, Chain, Xmas Postcards on the 24th January 1917. She also received a sum of 18 shillings.

His Medals were received on the 29th April 1922 by his father. Victory and War Medal only.

He is remembered at Harton on H104.03, at South Shields on S86.046, S86.053, S86.82, S86.127 and S86.142

South Shields Grammar School
The CWGC entry for Corporal Reay