James Kettle was born at 1 Ellesmere Street, South Shields on the 6th June 1888, and baptised on the 27th June 1888, at St Hilda's church, the eldest boy to James Kettle [senior], who was born 1st September 1862, at Bents Cottages, South Shields, a Paddle Tugboat man, who was educated at the South Shields Union Board School from the 19th May 1873, aged 12, [he married a Christine Aulty, {daughter of Joseph Aulty}, born 1867, died September 1938, on the 12th August 1885 at St Stephens Church, South Shields], James [senior], died 22nd June 1948 at Ingham Infirmary, residing at 76 Bath Road, South Shields, and left effects of £304 4s 8d to Hilda Jacobs his younger sister.

James [senior] was a crew member of the tug 'Ruby' 44288, and as such was listed as a fireman in the crew manifesto.

On the 17th November 1888, James Kettle then aged 24 was fined for being drunk and disorderly in King Street, South Shields, charge was dismissed if he paid 5s to the Ingham Infirmary.

They had 10 children, six lived and 4 died, three were born at 1 Ellesmere Street, four of them served in the forces in World War 1. Herbert William Kettle, born 7th June 1889, baptised on the 23rd June 1889, John Kettle born 2nd June 1891, he enlisted into the Durham Light Infantry, died 1930, Christine Kettle, born 22nd May 1893, William Walderham Kettle, born 3rd August 1895, [not to be confused with the professional footballer called the same name], emigrated to Australia, we believe in July 1914 on-board the Hawkes Bay , embarking at Victoria, and Hilda born 27th November 1896, baptised on the 23rd December 1896, at St Hilda's church South Shields, she married a Henry Jacobs in 1919.

James was educated at the South Shields Union Board School, and attested in the Milita for the Durham Light Infantry on the 16th January 1906, aged 17 years 7 months, service number 8338. He was employed by ship owners Messrs Harrower and Co of Whitby, Yorkshire. His trade was described as a Mess Room Steward.

James was 5 feet 2 3/4 inches high, Fresh complexion, Blue Eyes, Fair brown Hair.

He attested on the 16th January 1906 in the then Militia 4th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, service nu 8338. However he was struck off for being absent from the 28th May 1906. He was discharged on the 5th September 1906 by purchase under paragraph 428 (D) 1904.

In 1901 James family had moved to 3 Ellesmere Street, just next door from their 1891 address.

By 1911, James's brother John Kettle and William were described as Butchers in the census.

In 1939, the son Herbert William Kettle was residing with his father at 76 Bath Street, South Shields, being described as an Able Seaman.

Research: James Pasby