Photo: Smiths Dock Magazine March 1920

Headstone

J. R. Hellam funeral with Volleys

Photo : J. Cleet. J R Hellam Funeral Procession

Medal Index Card

John Robert Hellam was born on the 15th January 1894, the eldest son of Humphrey (Engine Driver with the NER) and Anne Hellam of 22 Wenlock Road, South Shields. They originally resided in 1901, at 44 South View Terrace. John joined Westoe Secondary School in 1907 and left 2 years later.

He worked as a clerk in the High Docks' Department for Smith's Dock Company at North Shields.

He had enlisted on the 11th September 1914.

Originally trained with the (6th Dragoon Guards) 3rd Reserve Cavalry for nine months before being transferred to the 3rd East Kent Regiment on May 31st 1915. [He joined up as a Private in September, 1914, and was initially posted to Newport, but two months later was transferred to Canterbury and, in June, 1915, he transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the East Kent Regiment.] Disembarked in France on the 22nd June 1915 where he joined the 2nd Battalion at Dickebush. He was promoted to a Lance Corporal on July 31st, whilst in the Messines sector, and later was recommended by his Commanding Officer for distinguished conduct on the field. His Regiment took a prominent part in the Battle of Loos, and was one of the few survivors left which took part in the charge.

Wounded with shrapnel and badly gassed, Hellam was picked up by the Germans and kept prisoner in Cologne.

"During his captivity his treatment by the enemy was of the worst description, resulting in a complete breakdown of health, so much so that he was sent to Switzerland at Christmas, 1916 with a batch of other prisoners considered 'permanently unfit' by the Germans."

"He was a Prisoner of War in Cologne for 15 months. Invalided to Switzerland during the Christmas of 1916. Eighteen months later he returned to the UK, about 3 months before the armistice. He undertook treatment at the King George's Hospital, London before being finally discharged.

He resumed his occupation at the High Docks in November 1918. However his health was far from satisfactory, and on the recommendation of his Doctor, the Directors arranged for him to take convalescent treatment at Gilsland, where he spent about 3 months. In order that he might have the advantage of a more congenial climate during the Winter he was sent to the Grosvenor Sanatorium, Kent, where he seem to make good progress. Suddenly he was seized with an acute illness to which he succumbed a few days later."

"His funeral with full Military Honours, took place at Simonside Churchyard on Friday, February 6th, the respect he was held was evinced by the large and representative concourse of mourners. Amongst those present were : Mr. H. Hellam, father; Mr. W. Hellam; brother; the Misses Hellam sisters; and numerous relatives and friends. The coffin was borne on a gun carriage of the 501st Battery R.F.A., preceded by a firing party of the Durham Light Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Gibbon, D.S.O., M.C., D.C.M. The impressive service was conducted by the Rev. W. T. Laverick vicar of Simonside."

After the committal service at the graveside the usual military honours were accorded, including "The Last Post" and volleys by the firing party from the D.L.I.

He was awarded the Silver War Badge and discharged on medical grounds on the 27th October 1918.

He died in the Grosvenor Sanatorium, Kennington, London on the 1st February age 26.

Source: Smiths Dock Company Magazine March 1920

James Hoy Archive

John Robert Hellam is remembered at North Shields on N34.04, in N34.30 page 23, at Harton on H104.01, H104.03, in South Shields in S86.004 page 23, S086.022 and S86.044

South Shields Grammar School
The CWGC entry for Lance Corporal Hellam