James Byers was born on the 8th February 1878 at Wallsend, the son of (the late) James Byers. He was a Boiler maker employed at Messrs Cammell Laird and Co., He was educated at Wallsend.
He married at Jarrow, Elizabeth, daughter of Robinson McBride, and they had four children. Robinson born 21st June 1903, Elizabeth born 22nd July 1905, Mary born 20th November 1909, and Margaret born 7th May 1914.
He enlisted in September 1914 and died of wounds on the 25th December 1916. James was in the 33rd Field Ambulance. [This field Ambulance was a unit of the 11th Infantry Division which had arrived in France on the 6th July 1916].
Lieutenant Colonel J. D. Browne wrote:-He was severely wounded while doing his duty very bravely under shell-fire. He was one of the best men in the unit, he always did his work in the most conscientious and efficient manner, and I feel I have lost a man who will not be easily replaced.
De Ruvigny Roll of Honour
