Colin McMillan has provided the following:
James Brewis was born in or about 1900. In 1901 he was the youngest child of 38 year old Morpeth born Thomas H. Brewis, a colliery mason, and 33 year old Bedlington born Mary G. Brewis. His older siblings were 5 year old Charles Brewis who was born in Morpeth, and 3 year old Mary Brewis who, like James was born in Pegswood. The family were living at 13 Portland Place, Pegswood.
By 1911 Thomas had died and his widow, 43 year old Mary was then head of the household. The oldest child, Charles was working as a gardener and florist’s apprentice.. Mary (13) and James (11) were still at school and the family had been joined by 8 year old Joseph, 6 year old Muriel and 2 year old Annie. The last three children were all born in Pegswood and a seventh child had not survived. At this time the family were living at 19 Hill Gate, Morpeth.
James was formerly in the Sherwood Foresters with service number 98146 but when he died of wounds on 28th August 1918 he was serving with the East Yorkshire Regiment.
