James Hulbert Morris, OBE
Captain James Hulbert Morris, OBE – Royal Engineers
Early Life
James Morris and Elizabeth Susannah Mollis Land
marriage certificate
St. Peter’s Church, Cockett
James Hulbert Morris was born in 1887, the
eldest son of James Morris and Elizabeth Susannah Mollis Land, who were
married in 1885 at St. Peter’s Church, Cockett.
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| 1891 Census |
At the time of the 1891 Census, the Morris family was living at 6 Windsor Street, Swansea. James Morris, aged 37 and born in Kidwelly, worked as an assayer, while his wife Elizabeth, aged 34, was born in Wandsworth, Surrey. Their two children were James Hulbert (4) and Gwenllian (2).
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| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, the family remained at the same address. James Morris, now 46 and widowed, continued his work as an assayer. His children, James Hulbert (14) and Gwenllian (12), were still at home, along with Elizabeth A. Rowland (36), employed as the family’s housekeeper.
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| 1911 Census |
The 1911 Census again places the family at 6 Windsor Street. James, aged 56, was still working as an assayer. His son James Hulbert (24) was recorded as a civil engineer, and his daughter Gwenllian (22) remained at home.
Military Service
With the outbreak of the First World War, James
Hulbert Morris enlisted in the Royal Engineers, applying his
professional expertise as a civil engineer to military service. His
technical ability and leadership were soon recognised, leading to his promotion
to Captain.
Captain Morris served with the Royal Engineers in East
Africa, where British and colonial forces engaged in a difficult campaign
against German forces. The work of the Engineers was vital in maintaining
communications, constructing transport routes, and supporting military
operations across vast and challenging terrain.
In recognition of his distinguished service in East
Africa, Captain Morris was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
The award was officially announced in The London Gazette, Supplement
31167, Page 1942, published on 4th February 1919.
Death
On 1st June 1919, Captain James Hulbert
Morris died at Endsleigh Palace (Endsleigh Gardens Hospital), London.
Originally built as the Endsleigh Palace Hotel, the
building had been converted in July 1915 into a military hospital for
officers. Known as Endsleigh Palace Hospital, it was equipped with
around 100 beds, two operating theatres, X-ray facilities, and a lift
adapted for stretcher cases. Located in Endsleigh Gardens, near Euston
and overlooking Gordon Square, it provided a calm and dignified environment for
recovering officers. Many who died there, like Captain Morris, had survived the
fighting but later succumbed to illness or injuries sustained during their
service overseas.
After his death, his body was brought home to Swansea
for burial.
Burial
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| St. Peters church burial register |
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| James Hulbert Morris, OBE St. Peters church credit - findagrave |
Captain Morris was buried at St. Peter’s Church, Cockett, alongside members of his family. His funeral was conducted with military honours and reflected the high regard in which he was held by both comrades and community. Though his grave is not marked by a military headstone, it stands as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice.
Legacy
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| The London Gazette |
Captain Morris’s death, coming only months after the
Armistice, reminds us that the toll of the Great War extended beyond the
battlefield. His memory remains part of the proud heritage of St. Peter’s
Church, Cockett, and of Swansea’s enduring legacy of service and sacrifice.
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