John Malcolm James
Private John Malcolm James – Welsh Regiment, 1/6th Battalion
Early Life
John Malcolm James was born on 21st June 1889,
the youngest child of George James and Sarah Ann Maria James. His
parents were married in Laleston, Glamorgan, in 1882.
George, a native of Spittal, Pembrokeshire, was the son of John James,
while Sarah, born in New Milford, Pembrokeshire, was the daughter of David
James.
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| 1891 Census |
In the 1891 Census, the family was recorded living at 34 Norfolk Street, Swansea. George, then aged 34, worked as a Grocer’s Clerk, and Sarah, aged 33, managed the household. Their children were Morgan Tuberville (8), Alexander Stuart (5), Letitia Fanny (4), and John Malcolm (1).
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| 1901 Census |
By the 1901 Census, the family had moved to 60 Cromwell Street, Swansea. George, now 44, was employed as a Commercial Traveller (Grocer), while Sarah continued to care for the home. Their children were Morgan, a Solicitor’s Clerk; Alexander, a Cabinet Maker’s Apprentice; Letitia; and John Malcolm, then aged 11.
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| Apprentices Indentured in the Merchant Navy, 1824–1910 |
In 1906, John began a four-year apprenticeship in the Merchant Navy with S. Goldberg & Sons, as recorded in Apprentices Indentured in the Merchant Navy, 1824–1910. However, his apprenticeship was cancelled in May 1909.
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| 1911 Census |
By the 1911 Census, the family was living at Rock House, Heathfield, Swansea. George (54) continued as a Commercial Traveller (Grocer), and Sarah (53) remained at home. Their children at that time were Morgan (28), employed as a Builder’s Clerk; Letitia (24); and John Malcolm (21), recorded as a Merchant Seaman.
John’s brother, Alexander Stuart James, was living
separately at 1 Glaspyn Terrace, Houset Fach, Gowerton, working as a
Cabinet Maker with his wife Anne (22).
Military Service
John Malcolm James enlisted in the 1/6th Battalion,
Welsh Regiment, a territorial battalion that was mobilized for home defence
and training early in the First World War.
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| UK Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901–1929 |
According to the UK Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901–1929, John’s parents’ address at the time was Ogmore, West Cross. His military service was short-lived, as he fell ill soon after his enlistment.
Death
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| South Wales Daily Post 27th February 1915 |
Following his death, George and Sarah James received letters
of sympathy from His Majesty the King and Lord Kitchener, recognising their
son’s service and sacrifice.
A report of his funeral appeared in the South Wales Daily
Post on 27th February 1915.
Burial
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| John Malcolm James Oystermouth Cemetery credit - findagrave |
His funeral was attended by members of his regiment, family,
and townspeople who gathered to honour his brief but dedicated service.
Legacy
At the time of his death, the Army owed John a sum of £1
11s 9d, which was later paid to his father, as noted in official records.
Private John Malcolm James’s service and sacrifice are
remembered as part of the enduring legacy of Swansea’s contribution to the
First World War. His story, beginning in a family home in Heathfield and ending
with the first military burial at Oystermouth Cemetery, stands as a lasting
testament to a generation that answered the call of duty.
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