James Harry Harper

James Harry Harper was born in 1893 at Hull he was the son of James a steel case hardener and Edith Jean Harper née Griffiths of 85 Sleaford Road Newark. His father James was born in 1868 at Malvern Worcestershire and his mother Edith Jane Griffiths was born in 1871at Worcester, they were married in 1890, their marriage was recorded in the Bristol registration district, they went on to have 8 children, sadly two died in infancy or early childhood, their children were James Henry b1893 Hull, Henry John b1895 Hull, Albert Victor b1897 Hull, Irene Violet b1900 Hull and Daisy b1910 Newark. In the 1911 census the family are living at 6 Gordons Row, Newark and are shown as James 43 yrs a steel case hardener, he is living with his wife Edith Jean 40 yrs and their children James Henry 18 yrs a steel grinder, Henry John 16 yrs a labourer, Albert Victor 14 yrs a labourer, Irene Violet 11 yrs a scholar and Daisy 8 months of age.

He was a steel grinder.

85 Sleaford Road, Newark.

James Harry Harper enlisted on 3rd September 1914 at Newark, he gave his age as 22 yrs and 137 days, his occupation was that of a grinder, his address was 85 Sleaford Road, Newark and his next of kin was his father James of the same address. He was posted to the 8th battalion Leicestershire Regiment and landed in France on 29th July 1915. He was killed in action on 15th July 1916 and having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

Article published 9th August 1916 in the Newark Advertiser :- Son of James & Edith Jean Harper, 85 Sleaford Road, Newark. A native of Hull, he came with his parents to Newark 15 years ago (when aged nine). Attended Lovers’ Lane Council School and a member of the Church Lads Brigade, also St. Leonard’s choir. At age 14, he began employment with the late Robert Hodginson at Northgate House, working in the house and stables. Then for Ransome & Co. where his father and two brothers also worked. Enlisted in the 3rd Leicesters in Sept. 1914 and home for the last time in June 1915. Confirmation received in a letter from Sgt.Maj. R. Mayfield, “I have seen poor Jim Harper, dead upon the battlefield”.