James Albert Hillyard
He was a railway labourer in 1899 and a news vendor in 1908.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
James Albert Hillyard was born in 1881 at Nottingham, he was the son of James and Ann Hillyard and the brother of Phoebe, Frank and James Hillyard of 4 Brook Alley, Coalpit Lane, Nottingham.
He was the husband of Louie Hartshorn (born 14th September 1882) they were married in 1902 in Nottingham, they had the following children, James born 1902 Annie born 1903 , Louie May born 1910, Harry born 1911 and Frank Hillyard born 1914 they lived at Claude Street, Montpelier Road, Dunkirk, Nottingham.
Commencing 23rd April 1917 his widow was awarded a pension of 31 shillings and 3 pence a week.
Louie married Albert Beardsley at Nottingham in 1918 and they lived at 14 Union Place Glasshouse Street Nottingham.
James Albert Hillyard enlisted on 14 June 1899, aged 27 years 7 months, he was a railway labourer in the 4th reserve battalion. He went overseas to South Africa and took part in the Boer War (medal and 2 clasps). He was there from 11 January 1900 to 9 May 1901. He then remained in the reserve until 1908 when reorganisation took place. He re-enlisted on 14 June 1908 and stayed with the 4th reserve until the outbreak of war, when he was mobilised in August. He was only listed as serving with the 9th battalion and entered theatre, Gallipoli on 13 September 1915. On 13 October 1915 he was appointed Lance Corporal. He then served in Egypt with the battalion before the move to France, leaving Egypt on 26 June 1916 and arrived on 4 July. Initially the battalion moved to the Arras front before moving to the Somme in August. James was killed in action on 26 September 1916 during the battalion's successful attack in the Battle of Thiepval.
Norfolk Cemetery Becordel-Becourt Somme Grave Reference: II A 36
John Morse
additional research Peer Gillings
James Albert Hillyard's headstone at Becordel-Becourt Cemetery
Photo by Ian Johnson