James Doncaster
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was born about 1893, the son of James and Mary Doncaster who had ten children; Carrie, Alice, Ellen, Elizabeth, James, Stephen, Arthur, Mary, Annie and Samuel. James came from March, Cambridgeshire, and his wife from Lincolnshire and in 1891 they were living in Westville, Lincolnshire, where James was employed as an agricultural worker. They had four daughters; Carrie (4), Alice (3), Ellen (1) and Elizabeth (3 months) all of whom had been born in Westville. By 1901 they were living in Devonshire Square, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire; James' occupation was still given as agricultural worker. There were five children in the home on the night of the census; Elizabeth, James (8, b. Westville), Stephen (6, b. Westville), Arthur (4, b. Derby) and Mary (2, b. Spondon, Derbyshire). In 1911 they lived on Manor Street (Devonshire Square), Sutton in Ashfield; there were eight children at home: Alice, Ellen, Elizabeth, James, Stephen, Mary, Annie (8, b. Sutton in Ashfield) and Samuel (5, b. Sutton in Ashfield). James senior was now employed as a carter by the Urban District Council. James' sister, Ellen, died on 2 December 1919 aged 30 and his mother on 5 September 1925 age 65.
He served with the 56th Bty 3rd Bde. He was wounded in action and evacuated to England where he died in the War Hospital Napsbury, Hertfordshire. He is buried in Sutton in Ashfield cemetery (grave ref. C. OO. 4775). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Inscription on headstone in Sutton in Ashfield cemetery: 'In loving memory of James, the beloved son of James & Mary Doncaster, who died of wounds received in action April 16th 1918, aged 25 years. Also their daughter, Ellen, who died Dec. 2nd 1919, aged 30 years. Thy will be done. Also Mary, the beloved wife of James Doncaster, who died Sept. 5th 1925 aged 65 years.' Probate: Doncaster James of 24 Mount-street Sutton in Ashfield Nottinghamshire gunner HM Army died 16 April 1918 at St Albans Hertforsdshire Administration (with Will) London 19 October [1918] to James Doncaster carter. Effects £593 0s 6d. Soldiers' Effects: his father, James, was named as grantee.
