James Bacon
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
James was born in Danesmore, Derbyshire, the son of John and Jemima Bacon. The family was living in Skegby, Nottinghamshire, by the time of the 1891 Census. The CWGC record gives his father's address as 1 Vallance Street, Mansfield Woodhouse. James married Sarah Ann Mellors (b. Pleasley Derbyshire 1878) in 1898. They had six children by 1911; births registered Mansfield: Lily b. 1899, Walter b. 1901, Elsie b. 1903 (reg. 1904), Percy b. 1906, Edward b. 1 November 1908 and Louis b. 1910 (reg. 1911). Another son, Leonard, was born in 1914. In 1901 James (23), a coal miner, and Sarah were living at 10 Grove Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, with their two children, Lily (2) and Walter (2 months). They had moved to 40 Blenheim Terrace, Mansfield Woodhouse, by 1911 and now had six children: Lily, Walter, Elsie (7), Percy (5), Edward (2) and Louis (4 months). Leonard was born three years later in 1914. The family was living at 54 Portland Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, at the time of James' death in 1915. James's widow Sarah Ann married George Mitchell in 1916. They were living at 43 Common Lane, Mansfield Woodhouse, when the CWGC record was compiled.
9th (Service) Bn Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment) The 9th Battalion was raised in Derby in August 1914 as part of Kitchener's First New Army. The battalion sailed from Liverpool for Gallipoli via Mudros at the end of June 1915 and landed at Suvla Bay on 6/7 August. It was evacuated from Gallipoli to Egypt in December 1915 and then posted to France in July 1916. James died of wounds (compound fracture of the femur) sustained in action at Gallipoli, dying at sea onboard the Hospital Ship Massillia on 5 December 1915. He was probably buried at sea and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey (Panel 151-153). He qualified for the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. The medal record notes that he first served in theatre in France on 28 August 1915 although the battalion did not serve in France until the following year when it took part in the Battle of the Somme.
Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser, 6 January 1916: Photograph. Left a widow and 7 children. The family were living at 54 Portland Street, Mansfield Woodhouse. Mansfield Reporter, ‘In Memoriam’. 8 December 1916: ‘In loving memory of Private James Bacon, the beloved son of Mr and Mrs Bacon. Died at sea from wounds received at the Dardanelles, December 5th, 1915. One year has passed, and still we miss him. Never will his memory fade. He is as dear to us to-day. As in the hour he went away. There is only feeling hearts can tell, It pleased the Lord to bid him come, And in his sight appear, For his country’s sake. From his sorrowing Mother and Father, Sisters and Brother.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: His widow Sarah Ann was his legatee. Sarah Ann Bacon was awarded a pension of 29 shillings a week for herself and her six dependant children (Walter, Elsie, Percy, Edward, Louis and Leonard) with effect from 19 June 1916
