Name

James Bailey.

Description

Newspaper Photograph of Private James Bailey.

Life Story

Name: James Bailey.

Service Number: 8852.

Rank: Private.

Battalion: 1st Battalion.

Regiment: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

Born: 7th February 1887, Lurgan, County Armagh.

Died: 29th June 1915.

Address: 79 Cambrai Street, Belfast

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James Bailey, son of James and Margaret Bailey, lived at 79 Cambrai Street, Shankill, Belfast

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James joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

He was posted as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on the 17th March 1915.

James was a Private in 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was Killed on the 29th June 1915 aged 28 years.

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A local newspaper states the following.

Private James Bailey (8852), 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, is reported by the War Office to have been wounded on the 21st August at the Dardanelles. His mother, who resides at 79 Cambria Street, Belfast, would be grateful for any further information, as she has not heard from him for some time

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Another states.

Private James Bailey, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, posted as missing since July 29, 1915, is now reported as believed dead by the War Office. He had seen considerable service in the East. Two other brothers are serving in the Royal Engineer and Royal Marines, the former of whom was gassed in the recent advance. Their parents reside at 79 Cambria Street

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James Soldiers Effects were left to his mother.

His signed Will states that he is leaving his money to his mother. It also holds two letters, both of which are within his profile. I have replicated them here to read, however must state that at times, due to writing, I may not decipher them fully correct.

Dear Jinnie, Sorry I could not write to you when I wrote to Mary. But since I left there has been nobody in my thoughts but her, and it's all your doing. Well dear sister I feel very lonely here since I came from home. I was very sorry at leaving in the states I did because I dont remember bidding you a goodbye. I cried when I came to my senses. I did not want to drink all the time I was home, but for that day I went to Dunmurry. Dear Jinny, I feel ashamed at my father, and I dont intend to live with him if I get home again. If Mary will have me I will marry her as soon as I return. I need hardly tell you fell in love with her against my will. She is a very good girl. Better than all others, and I am very thankful to you. Dear Jinnie tell mother that I am sending her 6d pr day starting from the day I leave for France, which won't be for 6 weeks yet at the very least. We are very busy just now in training learning new bayonet charges and many other things to give the Germans when we get amongst them

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Dear Jinnie I am sitting in the kitchen now and I hate sight of it after leaving our house. They're very many pretty young girls here who shout after us as we pass, but I could not think of even looking at one when I think of Mary, Bella and you. Roll on France till I get out of this state. Dear Jinnie I would leave mother more, only I want to save up for a little home for Mary and I. Give my very best love to mother, Bella and Emma. Tell Bella this letter will have to do for the two of you, as when I am writing it makes me feel worse. Give my love to all the friends I mean uncle Jim and Aunt Emma and all the lot. Tell mother I am making arrangements to leave any money that belongs to me(in case anything happens ) to her, and not father. I haven't got Marys answer yet, eagerly awaiting one. Dear Jinnie I must close now with best love to all from your ever loving brother James. Signed off with four lines of six kisses stating, six each, goodnight

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Sadly I guess we may never know if James ever got the answered he waited for, however hopefully further research or viewing this will bring an answer another time

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His Pension Application Form shows his mother Margaret as claimant.

Dependant Pension Application Forms also show his mother as claimant.

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See brother also: 91574 Corporal William Bailey Royal Engineers.

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James received the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1915 Star.

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He is Remembered at Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

To Remember Is To Honour

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