Name

James Edgar.

Description

Newspaper Photograph of Rifleman James Edgar.

Life Story

Name: James Edgar.

Service Number: 11141.

Rank: Rifleman.

Battalion: 6th Battalion.

Regiment: Royal Irish Rifles.

Born:

Died: 11th August 1915.

Address: 2 Broom Street, Belfast.

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Volunteer James Edgar, son of Thomas and Jane Edgar, lived at 2 Broom Street, Shankill, Belfast

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The 1901 Ireland Census has James living at 4 Enfield Street, Shankill, Befast with his mother, occupation, Dress Maker, father, Flax Dresser, three brothers, Thomas H, 15 years, Flax Dresser, Samuel, 7 years, William G,2 years, and two sisters, Elizabeth Ann, 16 years, Flax Spreader, Emma, 4 years. James, aged 13 years, occupation at this time is given as Machine Boy

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The 1911 Ireland Census has James living at 81 Enfield Street, Shankill, Belfast with his mother, father, Flax Dresser, four brothers, Thomas Henry, 25 years, Labourer In Spinning Mill, William George, 12 years, Robert Wilson, 5 years, John, 3 years, and three sisters, Emma Jane, 14 years, Linen Weaver, Margretta, 9 years, Amelia, 1 year. James occupation is given as Iron Turner

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James married Isabella Edgar, Nee Kennedy, on the 13th December 1913 within St Annes Church of Ireland Church Belfast

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James signed the Ulster Covenant on the 28th of September 1912, Ulster Day, within Belfast City Hall

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James joined the Royal Irish Rilfes.

He was posted as part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on the 11th July 1915.

James was a Rifleman in 6th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles when he was Killed In Action on the 11th August 1915 aged 25 years.

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A local newspaper states

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Official intimation has been received that Private Edgar, of the 6th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, has been killed in action at the Dardanelles. Prior to joining the army in September last year Private Edgar was employed at the Sirocco Works, and was also a member of the West Belfast Regiment of the Ulster Volunteer Force. His wife and parents reside at 2 Broom Street, Belfast.

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James Soldiers Effects were left to his widow Isabella.

His Pension Application Form shows his father as claimant.

Dependant Pension Application Forms show his widow, mother and father as claimants. His widows address is given as 9 Esmond Street, Belfast at time of applying.

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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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