James Hull is not on the war memorial but his name is on the Absent Voters list in 1918 and 1919. This means that he and his family gave Saxlingham as their permanent address.
James was born in Braintree, Essex in 1895. His parents were Eliza and Jacob Hull. He came from a large family, his parents had 14 children. Two of them died. His siblings were
David born 1872
George born 1873
William born 1875
Thomas 1877
Alfred born 1881
Kate born1882
Jacob junior born 1885
Elizabeth born 18891897
Ethel born 1894
Emma born 1897
And Flossy Eliza birth date unknown.
His father worked as a horseman on a farm. In 1901 the family were living near New Lodge Farm, Rayne in Essex. By 1911 James’ mother had died and they were living in South Street, Braintree, Essex. James was working as a farm labourer.
In 1914 aged 19 years old he married Matilda Crane, who was five year older than him, in Braintree, Essex. Matilda came from Saxlingham Thorpe and was born 15 November 1889. Her parents were Arnold and Martha Crane and they lived in Cargate Lane Saxlingham Thorpe. It is not known how Matilda met James but in 1911 she was working as a servant at 90 Portland Place, London.
James’ records have not survived so the details of his military service are not known. He was in the Army Service Corps his number was T4/041209. The T in his number indicates he was in Transport of some kind.
On 18th August 1917 James and Matilda had a daughter, Lily Ethel Hull.
After the war James came back to Saxlingham Thorpe and was there in 1920. However by 1924 they had moved to the Council Houses Poringland, Norfolk .
In 1939 the family were living at 11 West Side, Poringland. James was working as a plasterer. Lily was living with them. She was a shop assistant in millinery.
James died in Norwich in 1963.
Acknowledgements
England & Wales, Birth, marriage, death index 1837-2005
UK Census Collection
1939 Register- www.findmypast.co.uk
Norfolk Electoral Rolls-Southern Division Saxlingham Nethergate and Thorpe, (Absent Voters Lists 1918-19)
If anyone has any photographs or further information about this person please contact me. Email address, jan@janmfox.co.uk