James’ family lived in Fylands Farm, Saxlingham Green. His father was a farmer. James was born 6 August 1882 in Saxlingham Nethergate and was baptised at St. Mary’s Church on 1 October 1882. His parents were Anna Mary and Selim Dade.
He had six brothers and sisters.
Lucretia Elizabeth born October 1872
Anna Mary born 1875
Blanche born 1877
Harry Ernest born 1879
Rosa Emily born September 5 1885
Herbert born 1892
In 1901 James was still living at home and was working as a farm labourer on his father’s farm. Although some of the family were living in Saxlingham Green in 1911 James was a boarding with Samuel Warren in Attleborough and was working as a blacksmith.
He married Hannah Letitia Atkins in the late spring of 1915. The date of her birth is not certain as it was registered in 1879 but later she gave her date of birth as 24 June1881. In 1901 when James was still living at home she was working in Saxlingham as a domestic servant. She later worked in Norwich as a cook.
It is not known when James enlisted in the army. He was in the Labour Corps, Service number 350715. Men in this regiment were considered not to be fit enough to be in the front line although sometimes they had been in other regiments and had been injured. They often worked within the range of the enemy guns and towards the end of war did salvage work. The Labour Corps later became the Royal Logistics Corps.
James’ army records have not survived and so have no further details of the role he played. However his address as an absent voter for 1918 and 1919 is given as Saxlingham Green.
He had two daughters Dorothy born 6 August 1916 and Gwendoline born in 1921. At the time of their births the family lived in Ely Cambridgeshire.
In 1939 James was living in Mill Lane, Flordon, Norfolk with Hannah and he was working as an agricultural labourer.
His death was registered in October 1957.
Acknowledgements
England & Wales, Birth, marriage, death index 1837-2005
UK Census Collection
British Army Medal Roll Index cards, 1914-1920
1939 Register- www.findmypast.co.uk
Norfolk Electoral Rolls-Southern Division Saxlingham Nethergate and Thorpe, (Absent Voters Lists 1918-1920)
Norfolk, Church of England Diocesan Baptismal Records, Saxlingham Nethergate and Tasburgh.
Bidewell-Bonny Jan2 Family Tree and Cope Ruth Family Tree www.ancestry.co.uk
If anyone has any photographs or information about this person please contact me. Email jan@janmfox.co.uk