James Folkard

A Gunner with 177th Siege Battery, James died on 13th of May 1918 at the age of 29. 

James was born at Herringfleet on 7 February 1889, a son of George Melbourne and Julia Folkard. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church, Herringfleet, on 24 March 1889. In 1891 his family lived at Sunny Bank Cottages, Herringfleet, Suffolk, and this is where they lived throughout James’ life. In 1911 their specific address was 11 Sunny Bank Cottages and James worked as a farm labourer. 

James was living at 17 Dove Street, and working as a brewer’s drayman, when he attested for the Army at Lowestoft on 11 December 1915. He then joined the Army Reserve and was called up on 29 February 1916. He joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, service number 68737. 

James married Ellen Louisa Crane at Saint Andrews Church, Buxton, Norfolk, on 26 June 1916. Ellen lived at Earsham Lodge, near Bungay, Norfolk, and later lived at 60 Crawford Buildings, Homer Street, Marylebone, London.

James embarked at Southampton on 2 July 1916 and arrived at Le Havre the next day to join 119 Siege Battery. On 25 August 1916 he was admitted to 102 Field Ambulance with a fever (pyrexia of unknown origin) and was transferred to 8 Australian Field Ambulance on 28 August. James was discharged to duty on 31 August. 

James was slightly wounded on 20 May 1917, but remained with his battery. He was granted leave to England from 21 to 31 October 1917. On 21 November 1917 he was admitted to hospital suffering from a shrapnel wound to his hand. He was then sent to No 10 Convalescence Camp before joining the Base Depot on 22 January 1918.

On 9 February 1918 James was posted to 177 Siege Battery. On 9 May 1918 James received shrapnel wounds to his head and shoulders. He was taken to 10 Casualty Clearing Station where he died from his wounds on 13 May. 

James’ personal effects, comprising his identity disc; letters; photos; a pipe; wallet; wrist watch, strap and protector; and his note book, were sent to Ellen.  

James' brother Ernest was wounded in an air-raid in 1940 and died in 1944 as a result of his injuries.