Lieutenant James Young

 Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog

________________________________________________________________________

Served bravely and suffered during The Great War, died tragically, resting at Belmont General Cemetery.

On the Thursday afternoon of the 16th September 1937, Lieutenant James Young (M.C., D.C.M., M.I.D.), miner from Powell Street, West Wallsend, New South Wales and Main Road, Belmont, N.S.W., father of one (Margaret), was laid to rest at Belmont Cemetery, age 48. Uniting (Methodist) Old - Row A. Plot 44.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134958626 - funeral notice states service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134948931 - obituary.

Born at Stirlingshire, Kilsyth, Scotland on the 13th May 1889, to George and Sarah Young; husband of Robina Anderson Young nee Wilson (married 1913, West Wallsend, N.S.W., died 1978, district unknown), James enlisted November 1914 at Liverpool, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137095996 - report of letter home to wife Robina.

Admitted to hospital 10.10.1915 (pyrexia, also known as fever), 11.5.1916 (urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra).

Wounded in action - 2.8.1916 (SW head), 5.4.1918 (SW back, head, penetrating chest wound (lung), right foot, left thigh, severe).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133850919 - reported wounded, 1st occasion.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140976119 - reported wounded, 2nd occasion.

Invalided to England 19.4.1918.

Mentioned in Despatches, (Company Sergeant Major) 10th April 1916.

Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal, (Company Sergeant Major) 14th November 1916.

Awarded Military Cross, (Lieutenant) 26th July 1918.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137499378 - letter home being awarded the Military Cross.

James was invalided home December 1918, being discharged on the 23rd May 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137499378 - report that James had arrived home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139650851 - public welcome home and presentation at the West Wallsend School of Arts.

Mr. Young’s name has been inscribed on the West Wallsend and District Soldier's Memorial and the West Wallsend Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour (photo, unveiled on the 8th July 1917, 60 names originally inscribed, 68 names now inscribed, 13 Fallen).

The tragic circumstances of James’s death were reported.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134944687 - Deputy Crushed by Coal Fall - accidental death.

I have placed poppies at the gravesite of this WW1 Hero in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King and Country.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.