JAMES MOORE 1891 – 1920

It is believed that 48896 Sergeant James Moore, 19 Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, died in 1920, aged 30, having served the duration of the war.  It is believed that he is buried in Bishop Auckland (Escomb) cemetery and he is commemorated on the Witton Park war memorials.

Family Details

James Moore was born 1891,[1] at Witton Gilbert, Durham, the son of James and Mary Moore.  There were at least 8 children:[2]

• James born 1891 at Witton Gilbert
• Mary Ann bc.1891 at Witton Park
• Lawrence bc.1895 at Woodside
• John Patrick born 1897 at Woodside
• Richard bc.1899 at Witton Park
• Catherine bc.1901 at Woodside
• Dan bc.1903 at Woodside
• Sarah Ann bc.1907 at Langley Moor

In 1891, the family lived at Thompson Street, Witton Park where 27 years old James senior worked as a coal miner.  At this time, he and Mary had 3 children.  Mary’s father, Patrick Barry, lived with them. Patrick was born in Ireland, County Clare.[3]  In 1901, the family lived at Woodside where James senior worked as a coal miner (hewer).[4]  By 1911, they lived at Low King Street, Witton Park and 48 years old James was then disabled and unable to work.  Two sons, 16 years old Lawrence and 14 years old John Patrick worked as coal miners and lived at the home.  Their older brother James lodged at Langley Bridge, near Durham where he too worked as a coal miner. [5]

James’ brother served as 23829 Lance Serjeant John Patrick Moore, 14th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry.  He was killed in action 18 September 1916, aged 19, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. [6]

James Moore died in 1920, aged 30.[7]

Military Details

10 August 1914, it is believed that James Moore, aged 24 years 4 months may have tried to join the Dublin Fusiliers (service number 16519) but was enlisted into the Durham Light Infantry, 10th Battalion.[8] He underwent a medical examination that day and was declared fit for the Army.  He stood 5’10” tall, weighed 148 lbs., had a fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair.   He worked as a miner and his religion was Roman Catholic.[9]  His next of kin was given as his father James, address 74 Low King Street, Witton Park.  He served only 70 days and was discharged 18 October 1914 due to being, “Medically Unfit”.[10]  The reason was given as, “Heart dilated – The man is unfit for the strain of military duty.”  His discharge was approved 18 October 1914.[11]

It appears that this setback did not deter James Moore from joining the Army.  26 October 1914, he enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery, being given the service number 48896.[12]  He served with 19 Siege Battery and entered France 26 May 1915.

Siege Batteries, R.G.A. were equipped with heavy howitzers, sending large calibre, high explosive shells in high trajectory, plunging fire.  The usual armaments were 6 inch, 8 inch and 9.2 inch howitzers, although some railway or road mounted 12inch howitzers were used.  Siege batteries were most often employed in destroying enemy artillery or putting down destructive fie on strong points, dumps, roads and railways behind the enemy lines. 

The battery left Bristol for France, 26 May 1915 and was soon in action, being under fire 3 June 1915.

48896 Corporal James Moore was discharged 13 August 1919 under para.392 (xvi) King’s Regulations.[13]  

Medals and Awards

Sergeant James Moore, R.G.A. was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the Victory and British War medals.[14]  He was also awarded the War Badge (no. B280064).[15]

Pension

There is no entry for his effects.  James and Mary Moore, 72 Low King Street, Witton Park received his pension.[16]

Burial

It is believed that James Moore is buried at Bishop Auckland (Escomb) Cemetery.

Summary

It is believed that James Moore served as 48896 Sergeant J. Moore, RGA and he survived the war but died in 1920 with a war related condition or influenza.  It is believed that he is buried at Bishop Auckland (Escomb) cemetery.  His brother served as 23829 Lance Serjeant John Patrick Moore, 14th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry and was killed in action 18 September 1916, aged 19.  He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. [17]

---

REFERENCES

[1] England & Wales Birth Index 1837-1915 Vol.10a p.203 Auckland 1891 Q2

[2] 1891, 1901 & 1911 census

[3] 1891 census

[4] 1901 census

[5] 1911 census

[6] Commonwealth War Graves Commission

[7] England and Wales Death Index 1916-2007 Vol.10a p.310 Auckland 1920 Q2

[8] Army Form B.217

[9] Description on Enlistment

[10] Army Form B.178 Medical History

[11] Handwritten notes dated 18 October 1914

[12] Roll of Individuals entitled to the War Badge dated 19 August 1919

[13] Roll of Individuals entitled to the War Badge dated 19 August 1919

[14] Medal Roll card index and Rolls dated 30 March 1920

[15] Roll of Individuals entitled to the War Badge dated 19 August 1919

[16] Dependant’s Pension card index

[17] Commonwealth War Graves Commission