Private James Walker

 

James Walker was born on 18 November 1891 at 15 Bright Street, Ballymacarrett, Belfast, the first of three children of labourer David Walker and his wife Mary Jane (née Smyth). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 98 Dundela Street, Belfast, with his parents and sisters, and working as a fitter. On 8 September 1913 he married Emily Dalzell in St Anne's Church of Ireland Parish Church. The couple had five children over the next five years.

Walker enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron at Belfast on 16 November 1914 (No. UD/145). He gave his occupation as a fitter and his address as 30 Wilgar Street, Strandtown. (Soon after the family moved to St Leonard Street.) On his right forearm was a tattoo of clasped hands and a flag.

During 1915 Walker suffered from inflammation of the sciatic nerve. A medical board assessed it as permanent, resulting from 'over two years at sea', and recommended that he be discharged, being 'no longer physically fit for war service' (paragraph 392 (xvi), King's Regulations). This took place at Magilligan Camp on 19 June. His military character was recorded as 'good, thoroughly sober and reliable'.

After his discharge Walker returned to his home at 16 St Leonard Street and resumed work as a fitter.

 

This page last updated 10 April 2023.