In a post from earlier this year, we revisited Birr Military Cemetery, after uncovering a medal and more information about one of the soldiers buried there. In a slightly similar vein, this post revisits the cemetery, and re-examines the life of one of the soldiers buried there, after reuniting his medals.
James Golding was born in the parish of St George in the East, London in 1890. He was the son of John W. Golding and Maria Golding (Nee Thorn). John was a basket maker, and had married Maria in 1883. The 1891 census records John, Maria with baby James and another child Maria, as living in 88, Pelham Street, Mile End New Town, Whitechapel.
The 1901 census records Maria, now a widow, with Maria, James and another child Francis. The family now living in 31, Crispin Street, Spitalfields, Whitechapel. The 1911 census records Maria and just James, a labourer, as living at 39 St Georges House, Whitechapel. In 1914 James married Sarah A. Farman.
Private Golding transferred to the 2/1st County of London Yeomanry, and was based in Birr Barracks as part of their home service. On 2 November 1918 Private Golding died in the station hospital, as a result of an abscess of the brain. Notice of his death appeared in The Leinster Reporter on 9 November 1918.
“Private Golding, of the Middlesex Yeomanry, who been ailing for some weeks, died in the Military Hospital, and was buried in the cemetery at Crinkle with full military honour on Tuesday.”
A concert was later held to raise funds for his widow, the details of which appeared in The Leinster Reporter on 16 November 1918.
“By kind permission of Lieut-Colonel Stannus, a concert was held at the Gymnasium, Birr Barracks in aid of the widow of Private Golding, of the M.I.Y. Private Golding had served in France, and died after a short illness. The concert was arranged by Messers. Bowers, Fitzgerald, and Messenger, who assisted in a very able manner, the various artists who volunteered their services. The proceeds amounted to about £8, which has been forwarded to the widow, Mrs Golding.”
A headstone was erected over his burial place, though it incorrectly records his age as 38. Also Private Golding’s widow received the bronze memorial plaque. Private Golding is also commemorated on the World War One war memorial in Christ Church Spitalfields, London.
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