Will I ever find Jimmy Holmes?

[Hanan]

I've tried the 1901 census, can't narrow it down to him.

James worked in the Ardrossan Shipyard prior to signing up, not sure how many people they employed but I'm hoping not too many Holmes.

[Hanan]

I am still trying to find Jimmy, a search I began 30 years ago on behalf of my aunt (his adoptive sister) who is sadly no longer here.

Thankfully I feel i am getting closer.

I have found him living with my family on the 1911 census age 16 living in Springburn working for North British Railway as an apprentice boilermaker.

Through this information I found him listed as private J Holmes app boilermaker on waverley Station war memorial - a very emotional day. Particularly as I know my aunt traveled through waverly station regularly.

Using this information I have been able to discount many 'Holmes' from CWGC site... too old or wrong rank.

Can anyone suggest where I go from here?

Was there a particular regiment people from Springburn or boilermakers signed up to?

There is one Private J Holmes who seems to keep popping up 9043, Cameronians but I haven’t found anything that ties him to my Jimmy Holmes – yet.

Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

[ALAMO2008]

Did James have a Sister Barbara?

[Hanan]

I have no details on the Holmes family. He was taken in and (according to family legend) adopted by my g-grandparents.

[ALAMO2008]

Thought so
So you can rule out 9043
His Army Pay Arrrears was paid to his Sister Mrs Barbara Logan on 22 May 1917
Followed by a War Gratuity to her on 7 August 1919

[Hanan]

hmm that wouldn't really fit my James. Shame

[ALAMO2008]

So you have No Proof/Evidence that he Ever Served in the Forces in WW1 or Died in Service

[ALAMO2008]

Hi aghadowey,

I do not have a date or anything for the telegram, it was destroyed.  I know my g-grandmother was offered a monetary compensation because of his death (she refused it, so no paperwork for that either). 

I have no idea of his service number, regiment or date of death this is what is making my search so difficult.  I am wondering if anyone could advise me as to what the most common regiments were for people living in Ayrshire.  Was it the done thing that all the people in the one area signed up to the same regiments?

I've tried the CWGC who were very helpful but they couldn’t find any J Holmes with McIntyre’s listed as next of kin.

Although the Family Story was the Army Dependents Pension was Refused -
However the FACT is :-
There would be Army Pay Arrears Unpaid and Unclaimed on Soldiers Effects Record
I have been through all the 56 Holmes in WW1
and they were All Paid
mostly to Widows and Mother's
- None Unclaimed for James Holmes
Further Evidence that he Ever Enlisted
 or Died in Service

[Rena]

The first World War had Battalions known as PALS. the intention being that men and boys would sign up to serve their country with their Pals (friends/mates).

It could be that your man could have been recruited into one of the three Glasgow Pals regiments.

https://www.firstworldwarglasgow.co.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11921

Any money/wages owed to a deceased soldier was sent to his family

BTW I found that due to losses in the army,  some regiments were disbanded and the remnants were often amalgamated with other regiments which meant that soldiers numbers changed.