Will I ever find Jimmy Holmes?

[atom12]

Hi again

Perhaps the first one Regimental number 9043 is more likely as the second James claims to reside in Townhead, Glasgow. 

[Hanan]

Hi all,

We have considered the possibility of him enlisting as a McIntyre.  Also the possibility he lied about his age as I know a large number of boy’s did so in WW1.

I’ve checked the local Ardrossan paper listings on ayrshire-roots (it was a few months back) there wasn’t any Holmes or McItyres that seemed to match, only William’s.  I’ll have a look again in case there have been more added.

I checked the Ardrossan War Memorial and strangely he isn’t listed on it.  I’m thinking he might have been listed on one in Glasgow, where he was born.  Annoyingly I don’t know exactly where in Glasgow he came from.

There are a few J Holmes I find myself drawn to and funnily one of them is the one you mentioned atom.  I also find lots of these James Holmes from the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), maybe it’s a sign  ha-ha.  I’ll see if I can find an age for 9043.

[Hanan]

It may take a wee while but local papers have been my best source as well as the help from forums like this...stick with it.

Ady

Thanks for the advice Ady I will stick with it.  I’ll think positive and aim to one day find his grave!

[aghadowey]

I checked the Ardrossan War Memorial and strangely he isn’t listed on it. I’m thinking he might have been listed on one in Glasgow, where he was born. Annoyingly I don’t know exactly where in Glasgow he came from.

Have just finished doing research on World War I soldiers on local war memorials and found a surprising number that were killed were not listed as killed or served, some listed as served but died in hospital of wounds, etc.
Another great source to try is a Roll of Honour in local churches and schools he or the McIntyre family had any connection to in Ardrossan. Often they show which soldiers were killed, wounded or missing and also their rank and regiment.
Is this the site you checked already?:
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sctayr/herald.html

[Hanan]

Hi aghadowey,

I'll try the Ardrossan schools and Churches - thanks for the tip.

The website I'd searched was www.ayrshire-roots.co.uk I've had a look at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sctayr/herald.html no James Holmes or James McIntyres  lots from Harbour Place though - very sad.

Gives me an idea of what regiments people in that area signed up for.

Thanks

[Annette7]

I concur with the first choice posted by atom12.   You can discount the other - he was 34 when he died.

On findmypast 'Soldiers died in the Great War' I did a search of all Holmes born Glasgow/Lanarkshire and this James leapt out.   No residence is given for him.   It's quite feasible that your Jimmy may have gone to Glasgow to enlist.   

Hope you are able to establish the age of James who died at Gallipoli 28/6/1915 (noted Helles Memorial).   Good Luck.

Annette

[atom12]

Hi

Looks like Annette and myself are getting similar instincts on this one, though I have not checked out the McIntyre name.

It would be good if you could establish some more proof of your soldier.  Or, as Annette suggests have some idea of his age, or, for you to see something that might spark a bit of recall that you are on the right track.

Here's  9043 James Holmes medal card at TNA, which I could not find on Ancestry:

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0332/

[Hanan]

I have contacted CWGC regarding our Gallipoli soldier and they do not have any details on this.  I'll see if the Cameronians themselves can help me with this.

One other area I am wondering might help is; I know James was 14 when my granny took him in.  He got a job in the shipyards at Ardrossan.  Does anyone know of a website or somewhere I could contact to see if they have any records on him that might help me establish a place or date of birth or any other info for James.

Thanks again for all the help.

[aghadowey]

So many men worked in Glasgow area shipyards that it probably won't be possible to trace him that way.
Waht about 1901 census? If you can find him there it will narrow down his age.