James Gaine, Royal Welsh Fusiliers

Private, 18200, 13th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Died of wounds, aged about 25, on 2 June 1916 at the Western Front.

The 13th (Service) Battalion (1st North Wales) was formed at Rhyl on 3 September 1914 by the Denbigh and Flint TF Associations, but transferred to the Welsh National Executive Committee on 10 October 1914. In November 1914 it was attached to the 128th Brigade, 43rd Division at Llandudno. On 28 April 1915 the formation became the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division and then moved to Winchester in August 1915. They landed in France in December 1915. Private Gaine enlisted at Holyhead and eventually arrived in France on 1 December 1915. In January 1916 the Division took over the Neuve Chapelle sector, and from this period until June 1916 they held various sectors of the line from Givenchy to Picantin. At the time of Private Gaine's death the battalion were located at Laventie, northern France. The Battalion War Diary records that the unit suffered heavy artillery bombardment whilst in the front line on 30 May 1916. It is possible that Private Gaine was wounded during this period. The war diary further records the award of three Military Medals to individuals of the battalion, recognising gallant conduct during the bombardment. Later in June the battalion was ordered south to the Somme to eventually take part in the attack at Mametz Wood.

Born on the Mountain, Holyhead the son of Ellen Gaine (formally Williams, nee Griffith). Father belived to be James Gaine, born in Ireland in 1860. James' upbringing would seem to have been somewhat troubled. His parents were sent to prison for 3 months in 1900 for child cruelty. Their seven children were sent to the Workhouse, probably at Valley, Anglesey. In 1901 his father was jailed for 2 months for assault.

In 1901 he lived with his mother, six sisters and two brothers at Feram Gorniog, Holyhead. His mother was employed as a Hawker and originated from Caernarvon. One of his siblings was born in Caernarvon, another in Aberystwyth, another in Bangor. Whilst four others were born in Holyhead, the latest was born in Knutsford, Cheshire. No father is listed. His two brothers, Edward and Bernard also served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. In 1911 the family resided at 41, Wynne Street, Holyhead.

Awarded the 1915 Star. No record can be found of the award of the Victory Medal or British War Medal.

Buried in La Gorgue Communal Cemetery. Grave location II.C.14.