Born Hull, 15/04/1897. Son of George William Fines (1866-1930) and Martha Batty (1867-1959) of 56, Great Union Street, Hull (War Pension Address) and 340 Beverley Road, Hull (Army address). James’s army file named his parents, Geo Wm and Martha Fines; He had three brothers and six sisters. Siblings George Henry 28; Edward 26; Henry 13; Maggie 28; Lucy 18; Vera 16; Gwendoline 15 – of Beverley Road, Hull; Eliza Hunter, of 31, of Anlaby Road; Martha Barrass, of 29, Beaumont Street, Hull
Son of a Bargeman and Riverman. He also worked as a Lighterman. He was single and lived with his parents. Described as 5 foot, 3.5 inches tall, 132 lbs weight, 37-39 inch chest, grey eyes, brown hair, Church of England religion, “Good” character.
He enlisted at Hull, on 28/09/1914. Served as Driver, 771766, 2nd Northumbrian Brigade, Royal Field Artillery and later 3rd Reserve Battery. During 3 months training, he was fined for a number of misdemeanours, absence from parade and stables, quitting the ranks, insolence, damaging property and insubordinate language
Posted to France, on 19/04/1915. Invalided to England, on 20/06/1917. Discharged, as physically unfit. Chronic middle ear inflammation, deaf.
He lived with his parents at Tower House, Kilnsea Hill, Burstwick, after being discharged from Newcastle on Tyne Hospital on 17 Oct 1917.
He was awarded the Silver Wound Badge (No: 254897). He had served in the army, for 3 years and 26 days.
He died of Shell Shock. Accorded a military funeral at Hedon Road, Cemetery, Hull, on 02/01/1918. There are no CWGC records.
His Gravestone at Hull’s Hedon Road Cemetery states, James Fines born 15 Apr 1897, died from shell shock 2 Jan 1918;
