Born Hull 1887. Son of James William French (1861-1936) and Mary Ellen French (1856-1915), of 3 Russell Place, Norfolk Street, Hull. One of six children. A Hull Corporation labourer with the Engineers Department (1911 Census).
He married Hannah Ellis (1895-1980), at St Saviour’s Church, Hull, in November 1914. His wife, Hannah Ellis (1895-1980), and son James, lived at 5, St Mary’s Terrace, St Paul Street, Hull, and 1, Chestnut Avenue, Montrose Street, Hull. (War Pension & CWGC Address).
He enlisted in Hull. Formerly, Private, 11053, East Yorkshire Regiment and Sergeant with the 1/4th EYR . He went to France, on 22/12/1914. transferred to the 1st Coldstream Guards. Wounded and discharged from the service on 13/08/1917. He died of Tuberculosis, on 15/08/1920, aged 33. Given a Military Funeral. Buried at Hull’s Hedon Road Cemetery.
His death was reported in the Hull Daily Mail, on 20/08/1920. James was awarded for his service, the ww1 victory medal, British War medal, 1914-15 star, and silver war badge (No:229738), on discharge from army.
Note: CWGC records list him as Guardsman, A J French, aged 20?
