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Private James Nelson was the son of William and Sara Ann Nelson of Lismoney, Cookstown in Ireland. He had two brothers also serving called Thomas and William.[1] Before he volunteered for service, he was a member of the Lassan Company of the U.V.F.[2] and the Tamlaghtmore Flute Band.

James was in training with the 9th Battalion of the Inniskilling Fusiliers in Randalstown when he started having problems with his throat. It was so severe that he had to go to hospital in Belfast where he was operated on. The operation went well, but unfortunately the wound soon became septic and he developed pleurisy.[3] For three days he suffered before finally succumbing to heart failure.

Private Nelson’s body was returned home on the 25th of March 1915, where it was met by a large crowd who followed the soldier to his father’s home in Lismoney.

On the 26th James left his father’s home for the last time, followed by a cortege which included the general public, members of his band, members of the U.V.F. and his fellow soldiers from the 9th Inniskillings. His two brothers Thomas[4] and William[5] attended and his two close friends and brothers-in-law, Privates Alexander McLernon[6] and William Riddle[7] of the 9th Inniskillings.

A wreath was laid from his comrades in the 9th Inniskillings.

James did not receive any medals as he did not serve abroad or outside the UK.

Date of Death: 24/03/1915 (Aged 19)

Service: Private, 9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Service Number: 18089

Burial Location: Ballygoney Presbyterian Churchyard, Between gate and north end of church.


[1] While Thomas (Tom) Nelson would be wounded in the neck during the war, the two brothers though, would ultimately survive the war.

[2] The U.V.F. were the Ulster Volunteer Force. A Protestant Militia, based in Ireland, formed in 1912.

[3] Pleurisy is an infection of the lining of the lung.

[4] Private Thomas Nelson was wounded three times while serving. First time was during the 10th of April 1916, then the “Great Assault” on the 1st July 1916 at the Somme and finally during January 1918. He would survive the war, attending his father’s funeral a few weeks after its end.

[5] Private William Nelson (service number 19307) would survive the war although he was discharged during August 1916 because of wounds received. He attended his father’s funeral a few weeks after the wars end.

[6] Privates Alexander McLernon (service number 19304) was from Derrylovan, Cookstown. He was killed on the 1st July 1916 during the “Great Assault”at the Somme. He has no final resting place and is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.

[7] Private William Riddle (service number 17819) would survive the war.

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