No.224317, Able Seaman, James GRAINGER
Aged 31
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James Grainger was born in Brinkley on 27th December 1886 (RN records) (Newmarket Q1-1887 3B:517) baptised Brinkley 10th April 1887, son of George and Susan GRAINGER
(née PEARSON).
1891 census...Aged 4, he was at Common Lane, Brinkley with his father George GRAINGER [47] agricultural labourer; his mother Susan [42]; brothers Charles [16]and Arthur [14] both agricultural labourers and Robert [6]; sisters Matilda [12] and May [1]. The whole family are recorded as Brinkley born, except his mother Susan, who was born in Carlton. 1901 census...Aged 14 he was an under cattleman, still living in Common Lane, Brinkley with his parents, brother Arthur (cattleman), brother Robert (help in garden) and sister May. 1911 census...He had joined the Royal Navy in 1902 for a 12 year service. His parents and brother Robert were living at 10 School Lane, Brinkley. The pension card has them still there. |
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Joining the Royal Navy at Portsmouth on Dec 27th 1902 (his 16th birthday), he gave his occupation as gardener, from Brinkley, Cambs and 5ft
4 ins (162.6 cm)tall
(by his 18th birthday he was 5' 8.5" (174 cm) tall). His naval conduct records show he was at all times of very good character. He served on a great number of ships, from HMS Victory (I) joining HMS Iron Duke on March 10th 1914. He remained on her strength until catching influenza late in 1918 and dying from pneumonia on board the H.M. Hospital Ship 'Berbice' on Nov 1st 1918 HMS Iron Duke was a dreadnought battleship, launched in 1913 and flag ship of the Home Fleet from 1914 until 1917, taking part in the Battle of Jutland. She was scrapped in 1949. |
