No. 19106, Private, James BILSLAND
Aged 28
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Born Drymen, Stirling, Scotland on 23rd June 1885 (date given when enlisting). 1891 census:...Aged 4, he was living at Cameron, Drymen with his father-Robert [31] farmer born Glasgow; his mother- Jeannie (née McKEAN) [31] born Kilmarnock; brother- Robert [8] born Drymen; sister- Agnes [6] born Drymen; brother- John [2] born Drymen; brother William [10 months] born Drymen. 1901 census...Aged 14, the same family unit with father as a cattle dealer, were now living at 49 Finnieston Street, Glasgow. 1911 census...Aged 24 and single he was now a credit draper's traveller, lodging at 83 Lancaster Road, Kensington, London. His father (now Estate Agent), mother, sister Agnes and brother John were now living in Lakenheath at High Street, Lakenheath.Their address after his death was Brandon House, Lakenheath. |
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He attested at Valcartier, Quebec on 22nd September 1914, weighing 170 lbs (77.4 kg), 6 ft 1 in (185.4 cm) tall and chest 36" to 38" (91.4 to 96.5 cm), blue eyes, brown hair, a Presbyterian and
a grocer's clerk. His next of kin was his father Robert Bilsland of Churchgate Farm, Lakenheath. He originally enlisted in the 9th Battalion and was transferred
to the 4th Battalion. He arrived with his unit in the field in Flanders on 9th February 1915.
From Canadian Archives "Circumstances of Death" "On or since 23-4-15...Previously reported Wounded or Missing, now for official purposes presumed to have died. From information available, this soldier, during an attack, was wounded in both legs and was carried to a house nearby, which was later shelled and burnt by the enemy. No further information has been received concerning him." The location is recorded as "near Pilkem village". |
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