2nd Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
10/02/1885
Died:
16/05/1915 (Killed in Action)
Age:
30
Summary
James Speer was the eldest son of James and Catherine Speer. He was born on 10th February 1885 at Carnteel, near Aughnacloy. He was the oldest of at least four children. By 1911, James was living with his brother and sister in Mill Street, Aughnacloy. The two brothers were working as general labourers. James married Sarah Slavin. They lived in Mill Street, Aughnacloy. Private James Speer was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on 16th May 1915. The CWGC refers to Private James Speers. Existing information almost certainly implies that James’ surname was Speer.
Further Information
James Speer was the eldest son of James and Catherine Speer. James Speer and Catherine Marlow were married on 29th November 1883 in the district of Dungannon.
James Speer was born on 10th February 1885 at Carnteel, near Aughnacloy. He was the oldest of at least four children.
Known family: James Speer, Catherine Speer, James Speer (born 10th February 1885, Aughnacloy), Joseph Speer (born 22nd November 1886, Aughnacloy), Elizabeth Speer (born 1st December 1892, Ballygawley), Patrick Speer (born 8th September 1895, Ballygawley).
The 1911 census records James as 24 years old. James was single at this time. He was living with his brother Joseph and his sister Lizzie in Mill Street, Aughnacloy. The two brothers were working as general labourers.
James Speer (junior) and Sarah Slavin were married on 28th November 1911 in the district of Dungannon.
Known family: James Speer, Sarah Speer, Patrick Speer (born 4th May 1912), Jennie Speer (born 8th March 1914). Both children were born in the Aughnacloy area.
James Speer enlisted in Aughnacloy.
Private James Speer arrived in France with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 29th November 1914.
Private James Speer was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on 16th May 1915.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 22nd July 1915:
Private James Speer, No 3585, A Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Inniskillings, is wounded and missing since May 10. No tidings has since been received by his wife who resides at Mill Street, Aughnacloy, and she would be thankful for any information concerning him.
Private James Speer has no known grave and is commemorated on Panels 16-17 on Le Touret Memorial near Bethune in France.
The CWGC refers to Private James Speers. Existing information almost certainly implies that James' surname is Speer.
The CWGC record Private James Speer as the husband of Sarah McDee, formerly Speers, of Mill Street, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, implying Sarah had remarried.
