9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
07/02/1893
Died:
01/07/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age:
23
Summary
James A McLaren was the oldest son of Alexander and Isabella McLaren. He was born on 7th January 1893 in Drumakilly, Sixmilecross, County Tyrone. He was one of thirteen children, all born in the Sixmilecross area. This farming family lived in Bracky. Corporal James McLaren was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916.
Further Information
James McLaren was the oldest son of Alexander and Isabella McLaren. Alexander McLaren and Isabella Crawford were married on 4th October 1887 in the district of Omagh.
James A McLaren was born on 7th January 1893 in Drumakilly, Sixmilecross, County Tyrone. He was one of thirteen children, eleven surviving, all born in the Sixmilecross area.
The 1901 census lists James A as age 9, living with the family at house 44 in Bracky, Mullaghslin, County Tyrone. They were a farming family.
Known family: Alexander McLaren, Isabella McLaren, Tillie Jane McLaren (born 15th July 1888), Ada McLaren (born 2nd August 1890), Unnamed daughter (5th December 1891, died 6th December 1891), James A McLaren (born 7th January 1893), Sarah Henrietta E McLaren (born 25th June 1894), Robert Henry McLaren (born about 1896), Isabella McLaren (born 23rd March 1897), Elizabeth McLaren (born 23rd March 1897), Samuel Irwin McLaren (born 17th November 1898), Mary Minnie McLaren (born 4th June 1902, died 21st July 1902), Thomas John McLaren (born 19th October 1903), Evelyn Maud McLaren (born 25th June 1907), Frederick Joseph McLaren (born 28th June 1910).
The 1911 census does not list James as living with the family at house 38 in Bracky, Mullaghslin. His father was now a mill owner.
The 1911 census records that two of James’ sisters, Ada and Elizabeth, were living with their uncle and aunt.in Augher. Their uncle was a merchant.
James McLaren enlisted in Omagh. He was living in Sixmilecross at the time.
From the Tyrone Constitution dated 23rd June 1916: Promotions and Appointments
18088 Private (Acting Lance Corporal) J A McLaren, promoted corporal with effect from 6th May 1916. Vice Corporal Grundle invalided to base.
Corporal James McLaren was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916.
As with many who died on the Somme in those first days, Corporal McLaren has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Corporal James McLaren is commemorated locally on Clogher War Memorial. He is listed as being from Augher.
The CWGC record Corporal James McLaren as the son of Alexander and Isabella McLaren of Main Street, Augher, County Tyrone. The CWGC have incorrectly stated both his age and his service number.
