James Hynes

Forename(s):
James

Surname:
Hynes

Initial(s):
J

Service Number:
32983

Rank:
Private

Regiment:
Northumberland Fusiliers, 8th (Service) Battalion

Died:
29/11/1918

Aged:
22

Buried:
Alnwick Cemetery, Northumberland

Service History:
Enlisted on 24 July 1916. Hynes was in France from 3 May 1917 to 18 August 1917. He was injured in action on 16 August 1917 at Ypres.

Admitted to Middlesex War Hospital, Napsbury, near St Albans on 19 August 1917. He had shrapnel wounds of both hands, which led to amputation of index & little finger of left hand, plus the removal by operation of shattered carpal bones & of metacarpal bone of right hand.

He was discharged from war service on 18 December 1917 at York as no longer physically fit for war service. He was 5 ft 2 ins tall with dark hair, brown eyes & a dark complexion.

His military conduct was 'Good ' & he was said to be a steady & sober man. He was awarded the Silver War Badge.

Hynes does not appear on the Alnwick War Memorial but there is a J. Hynes on the Roll of Honour in the Northumberland Hall.

It appears two of his brothers, or close family members, also served during WW1 - Private John Hynes (Northumberland Fusiliers, 2nd Garrison Battalion; Regimental Service #6790); & Driver William Hynes (Army Service Corps; 4th Cavalry Reserve Park, 669th Company; Regimental Service #T4/160234).
(Source: Joyce & Neil Brison; 2013)

Background:
Hynes was born in 1896 at Alnwick, Northumberland, the son of William (a Coach Painter) & Mary Hynes.

In the 1891 Census his parents lived in Shorts Yard, Clayport, Alnwick. In 1901 the family were living in Blairs Yard, Clayport, but Mary was absent. By 1911 the family had moved only a short distance, to Stamp Yard, Clayport Street, Alnwick.

Pre-enlistment occupation: Coach Painter.

On his pension record, Hynes' next of kin was given as his mother, Mary Hynes, 6, Clayport Street, Alnwick.
(Source: Joyce & Neil Brison; 2013)

Local Memorial:
Alnwick, Roll of Honour in Northumberland Hall