Name
James Edmonstone
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
14/10/1915
48
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Second Engineer
Merchant Marine
S.S. Combe (London)
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TOWER HILL MEMORIAL
United Kingdom
UK & Other Memorials
Christ Church Memorial, Watford,
Tower Hill Memorial, London
Pre War
Son of James and Isabella (nee WILSON)EDMONSTONE; husband of Mrs EDMONSTONE of Watford.
His parents married 23 August 1865 in Leith, Edinburgh. James possibly died 1945 and was cremated 23 January; Isabella died 11 July 1956 and was cremated 13 July; both in Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh.
James was born 1866 in the St George, Edinburgh, district. His marriage is proving elusive; they had at least one child. Jessie never remarried and died 1945 in the Watford district aged 77.
On the 1871 Census, aged 4 he lived in Edinburgh, with his parents and one siblings. On the 1881 Census, a scholar aged 14, he still lived in Edinburgh, with his parents and three siblings. On the 1891, 1901 and 1911 Census, he is proving elusive.
Wartime Service
The S.S. Combe was chartered by the Royal Field Artillery in 1915 to be used as an ammunition ship. On her last voyage she was bound for Archangel from Mersey, leaving Liverpool 12 October 1915 loaded with ammunition. She lost her escort 14 October and was presumed lost. Lloyd’s posted her as missing with all hands 31 December. Her end appears to be a mystery.
Acknowledgments
Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
