James Ackerman (son of Abraham Ackerman and Ann Hayward) was born 1888 in Mitcham, Surrey, and died date unknown.
Notes for James Ackerman: The 1911 Census show's James was living with his Married sister Emma Hornegold at 22 Queens Road Mitcham and was working in Hall cement works as a Motor Hand. At some point prior to the war James was a Ganger for London South West Railways.
James Joined up (Attested) on 12th December 1915 and discharged through "being no longer fit for service" on 29th August 1918 (Para 392 (xvi) KR). James was in the Royal Sussex Regiment. His service record indicates that he was in The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France with effect from 12th December 1917 until 14th January 1918 a total of 34 days. On his papers James gave his Next-of-Kin as his sister Emma.
His record indicates that he served in 4th Reserve Bn., BEF Base Depot. 7th, 12th, Depot and finally the 3rd Battalion. Unsure why his was only served 34 days in France or why he was considered "no longer physically fit for duty" on 29th August 1918. However his Medal card sheds some limited light on this subject as it indicates that he was "sick" unsure what this means.
The Medal card indicates that he was awarded Victory Star and the British War Medal, he also was awarded the Silver War Badge (SWB) List E/726/2. The SWB was awarded to men who were discharged due to wounds, age, sickness etc. during First World War. They wore it with pride on their lapels to let the world know that they 'Done their bit for King and Country', and weren't shirkers, and to stop Woman pursuing and throwing "White Feathers" at them ( A Wite feather is a sign of Cowardence).
More About James Ackerman: Military service: Bet. 1915 - 1918, Royal Sussex Regiment..109 Occupation 1: 1914, Ganger: London & South Western Railways..109 Occupation 2: 1911, Motor Hand at Halls Cement Works.110 Religion: 1915, Church of England.111 Residence 1: 1915, 2, Elm Cottages, Belgrade Walk, Mitcham, Surrey..111 Residence 2: 1911, 22 Queens Road, Mitcham, Surrey.112
James Ackerman (b. 1888, d. date unknown)
Notes for James Ackerman: