Private James Mercer

Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.

James Mercer was born about 1887 in Holmwood, Surrey to James and Robina (nee McKenzie).

James’ father James was born about 1855 in Worthing, Sussex. His mother; Robina Falconer was born about 1861 or 1863 in Scotland to Isabella McKenzie, born about 1832 in Scotland.

James Mercer had four known blood siblings: William born about 1887 in Holme, Huntingdon; Falconer J. born about 1889 in Hanover Square, London; Eva Robina born on 8^th January 1890, and Edward born about 1893, both in Belgravia, London.

At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at 5 Belgrave Mews North, Belgravia. James was working as a coachman and Robina was looking after their children: William, Falconer and Eva. The household also comprised of Robina’s mother, Isabella.

Robina Mercer died in the 2^nd quarter of 1894 in St George Hanover Square, London.

James Mercer Sr. remarried Edith about 1898. Edith was born about 1871 in Peckham.

James Mercer had five known half siblings: Edith Rose born about 1899, Vera Mary born about 1904 and Elsie Margery born about 1911, all in Fulham, London. Doris Mabel born about 1901 and Herbert, both born about 1903 in Bangor, Ireland;

At the time of the 1901 Census, on 31^st March 1901, the family lived in Ballyleedy, Bangor, Down, Ireland. James and Edith were looking after their children Edith and Doris. The household also comprised of Edward and Eva, James’ children from the first marriage.

At the time of the 1911 Census, the family lived in Clonmel Road, S.W., Fulham. James was working as a taxi driver. Edith was looking after their children: Edith, Doris, Herbert, Vera and Elsie. The household also comprised of dressmaker’s assistant Eva and milk carrier Edward, James’ children from the first marriage. The accommodation had five rooms.

James Mercer enlisted in London and became part of the 1^st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment (Princess Victoria’s). He was a private with a regimental number 9279. At the time of his enlistment James resided in Fulham.

James disembarked on 22^nd August 1914 to France. He went missing on 27^th August 1914 in France and was presumed dead since that day. The day before he was missing, his Battalion was engaged in the Battle of Le Cateau.

James Mercer is commemorated at the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial in France.

James’ father James received £8, 11s and 11d on 24^th March 1916 and further £3 on 20^th October 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.

James Mercer was awarded the British War and Victory medals and the 1914 Star.

Born	Holmwood, Surrey
Son of	James and Robina Mercer nee McKenzie
Enlisted	London
Regiment	1st Battalion, Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers)
Number	9279
Date of Death	27th August 1914
Place of Death	France
Memorial	La Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial