JAMES’ parents were John Winter, born in Barkingside in 18671 and Ada, born in Hatfield Heath in about 1866. They married in the borough of West Ham in 18892 and James George Winter was born in Stratford in 18963. He was known as James throughout his life.

The 1901 census shows James residing at 36 Llewellyn Road in the London Borough of West Ham. He was living with his parents and siblings Ada and Margery. John was working as a Carman for the county borough. The 1911 census shows James residing at 8 Gough Road, Stratford with his parents. John was working as a dust collector for the borough council while James aged fourteen was working as a van boy.

By the time that James enlisted, the family had moved to Harlow, where at some stage, they ran The White Horse Inn in Old Road. It is recorded that they lived at Maytree Cottage, Station Road and remaining living in Harlow, later living in St. John’s Avenue.

Private James Winter, 34136, enlisted in Harlow and served in The 9th Battalion, A Company of The Essex Regiment. He was formerly of The Essex Yeomanry. The battalion took part in The Battle of Arleux, which formed part of The Battle of Arras, on 28 April 1917. James was killed in action on 30 April 1917, aged 21. He is commemorated on The Arras Memorial to the Missing, France, bay 7. Register index number MR20.

James’ parents were living at Maytree Cottage, Station Road, Harlow at the time of his death.