J HILLMAN

James was born in Beaufort, Monmouthshire in 1893 to John & Ann “Annie” Elizabeth Hillman. James had 2 brothers, Thomas & William and 1 sister Mary Ann.

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In 1901 the family lived in Brithdir, James is now 8. Both James father & older brother Thomas worked as coal miners (Hewers).

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By 1911 they lived in Lady Tyler, Rhymney. James is now 18 and has joined his father and brother as Colliers (Hewers) while his younger brother William was a hitcher below ground. Mary Ann is now married and living in the same house. Mary is married to William Vincent and they have 2 boys, William & Joseph. William Vincent is also a Hitcher underground.

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By 1915 John & Annie had resided at 18 High Street, Troedrhiwfuwch, according to next of kin military records.

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“Thomas and James Hillman were my great uncles, they died on the same day the 8th of May 1915. We had their names read out at the Tower of London. we also paid a visit, it was an amazing and humbling experience” – Kay Birt – Great Niece.

 

James, along with his brother Thomas, fought in war. James served with 1st Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment as Rifleman 2415. He enlisted in New Tredegar. He was Killed in action May 8 1915 when he was 22 years old. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Panel 50 Ypres, Belgium. Thomas John Hillman died the same day, in the same regiment. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate, Panel 50 and at Rhymney War Memorial. Thomas was in the Rhymney Territorials before the war. The date came to be known as Monmouthshire's Black Day. James & Thomas’ names are together on the Panel.

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James Father died in 1939. His Mother Annie & Brother William were killed 7th December 1940 during WWII and are recognised as Civilian War Dead. They are documented on The Commonwealth War Grave Commissions. It is thought that they were killed in a Bristol Raid 6th December 1940, but their bodies were not recovered until a day later.