James Andrew's Story.
James Andrew Harrison, aged 26, died when the cruiser HMS Natal suffered an internal explosion on 30th December 1915.
Widnes Examiner - Saturday 01 January 1916
James Andrew Harrison was born on 15th July 1889, the second son of William Harrison (1861–1894) and Isabella Mary Joynson (1862–1892). He had siblings William Alfred (1883 - 1971), Ada Annie (1885 - 1974) and Harold (1891 –1915). There was another sister Maggie Mildred, who died in 1888, aged one year. The family home was at 6 William Street, Seacombe, Wallasey. By the age of five, James had been orphaned, and in 1901 he was living in an Orphan's Home in Liverpool with his younger brother Harold.
Widnes Examiner - Saturday 01 January 1916
James Andrew Harrison was born on 15th July 1889, the second son of William Harrison (1861–1894) and Isabella Mary Joynson (1862–1892). He had siblings William Alfred (1883 - 1971), Ada Annie (1885 - 1974) and Harold (1891 –1915). There was another sister Maggie Mildred, who died in 1888, aged one year. The family home was at 6 William Street, Seacombe, Wallasey. By the age of five, James had been orphaned, and in 1901 he was living in an Orphan's Home in Liverpool with his younger brother Harold.
The 1911 census shows 21 year old James living with his elder brother William and his family at 13 Hallville Road, Seacombe. By then he was a Band Corporal in the Royal Marines Band. His sister Ada was working as a servant at 50 Gordon Road, Ealing.
James had enlisted into the Royal Navy at Liverpool on 21st September 1905, when he was sixteen years old. By then he was 5' 6" in height, with auburn hair and brown eyes.
James had enlisted into the Royal Navy at Liverpool on 21st September 1905, when he was sixteen years old. By then he was 5' 6" in height, with auburn hair and brown eyes.
WORK IN PROGRESS ....
Researched by Shena Lewington (April 2026)