John James Colman (1891–1927)

Private

Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 5778 3rd Reserve & 1st Battallions

Biography
John James Colman was born in Crich to a Crich family but they moved away between 1881 and 1891. He enlisted as a regular soldier in 1898, saw the world, and had a very eventful military career. He enlisted in the militia in 1897 and the following year became a regular soldier with the KOYLI. He served during the 2nd Boer War, and also in Malta and Gibraltar, transferring to the Reserve in 1910. Marrying Elizabeth Henry in 1907, he relocated to the Doncaster area and had four children. Mobilised in Aug 1914 he entered France in November soon to be discharged on completion of his second period of engagement.

Medal Rolls Index
Awarded the Victory, British War and 14 Star Medals.

Pension Record
John James Colman attested at Pontefract on 18 July 1898. He was aged 18 years 4 months, a Crich-born labourer, who had previously served with the 3rd Derbyshire Regiment. He was 5ft 7½in weighing 118lb, C of E.

Court of Enquiry 22 August 1898
For the purpose of investigating and reporting upon the circumstances under which No. 5778 Pte. J Colman Depot K. O. Yorkshire L. I. sustained an injury.
1st evidence: No 5778 Pte J. Colman Depot KO Yorkshire L.I. states at Pontefract on 12 August 1898 I was fighting about five o'clock in the barrack room with Pte Peters. I hurt the little finger of my left hand and injured my hand. I camr to hospital the following Monday and was admitted.
No 5779 Pte W. Peters Depot KO Yorkshire L.I. states, Pte Colman and I fell out over the peeling of some potatoes about tea-time on Friday 12th August and we fought. I did not know he had hurt his hand till next morning when he showed it to me. He was quite sober when we were fighting.
No 5784 Pte A Reeves Depot KO Yorkshire L.I. states, at Pontefract on the 12th August about 5.30 I saw Pte Peters and Pte Colman fighting. They were both quite sober. I interfered and stopped them fighting but did not notice that Pte Colman's finger was hurt until next day when he showed it to me. He went sick on Monday 15th August 1898.
Medical Evidence
5778 Pte Colman Depot KO Yorkshire L.I. was admitted to the station hospital at Pontefract the 15th day of August 1898 suffering from contution of left hand which he states was caused by boxing. In my opinion the injury may have been caused as stated. The injury is not likely to incapacitate him from performing his military duties in an efficient manner. (dated 19 August 1898)
Conclusion
From the evidence I am of the opinion that the injury was caused by fighting and consequently the soldiers own fault (Pontefract 23 August 1898)

Court of Inquiry Wynberg June 1899
Investigating and reporting upon the circumstances under which No. 5778 Pte. J Colman Depot K. O. Yorkshire L. I. sustained an injury.
1st evidence: No 5778 Pte J. Colman Depot KO Yorkshire L.I. states at Wynberg on the 10th June 1899 at about 8.30pm I was cutting a piece of wood to clean the socket of my bayonet – the knife slipped and cut my right thumb. I at once reported sick and was admitted to hospital on the following day. I was not on duty at the time of the accident. I was in a tent by myself when I cut my thumb so that no-one saw me do it.
Major Simson RAMC states that 5778 Pte J. Colman Depot KO Yorkshire L.I. who was admitted to the Station Hospital Wynberg on the 11 July 1899 suffering from a wound (thumb right). In my opinion the injury will not affect his future efficiency as a soldier.
Opinion
I am of the opinion 5778 Pte J. Colman Depot KO Yorkshire L.I. received his injuries (detailed by the Medical Officer) wound right thumb when not on duty and through his own negigence and fault, The injury is not likely to affect his future efficiency as a soldier. I do not recommend the remission of any of the Hospital stoppages. (Wynberg Camp 23 June 1899)

Extended Service
John extended his army service by eight years on 1 April 1905; described as being a good soldier. He was discharged a private on the termination of his engagement 17 July 1910 and attested to the Reserves 30 November 1910.

Military History Sheet
Home 18 July 1898 to 5 May 1899
South Africa 6 May 1899 to 7 October 1902
Malta 8 October 1902 to 10 March 1905
Mounted Infantry Certificate in Malta 29 January 1903
Gibraltar 11 March 1905 to 18 May 1906
Home 18 July 1910 to 19 July 1910
Reserve 30 November 1910 to 4 August 1914
Home 5 August 1914 to 7 November 1914
France 8 November 1914 to 4 January 1915
Home 22 January 1915

Service in WW1
He was posted 22 January 1915 for service in WW1.
On 15 January 1915 he had asthma in the field and was sent home to be discharged.

The files record his father as Thomas Colman, brick manufacturer (Darlow Brothers), Meadow Head, Norton Woodseat.
His wife was Elizabeth (nèe Henry) whom he married at Hasland 8 April 1907
Their children were Henrietta (2 February 1908, Chesterfield), John Henry (28 December 1909, Doncaster), Charles William (11 October 1912, Doncaster), Lilian Rose (11 January 1914, Doncaster);

On his discharge papers, dated 29 November 1915, he was aged 35 years 8 months, 5 ft 9in, light grey eyes, brown hair and a swarthy complexion. He had a burn scar on the left side of his chin. His trade was labourer and place of intended residence given as 34 The Crescent, Woodlands, Nr Doncaster. He had a good military character and was a steady hardworking man. His discharge was under para 392 (xxi) K.R. on the termination of his second period of engagement.

CENSUS INFORMATION

1881: Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Thomas Colman Head 25 Limestone getter Crich
Mary Ann Colman wife 26   Hadfield
John James Colman son 3 weeks   Crich

RG11 piece 3415 folio 54 page 24

1891: Whittington

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Thomas Colman Head 35 Coal miner Crich
Mary A Colman wife 36   Hadfield
John Colman son 10   Crich
William Colman son 5   Treeton
Mary A Colman daughter 1   Whittington

RG12 piece 2765 folio 97 page 26

1901: John James Colman was serving in South Africa.

1911: Doncaster

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
John James Colman Head 30 Labouring in mine Crich
Elizabeth Colman wife 25   London
Henrietta Colman daughter 3   Grassmoor
John Henry Colman son 1   Woodlands

RG14PN28221 RD512 SD4 ED8 SN437