More about James Small Birks

James was the brother of Pte William Birks, 3314, 1st Battalion Black Watch.

James Small Birks   3/3350   Black Watch

DUNDEE BURGESS DIES IN HOSPITAL

FROM WOUND RECEIVED AT THE FRONT.

A Dundee burgess in the person of Private James Birks 2d Black Watch, has given his life for his country.  Mrs Birks, who lives at 13 Pennycook Lane, Dundee, received intimation yesterday of the death of her husband.  The letter, which is written from a clearing hospital in France, is in the following terms :― “I am grieved indeed to tell you that your husband, Private J. Birks of the 2d Black Watch, died in hospital, and was buried in the cemetery here.  He came in on the 11th with a wound in the head, and was never conscious.”

Deceased, who was 37 years of age, was a calender worker in Tay Works (Gilroy, Sons, & Co., Ltd.).  He had previously seen active service, having, when a member of the 3d Volunteer Battalion of the Black Watch, taken part along with a number of his comrades in the Boer War, for which he held a medal.  He also received the freedom of his native city.  When he returned to private life he became identified with the Special Reserve, and was called up in September, proceeding to France early in December.  He is survived by a widow and two girls.

Dundee People’s Journal 3rd April 1915