Service: Royal Navy (HMS Renown)
Service No: L/3006
Date & place of birth: 15 June 1895, Putney
Date & place of death: 17 May 1918 (aged 22), at home in Portsmouth
Although the family had moved from Petworth, James Madgwick is commemorated here as his family lived here before the war and worked for the Leconfield Estate.
Family background
James Madgwick was born in Putney. James’ father (also James Henry) came from Wisborough Green. He had been in the Army in 1886 and fought in the South African wars 1900-1902. By 1911 he was a labourer on the Leconfield Estate and living at Rattling Wood Cottage, Petworth. His wife was named Edith and their other children were John Thomas (who went to Australia in 1924), Florence, Edith, Annie, Alice Mary, Ada Maud and Nellie May. In 1911 James was a general labourer on the Estate and living at home. By the time of James’s death his father had also died and his mother was living at 10 Kate Street, Streatham.
Military service
Officers Cook Madgwick joined the Navy and worked as a cook. He was obviously talented as he was made cook to the Officers’ Mess and ranked First Class.
Death and commemoration
Officers Cook James Henry Madgwick suffered from an unstated illness and died at home in Portsmouth after receiving treatment at the Haslar Royal Naval Hospital, Portsmouth. He is buried in Milton Cemetery, Portsmouth.
Subsequent family history
James had married Adelaide Ellen Batten of Treagus, 4 Carlisle Road, Southsea in January-March 1917.