Soldier and Policeman

James was born in Cussick Street, Belfast in April 1883 to James McKee, a gardener and Mary Hoy. A housepainter by trade, he married his Cornish wife Rhoda in 1911 and had three children Mabel, Martin and James.

James served as a Corporal in the Royal Irish Rifles, enlisting in the Reserves in 1901. His records show that he was discharged in February 1918, due to chronic eczema of the ears.

Five years after his return to Belfast, he joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary and gave 15 years service, being pensioned in January 1940 as medically unfit due to chronic bronchitis. James died in August 1957.

McKee Family

James with Mabel aged 4, Martin aged 3 and James (Jim) aged 1 on his mother Rhoda’s knee. Martin, pictured above in black, served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers during the Second World War and was killed in January 1944 during the Battle of the Garigliano River, Italy.

Many Thanks

Thank you to David McKee, great grandson of James, and grandson of baby Jim for providing these images of his family, enabling the identification of James.

Also thanks to Harry Curtner in the USA who was stationed at Langford Lodge during most of his time with the US Air Force during the Second World War. He married James' daughter Maud in Belfast, May 1945, just 3 days before the war in Europe ended.

Also Kathleen Johnson, Canada, granddaughter of James McKee.

James McKee’s Bible

This image is the inside cover of James McKee’s bible which includes ar reference to the city of Meerut in India. It also mentions Private James Watson who appears to have been stationed in Calcutta.

Saved by Grace alone

This is all my plea

Jesus died for all mankind

And Jesus died for me.