More about James Hempson

Apparently in 1905, James aged 11, arrived in Quebec, part of a group of 29 Children from Miss McPherson’s Home of Industry, London, England en route to Mr Merry’s Boys Home in Stratford, Ontario. James is believed to have been an orphan. Records show two different names listed for his father either William or James. His service records lists James Hempson Esq, Union Bow Institution, Bow, East London, however C.W.G.C. have his father listed as William Hempson. His will held in his service records states ” in the event of my death I give the whole will to only one person. My Aunt Mrs Beckie Cornell, 138 Brookwood Rd, Southfields, London, England”

Son of William and Rosina Hempson.

Served in the Kapuskasing Guard

Originally attested in 20th Battalion 8/1/15 No 57413, then attested again in the 244th Battalion 1/10/16.

James Hempson (or Smith) was admitted to Norwood School, Lambeth Union, on October 15, 1896. His brother, William James Hempson (or Smith) was admitted on October 1, 1896. Their father, William James Hempson (or Smith), had been in Fisherton House Asylum since September 29, 1896, and was discharged to the Workhouse on September 4, 1900. Their mother, Rose Ann Hempson died in the East Poor House, Dundee Combination, on September 28, 1900. James was discharged to Dr. Barnardo’s Home, East Cliff House, Margate, England, on March 19, 1904. He was return from Barnardo’s Home to Norwood Schools on October 4, 1900. In 1905, James Hampson, 11, arrived at Quebec, Canada, in a group of 29 children from Miss Macpherson’s Home of Industry, London, England, en route to Mr. Merry’s Boys Home, Stratford, Ontario, Canada. On October 1, 1916, at Montreal, Quebec, Canada, James Hempson, 20, enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. He declared that he resided at 200 Simcox Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; that he was born in Dundee, Scotland; that his next of kin was his brother, William Hempson, who resided at South Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; that his date of birth was September 9, 1896; that he was a farmer; that he was not married; and that he had previously served in the Kapuskasing Guard Co. He was described as 5 foot 3-1/2 inches in height; dark complexion; grey eyes; brown hair. He was a member of the Presbyterian faith. He had an appendicitis scar. Private James Hempson died August 29, 1918. He is buried at the Quebec Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France (Grave Reference: B. 32.)

James shares a final resting place with Pte Joseph Bernier, 120246, 22nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry, who was killed in action, 28.08.1918.

For more information on William, visit, James Memorial also James Service Record and Circumstances of Death Register

For reasons unknown James Hempson is not included on the original Dundee City Roll of Honour