James Kane was a son of William and Elizabeth Kane. James Kane was born on 15th September 1889 in Megargy, Magherafelt. The family had a farm in Megargy, Ballymoghan, County Londonderry. James Kane emigrated to Toronto, Canada. Prior to enlisting he was living at 87 Riverdale Avenue, Toronto. He was a postman with the Canadian General Post Office. James Kane enlisted in Toronto on 27th March 1916. Private Kane was serving with the 4th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he was wounded in France and Flanders. Private James Kane died of his wounds a few days later on 4th May 1917.
Further Information
James Kane was a son of William and Elizabeth Kane. William Kane married Elizabeth Simpson on 9th March 1882 in the district of Magherafelt.
James Kane was born on 15th September 1889 in Megargy, Magherafelt. (GRONI Ref: U/1889/182/1022/17/497).
Family: William Kane, Elizabeth Kane, Andrew Kane (born 14th October 1882), Thomas Kane (born 19th January 1884), Robert Kane (born 21st September 1885), William Kane (born 14th August 1887), James Kane (born 15th September 1889), Matilda Kane (born 27th January 1892), John Kane (born 11th June 1895), Margaret Jane Kane (born 31st December 1896), Mary Kane (born 10th June 1899).
The 1901 census lists James as age 11 living with the family at house 17 in Megargy, Ballymoghan, County Londonderry. James was still at school. His father was a farmer.
The 1911 census does not list James as living with the family at house 19 in Megargy, Ballymoghan.
James Kane emigrated to Toronto, Canada.
The 1911 Canadian census shows Thomas, Robert and James all living in Toronto, living with their uncle and aunt, James and Mary Vance.
Prior to enlisting he was living at 87 Riverdale Avenue, Toronto. He was a postman with the Canadian General Post Office.
James Kane enlisted on Toronto on 27th March 1916. He gave his next-of-kin as his mother Elizabeth Kane who was living in Megargy.
Private James Kane left with the Sportsmen’s Battalion for overseas in October 1916, and arrived in France on 17th March 1917.
Private Kane was serving with the 4th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he was wounded in France and Flanders.
Private James Kane died of his wounds on 4th May 1917.He was 26 years old.
The Canadian Circumstances of Death Register records that Private Kane died of wounds. On 3rd May 1917, while on duty in the front line trenches, he was severely wounded in the head by the explosion of an enemy shell. Prompt aid was given and after being taken to a dressing station, he was sent to No 6 Casualty Clearing Station where he died the following day.
James Kane had three brothers and a sister living at 123 Danforth Avenue, Toronto.
From the Toronto Star dated 11th May 1917: Private J Kane Reported Dead
No word has come to three brothers and a sister at 123 Danforth Avenue, that their soldier brother, Pte J Kane, had been wounded several days ago and had just died from his wounds. While the Star was at their address last night conveying the sad news, a newspaper arrived confirming the sad event in the casualty list. Pte J Kane left with the Sportsmen’s Battalion for overseas last October, and arrived in France on 17th March. He was 26 years old and a letter carrier for the General Post Office. Besides relatives at the above address he leaves a father, mother, two sisters and two brothers in County Derry, Ireland.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 29th June 1917:
Private James Kane, Canadians, son of Mr William Kane, Megargy, Magherafelt, killed in action.
Private James Kane is buried in Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension. Barlin is a village about 11 kilometres south-west of Bethune.
The CWGC record Private James Kane as the son of William and Elizabeth Kane of Megargy, Magherafelt, Co. Derry, Ireland.
