John Vincent Balls
Hospital Convoy and Air Raids
John was one of seven children born to Henry, of Leeds, and Harriett Balls nee Atkinson of Alfreton in Derbyshire, though sadly three of the children died in infancy. He was born on 20th August 1891 and baptised 24th September that year at Holy Trinity Church in Bradford.
The baptism record for John Vincent Balls
His older siblings were Harry and Ethel, and his younger sister was Florrie.
In 1901 they lived at 176 Leeds Road in Bradford. Henry, 47, was a fried fish dealer. Harry was 18 and worked as a musician. Ethel was 14, John 9 and Florrie 4.
The 1901 census
By 1911 the family had moved to 16 Harris Street, still in Bradford. Henry was still a fried fish dealer and Harriett assisting in the business. Harry was not with the family. Ethel was also assisting. John was a railway clerk, and Florrie a basket maker.
On 5th June 1913 John married Phoebe Elsie Harrison at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in Bradford. They moved to 4 King Street in Bingley. They had a daughter, Irene who was born later that year.
The marriage record for John and Phoebe
John worked at Morton Banks War Hospital from May 1916 until May 1919 as a hospital orderly and also hospital convoy work. His brother Harry appears to have served in the navy and the RAF, as there are records from both, with the correct date and place of birth. This suggests he began service with the Royal Naval Air Service first, then when it merged with the Royal Flying Corps to form the Royal Air Force on 1st April 1918 he was transferred over.
Sadly Phoebe died in 1929, and at the time of the 1939 Register John lived alone at 17 Robertshaw Street in Bingley. He was still working as a railway clerk. I believe that his daughter, Irene, was a nurse and later married a George Oxley but have no confirmation of this.
In 1955 John married for a second time, to Dorothy Jacques, and they lived at Verona, 2 Lawnswood Avenue in Bingley until John's death on 9th June 1979.
Sources:
England and Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915
West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1935
1901 England Census
1911 England Census
West Yorkshire, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1813-1935
UK, RAF Airmen Records, 1918-1940
UK, Royal Navy Registers of Seaman's Services, 1848-1939
England and Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007
England and Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1916-2008
1939 England and Wales Register
England and Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995
