George Scogings gave us a talk on 5 July 2025 on one of his ancestors,
George told us he was interested in researching this member of his family tree because it was someone who nobody could tell him anything about. James Arthur White was born in Leeds in 1904 but the family moved to Wakefield and could be seen on the 1911 census living on Charles Street near Kirkgate Station. James married Ruby Wilkin in 1931 and George found a great deal of information on James’ military records when he was serving with the 4th KOYLI. He worked in a tunnelling company, which was made up mainly of miners.
George’s richly illustrated talk gave us information on what happened when he was deployed to Doullens in France and was able to track his journey north to Boulogne Sur Mer, including various diversions; this is where James was captured. He was taken to Stalag 20A in Poland to Dabrowa Gornicza coal mine where he was expected to work. He was then moved to Walbrzych Factory. We were shown his POW questionnaire which contained useful information, as well as details about his discharge.
George showed us James’ death certificate dated 1965 which showed that he had contracted emphysema whilst a POW which was a contributory factor in his death; the coroner recorded a verdict of misadventure.
The 1939 register showed Ruby living in Coventry; apparently, believing James was dead, missing in action, she had started a relationship with another man who was the verger at Wakefield Cathedral. In 1942 they had a son together. When James returned, Ruby tried to divorce him but he refused so she stayed in Coventry and James stayed in Wakefield, separated from his family and living with his brother. His family grew up without him.
George concluded his talk by saying that although this was a sad story, it was good that his family now knew of his time during the war and have reconnected with other members.
Lorraine Simpson
