Private Vincent Jady: soldier and pugilist

By John D  Ellis

The discovery of a newspaper report about an incident involving an ex-serviceman ‘of colour’, and a serving soldier at Preston in June 1919, prompted further investigation. From the Lancashire Evening Post, 13^th June 1919:

Struck at Soldier. Coloured man charged at Preston.

Today, at Preston Police Court, before Sir George Toulmin, Dr Dunn and Mr Tom Jolly; a coloured man, Vincent Jady (29) was charged with having been riotous and disorderly in Church Street last night.

PC Pottle deposed that at 10:5 PM yesterday while on duty in Church Street he saw accused behaving in a riotous and disorderly way and noticed that he struck several blows at Battery Sergeant Major Platt of the RFA (Royal Field Artillery). When Jady saw witness he ran away, but witness pursued and caught him and took him to the police station.

BSM Platt said that between 10:5 and 10:10 last night while standing in Church Street accused came up and struck at him, why he could not say. Witness had had occasion to order him out of Fulwood Barracks the same afternoon, he having been hanging about for two or three days. He never saw Jady before. He gave him no provocation.

In reply to accused he said he did not see him in 1915 when he (Jady) was a driver in the RFA at Fulwood, nor did he insult him in 1915. Witness had not been in Preston prior to about three weeks ago. Witness went abroad in September 1914 and did not come back till February this year.

Jady said he took the last witness to be a certain Battery Sergeant Major, but he said he had not been in Preston at the time he (accused) referred to. He had had some drink the night before.

Accused, who had been gassed in France, was bound over in his own recognisance for £5 for six months.^[1]Lancashire Evening Post, 13 June 1919. findmypast.co.uk

So, who was Vincent Jady and what had happened to him, apart from being ‘in drink’, to cause him to attempt to strike a senior non-commissioned officer, albeit mistakenly?

Vincent Jady was born at Liverpool in June 1889. Baptised at St Patrick’s Church, Toxteth he was the son of Anthony (Antonio) and Catherine Jady (nee’ Murphy).^[2]Liverpool Record Office; Liverpool, England; Liverpool Catholic Parish Registers; Reference Number 282 PAT/1/9. ancestry.co.uk Being a Catholic church, the records were in Latin with the forenames rendered as Vincentius, Antonii and Catherine and the surname as Jadey. Anthony (Antonio) had been born in Brazil c.1854 and Catherine in Liverpool c.1856. Vincent Jady had three siblings, all born in Liverpool, two sisters: Elizabeth Joanna (born c.1883), Teresa Emily (born 1887 and died 1889); one brother: William Anthony Jady (also noted as Anthony William Jady, born 1885 and died 1894). With the birthplace of Anthony Jady being Brazil, it is likely that he was Black/’of colour’, although Liverpool has historically been home to people of African or Asian origin, and it may have been that Catherine was also Black/’of colour’.

In 1891 the family were living at 99 Olivia Street, Bootle, West Derby, Liverpool. Anthony Jady was a dockworker.^[3]1891 England & Wales Census. The National Archives (TNA) RG 12/2970/90/43/245. findmypast.co.uk

In September 1898, Catherine Jady committed Vincent to Mill Road Hospital, (West Derby Union Workhouse) for two days of medical treatment following an accident.^[4]Liverpool Workhouse Registers. Liverpool Record Office. 614 MIL/1/1/30b findmypast.co.uk It was noted that the family were living at 59 Phoebe Ann Street and that his father was “a watchmaker away in Africa”. Over the following two decades, the Liverpool Workhouse Registers on findmypast.co.uk make grim reading for the Jady family: Catherine, Vincent’s mother, was admitted eight times between 1896 and 1919. Vincent Jady’s two sons were also admitted: Joseph twice between 1918 and 1919 and Vincent (junior) six times between 1916 and 1920.

In 1901 Vincent Jady was living at the Beacon Lane Orphanage (a Catholic Boys Orphanage) in West Derby, Everton, Liverpool.^[5]1901 England & Wales Census. TNA RG 13/3479/130/9/0. findmypast.co.uk

He was 11 years of age, a scholar and had been born in Liverpool. His parents were both alive but separated and either unable or unwilling to support him. Vincent’s father, Anthony Jady, was living in New Moss, Manchester, where he was employed as a blacksmith. He died in March 1903. Catherine Jady was living in Liverpool.

In 1911 Vincent Jady was lodging at 64 Circus Street, Liverpool. There was some doubt as to his age (34 years was recorded), he was single and a general labourer by occupation who had been born in Liverpool.^[6]1911 England & Wales Census. TNA RG 14/22163/1312/9/0. findmypast.co.uk

At Holy Cross Church, Liverpool in July 1912 Vincent Jady married Maud Nathan.

Vincent and Maud had three children:  Joseph (1912-1982), Annie (1914-1991) and Vincent (‘junior’ 1915-1991). The latter served in the Royal Engineers during the Second World War.

Vincent Jady, born Toxteth, Liverpool, enlisted in the 4^th Battalion King’s (Liverpool) Regiment at Liverpool on 6^th September 1914.^[7]TNA WO 364. findmypast.co.uk He was aged 25 years and 90 days, married (to Maud of 34 Hilbre Street, Liverpool) and was a pugilist by occupation. Given the number #K/18451 (or K18467), he served in the rank of private. On enlistment he was 5/3 and ¾” tall with brown eyes, black curly hair. He had a scar on the top of his left thigh and a “cauliflower ear”. There was no reference to him being either Black or ‘of colour’. He was discharged due to misconduct on 2^nd October 1914.^[8]TNA WO 364. findmypast.co.uk The ‘Loyals’ are an antecedent regiment of the Duke of Lancaster Regiment (King’s, Lancashire and Border).

Vincent Jady, a dock labourer living at 50 Upper Pitt Street, Liverpool enlisted in the 11^th Battalion the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment at Liverpool on 31^st May 1915.^[9]TNA WO 364. findmypast.co.uk Given the number #21149 (#21147), he served in the rank of private. He did not declare his previous military service – which in itself was grounds for discharge. Married to Maud, they had two children: Joseph (born 28^th August 1912) and Vincent (born 26^th March 1915). However, the same pattern of behaviour continued. He forfeited 8 days pay for absence on 13^th July 1915 and was given 14 days of ‘Field Punishment No.2’ on 4^th August 1915 (this involved being shackled or handcuffed). Finally, he was given 14 days detention on 31^st August 1915 for misconduct.

Discharged at Seaford, Sussex on 22^nd September 1915 due to misconduct under King’s Regulations para 392 (xi), with his character described as “bad” and the comment from his Commanding Officer (CO) stating “I have nothing to say in this man’s favour”. On discharge he was 5/3 and ½” tall, had a “coloured” complexion, black eyes, black hair, was in good physical condition and had a scar on his left thigh. His records contain a letter written (at Billericay, Essex) by his CO on 9^th September 1915, in order to support his discharge. Addressed to Headquarters 4^th Reserve Brigade, the letter reveals both exasperation with the subject’s misconduct and the fact that the ‘Colour Bar’ was a consideration:

I beg to make application for the discharge under para 392 (xi) KR of the soldier named in the margin (No.21149 Pte Vincent Jady).

Since joining the battalion under my command, he has been in continuous trouble and his conduct has already had a bad influence on others.

In addition, he is not of pure European descent, and for this reason his comrades have more than once complained of the unpleasant nature of his presence.

In the interests of the service, and of this battalion in particular, I beg to submit that it is highly desirable that this man should no longer be allowed to serve.^[10]jeffreygreen.co.uk/218-badly-treated-black-infantrymen-in-the-middlesex-regiment-1916/

In this case, the ‘Colour Bar’ was used as an additional reason to support the discharge of Vincent Jady; the main reason being misconduct. It shows how precarious the situation of soldiers ‘of colour’ was, in that the ‘Colour Bar’ could be invoked during any stage of their service. Clearly it had been ignored when Vincent Jady enlisted and when he had reached his training unit, it was only when his behaviour deteriorated that it was invoked. The reference to his conduct having a “bad influence” on others suggests a leadership role and that his misconduct was part of a wider problem within the battalion, perhaps with Vincent Jady being blamed. However, the remarks that he was not “…of pure European descent…” leading to complaints from his colleagues about the “…unpleasant nature of his presence” appear similar to the negative experiences identified by Black and Asian soldiers serving with the Middlesex Regiment in Northampton in early 1916.^[11]TNA WO 329/0132 and WO 372/10. findmypast.co.uk . See http://jeffreygreen.co.uk/218-badly-treated-black-infantrymen-in-the-middlesex-regiment-1916/<for details of this ‘negative experience' On both occasions the units were training ones not active duty ones, and perhaps the latter offered less time for racism than the former, in addition for more opportunities for Black/’of colour’ soldier to ‘prove their worth’?

On 18^th October 1915 Vincent Jady enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery (RFA), with the rank of driver and the number #112481.^[12]The Royal Field Artillery are now the Royal Artillery He subsequently served in 45 Brigade RFA on the Western Front. At Blangermont (Blangerval-Blangermont), France in June 1916 a “V Jady” of the RFA appeared before a court martial. It is not certain if it is the same soldier, nor indeed what charge or the outcome were.^[13]TNA. Judge Advocate General’s Office: Field General Courts Martial and Military Courts, Registers; Series: WO 213: Judge Advocate General’s Office: Field General Courts Martial and … Continue reading

On 30^th September 1917 he was admitted to No.2 General Hospital (France) suffering from primary dementia.^[14]First World War Representative Medical Records of Servicemen. Hospital admission and discharge records (British other ranks). TNA MH 106/982. findmypast.co.uk

Primary dementia is a progressive brain disease, in which the condition (be the dementia Alzheimer’s, vascular, frontotemporal or with Lewy bodies), is the primary cause of cognitive decline rather than being the side effect of another external medical issue. In the case of Vincent Jady, his behaviour (personality, behaviour and language) in the army and after appears to suggest that he was suffering from frontotemporal dementia. Although intemperance, employment as a pugilist, and serving on the Western Front can only have exacerbated his cognitive decline.

On 14^th October 1917 he was discharged from No.2 General Hospital, and it is likely that this signalled the end of his active military service as he can next be identified serving in 3^rd “A” Reserve Brigade of the RFA in England.^[15]TNA WO 329/0132 and WO 372/10. findmypast.co.uk He was discharged on a temporary pension, 8^th February 1918, due to dementia aggravated by intemperance.^[16]Ibid. However, records for Soldiers’ Effects held by the National Army Museum were less measured, simply noting that Vincent Jady was “insane”.^[17]National Army Museum; Chelsea, London, England; Soldiers’ Effects Records, 1901-60; NAM Accession Number: 1991-02-333; Record Number Ranges: 595001-596500; Reference: 348. ancestry.co.uk

Following the First World War many ex-servicemen suffered from ‘shellshock’ (now better known as post-traumatic stress disorder, or ‘PTSD’). They faced social stigma, unemployment and misunderstanding from a society that frequently viewed ‘invisible wounds’ as weakness. If Vincent Jady was suffering from primary dementia aggravated by intemperance, then it might be argued that it was not due to his war service and therefore the War Office had no duty of care. In defence of the War Office, Vincent Jady was discharged twice from two different regiments due to misconduct, which does suggest that he was struggling prior to arrival on the Western Front, and No.2 General Hospital did diagnose him with ‘primary dementia’ rather than any other psychological condition. Vincent Jady returned to civilian life in February 1918.

By June 1919 he was estranged from his family and living in Preston, where he was involved in the incident with Battery Sergeant Major (BSM) Platt of the RFA, as reported in the Lancashire Evening Post, 13^th June 1919.^[18]Lancashire Evening Post, 13 June 1919. findmypast.co.uk The incident can now be viewed in context: Vincent Jady, had been in the vicinity of Fulwood Barracks for two or three days, was in drink and suffering from dementia. BSM Platt who ordered that Vincent Jady be removed from the barracks, represented authority. Vincent Jady’s claim to have been gassed in France, whilst it cannot be confirmed from his records, was probably true – he just did not receive any medical treatment nor did he claim to have had.

In late 1919 he was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal and Silver War Badge.^[19]TNA WO 329/0132 and WO 372/10. findmypast.co.uk

In January 1921 he was still living in Preston. From the Lancashire Evening Post:

Mean Theft.

Parcel of food stolen at Preston.

The property of ex-service men’s fund.

At Preston, this morning, Vincent Jady (30), pleaded guilty to stealing a parcel of food valued at 12s/6d from Avenham Lane Barracks, the property of Preston ex-Service Men’s Fund.

Mr Whittle prosecuted, and said prisoner went to the barracks yesterday and asked for a parcel of food, but was told he was not entitled to one. A parcel was missed later on, and was found in the prisoner’s possesstion in a lodging house in Manchester Road. When charged by DS Lee with stealing the parcel he said “I stole it because I was hungry”.

Evidence was given by Mrs Brierley, chairman of the Fund Committee, who said the parcels contained 10lb of potatoes, 1lb of onions, 1 and ½ lb of meal, ½ of margarine, ¾ lb of bully beef, ½ of tea, 1 lb of sugar, ½ tapioca, ¼ lb of cocoa. Prisoner had previously put in an application for a parcel but was told his case had been turned down.

DS Lee said that when questioned at the lodging house the prisoner at first denied all knowledge of the parcel, but later the missing food was found on a shelf in the lodging house kitchen.

Prisoner said he was an ex-service man and had been gassed at Armentieres. He had a pension for a time, but it had been discontinued and his only income was 20s out of work pay. Out of this he sent 5s per week to his wife and two children in Liverpool. He first applied at Avenham Lane Barracks for food three weeks ago and was told that the parcels were only for married men. He applied again with the information about his wife and children and was told his case would be considered. When he went on Friday morning, he was told that his case had been turned down. He was tempted to take the parcel because he was hungry.

The Chief Constable said prisoner was a native of Liverpool. He had followed no employment since he was demobilised in 1918 and lived in common lodging houses, apart from his wife. He was convicted four times last year for drunkenness and riotous and disorderly conduct.

The Chairman (Mr H Eastham) said these frauds upon charities must be stopped. Prisoner was fined 20s or 13 days imprisonment.^[20]Lancashire Evening Post, 22 January 1921. findmypast.co.uk

Also, a month later, from the Lancashire Evening Post, 22^nd February 1921:

Man and woman discharged.

At Preston County Court, today, before Judge Sturges, Vincent Jady, a young, coloured man, and Sophia Taylor, a middle-aged woman, were charged with sleeping out at Longridge. The couple were found asleep in an unoccupied house at 5.45 am today. They had no money.

Jady stated that he had some drink last night. He met the woman who told him that she had an apartment at Longridge and asked him to go there. He went but remembered nothing else until he woke up this morning.

The woman said she felt responsible because the man was in drink.

It was stated that Jady, who was an ex-Serviceman, had been convicted four times.

Both accused were discharged.^[21]Lancashire Evening Post, 22 February 1921. findmypast.co.uk

The 1921 England Census (June 1921) found Vincent Jady (senior) lodging at 30 Lower Byrom Street, Manchester. Born in Liverpool c.1888, he was single and an unemployed carter.^[22]1921 England Census. TNA RG 15/19388/2. findmypast.co.uk The surname Jady has been incorrectly transcribed as ‘Judy’. Catherine Jady, Vincent’s mother, was living in the Brownlow Hill Institution, Liverpool. A large workhouse and infirmary.^[23]1921 England Census. TNA RG 15/17398/778/63. findmypast.co.uk She died in 1930. Maud Jady, along with Joseph and Vincent (junior), was living at 49 Great Orford Street, Liverpool with a Reginald Smout, a painter and decorator born in Liverpool c.1866.^[24]1921 England Census. TNA RG 15/17370/48. findmypast.co.uk

It is not known what happened to Vincent Jady immediately after 1921 but by 1939 he was an inmate of the ‘County Mental Hospital, Rainhill’ (formerly Rainhill Hospital), Merseyside.^[25]TNA RG 101/4972K/018/23. findmypast.co.uk

He had been born in 1888, was married and a pugilist by occupation. There are two references to Vincent Jady being a pugilist: One on his enlistment in ‘The King’s’ in 1914 and one in 1939 when he was an inmate in the ‘County Mental Hospital, Rainhill’. Additionally, the description of him having a “cauliflower ear” (1914) suggests that he had been involved in some form of combative grappling. There is no reference to him being either an amateur or professional pugilist in any other of his records. A search of the newspapers held by findmypast.co.uk revealed nothing. However, it is clearly how he defined himself. Vincent Jady, pugilist and soldier, died in 1941.