James Peter Kulatunga was born in Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka) c.1896. He was one of eight multi-ethnic volunteers from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) who disembarked from the SS Atsuta Maru at Tilbury Docks in London on the 15th of April 1917.
He enlisted in the Middlesex Regiment at the Central London Recruiting Depot, Whitehall on the 19th of April 1917 and was given the regimental number G/86983. On enlistment it was noted that he was 5 feet 1 and ¼” tall, “a coloured man” and a chauffeur by occupation (being employed by the Eastern Garage, Columbo). His next of kin was identified as his sister, Miss Beatrice Kulatunga of Katapapihipa, Columbo.
After basic training he was posted to the 11th (Lonsdale) Battalion, the Border Regiment, then serving in France and Flanders in July 1917 (his regimental number changed to 28860). He was to remain with the battalion until being gassed in October 1918 and evacuated to Britain. He was treated at two military hospitals in France, and the Hollywood Park Military Hospital in Stockport, and during his stay at the latter he was transferred to the 5th Battalion of the Border Regiment.
When finally discharged on a pension in April 1919, his records evidenced the hardships he had endured: a fractured leg (a broken left femur, caused by an accident after suffering a gunshot wound in October 1917, and resulting in a slight limp); and bronchitis (a constant shortness of breath caused by being gassed four times in October 1918). He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
In May 1919, James Peter Kalatunga left London for on board the Inaba Maru bound for Columbo. Also on board was a Private Van Tweste, almost certainly Hiram Carl, the younger brother of Roy Van Tweste[1]http://www.historycalroots.com/a-cingalese-machine-gunner-at-the-somme-sergeant-roy-van-twest/.
James Peter Kulatunga was subsequently awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
An application to raise his pension made in June 1920, was rejected with the comment “man adequately compensated”.
He is believed to have died in Ceylon.[2]Sources: TNA WO 329. TNA WO 363. TNA WO 372/11. WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 124/0463/JUD-KAV. ancestry.co.uk Passenger Lists Leaving UK 1890-1960. findmypast.co.uk UK and … Continue reading
References
| ↑1 | http://www.historycalroots.com/a-cingalese-machine-gunner-at-the-somme-sergeant-roy-van-twest/ |
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| ↑2 | Sources: TNA WO 329. TNA WO 363. TNA WO 372/11. WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers; Reference: 124/0463/JUD-KAV. ancestry.co.uk Passenger Lists Leaving UK 1890-1960. findmypast.co.uk UK and Ireland, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960. findmypast.co.uk |