James Gildea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Gildea
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Sir James Gildea, 17 June 1920
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| Chairman of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association | |
| In office 1919–1920 |
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| Chairman of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association | |
| In office 1885–1919 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 June 1838 Kilmaine, County Mayo, Ireland |
| Died | 6 November 1920 (aged 82) |
| Known for | Founder of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association |
Sir James Gildea (born June 23, 1838 – died November 6, 1920) was a British Army officer and a very kind person who helped many families. He is best known for starting an organization called the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA). This group helps military families even today.
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Who Was Sir James Gildea?
Sir James Gildea was born in Kilmaine, a place in County Mayo, Ireland. His father was a religious leader in Tuam. James went to school at St Columba's College in Dublin. Later, he studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge.
Helping Families in Need
James Gildea cared deeply about people affected by war. During the Franco-Prussian War, he worked with a group that helped sick and wounded soldiers. He also raised money for families who lost loved ones in the Zulu War of 1879. He did the same for families after the Second Afghan War in 1880.
In 1885, he started his most famous organization. It was first called the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association. This group helped the families of soldiers and sailors. In 1919, it changed its name to the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association. Sir James was the chairman and treasurer of this group until he passed away.
Other Important Work
Sir James Gildea was involved in many other helpful projects. From 1890 to 1895, he helped organize Queen Victoria's Jubilee Institute for Nurses. This group trained nurses to care for people.
In 1899, he started the Royal Homes for Officers' Widows and Daughters in Wimbledon. These homes provided a safe place for the wives and daughters of officers who had died. He also helped the St. John Ambulance Association as their treasurer for a time.
Military Service and Awards
Besides his charity work, James Gildea was also a military officer. From 1890 to 1898, he led the 6th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. This was a militia battalion, meaning it was a group of citizens trained for military service.
Sir James received many special awards for his important work.
- In 1898, he was given the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).
- In 1901, he became a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).
- He was knighted in 1902, which meant he could use "Sir" before his name.
- Later, he became a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO).
- In 1920, he received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE). This was a very high honor for his service during the war.
