Background
GILDEA, James was born on June 24, 1838 in Kilmaine, Company Mayo. 3rd son of late Very Reverend George Robert Gildea, Provost of Tuam.
GILDEA, James was born on June 24, 1838 in Kilmaine, Company Mayo. 3rd son of late Very Reverend George Robert Gildea, Provost of Tuam.
Studied at St. Columba's College Ireland. Pembroke College Cambridge.
Served in Franco-German War (National Society for Aid to Sick and Wounded in War). Mainly instrumental in raising a fund of £12,000 for relief of widows and orphans of those killed during the Zulu War, 1879. Raised a similar fund in connection with the Afghan War, 1880.
To these funds he acted as Treasurer and Honourable Secretary. Treasurer in England at the same time to the Indian Patriotic and Bombay Military Relief Funds. During Afghan, Transvaal, Egyptian, and Soudan Wars he collected and sent over 80,000 books, periodicals, etc., besides warm clothing and comforts, to the various military hospitals.
Founded the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association, of which he is Chairman, Treasurer, and one of Trustees, 1885. Founded also in connection with this the “Officers,” “Nursing,” and “Clothing’ branches, Royal Homes for Officers’ Widows and Daughters, Queen Alexandra’s Court, Wimbledon, 1899. And was instrumental in raising the “Serpent” and “Edgar Boat” Funds, as also the North-west Frontier Fund, all of which are administered by the Associate.
Over one million and a quarter was placed in the hands of and administered by the Assoc, during the South African War, 1899-1902. Is one of the members nominated by the Crown of the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation (1903). Has taken an active part (being one of its promoters) in the St. John Ambulance Association, of which he was treasurer, as well as assistant almoner of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Knight of Justice Order oA St. John of Jerusalem; Jubilee and Coronation Medals; Colonel commander 6th Royal Warwickshire Rogt. 1890-1898; Honourable Colonel 4th Battalion (Special Reserve), Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1909.
Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Spouse 1864, Rachel Caroline (d. 1888) (a Lady of Justice Order of St. John of Jerusalem),daughter of Arthur Kett Barclay of Bury Hill, Dorking.