James Tullo Penney was born in Perth in about 1893.

In 1891, the Penney family were living at 6 Kincarrathie Crescent, Kinnoull, Perth, where James’ father was a Grocer and Wine Merchant.

By 1901, the family were living at 5 Kings Place, Perth: Father, Andrew (Wine and Spirit Traveller) b. c1852, Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire; Mother, Helen, b. c1852, Edinburgh; Daughter, Bessie, b. c1881, Perth; Son, George (Apprentice Clerk) b. c1882, Perth; Son, Andrew (Apprentice Clerk) b. c1885, Perth; Son, John, b. c1888, Perth; Son, Ernest, b. c1891, Perth; and Son James T. b. c1893, Perth.

James was educated at Perth Academy and he enlisted in Edinburgh, under the Short Service arrangement, on 6th October 1914, whilst employed as a Bank Clerk.

He spent 3 months in the 3rd Scottish General Hospital (Stobhill, Glasgow) from 2nd April 1915 to 26th July 1915, suffering from dislocated cartilage in both knees, and he embarked for France, from Southampton, on 8th January 1916.

James died on 1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

While there is no specific account of the circumstances of James’ death, what is known is that the 34th Division, of which the 15th Royal Scots were part, suffered more casualties on 1st July than any other division on the battlefield. 15th Royal Scots, in the first wave of their attack, suffered 80% casualties.

A letter dated 30th August 1916 from David R. Tullo, Secretary and Hon. Treasurer, 71 Club, 34 St. Andrews Square, Edinburgh, to the officer i/c of Records, 15th Royal Scots, Hamilton states: “Sir, The last communication from this soldier, who is a cousin of the writer, was dated from France 25th June, and a letter sent from Perth by his mother dated 27th June has been returned marked ‘location uncertain’ with the word ‘hospital’ written in pencil. His mother is naturally very anxious about him and I shall be obliged if you will let me know if he is still with his battalion, or if you have any other report concerning him.”

Another letter dated 16 August 1916 from Miss Hay of Claymires, Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire, to the O.C. Royal Scots, Edinburgh is in a similar vein: “Miss Hay would be extremely obliged if you would have the goodness to inform me of the whereabouts of Private James T. Penney, No 17720, 15th Royal Scots. He came to the Red Cross Hospital here for convalescence after leaving Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow. Not having heard of or from him for a long time Miss Hay should like to know if he is all right.”

Perthshire Constitutional, 1916

“Private James Penney, Royal Scots, twin son of Mr and Mrs A. Penney, Evelyn Terrace, Craigie, Perth, killed in action. Deceased was 32 years of age, and prior to enlistment was employed in Perth Savings Bank.”

James Penney was, in fact, 23 years old when he died. James Penney is also commemorated on the St. Leonard’s United Free Church War Memorial, Perth.