DIXON James Humphrey Ferris

James Dixon was born on 20th July 1914. He entered Form V4 Kings School in January 1928. At the time of his admission to the school his parent is recorded as L.D., Windyridge, Withernsea, E. Yorks. James had previously been educated at Worcester Cathedral Choir School. He left Kings School from Form M6 in December 1930. Solicitor.

The following information has been researched by and is courtesy of John Barry:
1939 Register
Windyridge, Holmplow Rd, Willenhall
Norman Dixon, born 15th September 1887, Solicitor (Clerk to Willen UDC) Local Fuel Overseer & Food
Ada M. Dixon, born 21st September 1884, Household Duties Unpaid
John E.F. Dixon, born 8th February 1921, Student (Temporary Clerk)
Jeanette Ferris, born 15th October 1854, No Occupation

Hull Daily Mail 7th May 1942
Major J. H. Dixon
Married at Tynemouth
At Tynemouth on Tuesday, Major James Humphrey Ferris Dixon, son of Mr and Mrs Norman Dixon, of Withernsea, was married to Miss Muriel Martin, daughter of Dr and Mrs Douglas Martin, of Tynemouth.
Major Dixon, who is on the staff of the Northern Command, is a partner in the firm of Jacobs, Dixon and Sons, solicitors of Hull. He is well-known in musical circles, bring a member of the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra. He captained the Hornsea R.U.F.C., and was a member of the Withernsea C.C.
The bride was dressed in white, and the bridesmaids were in the uniforms of the A.T.S., of which the bride is a member. Captain Geoffrey Dixon (brother of the groom) was best man. A short honeymoon is being spent in Edinburgh.
Photo of wedding – too poor to use.

Hull Daily Mail 22nd June 1944
Major J.H.F. Dixon
Brilliant Hull Officer Killed in Action
News has been received that Major James Humphrey Ferris Dixon has been killed in action while commanding his battalion in Normandy.
Major Dixon was well known in Hull as a promising young solicitor, and was in partnership with his father, Mr Norman Dixon, in the firm of Jacobs, Dixon and Sons.
Major Dixon joined the East Yorkshire Regiment just before the war, and went to the Royal Staff College. Early in 1940 he temporarily resigned his commission and joined the Scots Guards as a private, when the Finns were in need of help. Later he was promoted captain and was successfully evacuated from Dunkirk. He then became staff officer and quickly rose to the rank of staff major, with which rank he joined General Montgomery’s staff in North Africa, in 1942. In April 1943, he was with the 50th Division in Tunis, Sicily, and Italy.
As a boy Major Dixon was a chorister in Worcester Cathedral, and was educated at the King’s School in that city. He studied law at Hull University College, and took honours in the Law Society and L.L.B. examinations.
In May, 1942, he married Muriel, the only daughter of Dr Douglas and Mrs Martin, of Tynemouth, and leaves one child, Susan. He was deeply interested in music, art and nature, and for several years played with the first violins in the Hull Pilharmonic Orchestra, of which he was honorary librarian. He was a keen Alpinist, and well known in sporting circles. He played cricket for Withernsea and rugger for the Hornsea R.F.C., of which he was Captain in 1938. Two of his brothers are serving with the Forces.

Probate 1945
DIXON James Humphrey Ferris of Withernsea Yorkshire died 11 June 1944 on war service Probate York 8 January to Muriel Galletly Dixon widow. Effects £897 18s. 2d.

Photo of James Dixon courtesy of John Barry.