James Kidd Lees

James fought in WW1 in France and was severely injured, he was treated in Arles Cathedral which was then used a military hospital. Although he survived the war, he lost almost all use of one arm.

On demob he trained as a French polisher in the Lord Roberts rehabilitation workshop in Dundee. At the time of his marriage in 1925 he is listed as a crane operator.

As well as French polishing, he also repaired clocks/watches and worked as projectionist in a cinema.

A report in the Dundee courier of Wed 13th December 1939 Lees of 5 Court Street was in court - (possibly for not complying with blackout regulations)

A report in the Dundee courier of 21st July 1947 “James K Lees, polisher, 5 Court Street, received shock in Meadowside on Saturday was walking across the corner of ??? Street when a horse gripped him by the shoulder and swung him ... ”

He remained a staunch communist throughout his life.