Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of James Hubbard, a gas manager and chimney sweep, born 1855 in Somerby, Leics., and his wife Mary Hubbard (nee Brown, married 1872), born 1856 in Gravely, Cambs. James, a schoolboy, was born in 1880 in Somerby, Leics., his siblings were, Harry, a schoolboy, born 1877, Lily, a schoolgirl, born 1879, Kate, a schoolgirl, born 1882, John, a schoolboy, born 1884, Beatrice, a schoolgirl, born 1885, Eleanor, a schoolgirl, born 1887, Hilda, born 1888, Ada F., born 1890 and Irene M., born 1891, all his siblings were born in Somerby, Leics., in April 1891 the family home was at Gas House, Gas House Lane, Somerby, Leics. Latterly they resided at High Street, Somerby, Leics. In April 1911 James was employed as a man servant and was residing at Stafford House, London, being in the employ of Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland, born 1868 in Dysart, Fifeshire, Scotland. James’ wife Annie Hubbard (nee Knight, married 1907), born 1884 in Oakham, Rutland was residing in the family home at Somerby, Leics., together with their children, James Henry, born 1908 and Phyllis Mary, born 1911, both children were born in Somerby, Leics. In the third quarter of 1919 James’ widow married Edward J. Smart in the Bedford marriage registration district and they resided at Box End, Kempston, Beds. On Friday January 4th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – SOMERBY. – MEMORIAL SERVICE. – A Memorial service was held at the Parish Church on Sunday last to the memory of the late James Hubbard, who was killed in action on December 2nd. The members of the local detachment, 3rd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment paraded to church. The vicar, the Rev. G. E. Britten, who officiated spoke of the early life of deceased, and said he well remembered him attending his class when he was preparing him for his confirmation. Deceased leaves a wife and two children. This makes the fifth Somerby soldier who has fallen.