Sir James Gildea
(1838 – 1920)
Soldier – Philanthropist - Humanitarian.

Sir James Gildea the founder of SSAFA Forces Help, was born in County Mayo, Ireland in 1838 and was educated at St Columba’s College, Dublin and then at Pembroke College Cambridge.

Between 1870 –1871 he served with an ambulance unit during the Franco-Prussian war and worked with the, National Society for Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War.

In 1879 he set about raising funds for the families of soldiers killed in the Zulu wars. (1,722 British soldiers killed and 256 wounded).

In 1880 he also raised funds for the families of soldiers killed in the second Afghan war. (1,630 British soldiers killed or wounded).

In 1885 as the British Second Expeditionary force set sail for Egypt the now Major Gildea, made an appeal through the Times News paper for funds and volunteers; and within three months the charity, SSFA (Soldier, Sailor, and Families Association) was created with Princess Alexander as its Patron. He served as Chairman of the Charity until his death in 1920.

In 1890 - 1898 he become Colonel James Gildea and commanded the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and he was one of the founder members of the St Johns Ambulance Association.