An Irishman died on this day in ww1

enfield

Three days worth as I will be in Cork Gaol until Monday.



CRUITE, JOHN JAMES. Rank: Sergeant. Regiment or Service: Australian Light Horse. Unit;10th. Date of Death:06-August-1915. Service No:105 (Number not given on the CWGC database). Born in, Abbeyleix, Queen’s County. Next of kin, Wife, Mrs Marjory Cruite. Address of next of kin, 187 Brisbane Street, Perth, W.A, later to 165 Lake Street, Perth. Occupation on enlistment, Storeman, (spent 2 ½ years apprenticed to the Grocery and Spirit trade). Religion, RC. Previous Military Experience, 5 years 236 days with the 17th Lancers. Location and date of enlistment, 05-October-1914. Height, 5’ 9 ¼’’ Complexion, Fresh. Eyes, Grey. Hair, Black. Embarked for Gallipoli, 16-May-1915. Suffered with influenza and died of Entheric fever at the military Hospital in Gibraltar. Mrs Marjorie Cruite was not informed by the military authorities of her husbands death in hospital. She was informed of the fact by the wife of a doctor who worked in a hospital in Malta. This was corrected later when the military authorities established contact with her. Sons, Jeremiah Daniel, John James, and his daughter, Annie Marjorie received pensions of 20 shillings per fortnight from 29-April-1917. His other daughter, Rosetta Annie, received a pension of 25 shillings per fortnight from 29-April-1917. Mrs Marjorie, received a pension of £70 per annum from 11-November-1915. Grave or Memorial Reference:A.3042.

MOLLOY, VALENTINE. Rank: Petty Officer Stoker. Regiment or Service: Royal Navy. Unit: H. M. S. "Europa I. " Age at Death: 35. Date of Death: 07-August-1915. Service No: 287306. From a Wexford newspaper article; Mrs Valentine Molloy, Saltmills, received information from the Admiralty on Tuesday evening that her husband had been killed in action at the Dardanelles. He was a seaman on board the Battleship Queen Elizabeth.
Another article from the Enniscorthy Guardian; Information has reached Fethard that Valentine Molloy, who had been on a troopship which was blown up in the Dardanelles, lost his life on the occasion. He died from the effects of the wounds a few days after the occurance. He was a married man and had been in service for a good number of years. Supplementary information; Son of Valentine and Kate Molloy of Grange, Fethard, Co. Wexford; husband of Annie Molloy of Tintern Saltmills, Co. Wexford. Grave or Memorial Reference: 6. Memorial: Plymouth Naval Memorial UK.


CANAVAN, MICHAEL. Rank: Lance Corporal. Regiment or Service: Irish Guards Unit; 1st Bn. Date of Death: 08-August-1915. Service No: 5872. Born in Sandymount. Enlisted in Dublin. Killed in Action. From an article in the ‘People’ newspaper; Although born in Irishtown, Dublin about 24 years ago, Lance Corporal Michael Canavan lived since his childhood with his uncle Mr James Canavan, Kilcavan, Tara Hill, Gorey. A young man of fine physique, he was of a cheerful and unassuming manner and deservedly popular.
He was an ardent and sincere Gaelic Leaguer, and as a musician and Irish step dancer, he was known all over Ireland, having won the all Ireland hornpipe competition at the Wexford Feis in the year of 1906, and a similar distinction at the Wicklow Feis the following year. He answered his coutries call towards the end of last year joining the Irish Guards ( 2nd Battalion ) and on St Patricks day last he was awarded first place in the Regimental Irish Step dancing competition by the Earl of Kerry ( Colonel ). He went with a draft of his Regiment to France in June, but remained at the base before going to the firing line until the middle of July.
Durning a terrific artillery engagement on the 8th of August, he was struck by a German shell and a noble, kindly Irish heart was stilled forever, and a career, full of hope and promise brought to a tragic end but glorious close. The news of his death caused a profound feeling of regret amongst a large circle of friends in the Gorey District and in his native City of Dublin. From another article in a Wexford newspaper;
News has just reached Gorey of the death of two local men in the recent fighting at Gallipoli. The first is Corporal Michael Canavan of Kilcavan, Tara Hill, who was attached to the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards.
His death is reported as having taken place on August 8th. Private William Connors, of William Street, Gorey, who also belonged to the same Regiment, is likewise reported to have been killed in action. From an article in a Wexford newspaper; Corporal Michael Canavan, Irish Guards. The relatives of Corporal Michael Canavan, of Kilcavan, Tara Hill, Gorey, have been notified that he was killed on August 8th while serving with the Irish Guards on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Deceased was very popular in the locality and much regret has been expressed at his demise.
Grave or Memorial Reference: I. B. 13. Cemetery: Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy in France.

Until Monady.
Tom.

enfield

MONAGHAN, THOMAS.

enfield

DEVEREUX, PATRICK JOHN.

enfield

CONROY, JOHN

enfield

FITZGIBBON, MICHAEL.

enfield

HALLORAN, THOMAS.

Snickers Man

There's a few more you could put in for today.


Private Michael McAnespie
6th Bn Royal Munster Fusiliers
No. 3063
Aged 27
Religion: Roman Catholic
Next of Kin: James and Martha
McAnespie, New Lodge Rd.,
Belfast.
Previous occupation: General Labourer
Died 13/August/1915 Gallipoli

Private Michael Travers
1st Bn Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
No. 4081
Aged: 22
Religion: Roman Catholic
Next of Kin: James and Bridget Travers, Nelson Street, Derry
Previous occupation: General Labourer
Died 13/August/1915 Gallipoli

In fact you should have no problem finding anniversaries from just the Gallipoli campaign this month. The Irish battalions got a bit of a pasting in August 1915.


BTW how come you missed my grandad's anniversary yesterday? :P

Mind you, he was WWII.

enfield

COOPER, MICHAEL.

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PRESTON, ARTHUR JOHN DILLON.

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DUGGAN, GEORGE GRANT.

enfield

DOYLE, The Rev, DENIS.

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FITZHENRY, THOMAS

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O'BRIEN, PETER.

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RYAN, JAMES.

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HICKEY, FRANCIS.

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FITZPATRICK, THOMAS.

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BARTON, CHARLES ERSKINE.

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LOUGHLIN, WILLIAM.

enfield

DAVIS/DAVIES, JOSEPH.

enfield

HICKEY, JOHN.

enfield

Three days worth this time.

CHARRIER, PAUL ALFRED. Rank: Major. Regiment or Service: Royal Munster Fusiliers. Unit;2nd Battalion. Date of Death: 27-August-1914. Age at Death,45. Killed in Action. Supplementary information; Son of Paul Antoine Charrier; husband of Annie Logan Charrier, of "Cliffsend," Bembridge, Isle of Wight. Served in the Ashanti Expedition and South African Campaign.

From ‘Irish at the Front’; Retreat from Mons, page 23;-…until it came to bayonet fighting between khaki and grey, and then the air was rent with yells of rage and hate, shrieks of pain, and the low wailing of the Irish keen. During the retirement a despatch-rider reached the Munsters. He had a message for them to retire “at once.” It was not timed, but it was probably the last of the three orders sent from headquarters, and was therefore written hurridly/ It seems also to have been written many hours before it was delivered, as the bearer said he had been compelled to hide for a long time from the Germans. But it was too late. The Munsters were encircled by a ring of fire. The enemy had worked round to their rear and now barred the way to the village of Etreux. Major Paul Charrier, described as a hearty, genial Kerryman, was in command of the Munsters. Three times he gallantly led his men in an attack upon the key of the German position, a large mansion that was loopholed and turned into a fortress. He was twice wounded, yet he continued to lead, and in the last assault he fell to rise no more with a bullet in his head.

From De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour;-

Charrier, Paul Alfred, Major, 2nd Battalion (104th Foot), The Royal Munster Fusiliers. Only son of the late Paul Antoine Charrier, of Dinapore, India. Born 03-December-1868. Gazetted 2nd Lieutenant, Royal Munster Fusiliers, from the Militia 28-June-1890. Promoted Lieutenant 14-April-1892, Captain 23-March-1900 and Major 11 –March-1909. Served (1) in West Africa 1900, taking part in the operations in Ashanti, where he was slightly wounded (mentioned in despatches, London Gazette, 08-March-1901); (2) in the South African War 1902; took part in the operations in Cape Colony, May-1902. Employed with the Imperial Yeomanry (Queen’s Medal with two clasps); (3) in East Africa 1903-4; took part in the operations in Somaliland, being on the staff as a Special Service Officer, and employed on Transport Duty from November-1903 ( Medal and clasp); (4) with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders, and was killed in action near Etreux 27-August-1914.

Paul Alfred Charrier is listed in the 1911 census in Ballymullen, Tralee.

Grave or Memorial Reference: II. 9. Cemetery: Etreux British Cemetery, Etreux, Aisne, France.





WALKER, JOHN. Rank: Lance Corporal. Regiment or Service: Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Unit; 2/4th Bn. Date of Death: 28-August-1918. Service No: 63380. Born in Gorey, Co Wexford. Enlisted in Gorey, Jersey. Died of wounds. Age at Death; 28. From an article in the People, 1915; Gorey mans letter-R. I. R. Gallantry. Private Patrick Howard. C Company, Royal Irish Regiment, writing from the front to his step-mother, Mrs Canavan, Thomas Street, Gorey, states-; “ We are having a big battle and we gained the day. The Germans had gas and turpentine fumes, and lost very heavily.

We made a big capture of men and guns. It is a pity that all the Gorey boys are not here. There was only myself and J Walker in it. Our Captain got wounded. I am writing this in the trenches under heavy shell fire. I am sending you the telegram that the Commander-in-Chief sent to our Adjutant on our great victory and about the R. I. Regiment and the gallant stand they made. Get the letter published in the newspapers”. Copy message received by Adjutant, Royal Irish, from Commander-in-Chief, dated April; -“Please convey my congratulations to the 12th Brigade on their gallant and brilliant repilse of the enemy last night in spite of of gas fumes and poisoned shells, and I think the artillery which supported them also deserve great praise. ”

From an article in the Enniscorthy Guardian, June 1915; …. . a comrade, John Walker, Clonattin-Road, Gorey, who is attached to the same Battalion, and who was in the trenches with him at the time, became affected with gas poisoning, and is now in an hospital in Essex recovering rapidly. He is expected home on a brief holiday in the course of a week or so.

Grave or Memorial Reference: Grave or Memorial Reference: A. 28. Cemetery: Ligny-Sur-Canche British Cemetery in France.



O’HARA, HENRY DESMOND. Rank: Lieutenant. Regiment or Service: Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Unit;1st Battalion. Date of Death:29-August-1918. Age at Death,23.

Died of wounds. Awarded the DSO. Supplementary information; Son of William T. O'Hara, of Cheney Longville, Craven Arms, Salop. Born 021-May-1892 in Ballyduff, Thomastown.

From De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour.

…son of William James O’Hara, of Oriel House, Ballincollig, Cork, Resident Magistrate, by his wife, Cecilia, 7th and youngest daughter of the late Peter Connellan, of Coolmore, County Kilkenny, J.P., D.L., and grandson of the late Rev. James Dunn O’Hara, of O’Hara Brook and The Castle, Portstewart, County Antrim. Born in Ballyduff, Thomastown, County Kilkenny, 21-May-1892. Educated at Dunschurch Hall, Rugby, Charterhouse and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Gazetted 2nd lieutenant, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 04-September-1912. promoted Lieutenant 29-April-1914. Went to the Dardanelles 17-March-1915. Took part in the heavy fighting following the landing there, and died on the hospital ship ‘Arcadian,’ 29-August-1915, of wounds received in action on the 12th. Buried in the military cemetery, Gibraltar. “On 25 April, 1915, at Sedd-el-Bahr, he took command of his Battalion when all other officers had been killed or wounded. At night, when the enemy broke through the line, he displayed great initiative and resource in organising a successful counter-attack, restoring the line and causing great loss to the enemy.” For this he was awarded the D.S.O. (London Gazette, 3 June, 1915). Lieutenant O’Hara was also mentioned in Sir Ian Hamilton’s Despatch of 20 May (London Gazette, 5 August), 1915, for his conduct during and after the landing of the 29th Division on 25 April.

Kilkenny Journal, September, 1915.

The Roll of Honour.

Captain H.D.O’Hara, R.D.F., who was wounded on the 11th ult., ad whose death has been annpunced, was the only son of W.J.O’Hara, R.M., and Cecilia, youngest daughter of the late Peter Connellan, Esq., D.L., Coolmore, Thomastown. The many friends of Lieutenant S.C.Webb, R.M.F., whose name appears amongst the wounded, will be glad to learn that he is making speedy progress towards recovery, he was wounded during the landing and advance of the Irish Division under General Mahon on the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Waterford News;-

We regret to learn that Captain H. D. O’Hara, D. S. O., whose gallantry in leading the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on their landing at Gallipoli was recently recorded, and who was shot through the lungs on the 11th ult, has died of his wounds. Captain O’Hara was only 22 years of age. He was the only son of W. J. O’Hara, R. M. and Cecilia, youngest daughter of the late Peter Connellan, Esq., D. L., Coolmore, Thomastown, County Kilkenny, and the nephew of the Right rev. Dr O’Hara, Protestant Bishop of Cashel.

Kilkenny Journal, June, 1915.

The Roll of Honour.

Lieutenant H.D.O’Hara, who has been appointed Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry and devotion to duty in connection with the operations at the Dardanelles, is son of W. O’Hara, Esq, D.I., R.I.C., who married a sister of Major J.H.Connellan, D.L., J.P., of Coolmore. He was with his Battalion, the 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers, when they suffered so terribly in the recent landing pf the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Galipoli. When all his senior officers had been rendered hors de combat he commanded what was left of his Battalion in the advance against the Turkish position.

Kilkenny Journal, September, 1915.

Sympathy With Major J.H. Connellan, D.L. Much sympathy is felt for Major J.H.Connellan, D.L., Coolmore House, Thomastown, on the death of his nephew—Captain O’Hara, R.M.—who died from wounds received in action at the Dardanelles. Deceased officer was only in his 22nd year.

Also commemorated on the Connellan Memorial Window in St Canice’s Church, Kilkenny;- To the Glory of God and in loving memory of four brave soldiers. Grandsons of the late Peter Connellan of Coolmore in this county. Who after distinguished service laid down their lives for King and Country….Henry Desmond O’Hara, D.S.O., Captain, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Only son of W. J. O’Hara, R.M. Died of wounds received in the Gallipoli Peninsula, August xxix, MCMXV, aged xxiii years. Non Sibi sed Patriae.

Grave or Memorial Reference:C. 3065. Cemetery: Gibraltar (North Front) Cemetery.

More here
http://new.livinghistory.ie/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=303&p=12142#p12142


81

enfield

Mods.
I do not have the facility to edit my last post. What am I doing wrong? I am signed in.
Kind regards.
Tom.

enfield

This topic is continued here;-
http://new.livinghistory.ie/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=303&p=12211#p12211

where I can edit my postings.
Regards.
Tom.

Snickers Man

enfield wrote: »

Three days worth this time.

CHARRIER, PAUL ALFRED. Rank: Major. Regiment or Service: Royal Munster Fusiliers. Unit;2nd Battalion. Date of Death: 27-August-1914. Age at Death,45. Killed in Action. Supplementary information; Son of Paul Antoine Charrier; husband of Annie Logan Charrier, of "Cliffsend," Bembridge, Isle of Wight. Served in the Ashanti Expedition and South African Campaign.

If Major Charrier was Irish, I'm a Dutchman.

enfield

I included him as in 'Irish at the front' says '..described as a hearty, genial Kerryman, was in command of the Munsters.' he was born in Scotland though.
Regards.
Tom.

arnhem44

Remembering today all those who fell.

enfield

God bless them all. We remember.

enfield

he following list are the men who died in WW1 on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day from Tipperary, Offaly, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny, Clare and Kerry. Also included at the bottom are some letters home from the front at Christmas.
Merry Christmas everyone!!

Christmas Eve;-
FFIELD, BERNARD OSBORNE. Rank: Flight Su-Lieutenant. Regiment or Service: Royal Naval Air Force. Image above from De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour. Date of Death:24-December-1914. Age at death, 20.
From De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour.
Ffield, Bernard Osborne, Flight Sub-Lieut. , R. N. Eldest son of Bernard Ffield of the Old Bank House, Coleshill, Warwickshire, Manufacturer, by his wife, Beatrice, elder daughter of the late William Hays, of Nevern Square, S. W. , and Kileraggan, County Kilkenny. Born in London, 17-August-1894. Educated at Wimbleton College. Gazetted Sub-Lieutenant, R. N. A. S. , 09-September-1914 and received his brevet from the Royal Aero Club on 10 December following. On 21-December-1914 he was coming down form a height of about 2, 000 feet after a good flight at the Royal Naval Air Station, when, at about 200 ft from the ground, the machine was seen to take a sudden vertical dive to earth, and was so smashed that it was impossible to ascertain what had gone wrong. He died the same evening, Christmas Eve, after receiving the Last Rites of the Church. A senior brother officer wrote of him; “He was quite the best of all the others who had gained their certificates some three weeks before him. I watched most of his flights as I had to look after the flying. He was one of the neatest men I have seen; he was so beautifully gentle with his hands and that is one of the secrets of a good pilot. ”
Supplementary information; Son of John Bernard and Beatrice Ffield, of Crooked Walls, Harvington, Evesham, Worcs.
Grave or Memorial Reference: C. 9. 20387. Cemetery: Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium, Middlesex, UK.

HILLIARD, ROBERT. Rank: Lance Corporal. Regiment or Service: Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Unit: 9th Battalion. Age at death: 32. Date of Death: 24-December-1916. Service No: 170. Supplementary information: Son of Christopher and Johanna Hilliard, of Castlegregory, Co. Kerry, Ireland. Born, Tralee, Kerry. Occupation on enlistment, Labourer. Age on enlistment; 23 years 10 months. Previous to enlistment he was a member of the Clermont Rifle Club. Next of kin details; Mr Christopher Hilliard, Denny Street, Tralee. Later changed to Killiney, Castlegregory, County Kerry. Place and date of enlistment, 04-September-1914. Rockhampton, Queensland. Weight, 11st 7 lbs. Height, 5 feet, 1 ½ inches. Complexion, dark. Eyes, blue. Hair, brown. Killed in action. Initially buried near a crossroad in Longueval, 2 ¾ miles WNW of Combles. His parents Christopher and Johanna Hilliard were each awarded a pension of 5 shillings per fortnight.Grave or Memorial Reference: IX. I. 6. Cemetery: Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval in France.

SULLIVAN. JOHN. Rank: Private. Regiment or Service: Royal Irish Fusiliers. Unit: 2nd (Garr.) Battalion. Age at death: 41. Date of Death: 24-December-1917. Service No: G/26705(CWGC), 26705(SDGW). Supplementary information: Son of Timothy and Johannah Sullivan, of Killeen, Currans, Co. Kerry. Born in Farranfore, County Kerry. Enlisted in Tralee while living in Farranfore, County Kerry. Died in Salonika. Formerly he was with the Royal Munster Fusiliers where his number was 3173. Grave or Memorial Reference: 1323. Cemetery: Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery in Greece.

BREEN, MARTIN. Rank: Mate. Regiment or Service: Unknown. Unit; River Steamer “Duncannon. ” Date of Death: 24-December-1914.
Munster Express. January 1915.
Sad Drowning Fatality at Passage East.
On Christmas Eve a dense fog prevailed in the harbour, and a number of incoming steamers were unable to reach the Quay. The river steamer ‘Duncannon’, of the Waterford and Duncannon Steamboat Company, on her run to Waterford put in at Passage East late in the afternoon. On coming alongside the pier the mate, Martin Breen, was in the act of putting out the gangway when he missed his footing and fell down between the vessel and the pier. The cry of ‘Man overboard!’ was raised, and all the assistance available was called to the rescue, but so thick was the fog that it was impossible to locate the poor fellow in time, and he was drowned. The deceased had for a long number of years on the Duncannon route. He was married, and leaves a wife and large family to mourn his loss.

Munster Express. January 1915.
Recent Drowning Fatality at Passage.
The Inquest.
Mr Peter Ffrench, M. P. , Coroner for South Wexford, held an inquest at Duncannon on Satruday on the body of Martin Breen, mate of the river steamer ‘Duncannon’, who was drowned by falling over the side of the vessel at Passage East on Christmas Eve.
Captain Ivors, of the ‘Duncannon’. Deposed that at about 8 p. m. on Christmas Eve the ‘Duncannon’ was about to berth at Passage. The night was very foggy, and it was very difficult to navigate the river. The deceased was in the act of putting out the gangway and got down between the vessel and the pier. The cry ‘Man overboard!’ was raised, and every effort was made to rescue the deceased, but the night was so heavy that it was impossible to locate him in time. The body was subsequently picked up by two boatmen not far from the spot where deceased fell in.
The steward, Matthew Ennis, also gave evidence in corroboration of that of the captain.
Valentine Adams, Passage East, deposed he was on the pier when the ‘Duncannon’ arrived. The deceased asked him to haul on the gangway, and witness, with some others, did so. The deceased then asked him to let go the gangway again, and while deceased was trying to lift it on to the bridge he fell over the side, His breast struck the railing when he fell. Every effort was made to rescue him.
This concluded the evidence, and the jury found the deceased, Martin Breen, was accidentally drowned on the river steamer ‘Duncannon’ on Christmas Eve, and they tendered to his widow their sympathy and recommended her to the kind consideration of the Waterford and Duncannon Steamboat Company.

DAY, FREDERICK WILLIAM. Rank: Private. Regiment or Service: Royal Army Medical Corps. Unit; 16th Coy Age at Death: 62. Date of Death: 24-December-1916. Service No: 104005. Born in Peterborough and enlisted in Nenagh. Supplementary information; Husband of Matilda Day, of Peter St, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Grave or Memorial Reference: In South-East corner. Cemetery: Nenagh (Barrack Street) Old Graveyard.

HANNIGAN, JOHN THOMAS. Rank: Private. Regiment or Service: Royal Army Service Corps. Unit; 3rd Base Remount Depot Age at Death: 43. Date of Death: 24-December-1918. Service No: R-4-06796. Supplementary information; Son of Michael and Elizabeth Hannigan, of Cashel, Co. Tipperary. Grave or Memorial Reference: II. B. 5. Cemetery: Janval Cemetery, Dieppe in France.

DEMPSEY, WILLIAM. Rank: Private. Regiment or Service: Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
Unit; 2nd Bn. Date of Death: 24-December-1917. Service No: 25282. Born in Monageer, Wexford. Enlisted in Enniscorthy. Died of Wounds. Age at Death; 21. Grave or Memorial Reference: III. G. 31. Cemetery: Tincourt New British Cemetery in France.

---

Christmas Day;-
HOWLIN, JAMES. Rank: Private. Regiment or Service: Royal Irish Regiment. Unit: 6th Battalion. Age at Death: 39. Date of Death: 25-December-1915. Service No: 3/7509 and 7509. Born in St Mullins, Co Carlow. Enlisted in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Died at Sea. Supplementary information; Son of Patrick and Stasia Howlin of Goolin, Co. Carlow; husband of Bridget Howlin of Grange, Rathnure, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Grave or Memorial Reference: C. 106. Cemetery: Alexandria ( Chatby ) Military and War Memorial Cemetery in Egypt. Also listed under St Mullins on the Great War Memorial, Milford Street, Leighlinbridge, County Carlow.

WILLY, JOHN JAMES. Rank: Rifleman. Regiment or Service: Royal Irish Rifles. Unit; 2nd Battalion. Date of Death:25-December-1915. Service No:7161. Born in Kilkenny, County Kilkenny. Enlisted in Ballykinlar, County Down. Died at home. Grave or Memorial Reference: Screen Wall. G. B. 18. 135. Cemetery: Wandsworth ( Earlsfield ) Cemetery UK.

FITZPATRICK, PATRICK. Rank: Gunner. Regiment or Service: Royal Garrison Artillery. Unit: 77th Siege Battery. Age at death; 25. Date of Death: 25-December-1916. Service No: 3280. Born in Kill, County Waterford. Enlisted in Curraghmore while living in Kill. Died. Supplementary information; Son of Michael Fitzpatrick, of Ballyvohalane, Kill, Co. Waterford. Grave or Memorial Reference: V. C. 18. Cemetery: Couin British Cemetery in France.

MACDONALD, RONALD FRANCIS KEITH. Rank: Private. Regiment or Service: London Regiment. Unit; 28th (County of London) Battalion (Artists Rifles). Date of Death: 25-December-1917. Service No: 767182. Born in Newport Co Tipperary. Enlisted in Gower Street, W. C. while living in London. Age at Death 25. Supplementary information; Son of A. Le Clare Macdonald and Kathleen Macdonald; husband of Mary Ravenscroft (formerly Macdonald), of 86, Burford Lane, Lymm, Warrington. Grave or Memorial Reference: C of E. 2070. Cemetery: Knutsford Cemetery, Cheshire.

MARTIN, RICHARD. Rank: Surgeon Lieutenant. Regiment or Service: Royal Navy. Unit: H. M. S. "Grenville. " Age at Death: 35. Date of Death: 25-December-1919. Supplementary information; Son of Harvey Martin of Wexford. Grave or Memorial Reference: 31. Memorial: Plymouth Naval Memorial UK.



Xmas Message Home.
Letter from Father Crotty, O.P.
The Rev. Father Crotty, O.P., Catholic Chaplain to the Irish prisoners of war in Limburg district, Germany, in a letter to Rev. T. Dunne, P.P., Cappawhite, County Tipperary, says that wherever an Irishman may be, he (Father Crotty) tried to find him and bring him the comforts of holy religion. The Holy Father sent him to minister to his exiled countrymen, but at the same time he did not hesitate to give his services to all who needed them. Important business connected with his pastoral charge recently took him to Munich, where the Cardinal Nuntier received him most graciously and showed much interest of all he had to say of his years work among the prisoners. When General of the Dominican Order he paid a visit to Ireland, and hence he was not surprised to hear of the religious fervour that exists among the Irish prisoners of war. Before returning to Limburg the Cardinal gave father Crotty a special blessing for the prisoners. In his special report to Rome he (Father Crotty) had asked the benediction of the Holy Father for all those generous friends at home who sent the prisoners so many comforts, and he hoped to receive a favourable reply in time to enable him to impart the benediction at Christmas. As many of the prisoners remained on the farms for winter work, he had still to travel about a lot, but his health was good. “The great feast of Christmas is near,” continues Father Crotty, “and I beg you, dear Father Dunne, to convey to our country and to our countrymen the sincere wishes of the Irish prisoners of war, and of their companions, friends, and pastor for all the blessings and joys of Christmas. To the many widows and orphans, to the wives and children, to the sisters and brothers in the homes where absent ones are missed, to all the generous ones who do so much to comfort the suffering exiles, we heartily wish a happy Christmas. Two more prisoners have left for Ireland. We shall never forget the wisdom and goodness which guided the Holy Father to effect this exchange of prisoners of war. May it please God that his Holiness’s request to the belligerent nations for a quiet and peaceful Christmas on the battlefields may not be refused, and that at least for that glorious feast day peace may reign on earth amongst men.”

France 25th Dec., 1914.
Dear Sir—As there is a lull in the firing. I take the opportunity of letting you know how some of the boys of the old county is faring out here. As I write now there is a heavy battle on our right. It has been raging for the last couple of hours, but in our locality there is nothing doing—only an occasional shot from a sniper. It is awful to see the terrible destruction wrought by the guns of the enemy. Some of the grandest churches and other notable buildings have been razed to the ground; little dwellings shattered which were once occupied by happy families. A few days ago we had a great battle and made great progress. For days afterwards you could imagine you still heard the terrible cannonade. No-one could imagine at home what it was like. “Coal boxes” (as they have called the heavy shell fired by the enemy’s 11 inch howitzers) are something awful when they explode They fell at the rate of about four every two minutes, but you son get used to them. The weather out here is bad as present—plenty of rain and snow. It is grand to see out airmen hovering over the German lines and bringing us back information amidst a hail of shot and shell. They are very brave fellows. They only laugh at it. We are well looked after by our people at home, and on Boxing Day we received Princess Mary’s Xmas Box, which was very nice. On Xmas Day our infantry had a chat with the enemy, as in many places only 100 yards divides them. But about midnight they chatted in a different way. But such is war. I live at Kilmoganny, about nine miles from the town, and my parents reside there and I hope to do the same very shortly. If you would publish this in your paper I would be very glad to receive a copy from you as I was always a reader of the “Kilkenny People.”
Hoping that the old county will still maintain its reputation in the field for hurling, as we are here at the front, fighting for King and Country, I am, one of the Boys of the Nore,

C Company, 1st Royal Rifles.3rd January, 1915.
Dear Mother and Father Just a line to hope you are alright as the departure of this letter leaves me. I received both your parcels alright and the cigarettes and other things which were very nice. Some of the things were in bad condition but I am sure it was no fault of yours. I believe they throw them around anyway coming through. However, roll on next Christmas. I believe you asked me how I spent Christmas. I had a very curious one. We are only about three hundred yards form the German trenches. There was very little firing during Christmas Eve. About 8 o/clock the Germans started off singing hymns and songs. We kicked off with "It’s a long way to Tipperary" and when both sides finished we would start cheering each other. You should see the trenches decorated with lanterns. You could not see any of the Germans but you could hear them shouting the compliments of the season and other things. I heard one fellow asking have you any cigarettes, so I said yes. He asked me to come half way and he would meet me, but as it was rather dark, I was not having any, although we were walking around the top of our trenches.
Christmas morning dawned a splendid morning. The ground was covered with frost and both sides were still singing and talking to each other. They asked us to come half way and with that two of our officers went over to some German officers. They met halfway and exchanged cigarettes for cigars. One of the officers brought back a helmet. Some of the K nuts were out between the two trenches. It was like a football match only we had no ball. All was quiet all day until about 12 midnight when a shot rang out in the still air. That was the signal to carry on. We got relieved out of the trenches on St. Stephen’s Night. I think I have no more to say just now until I hear from you again.
Yours etc.

Christmas Pudding.
It was only the other day that I was speaking to a soldier who spent last Christmas in the trenches, not far from Armentieres. With a party he was in a spot where the Huns kept a machine gun playing almost night and day for a week before Christmas so that it was with difficulty the rations were got up every night. There was a Christmas hamper for this particular party, but owing to the dangerous fire it was not brought up until the night of Christmas. It was an exceedingly welcome item when it arrived under a perfect hair of fire from the machine gun and taking a rest for a time the men got round it in the dug-out, while they ‘tucked in’ a handsome Christmas pudding. That rest put the Germans off the scent. They thought they had left nothing to fire at and so they silenced the machine gun. Then the pudding commenced to operate. The men got new spirit, and crawling out of their trench, they surprised the Germans, took twenty-five of them prisoners, and secured three machine guns, and quite a lot of provisions and ammunition. When the officer in charge of the party made his report he laid due stress on the effect of the Christmas pudding, and therefore, it is that these reminders of home should be encouraged. The army authorities have recognised the importance of the affair and therefore we may expect that almost every soldier will be cheered up this Yule with something from the homeland.

King’s Christmas Greeting!.
On Christmas morning each British and Indian soldier at the front, each sailor on our warships in commission, and each of our wounded men in hospital received a Royal Christmas card. It was in an envelope addressed to him personally, and contained portraits of their Majesty’s on one side and on the other;--“With our best wishes for Christmas 1914. May God protect you and bring you home safe. —Mary R., George R. I. ” It took twelve men and fifty girls nine days to pack the cards, and the despatch of three-quarters of a million of them was completed on 23rd December.

“Dear Mother and Father—Just a line to say I received your welcome letter and parcel. The money came in very handy, as we don’t get enough grub here. We are having plenty of cold, frosty weather; so the clothing came in handy, as I had no socks on me. I wish I could let you have some of my pay, as I have a lot to come, for I drew only five francs (4s.2d) since I left Devonport. We get treated very well here but, needless to say, I missed all the good things at Christmas, and thought of the happy times I had last year with you all. I hope you are all quite well. I will write to you again.—Your loving son.
“JIM.” 479

enfield

enfield wrote: »

DEVEREUX, PATRICK JOHN.

Hi, i am just very interested in this above mentioned guy Patrick Devereux.. do you know what regiment he was in or where he was from exactly.. might be a key link into the family tree im trying to grow!

Any reply would be greatly appreciated!!

johnny_doyle

this is the chap.

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=679892

http://muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/3909.detail

http://www.anzac.govt.nz/gallipoliguide/names/chunuk-bair.html

enfield

DEVEREUX, PATRICK JOHN. Rank: Lance Corporal. Regiment or Service: Auckland Regiment. N. Z. E. F. Age at Death: 20. Date of Death: 10-August-1915. Service No: 12/2272. Supplementary information; Son of James T and Jane Devereaux. Of Glenbrook, Waiuku, Aukland. Native of Ireland.
Grave or Memorial Reference: 9. Chunuk Bair ( New Zealand ) Memorial in Turkey.
There is more information on him in 'The Wexford War Dead'
Tom