WW1 and WW2 Memorial

Before I started this project  (if asked) would have said that no members of the family were involved in the war efforts. Since I started this family research I've found out that many members of the families were involved in both world wars.

There are many web sites dedicated to the wars.  What I will include here are items particular to the families. Some of which will also appear in the Family Tree and the Memorial of the Dead.  I have added more information in the individuals family WW1 or WW2 section. If I have the WW1 Enlistment and Service Record (indicated by Yes) go to that section the information will be there.

Note that many WW1 records were destroyed/burnt/water damaged in the London Bombings in 1940. The service records included here are all that exists. It might well be that I only have half of the family members who were in active service during WW1.

WW1

WW1 Medals

Notes

Pre-WW1 Army Records

While a lot of the WW1 records above indicate an enlistment prior to the start of the war. There are a number of records prior to WW1.

The first is Patrick O'Keefe. He married Mary Anne Gallagher, daughter of John Gallagher (half brother to Esther Crosbie). He was a corporal and was involved in the 2nd Boer war. Here is his Army Service record.

John Gallagher, son of John, nephew to Esther Crosbie, enlisted in the reserve in 1904 and continued, his reenlistment. However he failed to show up in 1914, at the start of WW1. According to the best information I have, he may have survived the war, but succumbed to the infamous Flu of 1918. He died of Pneumonia. Here is his Army Service record.

Finally a note to all families. There was a recent pardon to all Irish Defence Force personnel who deserted and joined the British Army during WW2.

In 1946 a booklet was produced named "LIST OF PERSONNEL OF THE IRISH DEFENCE FORCES DISMISSED FOR DESERTION DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR". This booklet had full names, last known address, occupation before joining the armed forces, and date of birth.

I have found no family members in this booklet. It is in Pearse Street library with reference number 355-009415.