Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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911   Private John Connolly
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 25/01/2021
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers (British Army)
Died: 20/10/1915 (Home)
Age:
Summary      
John Connolly was the son of Eliza Connolly. He was born in Dungannon. Private John Connolly arrived in France with the Royal Munster Fusiliers on 2nd May 1915. Private John Connolly was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Munster Fusiliers when he died of his wounds at ‘home’ on 20th October 1915. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery in Hampshire, near Southampton.
Further Information
John Connolly was the son of Eliza Connolly.
John Connolly was born in Dungannon, County Tyrone.
Medal card
Private John Connolly arrived in France with the Royal Munster Fusiliers on 2nd May 1915.
Private John Connolly was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Munster Fusiliers when he died of his wounds at home on 20th October 1915
John’s sister Annie, who cared for his mother Eliza over a period of time, seem to have become the beneficiary of Private John Connolly’s will. Best match in the census suggests they lived in Moygashel.
WILL: Statement by Owen Coyle.
'I, Owen Coyle, residing at the Old Mill, Keady, County Armagh, was present on 6th January 1915, when No 911, Private John Connolly, 2nd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, was home on sick leave and I heard him say to his mother Eliza Connolly and to his sister Annie Connolly that in the event of anything happening to him (that is in the event of him being killed in action), that he would leave anything he had possessed to his mother, and if she would die before he would, that he would leave all his possessions at his death to his sister, Annie Connolly, so it was she who worked and helped his mother to rear him. And it was she who remained with and cared his mother.' This statement was made also in the presence of John and Mary Connolly, who reside at the Old Mill, Keady with whom I am boarding. Signed Francis Devine. Clergyman. Made and signed (with his mark) before me this day 29th day of May 1915, it having been first duly read over to the said Owen Coyle by one. Signed Owen Coyle. (his mark)
Private John Connolly is buried in Netley Military Cemetery, in Hampshire near Southampton.
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References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1901 Census lists Connolly family Does not list John as living with the family at house 26 in Moygashel Town. Bernagh, Tyrone
2 FindAGrave.com Photo of Private John Connolly's grave
3 Ireland Memorial Record Lists John Connolly, born Dungannon
4 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of John Connolly
5 National Archives UK Medal Card can be purchased here (2)
6 National Archives UK Medal Card can be purchased here (1)
7 Netley Cemetery small photo of John Connolly's gravestone
8 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of John Connolly's gravestone can be purchased here
Dungannon District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2015-2023