9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Died:
23/06/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age:
28
Summary
Michael Irwin was born in Benburb, County Tyrone. Michael Irwin was living in Hexham-on-Tyne, England when he travelled to Finner Camp, County Donegal to enlist. Private Michael Irwin was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in the Somme when he was killed in action on 23rd June 1916. Private Michael Irwin is commemorated in Hexham.
Further Information
Michael Irwin was born in Benburb, County Tyrone, possibly around 1888, although no record can be found on GRONI.
Michael Irwin was living in Hexham-on-Tyne, England when he travelled to Finner Camp, County Donegal to enlist.
From the divisional history, the 109th Brigade spent the 22nd and 23rd June taking up its assault positions in the right section of Thiepval Wood.
"These troops had a purgatory to endure. For the most part in the narrow slit assembly trenches, with the rain pouring steadily down on them, they were under furious German bombardments that wreathed the wood in smoke and flame, and made the crashing of great trees the accompaniment to the roar of bursting shells."
Private Michael Irwin was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in the Somme when he was killed in action on 23rd June 1916.
From the Illustrated Chronicle dated 6th July 1916:
Private M Irwin, Royal Inniskillings, of Hexham (Killed). Image courtesy of the Newcastle City Library Photographic Collection.
Private Michael Irwin is buried in Authuile Military Cemetery, with the reference Special Memorial A-8. His inscription reads: THEIR GLORY SHALL NOT BE BLOTTED OUT
Private Michael Irwin is commemorated on a plaque in the Priory and Parish Church of St Andrew, Market Place, Hexham.
Private Irwin is also commemorated on Hexham War Memorial Cross.
