1st Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
03/09/1891
Died:
03/05/1917 (Killed in Action)
Age:
25
Summary
Francis Skelton was the son of William and Anne Skelton. He was born in Moy / Killyman on 3rd September 1891. He was the oldest of at least four known children. Francis raised by his grandparents and latterly by his aunt. Private Francis Skelton was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on Thursday 3rd May 1917. He was 26 years old. The CWGC record Private Skelton as the son of William and Anne Skelton, of 23 Sinclair Street, Greenock, Scotland.
Further Information
Francis Skelton was the son of William and Anne Skelton. William Skelton and Annie Campbell were married on 16th September 1890 in the district of Armagh.
Francis was born in Moy / Killyman, County Tyrone 3rd September 1891. He was the oldest of at least four known children.
Known family: William Skelton, Anne Skelton, Francis Skelton (born 3rd September 1891), Mary Skelton (born 29th October 1893), Alice Skelton (born 20th May 1894), Margaret Skelton (born 1st September 1896).
The 1901 census list Francis as 8 years old living his grandparents at house 15 in Maghery, Tartaraghan, Armagh.
The 1911 census list Francis as 19 years old living with the Campbell family at house 9 in Maghery, Tartaraghan, Armagh. John and Mary Campbell were his uncle and aunt. Francis worked as a labourer.
Private Francis Skelton was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on Thursday 3rd May 1917.
In is will, Private Francis Skelton left all his money and effects to his aunt, Mary Campbell, who seems to have raised him.
Last Will and Testament of Francis Skelton:
In the event of my death, I hereby will and bequeath all my money and effects to the above named. Next of kin, Mary Campbell, Derrylea P.O., Maghery via Moy, County Armagh. Signed Francis Skelton, Private, 19th September 1916.
Private Francis Skelton is buried in Browns Copse Cemetery in Roeux, France.
Private Skelton is NOT on the list of Greenock War Dead. Nor is he listed in the Scottish National War Memorial database.
The CWGC record Private Francis Skelton as the son of William and Anne Skelton of 23 Sinclair Street, Greenock, Scotland.
Private Francis Skelton is listed on page 154 of the Armagh War Dead book.
