Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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2429   Gunner William Hamilton
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 02/05/2021
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 275th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (British Army)
Date Of Birth: 03/11/1897
Died: 02/08/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age: 18
Summary      
William Hamilton was a son of James and Mary Jane Hamilton. He was born on 3rd November 1897 in the Fivemiletown area. His father James was a farmer. Gunner William Hamilton was serving with the 275th Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery when he was killed in action on 2nd August 1916. He was 18 years old.
Further Information
William Hamilton was a son of James and Mary Jane Hamilton. James Hamilton and Mary Woods were married on 8th June 1882 in the district of Dungannon.
William Hamilton was born on 3rd November 1897. He was one of five children, all born in the Fivemiletown area.
Family: James Hamilton, Mary Jane Hamilton, Mary Jane Hamilton (born 5th June 1883), John Hamilton (born 21st December 1885), James Samuel Hamilton (born 20th December 1895), William Hamilton (born 3rd November 1897), Robert Hamilton (born 22nd June 1899).
The 1901 census records William as age 3 living with the family at Cullynane, Fivemiletown, Tyrone. William’s father James was a farmer.
By the time of the 1911 census, William was still at school. He was 15. The family was living in Mullaghmore, Fivemiletown, Tyrone.
Medal card
Gunner William Hamilton was serving with the 275th Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery when he was killed in action on 2nd August 1916. He was killed instantaneously when a shell burst beside him.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 24th August 1916:
Gunner W Hamilton, Royal Artillery, Kiltonnon, Fivemiletown, killed
From the Fermanagh Times dated 24th August 1916: An Excellent Soldier
There has been another cloud of sadness in the district of Kiltermon, Fivemiletown, and much sympathy has been expressed in connection with the death of Gunner William Hamilton. He was only 19 years old and a general favourite from his early days. He was such a thorough going, straightforward boy that he won the respect of all, and his loss is greatly deplored. His officer writes:-
He was struck by a shell and death was instantaneous. We buried him last night, the chaplain taking the service, and we marked his grave with a white cross. His loss was keenly felt by the whole company, who knew him for a good companion and an excellent soldier.
In his will, he left all to his mother, Mrs Jane Hamilton, who was living at Mullaghmore, Fivemiletown.
Last Will and Testament of Gunner William Hamilton dated 13th April 1915:
In the event of my death, I give all my property and effects to my mother Mrs Jane Hamilton, Mullaghmore, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone. William Hamilton 2429. Gunner 3rd West Lancs Battery. 13th April 1915.
Gunner William Hamilton is buried in Flatiron Copse Cemetery at Mametz, 10 kilometres east of Albert in France.
Gunner William Hamilton is commemorated locally on both Clogher War Memorial and Fivemiletown War Memorial.
William Hamilton is also commemorated on the WWI Roll of Honour in St Johns Church, Fivemiletown and also on Timpany L.O.L. WWI Roll of Honour.
Gunner William Hamilton is listed on page 35 of the Fivemiletown book, from which most of these details come from. Many thanks to Mark Byers for the information.
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Relevant Dungannon Area Locations
No Location Region Location Notes Longtitude Latitude
1 Mullaghmore Fivemiletown Census listing in Mullaghmore 54.390154 -7.25152
GRONI References
TYPE - B:Birth M:Marriage D:Death | GRONI | SIBLING: brother or sister | NOTES: spelling inconsistencies, etc.
Date Type Surname First name Relationship GRONI Ref Notes
08/06/1882 M Woods Mary Parent M/1882/T1/1429/1/67
08/06/1882 M Hamilton James Parent M/1882/T1/1429/1/67
05/06/1883 B Hamilton Mary Sibling U/1883/111/1026/6/249
21/12/1885 B Hamilton John Sibling U/1885/111/1026/6/438
20/12/1895 B Hamilton Samuel Sibling U/1895/111/1026/8/198
03/11/1897 B Hamilton William Casualty U/1897/111/1026/8/359
22/06/1899 B Hamilton Robert Sibling U/1899/111/1026/8/477
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1901 Census lists Hamilton family Lists William as age 3 at house 5 in Cullynane, Fivemiletown, Tyrone
2 1911 Census lists Hamilton family Lists William as age 13 at house 8 in Mullaghmore, Fivemiletown, Tyrone
3 BillionGraves.com Photo of Gunner William Hamilton's grave
4 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of William Hamilton
5 National Archives UK Medal Card can be purchased here
6 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of Gunner William Hamilton's grave can be purchased here
Dungannon District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2015-2023