2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
05/12/1897
Died:
21/08/1918 (Killed in Action)
Age:
20
Summary
James Toner was the eldest son of Peter and Mary Toner. He was born on 5th December 1897. He was the oldest of at least fourteen children, all born in the Coalisland area. By 1911, James had left school and was working as a mill worker. The family were living in Brackaville Town, Coalisland. Private James Toner was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment when he was killed in action on 21st August 1918. He was 20 years old.
Further Information
James Toner was the eldest son of Peter and Mary Toner. Peter Toner and Mary Mooney were married on 13th February 1897 in the district of Cookstown.
James Toner was born on 5th December 1897. He was the oldest of at least fourteen children, all born in the Coalisland area.
The 1901 census records James as 3 years old. His father was a flax dresser. The family lived in Brackaville, Coalisland, Tullyniskane, Tyrone.
Known family: Peter Toner, Mary Toner, James Toner (born 5th December 1897), Edward Toner (born 3rd June 1899), Mary Toner (born 9th July 1900), Peter Toner (born 6th August 1901, died 12th August 1901), Annie Toner (born 9th August 1902), Ellen Toner (born 9th December 1903, died 15th December 1905, age 2), Catherine Kathleen Toner (born 20th September 1905, died 12th April 1911, age 6), Bridget Toner (born 4th March 1908), Joseph Toner (born 30th July 1910, twin, died 31st January 1912, age 1), Peter Toner (born 30th July 1910, twin), Francis Toner (born 23rd July 1912), Alice Toner (17th December 1913), John Toner (born 16th September 1915, twin), Thomas Toner (born 16th September 1915, twin).
The 1911 census shows James the eldest of a large family. James is 13 and had left school and was working as a mill worker. His father was now working as a wood turner. His mother was also working as a mill worker. The family were living in Brackaville Town, Coalisland, Tullyniskane, Tyrone.
James Toner enlisted in Londonderry.
Private James Toner was initially with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Service No 22770).
Private James Toner was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment when he was killed in action on 21st August 1918. He was 20 years old.
Last Will and Testament
In his will, he left all to his mother, who was living in Brackaville.
Last Will and Testament of James Toner:
In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects to Mrs Mary Toner, Mother, Brackaville, Coal Island, Co Tyrone. Signed James Toner 12164. Royal Irish Regiment. 5th October 1917.
Memorials
Private James Toner has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, ten kilometres south east of Arras in France.
Private James Toner is commemorated locally on Dungannon War Memorial.
The CWGC records Private James Toner as the son of Peter and Mary Toner of Brackaville, Coalisland, County Tyrone.
