1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
17/03/1989
Died:
09/08/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age:
30
Summary
David Barrett was born in Shankill, Belfast. His pension record card gives his date of birth as 17th March 1889, but no GRONI record can be found to confirm this. David Barrett and Sarah Hawthorne were married on 9th July 1913 in Belfast. David enlisted in Dungannon, County Tyrone. Private David Barrett was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action as the result of a gas attack on the 9th August 1916.
Further Information
David Barrett was born in Shankill, Belfast. His pension record card gives his date of birth as 17th March 1889, but no GRONI record can be found to confirm this.
David Barrett and Sarah Hawthorne were married on 9th July 1913 in Belfast.
David Barrett enlisted in Dungannon, County Tyrone.
Private David Barrett landed in France with his unit on 4th September 1914.
David’s wife, Sarah Barrett, lived at 22 Ashmore Street, Belfast. No GRONI records of children can be found.
Private David Barrett was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action as the result of a gas attack on the 9th August 1916.
Private David Barrett is buried in Potijze Chateau Wood Cemetery in France.
From the CWGC Potijze Chateau Wood Cemetery information:
On 9th August 1916, as the Somme offensive raged further south, the first and second battalions of the Hampshire Regiment spent ten days in trenches just east of the Chateau. As they were preparing to leave the Germans staged a surprise attack using a potent form of phosgene gas. Both units were caught unawares and although no ground was conceded the regiment suffered over 240 casualties, about half of whom were killed. The 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were stationed on the same stretch of front and also suffered numerous gas casualties. Over 60 men who fell in the attack are buried in rows A, E, and F of Chateau Wood Cemetery.
Private Barrett is buried beside another Dungannon man, William Charles Anderson, who was also serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and who died the same day. It may be assumed he also died as the result of gas.
