4th Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade (New Zealand Army)
Date Of Birth:
28/06/1874
Died:
06/08/1918 (Killed in Action)
Age:
44
Summary
James McKeown was the son of Elizabeth McKeown. He was born on 28th June 1874. At some point, James emigrated to New Zealand. Prior to enlisting, James was living in Kaitaia. He was a farmer. He enlisted in February 1917.Rifleman McKeown arrived in France, after further training, in December 1917. Rifleman James McKeown was serving with Unit 3 of New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade, 4th Battalion when he was killed in action in France on 6th August 1918.
Further Information
James McKeown was the son of Elizabeth McKeown. James was born on 28th June 1874, although no GRONI reference can be found.
At some point, James emigrated to New Zealand.
Prior to enlisting, James was living in Kaitaia, Northland, the northernmost part of New Zealand. He was a farmer.
James enlisted at the wireless station in Kaitaia on 2nd February 1917. He gave his next of kin as his sister, Mrs Mary Long of Mangatete, Kaingaroa, Auckland, New Zealand.
Rifleman McKeown embarked from Wellington, New Zealand for Plymouth on 26 July 1917.
Rifleman McKeown arrived in France, after further training, in December 1917.
Rifleman McKeown became ill in January 1918. He spent two weeks in hospital before returning to the lines.
In May he attended Lewis Gun School.
Rifleman James McKeown was serving with Unit 3 of New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade, 4th Battalion when he was killed in action in France on 6th August 1918.
Rifleman McKeown was buried at Gommecourt by Rev W A Watson.
Rifleman James McKeown is buried in Gommecourt Wood New Cemetery in France.
Rifleman James McKeown is commemorated on the Kaitaia WWI Roll of Honour in Northland, New Zealand.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 4th November 2015: Clogher Valley Cllr Mulligan remembers uncle killed in war
Private Welsh was one of four cousins who made the supreme sacrifice during the First World War. The other three were: Corporal James Sleator, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed 1st December 1915. Private Robert Oliver Yule, 22nd Battalion Australian Infantry, killed 14th April 1914. Rifleman James McKeown, 4th Battalion, 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade, killed 6th August 1918.
