Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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54768   Rifleman James McKeown
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 18/09/2021
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 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.
Rifleman James McKeown
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 James McKeown
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.
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Relevant Dungannon Area Locations
No Location Region Location Notes Longtitude Latitude
1 Annagarvey, Cecil Augher Mother listed as lived in Annagarvey 54.441497 -7.142329
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 Archives New Zealand Military documents (13) of Rifleman James McKeown (no pdf)
2 Corporal James Sleator Cousin of Rifleman James McKeown
3 New Zealand Cenotaph Details of Rifleman James McKeown including photo
4 New Zealand War Graves Project Grave photo, embarkation, next of kin
5 Private James Welsh Cousin of Rifleman James McKeown
6 Private Robert Yule Cousin of Rifleman James McKeown
7 Roll of Honour, Kaitaia, Northland List Jim McKeown
8 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of Rifleman James McKeown's grave can be purchased here
Dungannon District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2015-2023