William John Rainey was the son of George and Mary Rainey. He was born on 13th May 1886 in Errigal, Ballygawley, County Tyrone. He was one of nine children, all born in the Ballygawley area. Lance Corporal William John Rainey was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Irish Guards when he was died on 4th May 1918.
Further Information
William John Rainey was the oldest son of George and Mary Rainey. George Rainey and Mary McKeown were married on 16th March 1880 in the district of Dungannon.
William John Rainey was born 13th May 1886 in Errigal, Ballygawley, County Tyrone. He was one of nine children, all born in the Ballygawley area.
Family: George Rainey, Mary Rainey, Elizabeth Rainey (born 2nd April 1881), Mary Rainey (born 4th August 1882), Charlotte Rainey (born 25th March 1884), William John Rainey (born 13th May 1886), James Rainey (born 3rd July 1888), Margaret Rainey (born about 1891), Robert Rainey (born 25th April 1892), George Rainey (born 17th February 1894, died 20th February 1894), Susanna Annie Rainey (born 23rd September 1895).
The 1901 census does not show William as living with the family in Garvaghy, Errigal, Ballygawley, County Tyrone. George Rainey was a farmer.
The 1911 census records that the family still lived in Garvaghy, Errigal, Ballygawley. William John was not living with them.
William John Rainey was a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary before enlisting.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 1st December 1915: Private Robert Rainey (brother of William Rainey)
Intimation has just come to hand of the death of Private Robert Rainey, of Garvaghey, County Tyrone, who succumbed to pneumonia after an illness of only a few days duration. Private Rainey was amongst the first to volunteer for active service after the war broke out, joining the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers). He was with his regiment in France when his death occurred. The deceased, who was a son of Mr and Mrs George Rainey, has an older brother, Private John Rainey, previously a member of the R.I.C., undergoing training with the Irish Guards.
Lance Corporal William John Rainey was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Irish Guards when he was killed in action on 4th May 1918.
From the Tyrone Courier and Dungannon News dated Thursday 23 May 1918:
Corporal William John Rainey, Irish Guards, killed in action, was a son of Mr George Rainey, Garvaghey, Ballygawley. His brother Robert died of wounds in France some time ago and another brother, James, who joined up with the Australians, was wounded last year and is unfit for further service.
Lance Corporal Rainey was one of three soldier sons. Both Robert and William George Rainey were killed. The third was discharged on account of wounds.
Lance Corporal William John Rainey is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery in France. His inscription reads: HERE LIES THE ONE WE LOVED SO WELL HE LIVES NOW WITH THE LORD
The CWGC record Lance Corporal William John Rainey as the son of George and Mary Rainey of Garvaghey, Ballygawley, County Tyrone.
Lance Corporal William John Rainey is listed on page 60 of the Ballygawley War Dead book, compiled by Drew Robinson.
