Guest Pete Wood Posted 5 May , 2004 Share Posted 5 May , 2004 Remembering Today: Rfn John McCOLL, 5736 2 Bn, Royal Irish Rifles, who died aged 25 on 05.05.16. Ecoivres Military Cemetery, France Name: McCOLL, JOHN Initials: J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Rifleman Regiment: Royal Irish Rifles Unit Text: 2nd Bn. Age: 25 Date of Death: 05/05/1916 Service No: 5736 Additional information: Son of Dugald and Elizabeth McColl, of 72, Parkmount St., Belfast. Native of Scotland. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: I. J. 8. Cemetery: ECOIVRES MILITARY CEMETERY, MONT-ST. ELOI Born Greenock, Renfrew Enlisted Belfast Killed in Action This is the first time I have looked at the casualties of this particular regiment - and I am, quite frankly, sickened at the losses that were sustained throughout the war. On this particular day, it was relatively quiet (my words) with only three or four casualties. But it is apparent that 2 RIR were in a 'hot' area. The battalion was taking a steady stream of casualties every day. I'd be interested to know just what the Rifles were up against. Anyone know....?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john w. Posted 5 May , 2004 Share Posted 5 May , 2004 Am guessing here but they may have been in the vicinity of Mouse Trap Farm, Bellewaard Ridge at the time.. mounting casualties through a frontal attack The photo shows Mouse Trap farm on the right a bit in the distance John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markinbelfast Posted 7 May , 2004 Share Posted 7 May , 2004 The forum may wish to see the very house he would have walked out of on his way to serve! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pete Wood Posted 7 May , 2004 Share Posted 7 May , 2004 Excellent work, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curranl Posted 19 May , 2004 Share Posted 19 May , 2004 Hello all, Have been away, but finally got a chance to check this. According to C. Falls (The history of the first seven battalions of the Royal Irish Rifles) the 2nd R.I.Rif. were "opposite Vimy ridge"...." On the night of the 5th, after the battalion had returned to the line, the Germans made no less than three attempts to reach and destroy our mine shafts at the point where its line joined that of the 11th Lancashire Fusiliers. Fierce fighting with the bomb ended with their eviction on each occoasion. The Battalion again lost heavily, having five killed and twelve wounded." He says of May 1916 " The month's experience had been a trying one. The constant explosions were shattering to the nerves of the strongest men......And in this sort of trench warfare not only were losses very heavy, but they were largely composed of the best and most enterprising men". No info on the opposition though. Regards, Liam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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