Help interpreting WWI records

[Pvte Lynch]

G'day,

In researching my Great Grandfather James Keenan, I found his "WWI Pension records". He joined the Royal Irish Rifles in January 1902, and was then transferred to the Army Reserve in January 1905. He was discharged after his first period of engagement in January 1914. From other posts I gather that the existence of "WWI Pension Records" don't necessarily mean the person served in WWI, but as he would have been 32 at the start of the Great War, I believe it is highly likely he did serve, considering his previous service. I have attached a record (MIC card?) of a James Kennan who served in the Royal Irish Rifles during WWI, which states the soldier died of tuberculosis. My Great Grandfather did die of tuberculosis, but that was in January 1940, in NSW, Australia. Would the attached record have kept a track of my great Grandfather for that long? Or is it as I suspect, somebody totally different.

His regimental number from 1902 - 1914 was 6600, which doesn't match this record. Would the regimental number follow him into WWI (if he did serve in the war)?

Yours thoughts/hints would be most appreciated.

Stephen

[CGM]

Hello Stephen,

This is the CWGC record for J Keenan, 7326.

He died in 1915.

Name: KEENAN

Initials: J

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Rifleman

Regiment/Service: Royal Irish Rifles

Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Date of Death: 18/06/1915

Service No: 7326

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. B. 6.

Cemetery: NIEDERZWEHREN CEMETERY

[Pvte Lynch]

Many thanks. Am I right in thinking that it is probable that my great grandfather served in WWI. My basis for this is his age and previous service. There are no other records or family stories to indicate that he did though.

Stephen

[Retlaw]

G'day,

In researching my Great Grandfather James Keenan, I found his "WWI Pension records". He joined the Royal Irish Rifles in January 1902, and was then transferred to the Army Reserve in January 1905. He was discharged after his first period of engagement in January 1914. From other posts I gather that the existence of "WWI Pension Records" don't necessarily mean the person served in WWI, but as he would have been 32 at the start of the Great War, I believe it is highly likely he did serve, considering his previous service. I have attached a record (MIC card?) of a James Kennan who served in the Royal Irish Rifles during WWI, which states the soldier died of tuberculosis. My Great Grandfather did die of tuberculosis, but that was in January 1940, in NSW, Australia. Would the attached record have kept a track of my great Grandfather for that long? Or is it as I suspect, somebody totally different.

His regimental number from 1902 - 1914 was 6600, which doesn't match this record. Would the regimental number follow him into WWI (if he did serve in the war)?

Yours thoughts/hints would be most appreciated.

Stephen

I've seen a medal card with a red ink stamp May 1958.

Retlaw.