P. J. Clarke Posted 16 November , 2013 Share Posted 16 November , 2013 A grandson asked me to try and find some info on this soldier. I know you will help, as you have been magnificent on other occasions that I sent a query in. A medal index card with a Patrick Melly name and an Inniskilling Fusiliers number --8786-- is all that I could find. I understand that he was terribly shell-shocked when he came home and lived in Ballina, but the residents where he lived are now all dead so no info on him. The census of 1911 for Sligo says there was a Patrick Melley living in this county and was married. I think it is a Donegal name as I have found it mentioned on several geneolgy sites. Thanks and best wishes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandie Hayes Posted 16 November , 2013 Share Posted 16 November , 2013 The Patrick Melley you have the MIC for was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916. He was a Corporal and was born in Ballyshannon. He enlisted in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Ballyshannon. He was serving with 87th Coy, Machine Gun Corps at the time of his death (Cpl 21391). He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandie Hayes Posted 16 November , 2013 Share Posted 16 November , 2013 Ireland's Memorial Records: MELLEY, Patrick. Reg No 21391. Rank: Corporal, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) 1st Battalion. Formerly Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers ; killed in action, France, July 1 1916; born Ballyshannon, County Donegal. In the 1911 census he was serving as a Private with 1st Bttn, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Hong Kong. He was 27 and single. He gave his birthplace as Knimercsmint (?), Ballyshannon, Donegal I think this is him in 1901: Meenagowan, Lettermacaward, Donegal, Ireland Head: Pat Melley 50 Farmer Annie 46 wife Sarah 19 daughter Patrick 17 son Mary 16 daughter Connell 14 son John 10 son Annie 8 daughter All were born in Co Donegal, spoke Irish and English and all were Roman Catholic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P. J. Clarke Posted 17 November , 2013 Author Share Posted 17 November , 2013 Hi: I have come into another piece of information which states that a Patrick Malley, No. 8293, Connaught Rangers and No. 315704, Sapper Royal Engineers, could be the person I'm looking for. Thanks for previous viewing and replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandie Hayes Posted 17 November , 2013 Share Posted 17 November , 2013 Patrick Malley - Private 8293 2nd Connaught Rangers / Sapper 315704 Royal Engineers. First overseas 14.08.1914. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandie Hayes Posted 17 November , 2013 Share Posted 17 November , 2013 Assuming he was already in the Army when war was declared, I have found a Patrick Malley in the Connaught Rangers (Special Reserve). He was born in Westport, Co Mayo. He was a Blacksmith and enlisted in January 1913. Do you think he could be your man? EDIT No this isn't him, this chap never went until 11th September. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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