Search Database
Welcome
Welcome to www.longfordatwar.ie. This site was developed as part of Longford’s commemoration of the centenary of the First World War. It also aims to remember all of those from the county who served in past conflicts, including the Easter Rising of 1916.
The database which can be accessed from the site includes details of the Longford people who died in World War I either in combat or from injuries. Included are those who were born in the county and those from elsewhere who lived in it at the time of their enlistment.
We also wish to record information on those from Longford, either natives or residents, who served in World War I or in various other conflicts. In that regard, we are appealing for help from anyone who has information to submit it. Our aim is to identify as many men and women as possible so that they will be remembered.
Soldiers Who Died 100 Years Ago This Month
Martin,
Daniel
Died:
05.07.1918
David was born c.1888 in Belfast, Co. Antrim. He married Mary Jordan of Aughadegnan Cottage, Co. Longford in August 1910 and they had three children, Elizabeth, Mathilda and Daniel. Prior to enlistment, Daniel worked as a marine fireman - likely a stoker on a ship.
Spr Martin enlisted in Belfast, and died in 1918 in London, from pneumonia, which was attributed to military operations. After Daniel's death, his wife and children moved to Aughadegnan Cottage, near Longford town*.
Heslin,
Patrick
Died:
13.07.1918
Patrick was born1 March 1886 in Co. Longford, and enlisted in Dublin.
Patrick married Annie, a Welsh woman, c.1910. The family appear to have been living in Battersea, London by 1911 with their eldest daughter, Christina. Patrick is listed as a private in the Irish Guards.
Heslin enlisted in Dublin, but was later resident in Lancashire, likely at the time of the outbreak of the war. He disembarked in France in August 1914, but was taken as a prisoner of war (POW) c. 26 November 1914, during the First Battle of Ypres, and was detained at Limburg POW camp. He died while a prisoner-of-war in Germany. Annie was listed as Patrick's next-of-kin on his POW record, and at the time she was living in the Guinness Trust Buildings at Page's Walk, off the Old Kent Road.
Higgins,
Thomas
Died:
22.07.1918
Thomas was born in Longford 30 January 1887*. He emigrated to the US in October 1907 with his brother James; he worked as a barkeeper in New York. He returned to Ireland on at least one occassion, and is seen travelling to the US in October 1913 likely with his brother James and possibly a cousin John Sheridan from Legga, Moyne - all three were barkeepers. Thomas became a naturalised U.S. citizen in August 1911; James also became a citizen at that stage.
Thomas was enlisted into the U.S. Army in December 1917; he initially was initially stationed with 307th Infantry HQ before joining a traning battalion in January 1918. Thomas joined the 104th Infantry in April 1918 and remained with them until his death. During his time in France, Thomas served in the Pas Fini Sector, and likely served in the Occupation of Château-Thierry, and in the Battle of Château-Thierry part of the Second Battle of the Marne.
It was Thomas's cousin, Peter Reilly, resident on 57th Street, who was notified of Thomas's death.
Mullen,
Patrick
Died:
27.07.1918
Patrick was born Patrick Mullin on the 5 April 1897 in Ballyminion, Longford town. He was one of 6 children including: Elizabeth, Margaret and Theresa. Prior to the war he worked as a shop assistant, and prior to joining the A.S.C. was a groom at a Remount Depot.
Patrick initially joined the Royal Irish Regiment in Longford with his friend, Louis Farrell (died 17 April 1918), but enlisted with the A.S.C. at Blackheath on 10 January 1916. He served on the Home Front for most of 1916 before being briefly sent to France in November 1916 and onwards to Salonika where he served a full year, returning in December 1917. Patrick was discharged on 1 March 1918 at Woolwich Dockyard, due to Potts caries** or a form of spinal tuberculosis, and meningitis. He was issued with a Silver War Badge around the time of his discharge.
Patrick died on 27 July 1918 in the Royal City of Dublin Hospital on Baggot Street. His funeral was held in St. Mel's Cathedral on Wednesday 31 July and he was interred in Ballymacormack Cemetery.
Courtney,
Francis
Died:
28.07.1918
O'Neill,
John
Died:
31.07.1918
John was born c.1876 in Co. Longford
John enlisted in the National Guard in New York City on 26 June 1916 as a private, transferring to the rank of mechanic within a month; he was promoted quickly, achieving the rank of Sergeant in August 1916 and First Sergeant in 1917.
1st Sgt O'Neill served overseas from October 1917 at Luneville, Baccarat, Esperence and Ourcq, but died of wounds likely during the Second Battle of the Marne