Patrick Fox

Patrick was born c.1885* in Ballinamuck, the son of Charles Fox, a herdsman and caretaker, and his wife Mary. However, Patrick spent a some of his life in Co. Cavan near the town of Ballinagh. By 1903, at one brother, Francis had remained at Ballinamuck, whereas another, Charles, lived with himself and his father at Drumcarban. He married Lizzie McGovern** in c.1907 and they moved to Arva, Co. Cavan soon after. By 1911, they appear to have had two children, Patrick and Mary Kate. 

Patrick spent some years in the British Army prior to the Great War. He first enlisted with the Royal Irish Fusiliers in December 1903 at Cavan initially serving with the Cavan Militia (later became the 4th Extra Reserve Battalion), and then joining the regular army in March 1904. Prior to the war, he would have been a Special Reservist. When the Great War broke out, he enlisted in Cavan Barracks with the 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, known as the Faugh-a-Ballaghs, from the Irish term Fág an Bealach, which means "leave the way". His will (link below) left his belongings to his father, Pte Charles Fox, (No. 20610) who, also served in the Great War in the Royal Defence Corps at Govan, Scotland.

Pte Fox was killed in action, near Ieper in Belgium, as a result of heavy bombardment of the "A" and "C" companies by the German army, resulting in the death of fifteen soldiers, and the injury of nine more. Although he is not technically a Somme casualty, it is important to remember that he likely saw action on the Somme in early July 1916, when the RIR, as part of the 4th Division attacked the German lines near Serre. 

The Longford at War team would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum, Sovereigns House, The Mall, Armagh, for their assistance in completing this entry. 

Link to CWGC entry; Link to will;