John Mallon

He enlisted in Warwickshire. John was was born c.1895 and was the eldest of the children of John and Annie Mallon, Kilcourcey, Edgeworthstown. He and his brother James enlisted in the army in 1915. James was later discharged because it was discovered that he had lied about his age.

John served as a gunner, no. 101166, in the Ammunition Column, 86th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. He was on active service for only two or three months before being killed on 25 July 1916. The Longford Leader on the 19 August said the following on his death:

'Edgeworthstown Notes: Obituary - We regret very much to record the death of Gunner John Mallen [sic] R.F.A., eldest son of Mr. James Mallon, D.C., Cranleybeg, Edgeworthstown, who was killed in action in France, on the 25th July last. Gunner Mallon enlisted with his brother last year, and has been on active service in France for the past two or three months. He has not yet reached his 21st birthday, and was a fine handsome young Irishman. The greatest possible sympathy is felt for his father and mother in their very sad bereavement, and the only consolation they have is in the thought that their son dide [sic] gallantly, with his face to the foe, and was well-prepared to make the great sacrifice. -R.I.P.'

Link to CWGC entry; Notice of Gnr Mallons death, Longford Leader;