John Rock

John Rock was born 1890 in Longford, the eldest son of William and Lizzie Rock. At the time of his death he married was married to Kate Ann, who lived on Chapel Street.

Cpl Rock enlisted in Boyle, Co. Roscommon in January 1910, initially with the 4th (Special Reserve) Connaught Rangers and had been promoted to Corporal by July 1914. He was first deployed in October 1914, and as a result was awarded the 1914 (Mons) Star as well as the British War Medal and Victory Medal.  In February 1916, Cpl Rock returned to France and joined the 6th Battalion. He died during the Battle of the Somme, as a result of the offensive on the 3 September near Carnoy, that also took the life of Pte Stokes of the Connaught Rangers. 

In September 1916 the 6th Connaught Rangers were located in the trenches between Guillemont and Lazure Wood. On the 3 September they took part in an attack in place of the Rifle Brigade, 20th Division. They were instructed to "go over" in three waves. The first wave comprising "C" Coy. attacking from the Rim Trench and "D" through the Quarry. The second and thrid waves comprised two platoons each from "A" and"B" Coys: the third objective of the assault was to allow the 6th Royal Irish Regiment and 8th Royal Munster Fusiliers push through to an area known as the Sunken Road.

The bombardment began at 8am, however some friendly-fire resulted in the British Army shelling some of their own trenches: Rim Trench, Hun Alley and a support trench. The Regimental War Diary for the day notes 200 casualties (injured and dead) by midday alone.

Notice of death, Irish Independent; Notice of death, Irish Examiner;