John Travers

John was born c.1880 in Longford; the date given on his attestation is 15 May 1882 however it is likely that he was the John Travers born on the 21 June 1879* at Aughabrack, Granard (see link below). At the time of his death John had one brother, Patrick, and two sisters Ellen and Mary who lived in the United States; another sister, Bridget, lived in Arvagh. John married Kate McAveney of Legga on the 22 May 1913 at Legga Church. His address was then 'Coolray' (Culray, Aughnacliffe) and they had two children, Mary Kate and John P; the family lived in Arvagh. 

Pte Travers had a long military career; he first enlisted with the Connaught Rangers in Glasgow in December 1901, intitially enlisting for three years service with nine years in the Reserves: this was extended to nine years with the colours which was completed in 1910. He served in India from October 1902 to November 1910, having passed mounted infantry instruction at Poona. John reattested for the army in 1912/13 and confirmed an additional four years service in 1913. 

Travers arrived at the Front on the 14 August 1914, for which he was awarded the 1914 Star; he was killed in action less than a fortnight later likely at the rearguard affair of le Grand Fayt, which was an action of the Battle of le Cateau part of the retreat from Mons. Travers was regarded as missing and confirmed as dead in 1919. 

Link to CWGC entry; link to Civil Record of birth (probable); link to Civil Record of marriage (probable);