Thomas Mulligan

Thomas was born c. 31 July 1894.* in Ireland, most likely Thomas Mulligan born 29 July 1894 in Rathbeggan, Dunsaughlin, Co. Meath to Matthew Mulligan and Julia (née Weldon). Matthew was a farmer and land steward initially in Co. Meath, but both Matthew and Julia later moved to Co. Roscommon, before moving to work on the Castle Forbes estate, Newtownforbes. Matthew on the 1 June 1919 at the Whitworth Hospital in Dublin, but Julia remained in Castle Forbes as a housekeeper. 

Thomas emigrated to New Zealand c.1913. Prior to the war, Thomas was working as a farm-hand for a Mr M. O'Brien in Opunake on the North Island. Thomas's sister, Annie also resided in New Zealand, in Hawera and later has a postal address in Napier. 

Thomas attested for war service on the 20 June 1917 and entered active service on the 20 July 1918, embarking a week later and disembarking in London in October, and was then posted to Brocton Camp (note the link includes Adobe Flash). He served in Europe for 210 days prior to being discharged on medical grounds in March 1919, returning to New Zealand on the S.S. Ruapehu; it does not appear that he served at the front due to health issues.

Thomas married Catherine Magdalene O'Brien in Opunake in 1925. He died in Opunake in 1955.

Link to New Zealand WW1 army record; likely Civil Record of Birth; possible passenger list entry for Thomas, 1914;  The New Zealand Expeditionary Force - Its Provision and Maintenance, NZ Archives; Information on SS Ruapehu, including image of NZ soldiers on deck; link to cemetery;