James Dempsey

Rank:	Private
Street:
Townland:
Town/Village:	Edgeworthstown
Civil Parish:	Mostrim
Catholic Parish:
Country:
Alternative Address:	Lucas Lane, North Gate Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
Census 1901:	Yes
Census 1911:
Regiment/Unit:	Leinster Regiment, 2nd Battalion
Regiment Number:	826
Date of Death:	01-09-1916
Cause:	Killed in action, Longueval (Somme), France
Memorial:	Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, France
Information:	James was born in c.August 1879 at Edgeworthstown. He was married to Margaret (Maggie) and left all of his property and effects to her in his will, (link below). Pte Dempsey enlisted* in the army in Athlone, and served in the Leinster Regiment, travelling to the eastern front in 1915, possibly serving in Gallipoli or Salonica. He was killed in action at Longueval, during the Battle of the Somme, likely during enemy attacks on trenches at Wood Lane and Orchard Trench.
Parents Names:
Notes:	*It appears that James may have originally enlisted in the Leinster Regiment (No. 5182) in 1897 and served until his first discharge in 1909. This first enlistment included tours of duty in Canada and South Africa. James may have been the son of Bridget Dempsey, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford; Terrence Dempsey may have been his father, however it is currently unclear where he was residing at the time of the 1901 and 1911 censuses. There was a baptism of a James Dempsey in Mostrim in September 1876 to a John Dempsey and [uncertain] Quinn, which may this James. Further assistance from the public is required. James may be a relation (older brother, or half-brother), of John and Richard Dempsey who were also casualties of the Great War.
Links:	Link to his CWGC entry; Link to his will