Coulson, W (William)
Coulson, W (William)
Private William Coulson was from Coleraine, Co. Londonderry and was married to Margaretta Miskimmin. They had two children one called Sydney the other Margaretta.
On the 5th of December 1915, while suffering from depression Margaretta Coulson (wife of William) went missing and was not to be found. She had previously sent her two children to the picture house, and then disappeared. Her brother William Miskimmin sent a telegram to his brother-in-law William, who was based in Londonderry with his regiment, informing him of the situation.
The 6th of December found William arriving at his home in Coleraine. The next two days he searched but could not find his wife. His emergency leave was now finished, and the army would not extend it. In a fit of desperation or depression he drank ammonia on the evening before he had to return. Realizing his error, he ran to a neighbour’s house and informed her of what he had done. He was sent to the Workhouse Infirmary in Coleraine.
January 1916 found this soldier being charged with “attempted suicide”, but he would not have to appear for these charges until he was well enough. Later in the month he was transferred to the Londonderry Infirmary by car with the help of Lance Corporal Harrison who stated that he was “very weak”.
When in the infirmary his condition kept getting worse. The most fluids he could take were a few drops and he could not eat. It was decided to operate on him in the hope of feeding him fluid and food directly into his stomach, as a previous attempt of feeding from the rectal area had failed.
Initially after the operation he showed signs of improvement, but this soon reversed, and William quickly deteriorated and, on the 4th of February 1916, he finally succumbed to exhaustion caused by his inability to eat and drink. At this time, his wife had still not been found, he had left two children. The fate of his wife is unknown. The date on the grave marker is incorrect.
William belonged to the 3rd Reserve Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers who were based in Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry from September 1914 until April 1918 when it moved to England.
Their duties were to recruit and train soldiers for the front line. They alone recruited and trained more than twelve thousand men.
Throughout the war the 3rd had the same commander who was Lieutenant Colonel McClintock. He retired in 1919 when the battalion was disbanded.
On a few occasions, they had to host hundreds of shipwrecked sailors, including those from the Brisk (sunk October 1917) and the American transport ship SS Tuscania (sunk February 1918.) They received praise and gifts for their hospitality on both occasions.
Private William Coulson did not receive any medals as he did not serve abroad or in a conflict zone.
Date of Death: 06/02/1916 (Aged 39)
Service: Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 3rd Battalion.
Service Number: 27398
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, GA. Mil. 4.
