Donnelly, J (John)
Donnelly, J (John)
Lance Corporal John Donnelly died in the Ebrington Barracks Hospital, Londonderry. He had been admitted suffering from bronchitis for five days. This developed into cardiac dilation,[1] which then caused issues with his blood not getting pumped to his vital organs.
John left a widow (Margaret) and an unknown number of children who resided at 6, High Street, in the city.
The 3rd Reserve Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was 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.
John only served at home so was not eligible for any medals.
Date of Death: 20/02/1917
Service: Lance Corporal, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 3rd Battalion
Service Number: 18452
Burial Location: Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, L. Mil. 12.
[1] Cardiac dilation is a weakening of the heart.
