Duddy, M (Michael)
Private Michael Duddy was the husband of Sarah A. Duddy, of 5, Nelson St., Londonderry and had previously served with the 5th Inniskilling Fusiliers before the war. When he volunteered for the Irish Regiment on the 5th of December 1914, he said he was forty-one years old (he was fifty-one.) He had been working as a dock labourer and lived at 14 Fahan Street in Londonderry with his wife Sarah Ann and their four children (Rosena, Michael, Robert, and Mary.) At the time of his death his wife was using the address 131 Bogside.
After joining Michael was posted to the 6th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment on the 12th of December. He remained with them until the 15th of May 1915 when he transferred to the 1st Battalion until the 11th of March 1916. Finally, he went to the 2nd Garrison Battalion when he was in hospital.
He served on the front between the 7th of August 1915 and 4th January 1916, possibly in Gallipoli with the 1st Garrison Battalion.
On the 20th of January, he was deemed unfit for active service in the front (due to an old ankle injury) but fit for light duties at home. He was sent to Dublin.
Private Duddy was admitted to hospital in Dublin on the 10th of March 1916 and died nineteen days later of Bright’s disease[1]. He was only in the 2nd Garrison Battalion eighteen days.
Michael was awarded the 1914/15 Star, the British War and the Victory Medal.
Date of Death: 29/03/1916 (Aged 52)
Service: Private, Royal Irish Regiment, 2nd and 1st Battalions and the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 5th Battalion.
Service Number: 2413 Burial Location Londonderry (or Derry), City Cemetery, M. D. 440.
[1] Bright’s disease is kidney disease.