McGregor, W J (William John)
McGregor, W J (William John)
Private William McGregor was married to Cherry Logue, Kilfennan, daughter of Andrew Logue, they lived at 5, Irish Street in the Waterside. He originally joined the 12th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on the 16th of November 1915 and remained with them until June 2016.
The 12th Inniskillings was a reserve and training battalion that never left Ireland. They were formed during April 1915 in Enniskillen, moved to Ballyshannon and then Newtownards during June 1915 before returning to Enniskillen. 1916 found them at Finner camp in Ballyshannon until they were absorbed by the 3rd battalion during April 1918.
On the 24th of June 1916, William was posted to the 668th Home Service Employment Corp, probably due to his age. Their job was to provide manual labour for various depots, barracks, hospitals, etc, around the country. He stayed with them until the 20th of February 1918 when he was discharged. He was deemed “no longer fit for service” as he was suffering from chronic asthma[1] and would pass away from the effects of this within 3 months.
Private William McGregor never received any medals as he did not serve in a war zone or outside the UK.
Date of Death: 10/05/1918 (Aged 45)
Service: Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 12th Bn. transf. to (232112) 668th Home Service Employment Coy. Labour Corps
Service Number: 12/27872 and 232112
Burial Location: Enagh old graveyard, Near South boundary.
[1] Asthma is a lung disease that causes wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.
