McGuire, J (John)
Fusilier John McGuire was the only son of John and Annie McGuire, of Coleraine; husband of Margaret Taggart McGuire, of 17, North Circular Road, Coleraine. His father and four of his uncles served in the Great War, one of whom was killed. John served with the 6th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Unfortunately, John was killed during a tragic boating accident in England while involved in training manoeuvres. He was not the only man to lose his life. Fusilier Phillip Brummell,[1] Lance Corporal R. Doyle,[2] and Fusilier C. Stevenson,[3] also passed away.
The 6th Battalion was created during October 1940 in Northern Ireland. In January 1942, the battalion crossed over to Frinton-on-Sea in Essex, England. This is where John was involved in the accident. After his death, the battalion would serve in Tunisia, North Africa between 1942 and 1943 and then take part in the landings in Sicily followed by Italy where it was involved in the infamous Battle of Monte Cassino.[4] Due to shortages in replacements the 6th Inniskillings where then disbanded during June 1944. The remaining men were absorbed by the 2nd Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Date of Death: Died 10/03/1942 (Aged 27)
Service: Fusilier, 6th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Service Number: 6981745
Burial Location: Section F. Grave 1337.
[1] Fusilier Phillip Brummell (service number 6981581) is buried in Chesterfield (Boythorpe) Cemetery, England.
[2] Lance Corporal Richard Doyle (service number 6977444) is buried in Belfast (Dundonald) Cemetery, Northern Ireland.
[3] Fusilier Charles Stevenson (service number 6982282) in buried in Sutton-In-Ashfield Cemetery, England.
[4] The Battle of Monte Cassino started on the 17th January 1944 and lasted 123 days, resulting in 75,000 casualties from both sides.
