250576 Pte Thomas McMahon Canadian Expeditionary Forces Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry from:Lurgan, Co Armagh (d.19th March 1915) Thomas McMahon was born in Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland on 14th January, 1878, the son of John and Rose Ann. At some point Thomas immigrated to Canada.
At the outbreak of the Great War he enlisted with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. As this regiment was particularly wanting men with military service, it would have been appropriate for Thomas to enlist with them as he had served for 8 years with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He enlisted in August 1914.
Thomas was killed in action at the Battle of St Eloi on Friday 19th of March 1915 just 8 months after enlistment, he was 36 years old. He is buried in Voormezeele Enclosure No 3, in Belgium.
I have visited his grave and placed a poppy cross on it as a mark of respect and appreciation. He is also remembered with pride on our local War Memorial in Lurgan. His next of kin, on his Attestation Paper is given as his half brother, William Morrison, 213 Willington Street, Kingston, Ontario. Some of his family connections are still in Lurgan and some are also in Canada, as I met with them briefly a few years ago when they were over to Ulster on a visit.
Thomas's brother, John McMahon, died of wounds whilst fighting with the 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on Sunday 8th November 1914, just 4 months before Thomas. Both men would have served together with the "Skins".
John had probably served continuously since 1886 as his army number remained the same, 6486.
I run a small voluntary museum in Brownlow House, Lurgan. "Lest we Forget"
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