255790 Cpl. John Alexander Douglas British Army 10th Btn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers from:Limavady I just recently discovered my Uncle John Douglas originally was part of the 10th (Derry) Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, formed in Omagh, September 1914 from the Derry Volunteers, they were then attached and renamed 109th Brigade 36th (Ulster) Division.
The men trained at Dufferin and Ava Estate at Clandeboye, County Down and in July 1915 the Division moved to Seaford, in Sussex, England and then deployed to France in early October 1915.
Over the winter of 1915/16 the Brigades were attached to the Line Divisions in The Somme Area. The 36th Ulster Division are most famous for their action on the 1st of July 1916, when they were one of the few Divisions to reach their objective. However, the casualties suffered by the 36th Division on the day was over 5,000 in total.
John survived the war.
My memory as a 5 year old niece he suffered with lung decease. I have a photo of him and Obituary from the Belfast Telegraph he passed away at the age of 58. Per the Obituary prior to the end of the war he was returned to England for his commission and at the end of the war was demobilized from the Cadet battalion.
Back in civilian life he joined the Ministry of Pensions. After a number of years he joined the Belfast Corporation City Hall Staff where he remained for 15 years. He was then appointed clerk in the Ministry of Education, where he remained until his retirement for health reasons.
I understand from records he was a corporal and training with the Cadet Battalion for a military commission. I also have 2 medals that he received.
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