Lance/Corporal Patrick Naughton.
86134 Royal Engineers (170 Tun. Coy.)
Formerly 5229 Irish Guards.
Killed in Action 26th May 1917. Aged 25.
Patrick was born in the Dec quarter of 1891 in Burnley. The son of Martin Naughton and Margaret McNamee. In the 1901 census the family lived at 15 Hirst St, Burnley. Martin 38 gas stoker, Margaret 28, Patrick 9, John 7, Sarah 4, Norah 2, all born in Burnley. There was also a Patrick McNamee, a widower aged 60 and born in Ireland. Presumably Margaret’s father.
In the 1911 census thhe family were living at 33 Ashworth St, Burnley. Martin 49, Margaret 39, Patrick 19 miner, John 17 miner, Sarah 14, weaver, Martin 8, Mark 6, and Margaret’s Father Patrick. His parents had been married 22 years with 11 children 6 of whom had died.
From the Burnley Express dated 16th June 1917: IRISH LEAGUER KILLED. MORE THAN ONE MAN'S SHARE.
A very well-known member and committeeman of the Burnley United Irish League has been killed in Lance Corporal Patrick Naughton, 86134, of the Royal Engineers (formerly of the Irish Guards), whose Death occurred on May 26th. His parents who reside at 27 Olympia Street Burnley, have received many messages of sympathy, including the following resolution of the United Irish League, whole street: "the committee, ladies and gentlemen of the above club wish me to express their sympathy towards you and your family in the recent sad loss of your son whilst serving his country. - G F Foster, Secretary."
25 years of age when he was killed, Lance Corporal P Naughton enlisted on September 10th 1914, and went to the front with the Irish Guards on January 4th 1915. He was a single man, and a Collier at Bee Hole Pit, and connected with St Mary's RC Church, being exceedingly well liked.
Second Lieutenant Start, of the RE, writing on May 26th says:-"it is with my deepest sympathy that I have to write and inform you that your son was killed by a machine gun bullet. I am quite aware what an awful loss it will be for you. It will also be a great loss to this company, because your son was such a willing worker and a good NCO. The commanding officer and my brother officers join you in your great sorrow."
From the Burnley Express dated 16 June 1917:
Naughton:- In affectionate Remembrance of Lance Corporal Patrick Naughton 86134, of the Royal Engineers (170 company) who was killed in action May 25th 1917 aged 25 years. RIP.
He fought for his King and Country.
Doing his very best.
To save old England's on.
And now his Souls at rest.
His Warfare o'er the battle fought.
His victory won though dearly bought.
His fresh young life could not be saved.
He slumbers now in a soldier's grave.
From his father, mother 2, sister and brothers, 57 Olympia Street Burnley.
Lonely the home and sad the hours.
Since thy sweet smiles are gone. But oh! A brighter home than ours.
In heaven is now thine own.
And are thy cherished hopes Laid low.
And is thy fond dream o'er.
And shall I see thy pretty face.
And hear thy voice no more?
From John and Esther.
Lived at 47 Hufling Lane, Formerly, 27 Olympia Street.
Patrick left his effects to his mother Margaret.
Patrick was buried in Noeux les Mines Communal Cemetery & Extension, France: Grave Ref; I.S.28. Son of Mrs. M. Naughton, of 47, Huffing Lane, Burnley.
