Private Michael Boyle.
240837 2/5th East Lancashire Regiment.
Died of Wounds 9th June 1917. Aged 19.
Michael was born in Burnley, the son of Michael and Catherine Boyle. His father and mother were from Ireland and his father was a Stone Mason/Waller. In the 1901 census the family lived at 5 park St, Burnley. The family included Michael 37, Catherine 32, Mary 9, Anne 7, John 6, James 4, Michael 3, Edward 2, Catherine 6 months and a lodger from Ireland Antonia Emmigan (?) 32.
From the 1911 census we discover that Michael and Catherine had been married 20 years and had had 10 children 3 of whom had died. They were living at 27 Bank Parade, Burnley. Their children living with them were, Mary 19, Ann 17, James 15, Michael 13 all Cotton Workers, and Edward 11, Andrew 8 and Ellen 4 all at school. All their children were born in Burnley.
From the Burnley Express dated 23rd June 1917: OUR FALLEN HEROES. TERRITORIAL KILLED.
Another member of the Burnley Territorial regiment whose life has been sacrificed in the war is Private (240867) Michael Boyle, whose home was at 27 Master Street. Private Boyle who was aged 19 and was a weaver at Messrs Browning’s Turf Street Shed, enlisted in October 1914, and went abroad last Christmas. Mrs Boyle first received word that her son had been wounded. Sergeant Toole, of the deceased platoon writing: "just a line to inform you that your son was wounded this afternoon June 1st. He was hit by shrapnel and has been taken to hospital. I was the first to see him after he was hit, and everything possible was done for him. He's officer dressed his wounds before he was taken down. He has been in my Platoon since he joined, and was very popular with his comrades you all hope he will soon be alright again." 6 days later Mrs Boyle received bad news of her son from nurse Foley of a French Casualty Clearing Station, who wrote: "I much regret to have to tell you that your son is a patient in this hospital, dangerously wounded in the back and forearm. His condition is very serious, and he is unconscious today. The Roman Catholic chaplain has been with him, and administered Holy Communion while he was conscious. Everything is being done to save his life." This week Mrs Boyle received a message from Lieutenant Col. Winder, of the 33rd Casualty Clearing Station, that her son died at 11:25 a.m. On the 9th inst. from his severe wounds. Private Boyle was well-known amongst the congregation of St. Mary's RC Church, where he formerly attended.
Michael lived at 5 Massey St., Burnley.
Michael was buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, France: Grave Ref: VI.E.78.
