Private William Flynn.
6501 6th East Lancashire Regiment.
Killed in Action 7th November 1915, aged 44.
William was born in the March quarter of 1872, Burnley. The son of William Flynn and Bridget Riley. William and Bridget were married in the June quarter of 1851 in Burnley. In the 1881 census the family lived at6 Hill St, Burnley. William 54 labourer and born in Ireland, Bridget 50 born in Huddersfield, Yorks, Michael 17 weaver, Ann 15 weaver, John 12 and William 9 all born in Burnley.
In the 1891 census, Bridget was now a widow aged 50, Michael 27 moulder, William 19 labourer, living at 7 Top St, Burnley.
From the Burnley News dated 20th February 1915: ROLL OF HONOUR.- BURNLEY MEN SERVING THEIR COUNTRY. - PROUD RECORD FOR ST MARY'S CHURCH. - (SECOND INSTALMENT)
We are publishing the second instalment of the Roll of Honour of men associated with the various churches in the town who have joined one or other of the branches of His Majesty's forces, we desire to thank the clergy and superintendence of the different denominations for their hearty cooperation in the compilation of the lists. We have received quite a number of letters expressing pleasure at the publications of the names of the men connected with the churches who have answered the country's call and it will be our endeavour to make the roll of honour as complete as possible. We have already in hand a very large proportion of church Returns, but there are a few not yet to hand, and we asked those in charge of lists not yet received to facilitate their completion. This week's the space allocated to the roll of honour is monopolized by the names of men connected with St Mary's Church Comber Yorkshire Street, who are now serving with the colours. A list of such abnormal proportions reflects great credit on St Mary's Parish and the town in general.
ST MARY'S.
William Flynn, 63 Rumley Rd is listed on the Roll of Honour.
From The Express and advertiser dated 4th December 1915: THE DEATH ROLL. ANOTHER COLLIER LOST. Veterans death in the Dardanelles.
The relatives of Private William Flynn a collier at Barden Pit, heard on Wednesday from three sources that he had been killed in the Dardanelles whilst serving with the 6th East Lancashire Regiment.
Private Flynn was an old soldier, having served 12 years in India, being there at the time of the Boer War .He re- enlisted in his old regiment on the Outbreak of European hostilities and for a time served in France, but was sent to England through illness.On recovery he was sent out to the Dardanelles, and according to letters received in Burnley from three soldiers, was killed by shrapnel on November 6th. Private Flynn was married but had no children. He was 44 years of age, and lived with his brother in Top street before re enlisting. His brother Sergeant John Flynn, whose home is now at 24 Craven Street, is also an old soldier and he is serving somewhere in South Wales with the National Reserve.
Miss Flynn a sister of the deceased, also received the following letter from Private Isherwood: "I regret to inform you of the loss of your brother. He was killed by shrapnel bullet in the back of the ear on the 7th of November. His chums and I are very sorry to lose such a good pal as Billy. We palled together at Plymouth and all the way through. I am sending you his glasses, cap badge, photos, and Sacred Heart. One of his chums is keeping his rosary beads, and if he manages to get home he will bring them to you. We buried him the same night and said a few prayers for him over the Grave. He had a decent burial. He died about 10:30 by English time." Private Isherwood is a Fulledge man and Private Coulton of Burnley Wood and Private Haworth of Darwen, also signed the letter.
Lived at 24 Craven Street
William left his effects to his brother John.
William is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli: Panels 114 to 118.