Sapper Hugh Kelly.
172054 Royal Engineers 23rd Signal Corps.
Killed in Action 21st August 1918, aged 22.
Hugh was born in the June quarter of 1896 in Burnley. The son of John Kelly and Sarah Ann Hannessy. In the 1901 census the family lived at 48 Albert St, Burnley. John 36 weaver, born in Hull Yorks, Sarah 35, John 6, Hugh4, Bernard1 all born in Burnley.
The family weres till living at 48 Albert St, Burnley when the 1911 census came around and they had gained a daughter Mary aged 4. His parents had been married 17 years with all 4 surviving children.
From the Burnley Express dated 4th September 1918: KILLED ON ITALIAN FRONT - BURNLEY POST OFFICE EMPLOYEE.
Mr and Mrs Kelly of 6 Stafford Street Burnley, have received the sad news that their son Sapper Hugh Kelly, 172054 of the Signalling Section of the Royal Engineers attached to the York and Lancashire Regiment, has been killed on the Italian front. In a letter to Mrs Kelly dated 23rd, a Roman Catholic chaplain says: "it grieves me very much to have to write and give you exceedingly sad news with regard to your son Sapper Hugh Kelly. Unfortunately he was killed by enemy shell which burst whilst he was working in the line. His death was instantaneous, so you have the consolation of knowing that he did not suffer. He is buried in an advanced Cemetery on the Asiago plateau, where his grave will be carefully tended and a cross erected " the letter concludes with expressions of heartfelt sympathy and words of religious consolation.
Sapper Kelly was about 22 years of age and had been in the army over 2 years. He was formerly employed as a Clerk at the Burnley post office, and was connected with St John's and St. Mary's Roman Catholic churches. He was a clever and promising student at Burnley Technical School. Two of his brothers are serving. John, in the army, and Bernard in the Navy.
Lived at 6 Stafford Street.
Hugh left his effects to his mother Sarah Ann.
Hugh is buried in Magnaboschi British Cemetery, Italy:Grave Ref; Ploy 1.Row E. Grave 5. Son of John and Sarah Ann Kelly, of 6, Stafford Street, Burnley, Lancashire.
