Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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21390   Lance Corporal James Creighton
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Dated added: 30/12/2015   Last updated: 01/05/2020
Personal Details
Regiment/Service: 87th Company, Machine Gun Corps (British Army)
Date Of Birth: 06/12/1881
Died: 27/04/1917 (Died of Wounds)
Age: 35
Summary      
James Creighton was a son of John and Elizabeth Creighton. He was born on 6th December 1880. He was one of seven children. The family lived in Coagh. His father was a carpenter. James enlisted in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Cookstown, being given the Service No. 9559. James later transferred to the 87th Company of the Machine Gun Corps. Lance Corporal Creighton was seriously wounded in April 1917. Lance Corporal James Creighton was taken to Etaples General Hospital where he died of his wounds on Friday 27th April 1917.
Further Information
James Creighton was a son of John and Elizabeth Creighton. John Creighton married Eliza Doyle on 10th September 1872 in the district of Cookstown.
James Creighton was born on 6th December 1880. He was one of seven children. By 1911, only four were still living.
Known family: John Creighton, Elizabeth Creighton, Thomas Creighton (born 21st May 1876), Mary Creighton (born 13th July 1878), James Creighton (born 6th December 1880), Margaret Creighton (born 14th April 1883), Catherine Creighton (born 5th August 1884), Elizabeth Creighton (born 2nd January 1889).
James was educated at Tamlaght National School in Coagh.
The 1901 census does not list James as living with the family at house 7 in Great George's Street, Coagh. His father was a carpenter.
The 1911 census does not list James as living with the family at house 13 in Great George's Street, Coagh. His father was described as a house carpenter.
James enlisted in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Cookstown, being given the Service No. 9559.
Medal card
James later transferred to the 87th Company of the Machine Gun Corps.
Lance Corporal Creighton was seriously wounded in April 1917.
Lance Corporal James Creighton was taken to Etaples General Hospital where he died of his wounds on Friday 27th April 1917.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th April 1918:
CREIGHTON – In fond and loving memory our dear son, Private James Creighton, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed in action, on the 27th April 1917.
'He fell at his post like a soldier brave
He answered his Master’s call
He sleeps far away in a hero’s grave
For his country’s cause he did fall
But we shall meet him yonder
As we travel one by one
Through the valley of the shadow
And the land of endless sun'
Ever remembered by his father, mother, brothers and sisters, Coagh, County Tyrone
In his will, he left all to his mother, Lizzie Creighton, who was living in Coagh.
Last Will and Testament of James Creighton dated 2nd February (no year)
I, James Creighton, No. 9559, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, do hereby revoke all former Wills by me made, and declare this to be last Will. After payment of my just debts and funeral expenses, I give my mother, Lizzie Creighton, Coagh, County Tyrone, absolutely for her sole and separate use, her receipt alone being a sufficient discharge, the whole of my estate and effects, and everything I can give by law or dispose of, and I appoint Officer for Records, Dublin, executor of this my will.
Lance Corporal James Creighton is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France.
James Creighton gravestone
The CWGC record Lance Corporal James Creighton as the son of John Creighton of Coagh, County Tyrone.
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Relevant Cookstown Area Locations
No Location Region Location Notes Longtitude Latitude
1 Coagh Coagh Lived in Coagh area 54.647816 -6.619753
References and Links
No Link Reference Map Doc
1 1901 Census lists Creighton family Does not list James as living with the family at house 7 in Great George's Street, Coagh
2 1911 Census lists Creighton family Does not list James as living with the family at house 13 in Great George's Street, Coagh
3 FindAGrave.com Photo of L/Corporal James Creighton's grave
4 National Archives of Ireland Last Will and Testament of Lance Corporal James Creighton
5 National Archives UK Medal card can be purchased here
6 War Graves Photographic Project Photo of L/Corporal James Creighton's grave can be purchased here
Cookstown District's War Dead Acknowledgements 2010-2023