| John Hughes was a son of James Hughes. He was born in Magherafelt.
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| John lived in Belfast.
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| Growing up, he was a member of Glenbrook Boy Scout troop.
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| John Hughes enlisted in Cookstown on 7th July 1914.
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| It is believed Private Hughes served with both the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
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| After the usual period of training he was sent to the Dardanelles with his battalion, and took part in that fierce conflict, being twice wounded, his brigade being highly complimented by the general commanding on the gallantry displayed.
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| Private Hughes contracted dysentery during the Dardanelles campaign.
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| On being discharged from hospital, Private Hughes and his battalion was sent to France.
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| Private John Hughes was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on Saturday 1st July 1916.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 29 July 1916:
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| Private John Hughes, of the 3rd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of Mr James Hughes, Queen Street, Magherafelt, was killed on the 1st July. Private Hughes, prior to enlisting on 7th July 1914, was a member of Glenbrook Boy Scout troop, and an exemplary boy. After the usual period of training he was sent to the Dardanelles with his battalion, and took part in that fierce conflict, being twice wounded, his brigade being highly complimented by the general commanding on the gallantry displayed. He suffered from dysentery, and on being discharged from hospital, his battalion was sent to France, and on that never to be forgotten 1st July he laid down his life.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 14th October 1916:
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| HUGHES – Killed in action on 1st July 1916, Private John Hughes, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, dearly beloved son of James Hughes, Queen Street, Magherafelt.
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‘He marched away so bravely,
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His young head proudly held,
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His footsteps never faltered,
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His courage never failed.
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His warfare over, his battle fought,
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His victory won, though dearly bought.
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His fresh young life could not be saved,
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He slumbers now in a soldier’s grave.
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No matter how I pray,
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No matter how I call,
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There is nothing left to answer,
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But his photo on the wall.’
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| Deeply regretted by his loving father.
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| Private John Hughes is buried in Ancre British Military Cemetery, near Ypres.
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| John’s father lived in Queen Street, Magherafelt for a time.
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