Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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Date Information
01/05/2020 02138
06/11/2017 John lived in Belfast.
06/11/2017 John Hughes was a son of James Hughes. He was born in Magherafelt.
06/11/2017 Growing up, he was a member of Glenbrook Boy Scout troop.
06/11/2017 John Hughes enlisted in Cookstown on 7th July 1914.
06/11/2017 It is believed Private Hughes served with both the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
06/11/2017 Private Hughes contracted dysentery during the Dardanelles campaign.
06/11/2017 On being discharged from hospital, Private Hughes and his battalion was sent to France.
06/11/2017 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.
06/11/2017 Private John Hughes is buried in Ancre British Military Cemetery, near Ypres.
06/11/2017 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.
06/11/2017 John’s father lived in Queen Street, Magherafelt for a time.
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 His footsteps never faltered,
30/12/2015 His young head proudly held,
30/12/2015 ‘He marched away so bravely,
30/12/2015 HUGHES – Killed in action on 1st July 1916, Private John Hughes, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, dearly beloved son of James Hughes, Queen Street, Magherafelt.
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 29 July 1916:
30/12/2015 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.
30/12/2015 His courage never failed.
30/12/2015 No matter how I pray,
30/12/2015 From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 14th October 1916:
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 His warfare over, his battle fought,
30/12/2015 His victory won, though dearly bought.
30/12/2015 His fresh young life could not be saved,
30/12/2015
30/12/2015
30/12/2015 No matter how I call,
30/12/2015 There is nothing left to answer,
30/12/2015 But his photo on the wall.’
30/12/2015 Deeply regretted by his loving father.
30/12/2015 He slumbers now in a soldier’s grave.
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