William Long was born in the parish of Derryloran, Cookstown.
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William lived at Milburn Street, Cookstown.
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William worked at Gunning’s Factory in Milburn, Cookstown
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William Long enlisted with the 5th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Omagh.
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His wife died in 1916 and his young daughter was cared for by relatives.
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By October 1918 he had been involved in a number of engagements of the First World War but was seriously wounded at Le Catelet when the enemy put down a barrage.
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The leading Company were caught in this onslaught and the column halted. William was seriously wounded and removed to the Casualty Clearing Station at Tincourt.
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Private William Long was serving with the 5th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died of his wounds later that day on Tuesday 8th October 1918.
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From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 31st October 1918:
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LONG – Died of wounds received in action on 8th October 1918, after four years’ service, 10788 Private Willie Long, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
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** and strength he left his house.
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** death was near
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** and sudden was the call,
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** loved so dear.
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** lost him, we who loved him,
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** like others, must be brave,
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** know that he is dying,
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** British soldier’s grave.’
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Deeply regretted by his little daughter, ** and brothers, and brother-in-law, **
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From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 31st October 1918: Private William Long Killed
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Official intimation has been received that Private William Long, Royal Inniskillings, has died of wounds received in action on 8th October. Private Long, who resided in Millburn Street, joined up four years ago, and took part in many battles. He was well-known and respected in Cookstown, and his death is regretted by all. He leaves one little daughter to mourn his loss. Which is the more sad as her mother died a couple of years ago. Much sympathy is felt for her and the other relatives.
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From the Tyrone Courier and Dungannon News dated Thursday 7 November 1918:
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Private William Long, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Millburn Street, Cookstown, died of wounds.
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Private William Long is buried in Tincourt New British Cemetery, France.
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William Long’s brother Samuel also served during the First World War.
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Private William Long is commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph, St Luran’s Church of Ireland, Roll of Honour Derryloran, Cookstown and on Gunning’s Factory Memorial.
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