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William McCann later transferred to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. |
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William McCann was the eldest son of Kinley and Mary McCann. Kinley McCann and Mary Scott were married on 25th January 1894 in the district of Cookstown. |
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William McCann was born in Stewartstown / Cookstown on 31st October 1894. He was the eldest of at least eight children. |
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The family had moved to Belfast by January 1908. |
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The 1901 census lists William as age 6, living with the family at house 2 in Linfield Street, Belfast. Kinley McCann was a carpenter. |
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The 1911 census lists Willie as age 16, living with the family at house 19 in Howe Street, Shankill, Belfast. William had left school and was working as a message boy. |
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Known family: Kinley McCann, Mary McCann, William McCann (born 31st October 1894, Cookstown), John McCann (born 12th January 1898, Belfast), Annie Jane McCann (born 10th May 1900, Belfast), Matilda Tillie McCann (born 22nd June 1902, Belfast), Frances McCann (born 9th June 1904, Belfast), Walter McCann (born 8th February 1907, Belfast), Kinley McCann (born 11th May 1909, Belfast), Frances McCann (born 12th June 1911, Belfast). |
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William served with the Royal Army Service Corps for a time, Regiment No. T4/058929 |
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Rifleman William McCann was serving with the 12th Battalion of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps when he died of wounds in France on 11th October 1918. |
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In his Will, William McCann left all to his mother, Mrs M McCann, who was living in Howe Street, Belfast. |
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Rifleman McCann is buried in Houchin British Cemetery in France. The cemetery is situated 5 kilometres south of the town of Bethune. |
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Last Will and Testament of Rifleman William McCann dated 19th September 1918: |
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In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects tom my mother, Mrs M McCann, 37 Howe Street, Belfast, Ireland. Signed W McCann, Rifleman 12th Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps. A203561 19/9/18. |
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William McCann enlisted in Belfast. |
