McMahon, Patrick

 

2nd Lieutenant Patrick McMahon

was born at Irish Street, Armagh City, Co. Armagh on 8th November 1886 to Patrick McMahon, Flax Merchant and Annie McMahon nee Quinn. They had married on 22nd September 1880 at Armagh Roman Catholic Chapel.

In 1901, Patrick (15) lived in house 3, Edward Street, Armagh with his parents and 6 siblings; Charles (18), Josephine (15), Francis (12), Mary (10), Harry (7) and Joseph (2). A servant, Susan Dolleghan was also in the property.

Around 1904-1906 McMahon (18/20) Patrick joined the Belfast Banking Company and is recorded as working in Newry and Buncrana branches. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee and gave his address as Edward Street, Armagh.

Belfast Bank - Bankers Guarantee ledger sheet

Belfast Bank, Newry branch

Belfast Bank, Buncrana branch

In 1911, Patrick is recorded as boarding in house 102, Main Street, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk. There are 2 other Bank Clerks also boarding in this house; Norman A Anderson (17) and James Wright (27). 

Patrick volunteered and enlisted into the Royal Highlanders with Service Number 2171. 

Following his training, he sailed for France on 19th November 1915.

Patrick was serving with 4th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles (attached to the 2nd Bn.) as a 2nd Lieutenant when he was killed in action on 11th June 1917 aged 29. 

The Belfast Bank 'Roll of Honour' booklet records him as 'Killed in Action'.

Belfast Bank - 'Roll of Honour' booklet

McMahon is buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France.

The De Ruvigny Roll of Honour (see picture below) records:

".... was wounded in the Somme battle ...... was wounded at Messines receiving gunshots in the left side and arm ...... died the same day in the grounds of the casualty clearing station ......"

De Ruvigny Roll of Honour - McMahon Excerpt

Patrick was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. As he was an officer, a relative applied for these on 23rd March 1923.