James Kelly was the son of Mary Kelly. James was born in Maghera about 1882.The 1911 census lists the only Mary Kelly in Maghera living at house 3 in Dead Lane, Maghera. James and his brother were both general labourers. He could neither read nor write. James Kelly enlisted in Belfast. Rifleman James Kelly was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on Tuesday 21st Mar 1916. He is believed to have been about 34 years old.
Further Information
James Kelly was the son of Mrs Mary Kelly. James was born in Maghera about 1882.
Family: Mary Kelly, James Kelly (born about 1882), John Kelly 24 (born about 1884).
The 1911 census lists the only Mary Kelly in Maghera living at house 3 in Dead Lane, Maghera. James and his brother were both general labourers. He could neither read nor write.
James Kelly enlisted in Belfast.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th May 1915: Maghera (to be confirmed)
Private James Kelly has been wounded and is at present an inmate in Netley Hospital. He volunteered for active service sometime after the outbreak of hostilities, and he was drafted into the Royal Irish Rifles. Private Kelly is the famous person of Covenant fame who, it will be remembered, had two of our local Justices of the Peace summoned for signing the Covenant, but the prosecution collapsed. He expects to get home for a few days before returning to the front. He stated, in a letter to his mother, he is wounded in the neck.
In the first of two wills, Rifleman James Kelly states he was with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Rifleman James Kelly was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on Tuesday 21st Mar 1916. He is believed to have been about 34 years old.
In his second will he left all to his mother, who was living at Meeting Street, Maghera.
Last Will and Testament of Private James Kelly dated 8th February 1915
In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects to my mother, Mrs Mary Kelly, Meeting Street, Maghera, County Derry. 2347 Rifleman J Kelly, 3rd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles.8th February 1915
Rifleman James Kelly is buried in Rue-du-Bois Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix, Pas de Calais, France.
