Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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Date Information
31/03/2020 The CWGC record John Esdale as being from 41 Bristol Street, Belfast. He is listed as the son of James and Margaret Esdale, of Stranngard, Desertmartin, Co. Derry. He is also recorded as being the husband of Sarah Esdale.finally, it records that he died at Harland and Wolff Ltd., Queen's Road.
31/03/2020 It is thought that John Esdale was buried in a Belfast cemetery, although there is currently no confirmation of this.
31/03/2020 It is not known if he was working there at the time or killed at home in Bristol Street.
31/03/2020 John Esdale was in the vicinity of the Harland and Wolff Shipyard and was killed in the attack on 8th July.
31/03/2020 On the night of 7th-8th April 1941, the Luftwaffe attacked Belfast in what would become known as the Docks Raid of the Belfast Blitz.
31/03/2020 The 1911 census lists John as age 42, living with his family at house 18 in Bristol Street, Belfast. John was a fireman in the shipyard.
31/03/2020 The 1901 census lists John as age 32, living with his family at house 24 in Bristol Street, Belfast. John was a labourer in the shipyard.
31/03/2020 John and Sarah’s only child, James M Esdale, was born on 7th August 1898 in the Magherafelt area.
31/03/2020 John Esdale and Sarah Meeke were married on 4th December 1896 in the Magherafelt area.
31/03/2020 John Esdale was born about 1869. He was the son of James Esdale and Margaret Esdale of Stranngard, Desertmartin, Co. Londonderry.
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