1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment (British Army)
Died:
09/05/1915 (Killed in Action)
Age:
Summary
Thomas McMeekin was born in Ballymena. Thomas McMeekin lived in Grange Mill Quarter, Toomebridge. Thomas joined the army about 1896, enlisting in Belfast. By the time of his death Private McMeekin had 19 years’ service, several of which were spent in Africa and India. Private Thomas McMeekin was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action in France and Flanders on Sunday 9th May 1915. He was initially reported missing.
The Ploegsteert Memorial stands in Berks Cemetery Extension, which is located 12.5 Kms south of Ieper town centre, on the N365 leading from Ieper to Mesen (Messines), Ploegsteert and on to Armentieres. From Ieper town centre the Rijselsestraat runs from the market square, through the Lille Gate (Rijselpoort) and directly over the crossroads with the Ieper ring road. The road name then changes to the Rijselseweg (N336). 3.5 Kms along the N336 lies a fork junction with the N365. The N365, which forms the right hand fork, leads to the town of Mesen. The Cemetery lies 3 Kms beyond Mesen on the right hand side of the N365, and opposite Hyde Park Corner Royal Berks Cemetery.
