2nd Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Date Of Birth:
20/12/1912
Died:
28/05/1940 (Died of Wounds)
Age:
27
Summary
John Joseph McKeown was the eldest son of John and Mary Josephine McKeown. The 1911 census lists the family at house 22 in Ballymulderg More, Ballyronan. John’s father was a general labourer. He was born in October 1912 in the Magherafelt area. He was the third of at least seven children. Private John Joseph McKeown, was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died at a Belgian Hospital on 28th May 1940, the result of wounds received in action.
Further Information
John Joseph McKeown was the eldest son of John and Mary Josephine McKeown. John McKeown and Mary Burns were married on 3rd March 1908 in the district of Magherafelt.
The 1911 census lists the family at house 22 in Ballymulderg More, Ballyronan, County Londonderry. His father was a general labourer.
John McKeown was born on 20th October 1912 in the Magherafelt area. He was the third of at least seven children.
Known family: John McKeown, Mary Josephine McKeown, Mary Josephine McKeown (born about 1910), Anna Brigid McKeown (born 1st April 1911), John Joseph McKeown (born 20th October 1912), Leo McKeown (born 14th December 1913), Gerald McKeown (born 27th May 1915), James McKeown (born 20th November 1916), Patrick McKeown (born 15th September 1918).
John McKeown enlisted about 1935, and served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in the Sudan, Khartoum, Shanghai and Singapore.
World War Two
Private John Joseph McKeown was severely wounded in action about 18th May 1940. He was removed to hospital where he died ten days later.
Private John Joseph McKeown, was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died at a Belgian Hospital on 28th May 1940, the result of wounds received in action. He was 27 years old.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 22nd June 1940: Roll of Honour
McKeown – 28th May 1940, at a Belgian Hospital of wounds received in action. Private John Joseph McKeown, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, eldest son of John and Mary McKeown – R.I.P. Fortified by the rites of the Catholic Church. Interred in Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium. Deeply regretted.
The parents, brothers, sisters and other relatives of the late John Joseph McKeown wish to return their sincere thanks to all who sympathised with them in their recent sad bereavement, to Rev P J Hughes, C.C., of Magherafelt, and the other kind friends who paid personal calls, to those who sent mass cards or letters of condolence. This is an acknowledgement of their gratitude in a time of great sorrow. King Street, Magherafelt.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 22nd June 1940: Magherafelt’s First War Victim
The news of Magherafelt’s first victim on the World War Private John Joseph McKeown, was received by telegram sent to his bereaved parents. Mr and Mrs John McKeown, of King Street, Magherafelt, last weekend, and later verified by the War Office. Severely wounded in action, he was removed to hospital where he lingered for ten days, receiving the spiritual attention of the Catholic Chaplain and the best medical attention. But like so many of his countrymen, he laid down his young life in a foreign land and paid the great sacrifice at the early age of 27 years. In his military career of over five years, he had seen service in the Colonies with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers – in the Sudan, Khartoum, Shanghai and Singapore. A great favourite with his comrades, he was also deservedly popular with his contemporaries in the home town, and quite well-behaved and restrained, he commanded the respect of all adults. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the deceased’s parents, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles in their inexpressible grief.
At the time of Joseph’s death, the family lived at King Street, Magherafelt.
Private John Joseph McKeown is buried in Coxyde Military Cemetery in Belgium. His inscription reads: SACRED HEART OF JESUS, HAVE MERCY ON HIS SOUL. REST IN PEACE
The CWGC record Private John Joseph McKeown as the son of John and Mary Josephine McKeown of Magherafelt, County Londonderry.
