10th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Died:
19/12/1917 (Died of Wounds)
Age:
21
Summary
Christopher Boyd was born in Glasgow, Scotland about 1897. By 1901 he was living with his grandparents, Christy and Sarah Jane Boyd, in Carricknakielt, Maghera. He went to school there and was a member of Knockloughrim Presbyterian congregation. Christy Boyd enlisted in Coleraine. Private Christy Boyd served with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was awarded the Military Medal (M.M.). Private Christy Boyd died of wounds in Manchester General Hospital a week before Christmas on 19th December 1917. He was 21 years old. Private Christy Boyd is buried in Mullagh Old Graveyard just outside Maghera.
Further Information
Christopher Boyd was the only son of Robert Boyd.
Christy born in Glasgow, Scotland about 1897.
The 1901 census lists Christy as age 4 living with his grandparents, Christy and Sarah Jane Boyd, at house 20 in Carricknakielt, Maghera, County Londonderry.
The 1911 census lists Christy as age 14 living with his grandparents at house 1 in Carricknakielt, Maghera, Londonderry. He was still at school.
Christy Boyd was listed as a member of Knockloughrim Presbyterian congregation.
Christy Boyd enlisted in Coleraine.
Private Christy Boyd served with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Private Boyd received the Military Medal (M.M.)
Private Christy Boyd died of wounds in Manchester General Hospital a week before Christmas on 19th December 1917. He was 21 years old.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 6th January 1918: Private Christopher Boyd
Private Christopher Boyd, 10th Battalion Inniskilling Fusiliers, whose death took place at Manchester Hospital on 19th December from wounds received in action on 7th December. The deceased was severely wounded on both legs and the back, and was treated in the Australian hospital, France. He was sent to England, but succumbed the next day. Private Boyd was the only son of Mr Robert Boyd, Luney, Desertmartin, and grandson of Mrs Christopher Boyd, Carrickokielt, Knockloughrim. He volunteered shortly after the outbreak of war, being then only 17 years of age, and became attached to the 10th Battalion Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was through all the heavy engagements, including the 16th July with the Ulster Division. He was slightly wounded about the second week in August, after which he received a short leave home, which he spent with his grandmother at Carrickokielt, Knockloughrim.
The remains were sent from Manchester by the military authorities and were conveyed in a special carriage to Magherafelt on Christmas Eve, and conveyed to the residence of his grandmother at Carrickokielt, Knockloughrim. The funeral took place on Wednesday 26th December, and was one of the largest ever seen in the district. The deceased was interred in the family burying ground, Mullagh, Maghera, with full military honours, a detachment of the North Irish Horse attending, under Major Agnew, from Antrim. They were taken by Mr S Porter, undertaker, Magherafelt, in brakes and cars to the residence of the deceased’s grandmother, from where they followed the remains to their last resting place, and fired three volleys over the grave.
The service at the house and graveside was conducted by the Rev A H Materin, M.A., rector of Maghera. The beautiful oak coffin bore the following inscription:- ‘Private Christopher Boyd 27382 died the 19th December 1917, aged 20 years.’
The chief mourners were Robert Boyd (father), Robert John Porter and A Paul (uncles), J and W McKay and Elliotts (cousins). Private William Kelly, Canadians (relatives), who is home on leave from France, assisted in the funeral arrangements.
The father and friends of the late Private Boyd wish to return thanks to the officer in charge of the military at Antrim, who sent a firing party to attend the funeral of his son; also to Sergeant Major Agnew, who had charge of the men sent down, for the very courteous and efficient military way they performed their duty, and hope this will be accepted by them.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 14th March 1918: The Military Medal
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 27382 Private C Boyd, Desertmartin.
Private Christy Boyd is buried in Mullagh Old Graveyard just outside Maghera.
The CWGC incorrectly state that Private Boyd was the son of Christy and Sarah Jane Boyd, of Carricknakielt, Maghera, Co. Derry.
