Bernard Crilly was the second son of John and Annie Crilly. Bernard Crilly was born on 13th April 1893 in Draperstown. Like his father, Bernard was a fowl dealer. Private Crilly was initially with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment (No 3568). Private Bernard Crilly was serving with 47th Company of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) when he died on Friday 8th September 1916. He was 22 years old. In his will, he left all to his mother who was living at Tonaght Cottage, Draperstown.
Further Information
Bernard Crilly was the second son of John and Annie Crilly. John Crilly married Annie Quigg on 28th May 1890 in the parish of Magherafelt.
Bernard Crilly was born on 13th April 1893 in Draperstown.
The 1901 census lists Bernard as age 7 living with the family at house 67 in Draperstown, Londonderry. John Crilly was an egg and fowl dealer.
The 1911 census lists Bernard as age 18 living with the family at house 58 in Draperstown, Londonderry. Like his father, Bernard was a fowl dealer.
Family: John Crilly, Annie Crilly, Charles Crilly (born 23rd July 1891), Bernard Crilly (born 13th April 1893), John Crilly (born 17th February 1895), Francis Crilly (born 27th August 1897), James Crilly (born 26th September 1899, died 10th November 1899), Bridget Crilly (born 23rd August 1900), James Crilly (born 5th July 1903, died 11th September 1903), Annie Crilly (born 29th December 1904).
Private Crilly was initially with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. No 3568.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 11th December 1915: Draperstown
Private Bernard Crilly and James McGeehan, of the Irish Brigade, were home on furlough for a few days last week.
Private Bernard Crilly was serving with 47th Company of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) when he died on Friday 8th September 1916. He was 22 years old.
In his will, he left all to his mother who was living at Tonaght Cottage, Draperstown.
Last Will and Testament of Private Bernard Crilly
3569 Private Bernard Crilly 4th Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment. In the event of my death, I give the whole of my money to my mother, Mrs John Crilly, Tonaght Cottage, Draperstown, County Derry, Ireland.
Private Bernard Crilly has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Bernard’s brother, Charles Crilly, also died in the war. Private Charles Crilly was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment when he died of wounds on Saturday 8th September 1917 - exactly one year after his brother. Remarkably, both died on 8th September.
The CWGC record Private Bernard Crilly as the son of John and Annie Crilly of Draperstown, Co. Derry.
