Mathew Colgan was the youngest son of James and Ellen Colgan. Mathew Colgan was born on 5th July 1891 in Tobermore, County Londonderry. His father was a farm labourer in Tobermore. Matthew Colgan served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers for three years. About 1912, Matthew Colgan moved to live in Toronto, Canada. Matthew was employed by the city of Toronto as a labourer before he enlisted. He was living 121 Shaw Street along with his brother David. Private Matthew Colgan was serving with 75th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he died as the result of shell wounds at No. 11 Canadian Field Ambulance on the eve of Christmas on 21st December 1916.
Further Information
Mathew Colgan was the youngest son of James and Ellen Colgan. James Colgan married Ellen Martin on 20th November 1882 in Magherafelt.
Mathew Colgan was born on 5th July 1891 in Tobermore, County Londonderry.
In civilian life, his first name is spelt Mathew. All military documentation spells his name Matthew.
Family: James Colgan, Ellen Colgan, Sarah Colgan (born 15th August 1883), Thomas Colgan (born 25th September 1884), Matilda Colgan (born 4th December 1885), John Colgan (born 24th January 1887, died 3rd May 1900), David Colgan (born 17th February 1888), Lavinia Colgan (born 23rd December 1889, died 10th July 1891), Mathew Colgan (born 5th July 1891).
The 1901 census lists Mathew as age 10 living with the family at house 9 in Moyesset, Tobermore, County Londonderry. Mathew was still at school. His father was a farm labourer.
The 1911 census does not list Mathew as living with the family at house 95 in Tobermore Town, Londonderry. His mother and brother lived in Tobermore town.
No record of Mathew Colgan can be found on the 1911 Canadian census.
Matthew Colgan served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers for three years.
About 1912, Matthew Colgan moved to live in Toronto, Canada.
Matthew was employed by the city of Toronto as a labourer before he enlisted. He was living 121 Shaw Street along with his brother David.
Matthew Colgan enlisted in Toronto on 30th July 1915. He was serving in 9 M H Militia at the time of enlistment. He gave his next of kin as his mother, Ellen Colgan, who was by then living at 3 James Street, Coleraine.
Private Colgan went out with the 75th Battalion from Exhibition Camp in spring 1916, and after a month’s illness in a hospital in England, rejoined his battalion in the 4th Division. He reached the trenches in June.
Private Matthew Colgan was serving with 75th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he died as the result of shell wounds at No. 11 Canadian Field Ambulance on the eve of Christmas on 21st December 1916. He was in No. 5 Platoon, B Company.
The Canadian Circumstances of Death Register records that Private Colgan died of wounds on 21st December 1916 as the result of shell wounds at No 11 Canadian Field Ambulance.
From the Toronto Star dated 6th January 1917: Private M Colgan Killed
Mathew Colgan, aged 24, and Irishman from Belfast Ireland, who lived at 121 Shaw Street, and worked for the city, has fallen in action. Today he was officially reported killed in action. Private Colgan went out with the 75th Battalion from Exhibition Camp last spring., and after a month’s illness in a hospital in England, rejoined his battalion in the 4th Division. He was in No. 5 Platoon, B Company, of the 75th, and had been in Toronto three years. His brother, David Colgan, resides at 121 Shaw Street, and is a civic employee.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 6th January 1917:
Private Matthew Colgan, of the Canadian Forces, brother of Mrs Dunlop, James Street, Coleraine, killed in action. Private Colgan was a native of Tobermore.
From the Toronto Star dated 5th February 1917: Died of Wounds
Previously reported to have been killed in action, Private Matthew Colgan, who formerly lived at 121 Shaw Street, is today reported to have died of wounds. He was employed by the city before he enlisted for overseas services with the 75th Battalion. He reached the trenches in June. Private Colgan was 22 years of age and unmarried. His mother lives in Derry, Ireland.
Private Matthew Colgan is buried in Cabaret- Rouge British Cemetery Pas de Calais, France.
