10th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (British Army)
Died:
01/07/1916 (Killed in Action)
Age:
19
Summary
Charles Eyre was born in Sligo about 1897. He was the son of Mary Elizabeth Eyre. The 1901 census records him as living in Corvanaghan, Ballynasollus, Tyrone with his great grandfather. He was 5 years old. He was for many years employed in Cookstown as an undertaker’s assistant with Mr. John Mayne and was an active member of Cookstown Boy’s Brigade. By 1911 he was living at 25 Church Street Coleraine. Lance Corporal Charles Eyre was killed in the advance at the Somme on 1 July 1916. He was 19 years old.
Further Information
Charles Eyre was born in Sligo town about 1897. He was the son of Mary Elizabeth Eyre.
The 1901 census records him as living in Corvanaghan, Ballynasollus, County Tyrone with his great grandfather. He was 5 years old.
Charles was for many years employed in Cookstown as an undertaker’s assistant with Mr John Mayne and was an active member of Cookstown Boy’s Brigade.
By 1911 he was living at 25 Church Street, Coleraine. The census lists Charles Eyre as a boarder.
He enlisted in Coleraine, County Londonderry, while he was working there.
On the 1st July 1916, 109 Brigade which included the 10th Inniskillings, was given one of the most heavily defended positions on the German front line. At 7.30 am the bombardment of trench mortars launched at the German lines stopped, the bugle called and the 10th Inniskillings made their advance. Things were going well for the 9th and 10th Battalions until German machine gunners placed at Thiepval village trained their guns on the advancing men. They suffered terrible casualties and most were left where they fell as their comrades advanced.
Lance Corporal Charles Eyre was serving with the 10th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on Saturday 1st July 1916. He was 19 years old.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 15th July 1916:
Lance Corporal Charles Eyre (Derry Volunteers), reported killed, was well known and highly respected in Cookstown. Was for several years with Mr John Mayne, undertaker (retired), Cookstown, and was a popular member of the Boys’ Brigade.
In his will, Charles left all to his mother, Mary Elizabeth Eyre.
Last Will and Testament of Lance Corporal Charles Eyre:
In the event of my death, I leave all my personal property and effects to my mother Mrs Eyre 25 Church Street Coleraine. Charles Eyre. L/ Cpl 15511. 10th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Lance Corporal Charles Eyre has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France.
Lance Corporal Eyre is also commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph, and on Coleraine War Memorial
