Have You a Tiger In Your Family?

Rank : Private

Army Number : 43377

Unit : 6th Bn

Biography :

Patrick Kelly served with the Notts & Derby territorials before the outbreak of war as Private 1152 then 95824. In World War One he initially served in 6th Sherwood Foresters, landing in France on 26 Feb 1915. Was discharged from the Foresters on 9 May 1916 (it is believed that he had been gassed around Gommecourt). He then joined the 6th Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment.. After being recommended for the VC, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (L.G. 2.12.1919 "On the morning of 23rd October 1918 during the attack on Vendegies-au-Bois, he very greatly distinguished himself by carrying important messages between platoons of his company and between company headquarters and platoons. This was done under heavy machine gun and sniping fire at a time when the attack was held up. Later, on 26th October when a platoon of his company was holding an advanced post and was virtually surrounded, he did the journey three times each way from the post to the front line under very close sniping fire. He showed marked gallantry and devotion to duty."). He was also wounded while serving with 6th Bn, shot clean through the shoulder. Died at his home in Brampton, January 1922, aged 35.
The report of his funeral in the Derbyshire Times said,
"Recommended for the V.C. Military funeral of a Brampton hero
Date Jan 1922
Crowds of sympathisers witnessed the military funeral at Chesterield on Saturday of ex Private Patrick Kelly, who, recommended for the V.C., was awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry on the field. Aged 35. The deceased home was at 1 Bond's Row, Barker Lane, Brampton. He was taken ill with Bright's disease and was admitted to Chesterfield's Royal Hospital on October 22nd. A fortnight later he returned home and was re-admitted to the institution on Jan 22nd, but all efforts to save his life were unavailing. He leaves behind a wife and three young children, the youngest of whom is nine months. In the employ of Chesterfield Corporation he worked at the Gas Works, and was a staunch supporter of the Chesterfield Football Club, having frequently gone away with the team. In fact he was a keen sportsman, for almost every kind of sport appealed to him. A Territorial before the War, he was mobilised with the 6th Sherwood Forresters on the outbreak of hostilities with Germany, and he went to France in February 1916. Having the misfortune to be gassed he was invalided home. In due course he joined the 3rd Leicesters, and went with that Regiment to France. For great gallentry on the field he was recommended for the V.C. and received the Distinguished Coduct Medal. He was shot clean through the shoulder, and although his life was despaired of he eventually made a wonderful recovery. The funeral took place at Spital Cemetery, Chesterfiled, on Saturday, the Rev. Father J. Corr, S.J., officiating. Covering the coffin was a Union Jack, and on top was placed the deceased's hat, bayonet, and belt. The "Old Comrades" Band played the "Funeral March" and there also followed No. 1 Platoon of the Sherwood Foresters and the following Officers:- Capt. Victor Robinson M.C., Capt. A.J. Cook and Lieut. G. Clark D.S.O., M.C., M.M. The bearers were messrs. Wm Higginbottom, Albert Bradley, J. Bradford, J.H. Cryans, Needham and Sheperd. The family mourners were Mrs. Hannah Kelly (wife), Norah and Thomas Kelly (daughter and son), Mr. and Mrs. James Kelly (father and mother), Messers. James, William, John and Ernest Kelly (brothers), Misses Mary and Norah Kelly (sisters), Mrs. Hayes (mother-in-law), Messers. Tom, George and Ed. Hayes (brothers-in-law), Mr and Mrs Blackburn, Mr and Mrs T. Godfrey, Mr and Mrs J. Finney (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law), Miss E Hayes, Mrs F Kelly, Mrs James Kelly, Mrs John Kelly, and Mrs William Kelly (sisters-in-law) Mr and Mrs W. Robinson (uncle and aunt) Mrs. Reynolds (aunt), Mrs E. Kelly (sister-in-law), Mr James Callaghan (uncle), Mr Wm. Harvey, Mr. W Carlin (brothers-in-law), and Mr and Mrs T. Kelly (cousins). Floral tributes were sent by the wife and children, Mrs Hayes and family, Mr and Mrs Dickens (neighbours), United Services Club, No.1 Platoon, and Mrs T. Kelly. Three volleys were fired over the grave and "Last Post" sounded.

Patrick is my great grandfather. My grandfather is the 9 month old baby mentioned in the newspaper report of his funeral. I still have the home-made religious talisman that he kept with him in the trenches, a book of poems that he received in the convalensance home and the telegram my great grandmother received on his injury. All treasured family keepsakes as we are so proud of him and the other brave men and boys that gave so much.

Information provided by private source.

Date of Birth : 17.10.1886

Place of Birth : Chesterfield

Date of Death : 22.1.1922

Place of Death : Chesterfield

Civil Occupation : Coal Miner; Chesterfield Corporation (Gas Works)

Period of Service : 1910-18

Conflicts : WW1

Places Served : France