At the time of his death, Patrick was a Private in the Army Cyclist Corps, however he originally signed up to the York and Lancaster Regiment at the age of ’19 and 1 month’. He stated on his sign up papers that he was willing to be enlisted for ‘General Service Infantry’. Patrick attested to join the army on 11th August 1914, and died on 24th August 1918. He was awarded the 14 Star, Victory and British Medals. His records show his mother Caroline took receipt of his 14-15 Star Medal on 20th March 1920 and his British and Victory Medals on 4th July 1921.
Patrick was originally posted to the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and his records show that on the 27th June 1916 he embarked the H.T. Oriana en route to the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front. His records next show him disembarking at Boulogne at the end of March 1917 before travelling to Rouen, and being posted to the III Corps Battalion ‘In the field’ in mid April.
Patrick Conlon
The Conisbrough and Denaby 100 Project
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Patrick’s medical records show that he had a chest measurement of 39.5”, a ‘fresh’ complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair. His casualty forms show that in 1916, whilst in Alexandria Patrick was awarded 10 days ‘CC’; Confined to Camp for not complying with an order. He was admitted to hospital in Alexandria for ‘Frequency of Micturition’, and again in Mustapha for the same thing. This appears to mean that he had an increased frequency of urination. In March 1917, Patrick was given 7 days confined to barracks for being “Drunk at Victoria Rd Swindon at 9:35pm” and “Using obscene and threatening language to Military Police.” Whether the former and the latter are connected is anyone’s guess... Finally, at the end of December 1917, Patrick was awarded 7 day’s Field Punishment No. 2, and forfeited 2 day’s pay for overstaying his leave. He was apparently sent to hospital on the same day, and rejoined his unit the following day.
Patrick was the son of John and Caroline Conlon. In the 1901 census, the family is listed as 'Ellis' and not 'Conlon'; Ellis was Patrick’s paternal garndmother's maiden name and appears to have been his father John’s middle name. The family in 1911 is living at 19 Loversall Street, Denaby and comprises of John, Caroline, Edward (presumably this is Patrick, the dates match up) and Elizabeth. Also at the house are John Farnell, James Carney (?) and Joseph Foster, all of whom are boarders and coal miners, as is John. On this census, Caroline is listed as being 21 and 'Edward' as being 5 which suggests (if the ages are correct) that Caroline was only 16 when she had him. On the 1911 census however, the couple are listed as having been married for 15 years, and Patrick is exactly 15.
In 1911 at the age of 15 Patrick was a Driver at the colliery . His father John was still a Miner. The records show that Patrick’s father was Irish, from Dublin, his mother was from Staffs. Also living at house Florence Pearson 'sister' (to John?) doing House Work as an occupation, and Patrick Kilroy, who was a boarder and a Miner.
Patrick was the eldest of the children, and was nearly 20 years older than his youngest brother James, who he would never have met, as he was only born in 1918. Patrick’s father John had a brother named Patrick, and it is likely that he was named for his uncle.
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We visited Arras Memorial in spring 2015 and laid Patrick's tribute card.
Arras Memorial
Panel containing Patrick's name
Patrick's inscription