The so-called Great War was very costly in human lives. In Flanders Fields (Belgium) alone, a million soldiers from more than 50 different countries were wounded, reported missing or killed in action. Amongst them, 17 brave members of our Clann made the ultimate sacrifice and - sadly - it often feels that their contribution has been airbrushed out of history.
The grim conditions surrounding the battlefield made life hasardous, even away from the frontline. The death of George Patrick Coleman is a reminder of the unfairness of war.
George Patrick Coleman was born in Moy, Co. Tyrone (c. 1880) to James and Katherine Coleman. Before going to war, he married Ellen of Derrygortreary, Dungannnon, Co. Tyrone. He served with the 7th Brigade of the Royal Canadian Regiment, part of the 3rd Canadian Division.
Divisional reports state that Private Coleman "was proceeding on a works train to Vlamertinghe when a collision occured at Brandhoek Crossing between the train and a motor lorry, and he was severely injured, receiving fractured thighs and compound fracture both legs. After receiving immediate attention at the 88th Field Ambulance he was taken to No.3 Casualty Clearing Station where he died the same day."
George Patrick Coleman died on August 5th 1916, aged 36, his grave (pictured below) can be found in plot VII.D.25 at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, near the town of Poperinge.
A year later, on August 16th 1917, the Third Battle of Ypres claimed the lives of Edward and W. Coleman. Edward was married to Elizabeth J. before serving with the 8th Btn. of the Northumberland Fusiliers. Private Edward Coleman was 37 years old at the time of his death. His remains were never found and he is now remembered on panel 19/23 of the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.
W. Coleman was a Rifleman with the 13th Btn. of the Royal Irish Rifles. Little is known about his background beyond this basic biographical information. His grave (pictured below) can be found on plot V.H.14 in Tyne Cot Cemetery.
The son of Fredrick and Margaret Coleman and the husband of Mary Ann, Private Fred Coleman served with the 13th Btn. of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He is the latest (known) casualty of the Clann in Flanders Fields and the second to last of the Great War. He passed away on August 28th 1918, aged 32. Unfortunately, his remains were never found and a carving on panel 5 of the Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing is a stark reminder of his sacrifice.
Please note that the poppy on the cross pictured above represents the flowers growing on soldiers' graves in Flanders Fields. It is not a political statement of any sort.
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