James Carson's Death

"Mary Carson

It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has been received from the War Office notifying the death of J.J.Carson, of the Royal Irish Rifles which occurred on service at the Battle of the Somme, and I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council at your loss. The cause of death was shrapnel injuries received from the explosion of a mortar shell. As his body could not be recovered, a burial service has been arranged at Martinsart Cemetery, Albert, Somme, France.

Any application you may wish to make regarding the late soldier's death should be addressed to "The Secretary, War Office, Whitehall, London.

I am, Madam, your obedient servant,

Officer in charge of War Records."

War Diary entry mentioning James John Carson.

War Diary entry mentioning James John Carson.

Headstones at Martinsart, amongst these is James John Carson's.

James' Memorial Plaque (or 'Dead Man's Penny') was awarded to his family in recognition of his death.

The Trenches

I have a few minutes to myself so I thought I would spend them writing home. We landed in France today; I can’t say it’s the nicest place I’ve seen….but I am real excited to send those Germans back to their Kaiser’s lap in Berlin. Letitia has been worried sick about me in her letters, I sympathise that I can’t be there to comfort her in person. She says that Father is proud of me, I’m glad that I can also take pride with myself too.  I miss the taunting from Sarah, Mary and Rachel, out here; it’s the small things that mean the most. It’s hard to believe it’s near Christmas and even harder to accept that I can’t spend it with my family, especially my dear wife, Mary. Today is fine and there has been a change in weather as it has been very cold and wet lately. But I believe they are having snow in Warrenpoint and I hope it doesn’t come our way as God knows we are bad enough without it. We are likely to take our Christmas dinner in the trenches this year. But we are as contented as well there as any other place. In fact I would rather be in the trenches as the time passes more quickly in them. If all goes well, we should hopefully be back home in the New Year. A few of the boys and I adopted a dog, it’s a good little hound, but it has no place out here.  I’ll see you all when the war is over, I’ll be sure to write as the war goes on.

Lots of love, James.

Banbridge soldiers in the trenches (October-November 1915)

Recruitment, Training, Route Marches and Farewell

Training

Dearest Mother,

I am writing just to make sure that you and the rest of the family are remaining in good health. Don't fret over those monstrous Germans as our regiment shall lead the front, leading the sound of battle with music. I am currently training on the Clandyboye Estate in Bangor, which is now our new training camp. In my last letter I expressed my wishes to be placed within the Royal Irish Regiment, and am now training with the 13^th Battalion within the Royal Irish.Please find enclosed a photo of us on our break from training, again I hope you are keeping well and hope to see you soon, though I cannot promise this as once we get our uniform we will be leaving for the front.Your loving son, James.

Photo of Royal Irish Rifles, 13th Battalion training at Clandyeboye Estate.

Route Marches and Farewell to Ulster

Dear Mother,

It’s my last day today. I’ve got butterflies in my belly but I’m roaring with excitement. I can’t describe how I feel, especially with the crowds that have gathered today at Belfast City Centre. There were hundreds, thousands of people! There were even people sitting on the walls and on the window ledges of the buildings that we marched past, cheering us on. You wouldn’t believe it ma. Me, just a small town boy in the army! It’s mad! The only annoying thing is that they keep calling me John. I don’t know why, but it’s getting a bit annoying. Oh yeah, here’s a picture of the huge crowds at Belfast City. I thought I saw you in the crowd with the family! Ha! The weather is pourin’ down now and my boots are drenched! This must be what they mean when it rains in May. We’ve been ordered to march from Belfast City Centre to Malone. We marched around this huge estate which is just full of fields but all the different regiments are coming together. Our CO tells us to keep our backs straight and our drums kept at our chests. We drummed our souls out! Here’s a picture of us with the all the regiments and some of the generals seeing us off.  I think it’s really patriotic but the drums make me a bit nervous, you know? It’ll be an adventure and maybe I’ll even get to go onto the front lines and march with the army! Can you believe that ma?! I hope the family are doing well and give my love and respect to Da’, Henry and the rest. I hope I have made you proud.

Love James ‘John’ Carson

13th Division leave Clandyeboye for Newtonards station

Belfast City Centre march-past 8th May 1915

36th Division march-past 8th May 1915

War Declared

I have just read about these Germans in the Newry Reporter! I called into Hill Street last night and had a long chat with my Father. Both of us agree that we have to do our part to keep those Germans back! They are going to move into Belgium!! Can’t let that happen! I’m going to join the Irish Down Volunteers. I’ll be in the Royal Irish Rifles.

Copy of the 'Newry Reporter' broadcasting the declaration of war against Germany