Ref ID: 3885
Name
William Fitzsimmons
Description
Belfast Telegraph Newspaper Photograph of Private William Fitzsimmons.
Life Story
Name: William Fitzsimmons.
Service Number: 3455.
Rank: Private.
Battalion: 1st Battalion.
Regiment: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Born: 14th May 1895, Shankill Road, Belfast.
Died: 22nd March 1918.
Address: 1 Wilton Square South, Shankill Road, Belfast
.
William Fitzsimmons, son of James and Amelia Fitzsimmons, lived at 1 Wilton Square South, Shankill Road, Belfast
.
The 1901 Ireland Census has William living at 13 Wilton Square South, Belfast with his mother, Amelia, Stepfather John Coats, occupation, Labourer, 2 brothers, John, 8 years, Robert, under 1 year and sisters, Julie, 10 years, and Amelia, 12 years. Within the 1901 Ireland Census William and the rest of his family have all taken their stepfathers, Coats, name
.
The 1911 Ireland Census has William living at 26 Canmore Street, Shankill Road, Belfast with his mother, occupation, Linen Weaver, Stepfather, General Labourer, two sisters Amelia, Linen Weaver, Julia, Linen Yarn Spinner, and brother John, General Labourer. Williams two stepsisters, Sarah, 5 years, and Tilly, 1 year, also live in the house. A George Weir, Labourer at Iron Foundry, is registered as a Lodger. Williams occupation at this time is given as Machine Boy. William, John, Amelia and Julia have now resorted back to their fathers name, Fitzsimmons
.
William signed the Ulster Covenant on the 28th of September 1912, Ulster Day
.
William joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
He was posted as part of the British Expeditionary Force to France on the 26th of May 1915.
William was a Private in 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was Killed on the 22nd of March 1918 aged 22 years
.
A local newspaper in 1917 states.
Private William Fitzsimmons, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been admitted to hospital having been gassed on the 24th ult. His mother lives at 1 Wilton Square South, Belfast
.
Another in 1918 states.
FITZSIMMONS - L Cpl John Fitzsimmons and Rifleman Wm Fitzsimmons, brothers, serving in the Royal Irish Rifles, are missing. Their mother lives at 1 Wilton Square South, Belfast
.
See his brother also: 506 Rifleman John Fitzsimmons 17th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles
.
William Soldiers Effects were left to his mother Amelia.
His Will, signed and dated 14th January 1918, left his Property and Effects to his mother Amelia Coats.
Pension records also show his mother as claimant
.
William received the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1915 Star
.
He is Remembered at Pozieres Memorial, France.
To Remember Is To Honour
.
Theme
Shankill Roll of Honour
Date
0
Classification
Newspaper,
Photograph,
Photograph
