Thomas McTAGGART

Thomas McTAGGART. Rifleman 6565 2nd Royal Irish Rifles.
Born 1887 in Newtownards to Thomas McTaggart of 27 Frederick Street, Newtownards. His service records show his mother was called Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wier of Frederick Street Newtownards
Husband of Sarah, nee Ritchie who he married 4 September 1906 at Newtownards Parish Church, residence 27 Frederick Street. One of the witnesses was John Weir
Irish 1911 census with his wife at 75 Mill Street Newtownards, occupation labourer
Discharged to pension 17 September 1915 died at Frederick Street Newtownards 23 January 1916 aged 30 years of Pulmonary tuberculosis which he had for twelve months, status, army pensioner. His mother was present at death
War gratuity granted to his widow now called Sarah Ouldridge 14 July 1920.
At rest in Movilla Cemetery Newtownards County Down, Northern Ireland.

Notes from his service records
Attestation for the Militia or Reserve Division of the Militia. Joined 20 March 1905 as Private 5347 aged 21. Residing at 28 Frederick Street, Newtownards.
Attested for Army Reserve (Special Reservists) 28 June 1908 aged 24 years and 3 months joined as Private 6565 4th Royal Irish Regiment Special Reserve. Annual Training at Ballykinlar Camp County Down 19 June 1909 to 9 July 1909. End of engagement terminated and discharged 19 August 1911 to his residence 114 Mill Street, Newtownards
16 August 1912 now with the 11th R.I.R.S.R. Residing at 168 Mill Street Newtownards. Between 1913 and 1914 just did annual training. Outbreak of WW1 mobilized 5 August 1914, posted to 2nd R.I.R In France from 8 November 1914 invalided to England 29 January 1915.

He was on a Medical Board September 1915. Report. Disability. Phthisis Periproctitis. Originated at Kemmel France on 27 December 1914 when he first complained of pain in legs and chest. He was invalided to England. He had an abscess in his left ischo – pectal ( uscho-pectoral) region, it was opened. Has cough and occasional night sweats, voice is husky. Has signs of Pulmonary Tuberculosis at both apices.
Medical Board: - Not result of active service, climate, or ordinary military service. Permanent
D.G.A.M.S (Director General Army Medical Services) his note. Due to service since declaration of war.

Discharged at Belfast 17 September 1915 at The Royal Irish Rifles Depot Belfast to his home at 37 Frederick Street, Newtownards.