Posted by UTP on November 10, 2003 at 21:17:02:

In Reply to: The plot thickens 1 posted by UTP on November 10, 2003 at 21:13:32:

The DLI were on the move again. Their next stop was Cork where Jimmy divided his time between the regimental band, playing clarinet and violin, and running the Army Temperance Association.

Jimmy. A model soldier stationed at Victoria Barracks, Cork in Oct 1909
The Temperance Association was unusually popular at Cork's Victoria Barracks and its large membership won the DLI an award.

Jimmy who was teetotal, held his temperance meetings in rooms above a pub, opposite the barracks.

However, his comrades' interest grew when they realised that attending the temperance lectures was an easier way of getting into the pub!

Jimmy: The accidental tourist

Jimmy was by all accounts a popular figure in Cork and an avid tourist, writing to Stella in July 1908:

"My Dear Stella,
What do you think of the masta, does he look all right.
I have been very busy and we are not having very nice weather.

Today it has been thundering and lightning. Sorry I didn't write before but have had a lot of correspondence to do.

You will excuse me not sending this by its self but it would get damaged I think. Hope you all are keeping well. Roll on the 21st".

The Irish climate finally undermined Jimmy's health and on the 8 August 1910, aged only 27, he died from pneumonia.

Jimmy's funeral in Fermoy, Ireland in August 1910*

Jimmy was buried with full military honours in the local cemetery. The floral tributes and large gathering of mourners bear witness to his popularity.

PHOTO OF FUNERAL*NOT ANNOYINGLY ON SITE

Follow Ups:

• Re: The plot thickens 3 UTP 21:25:27 10/11/03 (2)
  • Re: The plot thickens 3 MM 12:17:55 11/11/03 (0)
  • Re: The plot thickens 3 JDP 23:02:33 10/11/03 (0)

Post a Followup