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John Condon, No.6322, was the youngest Allied soldier to be
killed in action in World War I. He was born in Waterford city
in 1901, the son of John and Mary Condon of no.2, Teapot Lane
(Sargent's Court). He had two brothers (Patrick, Peter) and
two sisters (Katie and Margaret). In 1910 the family moved
house to no. 2, Wheelbarrow Lane (Thomas's Avenue),
Wellington Street. All the males in the family were employed
as general labourers, John jnr. being employed as a bottler in
Sullivan's Bottling Stores in the city. In that year
(1910) the mother and daughter Kate both died from
tuberculosis and John went to live with his uncle Michael
Condon, a cobbler, at Kneefe's Lane, off Barrack Street. |
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turned up at the recruiting office in Waterford on October
24th, 1913 where he gave his age as 18 years, although he was
only 13 years old. He had taken the identity of his older,
dead, brother who was also named John. He took the oath and
signed up to the Army Reserve for six years service. His
recruiting attestation was signed by Capt. J. P. T. Mackesy
J.P. and he was assigned to the 3rd battalion, Royal Irish
Regiment. On
the following day, October 25th 1913, he reported to the
medical Officer R.A.M.C. for his physical examination. His
Medical History form describes John as being 5' 3"
(1.60m) tall, 118lbs (53.6kgs) in weight, with brown eyes and
brown hair. His expanded chest was 35" with an expansion
of 2". The examination also revealed three large scars on
the outer side of the left thigh. His separation money was
3/9d. The recruiting Officer at Waterford, J.Conway wrote to
Sgt. Baldwin - presumably of the R.I.C. - regarding Condon's
character. John was described as sober and honest and,
notwithstanding the medical History form, Sgt. Baldwin
wrote,curiously, that he had blue eyes. |
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On
June 14th, 1914 young John travelled to Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
where he joined the Royal Irish Regiment, 18th of Foot at
Victoria Barracks. He
was mobilised on August 7th, 1914 and posted to the 2nd
Battalion on December 16th, 1914.
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March 1915 John found himself in Belgium, just in time for the
second battle of Ypres where, on May 24th, he was killed in
action at Bellevarde Ridge - that day when "a strange
greenish mist crept across from the enemy position, to attack
the eyes and throat and burn out the lungs." He
was fourteen years of age - the youngest Allied soldier to be
killed in the war. He is buried at Poelcappelle Cemetery,
Langermark-PK, West V, Belgium in PLot LVI Row F. His grave
has become perhaps the most visited grave in that huge
cemetery with hundreds of visitors each day.
The
next of kin was given as John Condon c/o T. Ryan, Harrington's
Avenue, Waterford and it was stated that there were no effects
belonging to the deceased. In 1922 the deceased was awarded
the British War Medal and the Victory Medal -
these were received and acknowledged by his father on
September 9th, 1922. He also received the 1914-15 Star.
On January 5th, 1924 a letter was sent to John Condon snr.,
from the Officer in Command, Infantry Records Office with
regard to the effects of his son viz., a piece of boot, and
asking if it should be sent to him. Mr. Condon replied
as follows;
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c/o
2 Thomas es (sic) Avenue
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Waterford
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Ireland
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7/1/24
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Dear
Sir,
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Your
letter of 5th inst re peices (sic) of boot
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belonging
to the late Pte. J. Condon 6322 Royal Irish
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Regiment
Killed in Action May 1915
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I
would be Obliged to you for same and others (sic)
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information
regarding him.
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Yours
Truly
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J.Condon
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(N.B.
The piece of boot was sent on Jan 8th, 1924.)
Waterford City Council decided, in 2002, to honour John Condon
and all who died in wars and a memorial will be dedicated to
them in the city. |
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