Maurice Joseph Morahan

Pte 1st/4th Btn 'A' Company Cheshire Regiment 50311

Died: 07-10-1918 age 32

Maurice Joseph Morahan was the sixth of ten children born to William and Honoria (Norah) Morahan of Clonmore, Piltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland. We know little about his early life but he must have come to Chester looking for work or adventure some time between 1901 and 1914.

In 1914 he was living at 20 Philip Street in Hoole and it was from here that he enlisted with the Cheshire Regiment on 22 September 1914, age 28 years and 9 months. He was based for much of his early service at the Infantry Base Depot where he joined the 16th Btn of the Cheshires. His service was scattered with odd few days treatment for scabies in Military Hospitals in Yarmouth and Bedford and disciplinary forfeits for overstaying leave in June 1915 or not returning to billet before 9.30 pm.

On 19 January 1917 Maurice disembarked at Rouen and he spent the rest of his army service in France and Flanders. On 9 February 1918 he was attached to 178 Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers. On 26 April he was wounded and treated at the Infantry Base Depot. Leave in UK was granted from 20 June to 4 July 1918. Maurice was then posted to the 1st/4th Battalion of the Cheshires. He was killed in action on 7 October 1918.

In 1919 his effects were sent to his mother in Ireland. Norah Morahan sent a letter back, thanking the army authorities for forwarding her son’s effects and sorrowfully asking that if any other effects were found later, she would be very glad if they could be sent to her. In 1920 Maurice’s British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal were sent to his father, William.

Maurice is buried in Grave I.D.20 of Zantvoorde British Cemetery, Belgium.