William ELLIS

William ELLIS Rifleman 6064 5th Royal Irish Rifles. Born 1889 to John Rowles Ellis and Jennie Ellis, of Eastbourne. 2 June 1914 he married Angelina Flannigan at Westbourne 3rd Presbyterian Church, Newtownards Road, Ballymacarret, East Belfast officiated by Reverened William Witherow. William was aged 22 and resided at 22 Moorfield Street. Angelia was aged 18, she resided at 18 Moorfield Street, both in Belfast. He resided with his wife and died at 29 Bread Street, East Belfast 20 January 1917 aged 28 of nephritis which he had for 7 months and dropsy. His wife, Angelina was present at his death. (CWGC list his age as 32 (Burial records shown aged 28). It appears that his wife did not apply for a war gratuity.

At rest in Dundonald Cemetery, Belfast in Plot E4. Grave 132.

Notes from his army records -
He first joined the army 2 May 1902 aged 17 years and 11 days. His residence was 37 Willowfield Road, Eastbourne with his parents. He was posted as Boy 11028 into the Suffolk Royal Garrison Artillery Militia. 1 August 1905 he was transferred into the 2nd Norfolk Regiment as Boy 7045. 4 August 1905 was appointed Drummer. 28 September 1910 promoted to Lance Corporal and at his own request reverted to Private on the 9 January 1912. Appointed Drummer 11 January 1912. He was discharged from the army on the termination of 1st period of engagement with the colours. He served 12 years on the 2 May 1914

Overseas postings -
South Africa. 12 October 1905 to 3 October 1908. Gibraltar 4 October 1908 to 13 October 1905. India 14 February 1911 to 11 October 1912. UK 12 November 1912 to his discharge 2 May 1914.
He re-enlisted aged 30 years and 240 days into the 5th Royal Irish Rifles 8 November 1915 at Palace Barracks, Holywood, Ireland as Private 6064, occupation, Clerk and residing at 29 East Bread Street, Belfast. He fell ill whilst stationed in Holywood and was admitted into the Barracks hospital 14 August 1916 to 5 October 1916, with nephritis. He was transferred to Royal Victoria Military Hospital, Belfast 6 October 1916 to 7 December 1916 for further treatment, his diagnosis was Brights disease and Chronic rheumatism. 8 December 1916 he was a before Medical Board which recommended him for discharged as being physically unfit for war service. 29 December 1916 he was discharged to his home and family at 29 East Bread Street, Belfast, aged 31. His disability was Brights Disease and Chronic Albuminuria.