Guardsman
John Corkan
Military Details
Service Number: 2720246
Regiment & Unit / Ship
1st Battalion Irish Guards
Service Branch
Army
Enlistment Details
Residence at Enlistment
Oxford
Rank at Enlistment
Pte
Battalion at Enlistment
Ist Bttn
Service History
A keen sportsman, John Corkan had been injured playing football for his battalion early in 1943 and had been sent home on sick leave while recovering. He had returned to his unit in North Africa about 7 weeks before he met with his death.
Transfer Details
Regiment Transferred To
Irish Guards
Personal Details
Date of Birth
1st August 1917
Place of Birth
Cleator Moor
Religion
RC
Address
11 Dyke Nook, Frizington
Parents
Edward and Jane
Siblings
Mary (born 1912), Thomas (born 1914), Margaret (born 1920), Bridget (born 1923) Edward (born 1926)
Education and Occupation
School
St Josephs
Occupation
Car Worker
Work Address
Morris Cowley Works , Oxford
Death and Memorial
Date of Death
1st May 1943
Circumstances of Death
He died of wounds in Tunisia on 1 May 1943 while serving with the 1st Battalion and is buried in Oued Zarga War Cemetery, Tunisia (
Place of Death
North Africa
Theater of Action
North Africa
Regiment at Death
Irish Guards
Battalion/Vessel at Death
Ist Bttn
Notes
The following notice was placed in the 'Family Notices' section of 'The Whitehaven News' (Thursday 20 May 1943) by the family of Guardsman John Corkan:
"ON ACTIVE SERVICE
Corkan -
Killed in action overseas on May 1st, Guardsman John Corkan, beloved son of Edward and Jane Corkan, Dyke Nook, Frizington.
On whose soul, Sweet Jesus, have mercy".
The following year (27 April 1944) Guardsman John Corkan's family placed the following commemorative tribute to his memory in 'The Whitehaven News':
"ROLL OF HONOUR
Corkan -
In loving memory of Guardsman John Corkan, Irish Guards, who died of wounds, on May 1 1943 in North Africa.
May he rest in peace.
Ever remembered by his Mother, Father, Sisters and Brother".
Buried or Commemorated at
Oued Zarga War Cemetery
Tunisia
Grave Position: Grave Ref. 1.E.23).
Private Memorial: John is commemorated on the Frizington Village War Memorial,
St Joseph's R.C. Church War Memorial
Cleator Moor 'Roll of Honour'.
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