8th Bn., Manchester Regiment

[Margaret2]

Hi, I am trying to find any information about my Mum's uncle  -  Private SAMUEL DONAGHY, 3533565, 8th Bn., Manchester Regiment
who died age 27 on 11 July 1944 from a gunshot wound to the head.  He is buried in Bolsena War Cemetery.
Son of Thomas and Ellen Emily Donaghy, of Ancoats, Manchester.
I know he enlisted on 18 January 1940.
Mum's family were told he was shot and treated and then returned to driving an ambulance and was then fatally shot in the head.
I would appreciate any information about him for my Mum. 
thank you

[Robert Bonner]

Little is recorded about that period but we know that on 7th July the Ardwicks were near Civitella and captured the medieval castle of Rocca D'Aria.  They then went into rest for two days before continuing their advance.

By this time the enemy was in full retreat towards the Gothic Line, now only about twenty miles from the British front. The Gothic Line began on the Adriatic plain from San Marimba, and then ran across the southern part of the highest watershed in Italy. This defensive position, some 200 miles in length had been reconnoitred a year before when Hitler had told Mussolini that he was about to pull back to the Northern Apennines.  Every position was held until attacked or threatened in force, and then the Germans attempted to withdraw. 

On 11th July the battalion was given one-hour notice to move to 25 Brigade and at 1230 moved forward.  At 1430 hours the battalion moved off on foot and at 1700 hours took over a position from the 3/18th Royal Garhwal Rifles. The following day was fairly quiet with a few patrols sent out.  Unfortunately Lieutenant Carr, the Patrol Master, was slightly wounded in an encounter with the enemy and Private Donaghy was killed in the same encounter.

I hope that this is of help.
Robert

[Margaret2]

Wow!  That is amazing  -  my Mum will be thrilled when I tell her.  Thank you so much.

[Wendi]

Hi Margaret and a Warm Welcome to our forum 

It may be possible for you to obtain his service record, if your Mum is his next of kin.  It costs £30 and because he died in service I don't think you will need a copy of his death certificate. Click Here for a link on how to.

It takes a while, but it's worth it.

Wendi 

[Margaret2]

Is is easy to do as we are in Tasmania, Australia?  I would love to get some more information about her Uncle particularly any service medals he may have received.

[Margaret2]

Thanks Wendi, I have downloaded the forms and will help Mum to fill them in.  Fingers crossed!

[Wendi]

Cool !  Let us know how you get on 

[themonsstar]

Here is the Roll of Honour page from Manchester Cathedral

[Margaret2]

You are amazing!  I have been trying to find this with no success.  My Mum will be thrilled.
Thank you so much.
cheers
Margaret