WWI British War Medal. Callaghan. Royal Irish Rifles. Dowlais, Glamorgan. Deserter/GSW

Correctly  named 5/5910 Pte D Callaghen R Ir Rif

Dennis was born to William and Catherine in Dowlais, Glamorgan, South Wales. His parents came from County Kilkenny and Cork respectively.

In 1911 we find the family living at 3 Cross Street in Dowlais with Dennis working as a colliery labourer.

He married Margaret Power in 1913.

Dennis enlisted with the 5th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles and went overseas with the 2nd Battalion to France in December 1915.

He also serve with the 7th Bn.

We see him desert in October 1916 but is back with the colours a month later.

We see he recieved gunshot wounds to his left shoulder and neck on the 16th/17th of August 1917.

A spell with the 11th Bn Royal Irish Fusiliers in July 1918 before transferring that same month to the Royal Defence corps with the service umber 83021. He served with the 405th Protection Company.

Protection Companies. They would take over the duties of the Supernumerary Territorial Force Companies and would come into existence on 29 April 1916. 

Dennis died in 1936.

The medal has a modern replacement ribbon.