Boy Matthew Carson, 3513561, 1st Bn. Manchester Regiment

1903 Jul/Sep Born in the Barton on Irwell R.D.

1911 Census living at 1120 Eleventh Street, Trafford Park.

1921 Jun 5. Died Son of Robert and Ellen Carson, of 45, Hope Rd., Sale, Cheshire.

The Ashton under Lyne Reporter's second report dated the 18th September 1924 carries a large photograph of the funeral and an extensive report on the circumstances of their deaths and the funeral itself. Thousands of local people turned out for the funeral which was with full military honours. There had to be two services - an RC service for Matthew and a Cof E service for the other two. The M.I. under Matthews name is - "O Jesus, open wide thy heart and let him rest therein. R.I.P."

Matthew Carson's father, who was himself Irish, and had served with the Royal Irish Rifles for 20 years, was unable to get any satisfaction from his correspondence with the various authorities concerned, so he crossed to Ireland and enlisted the sympathy of Michael Collins and after a two year wait, his efforts were rewarded.

His father, died on the 23rd September 1942 - his death was reported in the 26/09/1942 edition of the local newspaper.

 

Manchester Band Boy Murders