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- 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers during the Great War -


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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment

8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers



   8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers was raised in September 1914 as part of Kitchener's Second New Army and joined 48th Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division. They trained at Buttevant, then moved to Ballyhooley in June 1915. In September they crossed to England for final training at Blackdown. They proceeded to France in December 1915, landing at Le Havre, the division concentrated in the Bethune area. In 1916 they were in action on the Somme during the The Battle of Guillemont in which the Divisieon captured the village and The Battle of Ginchy. In 1917 they fought at the The Battle of Messines and The Battle of Langemark, during the Third Battles of Ypres. On the 24th of October 1917 the 8th Dublin Fusiliers amalgamated with the 9th Battalion to form 8/9th Battalion.

Jun 1915 On the Move

11th Dec 1915 Orders

12th Dec 1915 Advance Party

19th Dec 1915  On the move

19th Dec 1915 On the March

20th Dec 1915 On the move

20th Dec 1915 On the Move

21st Dec 1915 On the move

21st Dec 1915 On the Move

22nd Dec 1915 On the move

22nd Dec 1915 On the March

23rd Dec 1915 Training

24th Dec 1915 Training

25th Dec 1915 Church Parades and Training

26th Dec 1915 Route March

27th Dec 1915 Route March

27th Dec 1915 Poor Conditions

28th Dec 1915 On the move

28th Dec 1915 On the March

30th Dec 1915 Orders Received

31st Dec 1915 Inspection

27th Apr 1916 Irish men under attack  8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers along with the 9th Royal Dublin Fusiliers came under heavy artillery and chlorine gas attack at Hulluch (Loos)on the 27th to 29th of April 1916, suffering heavy casualties.

29th Apr 1916 Gas Attack

1st Jul 1916 Report  location map

1st Jul 1916 Report  location map

1st Jul 1916 Attack  location map

2nd Jul 1916 Artillery  location map

5th Sep 1916 Lost

6th Sep 1916 Patrols

9th Sep 1916 In Action  location map

6th Oct 1916 Enemy Active  location map

31st May 1917 At Rest

2nd June 1917 Reliefs  location map

4th Jan 1918 Reliefs

If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.





Want to know more about 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers?


There are:5264 items tagged 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers available in our Library

  These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War.


Those known to have served with

8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers

during the Great War 1914-1918.

  • Andrews Patrick. Pte. (d.29th Apr 1916)
  • Bagley MC. Arthur Bracton. Capt. (d.29th October 1918)
  • Baxter John William. Pte. (d.6th Aug 1917)
  • Behan Patrick. Pte. (d.28th Apr 1916)
  • Boland James. Pte. (d.9th Sep 1916)
  • Boothman Henry. L/Cpl. (d.6th Sep 1916)
  • Brabazon Francis Joseph. Pte. (d.12th Jun 1916)
  • Brabazon Frank. Pte. (d.12th June 1916)
  • Brabazon Frank F.. Pte.
  • Breen Patrick. L/Cpl. (d.27th Apr 1916)
  • Brennan Christopher. Pte. (d.24th Oct 1916)
  • Brennan Christopher. Pte. (d.24th Oct 1916)
  • Burke Felix. Rev.
  • Byrne Michael. Pte. (d.10th Feb 1917)
  • Byrne Thomas. Pte.
  • Cosgrove Patrick. Pte. (d.25th Sep 1917)
  • Daly John. Pte. (d.6th Sep 1916)
  • Day John. Pte. (d.30th Apr 1916)
  • Devlin James. L/Cpl. (d.Sep 1917)
  • Devlin James. L/Cpl. (d.25th September 1917)
  • Dolan Peter. Pte. (d.29th Mar 1916)
  • Dunne Joseph. Pte. (d.27/29th Apr 1916)
  • English Ernest Godfrey. Pte. (d.9th Sept 1916)
  • Farrell Patrick. Pte. (d.27th April 1916)
  • Foy Christopher. Pte. (d.8th Sept 1916)
  • Hamilton Geoffrey Cecil Monck. 2nd Lt. (d.9th Sep 1916)
  • Hynes James. Pte. (d.30th Apr 1916)
  • McLean William James. Pte (d.27th April 1916)
  • Molloy John. Pte. (d.30 April 1916)
  • Mulvaney Patrick. Pte. (d.7th September 1916)
  • O'Neill Michael. Pte (d.29th Apr 1916)
  • Potts Alfred James. Pte.
  • Reynolds Francis Anthony. Sgt. (d.16th April 1916)
  • Reynolds Peter. Pte. (d.1st February 1917)
  • Roberts John. Pte. (d.31st July 1916)
  • Rowland Stephen. Pte. (d.10th Aug 1917)
  • Russell Thomas Joseph. Sgt. (d.29th April 1916)
  • Spillane Edward. Pte. (d.29th Apr 1916)
  • Sweeney John. A/Cpl. (d.12th Aug 1917)
  • Tynan Edward. Pte.
  • Wixted Michael. Pte.

All names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List

Records of 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers from other sources.


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  Pte. Michael Wixted 2nd Btn. Royal Dublin Fusilliers

Michael Wixted was born in January 1889. He joined the British Army in mid 1915 and was allotted to the 7th Royal Irish Rifles. There is evidence of a Leinster Regiment being formed around this time and it is probable that along with thousands of other young Dubliner's, he enlisted. From his Medal Roll Card, we know he arrived in France with a Draft in early 1916 He had been transferred to the 8th Royal Dublin Fusiliers by late 1917, having left his original Regiment for reasons and a date unknown but likely to be due to a wound or sickness

He was posted to the 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers in February 1918 when the 8th Battalion was disbanded. In total 400 men were absorbed into both the 1st and 2nd Royal Dublin Fusilier Battalions on the 10th of February 1918. 200 men being absorbed into each Battalion.

Michael was captured by German forces on the 21st of March 1918 in the town of St. Quentin in France. This was during a very heavy offensive of 500,000 German Troops against some 200,000 Allied Troops. Sometime after his capture, Michael had been transferred to Soltau Prisoner of War Camp, Germany. He was repatriated to England in January 1919.

Brian Connolly






  Pte Michael O'Neill 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.29th Apr 1916)

Michael O'Neill served with 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

Jean Reinhardt






  Pte. Peter Reynolds 8th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.1st February 1917)

My great-great-uncle, Peter Reynolds, emigrated to Earlestown in Lancashire from Clonfane, Trim, County Meath sometime before the 1911 census. He worked as a coal miner and married an Emily Luke before enlisting in 1915 and being sent to France with the 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

He first served in the Balkans on 2nd of August 1915. Medal card records receipt of Victory British Medal and 1914-1915 Star. He was killed in action on 1st February 1917 in Flanders and is buried in La Laiterie Military Cemetery.

Jenny Ní Mhaoileoin






  Pte. Stephen Rowland 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.10th Aug 1917)

Stephen Rowland was my 4th cousin who died in action on the 10th August 1917. His name appears on the Menin Gate memorial so I presume his body was never found. RIP Stephen much love and thanks.

Andrew xx







  Capt. Arthur Bracton Bagley MC. 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.29th October 1918)

Arthur Bagley was born 6th of March 1891 in Rangoon, Burma. The 1901 census shows he was a boarder at Stoneygates School in Leicester. On 26th October 1910 he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant (on probation) with the 3rd Battalion The Royal Dublin Fusiliers from the Cambridge University contingent Officers Training Corps. The 1911 census shows him based at Tournay Barracks, Marlborough at Aldershot.

On 2 October 1914 he was awarded an aviator's certificate by the Royal Aero Club following a flight in a Maurice Farman biplane at the Central School of Flying at Upavon Airfield. In 1915 he married Kathleen Georgina Nelson Fernslade-Speed.

On 17 April 1917, having been promoted to Captain he was awarded the Military Cross, the citation reads, His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Military Cross in recognition of conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field. He forced his way through uncut wire into the trench and killed two of the enemy. Later, finding his company could not get through the wire, he returned and organised bomb-throwing parties while the wire was being cut.

He was serving with the 2nd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers attached to the 8th Battalion when he died of his wounds on 29 October 1918 aged 27 years. He is buried in Mont Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport, France and is remembered on the War Memorial, St Mary's Church, Acton, London.

Probate records shows that at the time of his death his widow Kathleen was living at The Paveys, Langton Green, Kent and his address was given as 7 Upper Mount Street Dublin. It is not sure why he is commemorated on the Acton War Memorial but the 1911 census shows an Ann Bagley, aged 54 and unmarried, living at 56 Maldon Road from her age she may have been his aunt.

Caroline Hunt






  Pte. James Hynes 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.30th Apr 1916)

James Hynes died of gas poisoning on either 29th or 30th April, (official records give both dates). He is buried at Villers Communal Cemetery in France.

Simon Shiel






  Sgt. Francis Anthony Reynolds 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.16th April 1916)

My great grandfather was a career soldier. Francis Reynolds came from Bishops Street, Dublin, and was married to Sarah Reynolds, and they had three daughters. He survived a gas attack early in 1916, then when walking down the trench he and some colleagues were blown to bits by a shell.

He has no known grave, bless him, but he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial.

Jacqueline Camfield






  Pte. Edward Tynan 8th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Edward Tynan was buried alive by a collapsed trench after a German shell exploded close by in October 1917. He was rescued by his fellow soldiers after wisps of smoke were seen drifting up from the area where the trench collapsed. Edward was able to move around slightly under the earth. A piece of timber had protected his head and body so he was able to light his pipe. Probably thinking I might as well have a last smoke before I die. The pipe smoke attracted his buddy's and they eventually were able to release him from his near death experience. Edward would receive an honourable discharge in June 1918 after being found unfit for further military service due to sickness. This was caused by a German gas attack.

J Tynan






  Sgt. Thomas Joseph Russell 8th Bnt., B Coy. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.29th April 1916)

Thomas Russell is remembered on the Loos Memorial.

<p>Thomas Russell death in newspaper

Barry Russell






  Pte. Peter Dolan 8th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.29th Mar 1916)

Peter Dolan is buried in Bois-Carre Military Cemetery in France. He was my grandfather on my mother's side.

James Kenny






  Pte. John Daly 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.6th Sep 1916)

John Daly died in the battle to take Guillemont, Somme.

Martina Carey






  Pte. Patrick Mulvaney 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.7th September 1916)

Patrick Mulvaney was killed in action on 7th September 1916.

C. Lambert






  2nd Lt. Geoffrey Cecil Monck Hamilton 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.9th Sep 1916)

Geoffrey Hamilton was the youngest son of Arthur and Alma Hamilton who gave his life for his king and country at the battle of Ginchy on the 9th of September 1916, aged 21 years.

S Flynn






  Pte. John Roberts 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.31st July 1916)

John Roberts is my great uncle, my grandmother always had a drawer with his medals which she kept really safe, as children we would get a sneak of them every now and then.

I don't know an awful lot about him other than he died at 16 years of age in the Battle of the Somme and is buried in Vermelles British Cemetery in France. He died on the 31st July 1916 and one day I hope to visit his grave. He was so young to serve in the army and too young to die. I have no photos of him and the medals over the years have been mislaid when my grandmother died which was such a shame.

Kathleen Moran






  A/Cpl. John Sweeney 8th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.12th Aug 1917)

John Sweeney was my great uncle. He joined the British Army in December 1914 in Newcastle. He died on or about the 12th of August 1917, this makes me wonder if he was in no man's land. There was a picture of him in my Grandmother's house but unfortunately it no longer exists. Does anyone know if it is possible to get a photo of him or his regiment?

My mother was able to visit John's grave after a period of seventy years, he is buried in Aeroplane Cemetery in Belguim. I would love to know where he would have been on the day of his death, if anyone can help I would really appreciate it.

Mary Tingley






  Pte. Patrick Cosgrove 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.25th Sep 1917)

Patrick Cosgrove was my wife's granduncle. His birth was registered in Naas for the first quarter of 1896 - so he was 21 at the date of his death.

I have just discovered that he is interred in the Cojeul British Cemetery, St. Martin-sur-Cojeul, which is located near Arras in France. I am aware that his Battalion was part of the 48th. Brigade of the 16th. Division that saw service in France & Flanders. This would have included the Battle of Langemark in August 1917. I am trying to establish what action he was involved in at the date of his death, that resulted in his interment at Cojeul, since this seems to have been at some distance from the Langemark engagement in August. Can you help?

Jim O'Sullivan






  Pte. John Molloy 8th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.30 April 1916)

John Molloy was my great great uncle and died like others listed here from the 8th Battalion in the gas attacks on Hulluch in late April 1916. He was from Mount Street in Dublin where he lived with his widowed mother and two brothers. He is buried in Lillers Communal Cemetery.







  Pte. Michael Byrne 8th Btn. B Coy. Royal Dublin Fusiliers (d.10th Feb 1917)

Michael Byrne was 19 years old at the time of his death and is interred at the La Laiterie Military Cemetery.

Mary McNeill






  Rev. Felix Burke 8th Btn Dublin Fusiliers

Rev. Felix Burke was the Chaplain of the 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. He was my great, great uncle, and the photograph passed to me through his niece, directly, along with a bit of the story of his service. His letters regarding the war have been published in various places on the internet.

Veronica Landet






  Pte. Alfred James Potts 10th Btn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers

James Potts was born in 1882 and died 1958. His full name was Alfred James Potts. He joined the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on 3rd November 1914. He was 32 years old but the records state that he was 30. He spent time in the 3rd battalion on several occasions and went back and forth to France several times during the war. He spent time in the 8th battalion and the 10th Battalion during the war. He joined the Royal Dublin Fusiliers (Dubsters) in honour of his mother who was Irish. He was wounded in France early in the war and spent time in Eastbourne recuperating before being sent back to France.

<p>

Stephen Potts






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