90 stories
To mark the 90th anniversary of the start of the First World War the museum told 90 Stories of local people who served in the war.
Before 1914, Burnley had a close connection with the military, particularly the army. The East Lancashire Regiment had been formed with the national reorganisation of the army in 1881. The 2nd battalion was based in Burnley. The Regiment saw action in the South Africa (Boer War).
By 1914, the structure of the army was a small, professional force backed up by the territorials - part time, voluntary, dedicated 'Saturday Night Soldiers'. At the start of the war 'new army' battalions were formed. Burnley men had a large choice of Regiments they could join. In practice, the majority joined the East Lancashire Regiment (territorial and 'Pals') or the Cameronians.
Patriotism was high. The rush to join the forces mirrored the rest of the Country. When Harry Riley, leader of Burnley Lads' Club, joined the Accrington Pals 70 'Lads' followed his example. Churches published Rolls of Honour of those who had joined from the congregation. Brothers, cousins, uncles from the same family joined the forces. As the war progressed the result could be devastating as shown by the experience of the McCarthy family. The local newspaper reported on the McCarthy's as a 'family that has been hard hit.' There were 4 brothers and a cousin all in the East Lancashire Regiment. Two brothers and the cousin were killed. One brother lost an eye.
The press reported
Michael McCarthy- wounded
James McCarthy- killed Ypres 1915. A photograph of his wife and children was found on his body
John McCarthy- lost his left eye from a bullet wound in the Dardanelles
Thomas McCarthy- presumed killed in the Dardanelles
John Lavin- missing since 1st July (1916) presumed killed
Before 1914, Burnley had a close connection with the military, particularly the army. The East Lancashire Regiment had been formed with the national reorganisation of the army in 1881. The 2nd battalion was based in Burnley. The Regiment saw action in the South Africa (Boer War).
By 1914, the structure of the army was a small, professional force backed up by the territorials - part time, voluntary, dedicated 'Saturday Night Soldiers'. At the start of the war 'new army' battalions were formed. Burnley men had a large choice of Regiments they could join. In practice, the majority joined the East Lancashire Regiment (territorial and 'Pals') or the Cameronians.
Patriotism was high. The rush to join the forces mirrored the rest of the Country. When Harry Riley, leader of Burnley Lads' Club, joined the Accrington Pals 70 'Lads' followed his example. Churches published Rolls of Honour of those who had joined from the congregation. Brothers, cousins, uncles from the same family joined the forces. As the war progressed the result could be devastating as shown by the experience of the McCarthy family. The local newspaper reported on the McCarthy's as a 'family that has been hard hit.' There were 4 brothers and a cousin all in the East Lancashire Regiment. Two brothers and the cousin were killed. One brother lost an eye.
The press reported
Michael McCarthy- wounded
James McCarthy- killed Ypres 1915. A photograph of his wife and children was found on his body
John McCarthy- lost his left eye from a bullet wound in the Dardanelles
Thomas McCarthy- presumed killed in the Dardanelles
John Lavin- missing since 1st July (1916) presumed killed
Information on 90 stories