Private Francis Berry, a fan of Portadown Football Club in Co. Armagh died on 1st September 1944 serving with 1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Private
7013410
Private Francis Berry (7013410) served in 1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders during the Second World War. He was the son of Francis Berry and Sarah Berry of Portadown, Co. Armagh, and the husband of Sarah Berry of 50 John Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh. The couple had 3 sons.
Francis served in 2nd Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles before the outbreak of the Second World War before gaining employment at Hamilton and Robb Ltd. in his hometown.
I have pleasure in thanking the people of Portadown for their kind generosity in sending the parcel, which I received when at home. I would like to let you know how some of the Portadown boys here are doing. First on the list in Edmund McAdam of John Street. He is in the same division as myself, as is also Bertie McAteer of Fowler’s Entry. We are all doing fine and hope to be able to go out to Shamrock Park again and cheer the Ports to victory. There are a few more lads from the town in the Eighth Army with us and they all send their best wishes to you all. Hoping you will convey this message on behalf of all the lads of the town serving in the Eighth Army through your news columns.
Private Berry died on 1st September 1944 aged 25 years old. His grave is in Section II, Row C, Grave 4 of Florence War Cemetery, Florence, Italy. His name is on the Portadown War Memorial, Portadown, Co. Armagh. His headstone bears the inscription:
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on his soul. R.I.P.