Fusilier William John Craig of Portadown, Co. Armagh died in May 1941 as a result of an accident while serving in 70th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Fusilier
6984364
Fusilier William John Craig (6984364) served in C Company, 70th (Young Soldiers) Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers during the Second World War. He was the son of John Craig and Mary Craig of 42 Mourneview Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh.
Popular amongst his military pals, keen and always helpful, deceased was only approaching 19 years of age.
Fusilier Craig died on 21st May 1941 aged 19 years old as a result of an accidental shooting.
A verdict of accidental death was returned on Wednesday by the Belfast Coroner (Dr. H.P. Lowe) at the inquest on Fusilier William J. Craig (19), of Mourneview Street, Portadown who died in a military hospital on May 2 following a gunshot wound to the head.
Evidence was given that the safety catch of a rifle carried by a companion of Craig was loose, and could easily have been knocked forward accidentally.
The coroner told Craig’s companion that no one could attach the slightest blame to him.
Fusilier Craig’s grave is in Section E, Grave 158 of Seagoe Cemetery, Portadown, Co. Armagh. Reverend G.W. Millington M.A. conducted the funeral service at St. Mark’s Church of Ireland, Portadown, Co. Armagh and at the graveside. Craig’s name is on the Portadown War Memorial, Portadown, Co. Armagh. His headstone bears the inscription:
Only till we meet again.
