Lance Corporal John McSparron, 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, formerly North Irish Horse, Service Nos 2006 (NIH), 40837 (RIR).

Son of William James and Fanny McSparron, Derrychrier, Londonderry.

Killed in action on 6 March 1917, aged 24, during heavy bombardment in the days following the capture of the enemy front and support lines east of Bouchvesnes, near the Somme. The Battalion diary states:

6.3.17. Shelling still severe but consolidation continued.

7.3.17. 5 OR killed, 19 OR wounded.

8.3.17. 11pm. Battalion relieved in the front line by 2 Rifle Brigade. Move to (..?..) in Bouchvesnes and Lock Barracks. ... 5 OR killed 18 OR wounded.

Buried at Fins New British Cemetery, Sorel-le-Grand, Somme, France, grave VIII.D.23. Gravestone inscription reads:

40837 LANCE CPL.

J. MC SPARRON

ROYAL IRISH RIFLES

6TH MARCH 1917 AGE 24

EXCELSIOR

REST IN THE LORD

Image kindly provided by Richard Evans. See his website Nelson, Glamorgan and the Great War http://www.nelson-ww1-memorial.org.uk.