My Treasure – Niamh Thompson

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"My Great Grandfather's War Helmet" "This helmet belonged to my Great Grandfather, Daniel Thompson. He joined the army in February 1912, when he was a 17 year old fishmongers assistant in Belfast. He first enlisted in the 4th Batallion, Royal Irish Rifles, and then he transferred to the 5th Dragoon Guards on the 5th October 1912. He was wounded at the battle of Frezenberg Ridge (the first time gas was used in WWI) at Ypres on the 13th May 1915 and was discharged on the 16th January 1916. He had the 1614 Star, Victory Medal and Silver War Badge. His four brothers, James, Charles, Joseph and Patrick all served in the Army during WWI. James was killed in France on 24th October 1914 and all the others survived." Story by Niamh Thompson from Carnlough Youth Club