William McHugh was, I think, baptized on the 8th September 1894 (Ancestry rainbowrev94), as De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour (below) states he was born in July, the son of James and Jane McHugh (nee Dobson), who had married in St. Michael’s Church, Chester in 1888.
On the 1901 census William, 7, appears for the first time, the family living at 1, Cambrian Road, Boundry Lane, Lache-cum-Saltney. His father James, 33 was a Chain Maker’s Labourer, his wife Jane, 34 had been born in Chester. Their sons John, 11, James, 10, William, 10 and Thomas, 4, their 2 daughters were Winifred, 2 and Sarah Ann, 1.
The 1911 census, gives the address as No. 1 Boundry Lane, Saltney ( 4 Rooms), is this the same address as before? James, 42, a Chain Striker at the Chain & Anchor Works, and wife Jane, now 43 had been married 24 years, 10 children had been born, but 1 sadly died. Sons James, 20, single was a Forge Hand as was his brother, Thomas, 14, William, 16 was a Labourer in a Brickyard and Charles, 8. Daughters Winnie, 12, Sarah Ann, 10, Catherine, 6 and Treasa (sic) was 3.
William Mc Hugh in the UK, De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour, 1914-1919 – McHUGH, William, Private, 9th (Service) Battn. The Cheshire Regt., 3rd son of James McHUGH, of 1, Cambrian Row, Salteny, Labourer, by his wife Jane, dau of William DOBSON: born Saltney, co Chester, 17th July 1894; Edc. St. Anthony’s Catholic Schools there; was a Forgeman; enlisted after the outbreak of war Aug. 1914; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 17th July 1915, and was killed in action 7th June 1917. Buried on the battlefield; Unm.
William McHugh in the UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919 confirms his regimental details and also tells uthat her was born in Saltney, Cheshire and enlisted in Chester
William McHugh in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that the Sole Legatee was Mother Jane McHugh paid on the 27th December 1917 £8.2.s.0d and the War Gratuity of £13 0s 0d on the 17th October 1919.
Extracts from the British Army WWI Service Records, 1914-1920 for William McHugh – Name William McHUGH 12530 : –
Where born – Saltney
Age – 20 years 0 months
Trade – Furnaceman
Have you resided OUT of your father’s house in the last 3 years – No
Are you married – No.
Form signed at Chester 1st April 1914
Next Paper – Cheshire Regt. “D” Attested Pte 1st September 1914, “8th” Posted Pte 2nd September 1914 and ” 9th” France Pte 19th July 1915.
Died of Wounds received in Action 6th June 1917
Next Paper – Description of William
Apparent age – 20 years
Height 5 feet 7 inches
Weight – 130lbs
Chest Measurement – 35 and 1/2 inches, range of expansion 2 inches.
Complexion – Fresh
Eyes – Brown
Hair – Red
Religion – C of E
Distinctive marks etc. :- Tattoo both arms, J. JONES in left.
Dated 2 September 1914
Next Papers – Receipts for Victory Medal and 1914 – 1915 Star signed by Jane 3rd December 1921 and 6th August 1920 respectively.
Next Paper – Names and Addresses of all the Relatives of the above-named Soldier in each of the degrees specified below that are now living.
No Wife or Children
Father of the Soldier – James McHUGH, No 1 Cambrian Row, Saltney, Chester
Mother of the Soldier – Jane HcHUGH, No 1 Cambrian Row, Saltney, Chester
Full -blood Brothers of the Soldier – Jame McHUGH, Junr., 28, Thomas McHUGH, 23, Charles McHUGH 17
No Half-blood Brothers
Full-blood sister – Mary LEWIS, Married, 3, Sunnyfields, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Sara Ann McHUGH, 19, No 1 Cambrian Row, Saltney, Chester, Winifred McHUGH, 21, Kate McHUGH, 14, Teresa McHUGH, 12.
No Half-blood sisters.
Declaration signed on the 24th September 1919 at Saltney by Jane McHUGH, (Mother) No 1 Cambrian Row, Saltney, Chester and witnessed by Chas. P. COCKRILL, J.P., Hough Green, Chester.
Next Paper, letter date stamped 31 Dec 1917, from O i/c Infantry Records, Shrewsbury regarding any medals to be sent to Mrs Jane McHUGH, written on that was “NO EFFECTS” and the letter
William McHugh in the British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920 does not tell us where his first Theatre of War was nor when he entered it.
I believe that James McHugh, William’s father is the brother of John T. McHUGH, who married Martha Chaloner and she is the aunt of Charles Henry Chaloner who was killed in 1919 in John Summers, click on the link to read Charles H. Chaloner’s page on Saltney Ferry.