There is a card for Joseph Doonan in the Flintshire Roll of Honour at the County Archive Office in Hawarden. Joseph completed it himself in 1920. It gives regimental details as above and indicates that his rank was CSM (Company Sergeant Major). It adds ‘Drill and Musketry Inst.’ (instructor?) and that he served in the army for 26 years. It makes no mention of any postings or injuries.

A Joseph Doonan’s birth was registered in 1874 in Carrick on Shannon in Ireland.

The 1891 census lists a Joseph Doonan aged 18, a bugler in the Rifle Brigade born in Ireland based at Albany Barracks on the Isle of Wight. Joseph indicated on his index card in the Flintshire Roll of Honour that he had served for 26 years so this could well be him.  There is also a Thomas Doonan there aged 22, also a bugler and also from Ireland. Mavis in her notes, speculates that they may well be brothers. See her notes to see where her research on Thomas takes her.

The 1911 census records Joseph Doonan aged 37 and single, living as a boarder at 22 High Street  in Connah’s Quay, the home of Mr George Edwards and his wife Ann. Joseph is one of five male boarders living there including one American. There is also a female domestic servant there. Joseph Doonan’s date of birth is given as 1874 and his place of birth as Carrick on Shannon, Ireland. His occupation was listed as ‘Commisionaire’

Joseph married Alice Davies in 1917 when he was 43 years old. The marriage took place in Flintshire.

England and Wales National Probate Calendar – Index of Wills and Administration has the following entry

Joseph Doonan, of 21 Wellington Street, Shotton Flintshire died 14th August 1926. Administration St Asaph 15 September to Alice Doonan widow. Effects £97.10 sh.