Monday, 11 April 2016


Fr William Doyle SJ




Fr William Doyle SJ

Rank:Chaplain 4th Class

Date of Death:17/08/1917

Regiment/Service:Army Chaplains' Department attd. 8th Bn Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Awards: M C, Mentioned in Despatches

Panel Reference: Panel 160.

Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL







Military Cross - Wikipedia





General William Bernard Hickie in a letter to a friend said of Fr Doyle:

Fr Doyle was one of the best priests I have ever met, and one of the bravest men who have fought or worked out here. He did his duty, and more than his duty, most nobly, and has left a memory and a name behind him that will never be forgotten. On the day of his death, 16th August, he had worked in the front line, and even in front of that line, and appeared to know no fatigue – he never knew fear. He was killed by a shell towards the close of the day, and was buried on the Frezenberg Ridge… He was recommended for the Victoria Cross by his Commanding Officer, by his Brigadier, and by myself. Superior Authority, however, has not granted it, and as no other posthumous reward is given, his name will, I believe, be mentioned in the Commander-in-Chief’s Despatch…I can say without boasting that this is a Division of brave men; and even among these, Fr Doyle stood out.




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