Rifleman Peter Gilligan was not a good soldier, at least, as far as the military authorities were concerned. His record sheet is not a shining example, containing offences such as drunkenness on parade, ditto on the march, insubordinate language to an NCO, escaping detention and striking a superior officer. His punishments included measures ranging from loss of pay up to Field Punishments 1 and 2. His Discharge Certificate contains this comment re character:
"Fair: - this soldier has shown some impatience of discipline and his Record does not warrant a Good Character. Save for several cases of insobriety his offences have been of a purely military nature."
Rifleman Gilligan was wounded in the foot on the first day's action of the Rifles in the Battle of the Somme - September 15, 1916. He was declared unfit for service by a Medical Board in May of 1917 and returned home later that year.
His military records show no indication of being "badly gassed" as reported below - however his death was caused by tuberculosis contracted while on active service.
There was a military funeral this afternoon, 23/149 Rifleman Peter Murray Gilligan, who was badly gassed in France, being buried in the Southern Cemetery. Lieutenant Healey represented the Defence Office. The Rev. Father Kaveney was the officiating clergyman. -Evening Star, 4/11/1920.
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