Pte 48411 Michael Alphonsus Fitzgerald

• Age: 19
• From: Limerick Ireland
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th Btn
• K.I.A Saturday 28th April 1917
• Commemorated at: Cherisy Rd East Cem, Heninel
  Panel Ref: 36

Michael Alphonsus was born at Limerick, Ireland. From Irish birth records he was born on the 18th August 1897 at 50 Edward Street, Limerick, the son of Michael Joseph Fitzgerald and his wife Mary Anne (nee Peacan). His father was an Audit clerk for Waterford and Limerick Railway. His parents married in the last quarter of 1887.

By the time of the 1901 Census the family have moved to Liverpool, living at House 12, 10 Court, Edmund Street. Michael is 3 years of age and lives with his parents and four siblings. His father, Michael, is a 36 year old stock clerk in a railway yard,  his mother Mary Anne is  33 years of age. His siblings in the household are; Patrick J. aged 12, Bridget M. is 10, Mary M. is 7, and Anne is 5. All of the children were born in Ireland. 

His mother died aged 35 in 1903.

At the time of the 1911 Census he is aged 13 born in Limerick and is recorded at the St Edward's Catholic School, Thingwall, Liverpool.  

Michael enlisted in Liverpool and was serving with the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 48411 when he was killed in action on 28th April 1917 aged 19.

The Battalion diary records the events of the day: 

Michael now rests at Cherisy Road East Cemetery, Heninel, France at Plot 36. He shares his headstone with Private 49007 Harry Charles Murray also of the 17th Battalion who was killed in action on the same day as Michael and who rests at Plot 35.

The village of Heninel was captured in a snowstorm on 12 April 1917 by the 56th (London) and 21st Division. The 50th (Northumbrian) Division, advancing from Heninel on the two following days, captured Wancourt Tower. Cherisy Road East Cemetery was made by the 30th and 33rd Division Burial Officers in April 1917. The cemetery contains 82 First World War burials, 19 of which are unidentified.

Soldiers Effects and Pension to father Michael, 75 Chesterton St, Garston.

Soldiers Will dated 04th January 1917

"In the event of my death I leave all my property and effects to my father Michael Fitzgerald, 124 York St, Garston" 

We currently have no further information on Michael Alphonsus Fitzgerald. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.