Patrick's Story.
Birkenhead News 18 March 1916
Served in South African War
Local Sergeant-Major’s Death.
MILITARY FUNERAL AT FLAYBRICK
The death took place on Sunday, March 12th, of Sergt.-Major Patrick Kelly, of the 14th Cheshire Regt. The deceased was 36 years of age, and formerly resided with his parents at 16, Green Lane, Lower Tranmere. He joined the colours soon after the outbreak of the war, and was recently stationed at Whitchurch. Whilst in training at that place he took a chill, and this developed into double pneumonia. He was only ill for a few days, death supervening as stated above.
Sergt.-Major Kelly who was an exceptionally well known figure in the Lower Tranmere district, served in the South African War, and for his service at that time was awarded a number of medals.
Five brothers of the above are also serving with the colours at the present time.
Sergt.-Major Kelly’s body was conveyed to Birkenhead from Whitchurch Military Hospital on a motor lorry on Wednesday, and was escorted by a number of his soldier comrades. At his late residence the cortege was met by a band of the 3rd Cheshire Regt., who impressively rendered the Dead March in “Saul” on the way to the cemetery. The interment took place at Flaybrick Hill Cemetery, the Rev. Father Kinsella, of St. Werburgh’s conducting the service. Despite the heavy downpour of rain, a large number of friends and relatives were present to pay their last token of esteem. Following the burial service three volleys were fired over the grave by a firing party of the 3rd Cheshires, and the “Last Post” was sounded.