Patrick's Story.
Patrick was born in Rochdale but, by the time of the 1901 Census, the family had moved to Stockport. However, Patrick does not appear to be listed on the Census although a John Dair, aged 31 and Mary Dair, aged 20 are shown living in the town. They were possibly his brother and sister. December 12, 1902, Patrick married Catherine Ditchfield. They lived, with their two children, at Barr's Court, Fountain Street, in the Portwood area of town. Patrick worked locally at the Portwood Spinning Company. The 1911 census shows the family living at 18 Heald Street, Portwood with two of Catherine’s brothers, the census also shows that Patrick and Catherine had four children Elizabeth 10, Patrick 7, George 3, and Kathleen 1, a fourth child Bertha was born in January 1913, sadly she died age 2, December 7, 1915, a couple of months after Patrick had left for France. 
By the time Patrick’s death appeared in the paper in July 1916, it was reported that he was a widower with two children. Catherine passed away suffering from Tuberculosis 30 March 1915. Patrick was present at the time.
Patrick enlisted 1 September 1914 at Stockport and was posted at first to the 8th battalion and on 15 September to the 10th battalion. On enlistment he gave his age as 33 years 240 days, he was 5ft 2 ½ ins, weighing 120lbs, his complexion was described as sallow, with hazel eyes and light brown hair. After training Patrick embarked for France arriving 26 September 1915.
In May 1916 the battalion were near to Vimy Ridge, during the 18th and 19th they fought in and around Broadmarsh Crater, the war diary for the 20th states; continuous shelling during the morning and afternoon of CTs (Guerin) (Communication trenches) Two company H.Qs were hit, A and D. The night was fairly quiet, there was some bombing in the outpost line.
During the day 14 O.R. (Other Ranks) were killed. 21 wounded.
Alderley and Wilmslow Advertiser, Friday, July 21, 1916.
Pte. P. Dair, of Stockport (Killed.)
Private Patrick Dair, of the Cheshire Regiment, was killed in action on May 20th. He enlisted in September 1914 at which time he lived at Barr’s Court, Fountain Street, Portwood, Stockport, and was employed by the Portwood Spinning Company. He was 38 years of age and was a widower with two children, his wife having died since he joined the Army.
In 1919 when details were collected of the relatives of deceased soldiers, it appears that George was his only son alive, and been cared for by Emma Bithell, who was registered as his guardian.
Soldiers effects register shows that George received £7 10 shillings which was paid to Emma Bithell. 