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Peter Keenan (1891-1961)


Sergeant from Stanley served with 3rd DLI injured at the Battle of the Somme


Peter Keenan was born on 30 March 1891 to Bridget and Michael Keenan in Stanley, Durham. He was an only child, with his father dying while he was a child. Consequently, he and his mother moved in with Peter’s maternal grandparents, his three uncles, and Peter’s cousin. By 1911, at the age of 20 Peter was employed as a miner. He enlisted on 3 September 1914 and became Private 17044 of the 3rd Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI). Peter remained in England until the end of August 1915, during which time he was promoted to sergeant.

Sergeant Keenan arrived in France on 25 August 1915, where he was to remain there until the beginning of July the next year. He was injured in the early days of the Battle of the Somme and was taken to the No. 34 Casualty Clearing Station with a gunshot wound to his left arm on 10 July 1916. That same day he was evacuated away from the front lines aboard the No. 7 Ambulance train. By 13 July he was back in England being treated for his injuries. Peter was to remain at home for over a year, only returning to France at the beginning of October 1918.

Peter completed his service in France and returned home on 14 February 1919, after which he was discharged. Following his service there is evidence in his military file to suggest he applied for a job with the district council after he applied for a reference from his superiors. He stated that he was ‘applying for a position of trust’ and requested a reference that covered the years of his war service.

Peter Keenan died on 20 December 1961.

Civil Parish: Crook and Billy Row

Birth date: 30-Mar-1891

Death date: 20-Dec-1961

Armed force/civilian: Army

Residence: Stanley (birthplace)
146 Chadwick Street (1901 census)
26 North Terrace Esh Winning (1911 census)

Religion: Roman Catholic

Employment: Miner (1911 census and enlistment papers)

Family: Parent: Bridget Keenan, Michael Keenan
Grandmother: Bridget Carroll
Uncle: Patrick Carroll, Peter Carroll, Thomas Carroll

Military service:

Sergeant 17044
3rd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry

Medal(s): 1914-15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal

Gender: Male

Contributed by Gemma, Durham University Intern

Comments on this story


Comment

Hi my name is Shaun Banks and my my father in law as found a WW1 star belonging to Sgt P Keenan DLI Regtl No17044 and I would love to get it back to his family. It was found while out metal detecting in South Kirby just outside of Barnsley, I'm not sure how it got here, although there was a lot of NE miners who came down here to work.
It would be gret to get it back to his family and I hope you can help.
Thank you
Shaun

Contributed by

Shaun

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