Ernest Neill

Rifleman Ernest Neill of Belfast died on 23rd June 1944 as 2nd Battalion London Irish Rifles engaged in close-quarters combat along the Pucciarelli Ridge.

Rifleman

Ernest Neill

14416549

Rifleman Ernest Neill fought in Italy with the Irish Brigade during the summer of 1944 and was part of close-quarters fighting along the Pucciarelli Ridge with the London Irish Rifles.

Rifleman Ernest Neill (14416549) served in 2nd Battalion London Irish Rifles / Royal Ulster Rifles during the Second World War. He was the son of William Neill and Annie Neill of Mountpottinger, Belfast.

He died on 23rd June 1944 aged 20 years old during fighting on Pucciarelli Ridge in the Battle of Sanfatucchio. 2nd Battalion London Irish Rifles engaged in fighting on the ridge from 21st June 1944. They came under attack from artillery and shells, as well as engaging in house to house combat with the enemy. H Company even saw hand to hand fighting inside the local church.

Ernest Neill’s grave is in Section I, Row D, Grave 16 of Orvieto War Cemetery, Italy. His headstone bears the inscription:

Manly and brave, his young life he gave for his King and country.

References
  1. Commonwealth War Graves
  2. Irish Brigade
  3. Irish Brigade
  4. London Irish Rifles
  5. WW2 Talk Forums