Able Seaman John Quinn (D/J 27783) served in the Royal Navy during World War Two. Born on 23rd July 1896, he was the son of William Quinn and the late Mary Quinn of Bannview Terrace, Gilford, Co. Down, and husband of Mrs. I Quinn of Tottenham, Middlesex.
In 1911, John lived with his father and 3 younger brothers; Robert Quinn, William Quinn, and Joseph Quinn at 4 Tandragee Road, Gilford, Co. Down. The 1901 Irish Census lists the 3 older boys living with parents William Quinn and Mary Quinn at 3 Cochrane’s Row, Gilford, Co. Down.
WartimeNI Photo: Some of the names, regiments, and townlands of those from Gilford and the surrounding area who lost their lives during the Second World War. Photo taken on 10th September 2016. Copyright Scott Edgar - WartimeNI.
Known as “Jack”, he also served in The Great War and had 28 years’ service at the time of his death. He saw action on board SS River Clyde when it landed ANZAC Forces in Suvla Bay, Gallipoli, and also at the Battle of Jutland. In January 1942, his name was on a list of recipients of a Red Cross Package from the local headquarters in Gilford, Co. Down. The destination was Mess 37 on HMS Hecla.
John Quinn died of “Portal Cirrhosis” on board the ship on 28th August 1942. Less than 3 months later, U-515 sank HMS Hecla off the coast of Casablanca, Morocco. He has no known grave. His name is on Panel 66, Column 2 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth, Devon, the Gilford War Memorial, Gilford, Co. Down and a memorial at St. Paul’s Church of Ireland, Gilford, Co. Down. Two of the younger Quinn brothers served in the British Army during World War Two. One of them resided at Abingdon Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim.