Eugene J. McManus

Eugene was born in Corneddan 31 July 1886, one of a family of eight children.

L/Sgt. McManus initially enlisted in Belfast, Co. Antrim, and quickly rose through the ranks to Corporal and later Lance Corporal. He was deployed to the Western Front in early 1915, and saw action at Neuve Chapelle, but was injured on the 18 June 1915, coincidentally the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. McManus survived this initial hospitalisation, but was killed in action a year later, one of 34 deaths from the regiment that day near Les Boeufs. 

During his first hospitalisation, the then Corporal McManus wrote a letter to the Longford Leader which was printed on the 3 July 1915,in an article titled 'Longford man wounded at the Front on the100th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo'. The article notes his popularity and the fact that he was at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on the 10 March, before being wounded whilst in an advance trench on the 17/18 May. It also features a letter which he wrote whilst convalescing in the 18th General Hospital. Describing heavy fighting on these days, he said: "Our losses were heavy on these dates, but it was beautiful to see us advancing over the country after all. The Germans ran before us and melted away before our fire like snow before the sun." He continued "I would suggest that all the young men in Co. Longford who are contemplating going abroad should cancel their arrangements and join the colours instead as it is not quite safe travelling by sea just now. For the men that are tilling the land, they can join also, as the land will be alright for them when they return. The manner which the (R.I.C.) volunteers are performing their duties at the front with the Irish Guards is a credit to themselves, to their friends at home and also to the force to which they belong. I hope to see a good many of those young fellows who are hanging back coming out here at once...<

Link to CWGC entry; Link to the Longford Leader article, 1915; Link to Civil Record of birth;