Private Francis J McGaughey

Private Francis John McGaughey joined the army on 12 July 1938 as a boy soldier in Omagh, Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland. On enlistment he joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and served 5 years and 2 days with them.

On 14 July 1943, Private McGaughey transferred to the Army Air Corps and undertook parachute training at RAF Ringway on course 77, between 9 and 18 August 1943, where he was described as “Cheerful. Good Performer”.

On completion of his course he was posted to 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion, and parachuted into Normandy on the 6 June 1944; however during July 1944 he was captured and sent to Stalag 4B in Muhlburg, Germany. He eventually returned to the UK in May 1945 after his release from camp. 

He joined Surrey Fire Brigade after he left the army in 1952, and served with them until his retirement.