Stonyhurst Magazine

Rowland Claude O’Kelly, known as Claude, was born at Felling, Gateshead, County Durham in 1895, one of 9 children of whom only 5 survived, he was the second born of 3 sons and had 2 elder sisters. His father Michael Francis O’Kelly born 1854 married at Gateshead in 1879 to Francis Mary Murray, known as Mary born 1860, both were Irish.

Michael Francis O’Kelly had qualified as a Doctor/Surgeon at the School of Medicine in Dublin and after his marriage moved to 16, Gosforth Street, with his wife, also living with them was his sister Margaret (17) a scholar and the domestic help, 24 year old widow Mary Gibbon. He had his own practice at Felling Lodge in 1891, another of his sisters Julia (16) co-habited with the family as well as Michael McCormack his personal assistant. Michael Francis died at Gateshead, June 16th 1896, aged 42 years, leaving his effects in the sum of 150 pounds 7 shillings to his widow living at Felling Lodge, Felling-on-Tyne. Mary was pregnant at the time, their son, whom she named Michael Francis Jnr, was born during the 4th quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec) 1896. By 1901 she had moved with her 3 sons to Victoria Terrace, Felling living on her own means. By 1911 only Alfred (20) an apprentice mining engineer and Michael Francis Jnr remained at home consisting of 4 rooms at 8, York Terrace, Felling.

Having concluded his studies at St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic School, Felling, Claude O’Kelly attended a seminary at Stonyhurst College to become a priest and where he joined the College Officer Training Corps gaining his efficiency certificates. After 9 years he continued his studies at Manresa College, London in preparation for his ordination which due to ill health did not take place. Upon the declaration of war he joined the 28th (Public Schools’) Battalion Royal Fusiliers London Regiment and was offered a commission, unfortunately his health once again inhibited his progress, he returned home to Felling.

Following a tragic accident and having undergone an operation he died of septic peritonitis and post- operative shock at Lambton House, October 1st 1915. He was 20 years old.

His funeral was attended by close family members including his brothers Lance Corporal 211067 Arthur Septimus Palmer O’Kelly Royal Engineers (BWM & VM), Private 106419 Michael Francis O’Kelly Machine Gun Corps and Royal Tank Corps ex 919 Northumberland Fusiliers (1915 Star, BWM & VM), both of whom survived the conflict of WW1 and his cousins 2nd Lieutenant Patrick McGuinness and Mr James Stewart McGuinness who later enlisted as Private 26231 James Stewart McGuinness Royal Dublin Fusiliers (BWM & VM) and was killed July 4th 1918, interred at Westoutre British Cemetery, West Vlaanderen near Ypres, Belgium.

Rowland Claude O’Kelly’s mother Mary received all monies due to him. His name does not appear on the CWGC list of casualties of WW1 as he had been discharged,his death cannot be attributed to his war service and no medals were awarded.

In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.

Royal Victoria Infirmary Coroners Report No. 432 02/10/1915.

"Rowland Claude O'Kelly, aged 20 years. Pte. Royal Fusiliers Public School Battalion, Felling Lodge, Felling. Died in Lambton House at 6.50pm on 1st.

Deceased died from septic peritonitis, caused by a rupture of the bowel due to his having accidentally fallen on to a stair rod which was in a upright position which penetrated through his rectum into the bowel."

Heslop’s Local Advertiser 15/10/1915 reports:

“Death of Mr. Claude O'Kelly.
We regret to report the death of Mr. Claude O’Kelly, second son of Mrs. and the late Dr. M.F. O’Kelly, of Felling Lodge, at the age of 21.

Mr. Claude O’Kelly was a most promising youth and his early demise is a matter of deep regret. He received his preliminary training at St.John’s R.C. Schools, Felling, and began the preparatory studies for the priesthood at Stonyhurst College. While at Stonyhurst he joined the College Corps of the O.T.C., gaining his efficiency certificates, which bear the signature of General Smith-Dorien. After nine years at Stonyhurst, he proceeded to Manresa College, London, to finish his studies and prepare for his ordination. His health failed and he gave up his vocation. Shortly afterwards he joined the Public Schools’ Battalion, R.F. The officers commanding offered him his commission; his health, however, was not satisfactory and he returned home to recuperate. It was while at home he took fatally ill. An operation was performed at Dr. Leach’s home, the operation was successful but he could not sustain the shock and he passed away on Thursday, 30th September.

The funeral took place on Monday, October 4th. Requiem Mass was said at St.Patrick’s Church, Felling, at 11 a.m. After Mass the coffin was carried to Felling Lodge where the cortege awaited it.

The chief mourners present were:- L.Corpl. A. O’Kelly, R.E. (Brother); Pte. M.F. O’Kelly, 16th N.F. (Brother); Corps Surgeon Dr. Millar (brother-in-law); Mrs. D.M. Millar (sister); Master W. Millar (nephew); Rev. D. O’Kelly (uncle), Wooler; Mr. O. Burns (uncle), Tudhoe; Mrs. O. Burns (aunt) Tudhoe; Miss O’Kelly (aunt) Middlesbro’; 2nd Lieutenant P. McGuinness (cousin); Miss McGuinness (cousin); Mr. J.S. McGuiness (cousin)."