Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Gerald Patrick Cronin was born in the 2nd quarter of 1894 in Dorking, Surrey to Inland Revenue officer James and Maud Cronin (nee French).
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at Main Road, Handsworth, Sheffield, Yorkshire. James was still working at the Inland Revenue, while Maud was looking after their children: James French, Maud Marion, Gerald Patrick, Eileen Mary and Kathleen Ellen.
At the time of the 1911 Census, the family had increased to include Rosaleen Mary, Constance Mary, Terence Hugh and Maurice Joseph. Maud stated that she had given birth to nine children. The accomodation at 318 Granville Road, Sheffield had six rooms.
Gerald Cronin enlisted in Sheffield into the 15th (County of London) Battalion (Prince of Wales´s Own Civil Service Rifles) London Regiment. He was a Private with regimental number 5672. He disembarked on 10th September 1913 to France.
At the time of his death Gerald was still part of the 15th (County of London) Battalion (Prince of Wales´s Own Civil Service Rifles) London Regiment. He became a Lance Corporal and his new regimental number was 532736.
Gerald was killed in an action on 7th June 1917 in Belgium. His body was never found.
He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial on Panel 54.
He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
Gerald Cronin left to his mother Maud Cronin £ 543, 13s and 10 in the Probate. He also left to Maud £2, 16s and 10d on 1th July 1918 and a further £5 and 10s on 2nd December 1919 in Soldier’s Effects.
Cronin Family History
Gerald’s father James was born on 24th June 1858 in Duagh or Listowel, Kerry, Ireland to farmer James Cronin Snr and Johanna Kennelly. James Cronin Jnr was baptised on 26th June 1858. He was a successful candidate for entry into Her Majesty´s Customs in December 1877 in Listowel.
His mother Maud French was born about 1870 in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire to stud groom James, born about 1823 in Ladbroke, Warwickshire and Jane, born about 1833 in Baginton, Warwickshire. Maud was baptised on 2nd October 1870 in Wellesbourne.
James and Maud were married in the 4th quarter of 1890 in Daventry, Northamptonshire.
At the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at High Street, Dorking. James was working as an officer of the Inland Revenue and Maud was at home.
Gerald had eight siblings: James French born about 1892 and Maud Marion, born about 1894, both in Dorking. Eileen Mary born about 1897 and Maurice Joseph born about 1909, both in Sheffield. Kathleen Ellen born about 1900; Rosaleen Mary born about 1903; Constance Mary born about 1904 and Terence Hugh, born about 1906, all in Handsworth, Yorkshire.
| Born | Dorking, Surrey | |
| Lived | Sheffield | |
| Son of | James and Maud (nee French) Cronin | |
| Regiment | 15th County of London Battalion. Prince of Wales’ Own Civil Service Rifles. London Regiment | |
| Number | 5672 | |
| Date of Death | 7th June 1917 | |
| Place of Death | Near Ypres, Belgium | |
| Cause of Death | Killed in Action | |
| Age | 23 | |
| Cemetery | Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres |
