John Condon (British Army soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Condon
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John Condon photographed sometime between 1913 and 1915
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| Born | 5 October 1897 Waterford City, Ireland |
| Died | 24 May 1915 (aged 17) Ypres, Belgium |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1913-1915 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Third Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment (1684) |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
John Condon (born October 5, 1897 – died May 24, 1915) was an Irish soldier. He is known for a long-standing belief that he was the youngest Allied soldier to die in World War I. People thought he was only 14 years old when he died.
However, records now suggest he was actually 18 when he passed away. He had lied about his age to join the army in 1913.
Contents
A Young Soldier's Story
John Condon was born in Waterford City, Ireland. When he joined the army in 1913, he told them he was 18 years old. This was the minimum age to become a soldier.
He became a Private in the British Army. He served with the Third Battalion of The Royal Irish Regiment.
Fighting in World War I
John Condon fought on the Western Front during World War I. This was a major battle area in Europe.
He took part in the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. This battle happened in Ypres, Belgium. During this battle, soldiers faced dangerous gas attacks.
A Tragic End
John Condon died during a gas attack on May 24, 1915. His body was not found for ten years after his death. His family did not know he was in Belgium until the British Army told them he was missing.
He was one of many soldiers who died in the terrible conditions of the war.
Awards After His Death
After his death, John Condon received several awards. In 1922, he was given three medals. These were the British War Medal, the Victory Medal, and the 1914-15 Star.
These medals were given to him posthumously. This means they were awarded after he had died.
The Mystery of His Age
For a long time, John Condon was believed to be the youngest Allied soldier killed in World War I. This was because his grave marker stated he was 14 years old.
However, new information has come to light. Birth certificates, census records, and war diaries have been studied. These records suggest that John Condon was actually 18 years old when he died.
It is now thought that the wrong person's age might be on his grave. Despite this, the headstone at Poelkapelle Cemetery still shows the original age. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) records also continue to show the challenged data.
Gallery
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Gravestone of John Condon at the Poelcapelle British Cemetery
