1
Knock Foulnadough Kilcommon, Thurles July 17th 1916 The Officer in Charge War Allowance Dept., London Sir I am a poor ignorant
woman left
in poorer circumstances than ever by the
death of my son Detective Sergt. A McLoughlin
and I have been advised to write to you for
instructions as to how I am to apply for a
War allowance. If my son did'nt die on
the battlefield he surely died on War duty
and I'm sure the Government to whom
he gave the best of his life for years, devoted
all his abilities, and his flife
in the end will not see his poor mother
suffer. Officers like you are noted for
courtesy and I only ask, Sir, a few
words of plain directions for which I
will feel very greatf grateful to you Hoping I'm not too much trouble Yrs V respectfly Widow Michl Mcloughlin
2
26th July, 1916. Dear Madam I am desired by Mr. Samuel to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of the 17th instant, which shall have his
attention. Yours faithfully (Sd.) ARM. Mrs M McLoughlin, Foilnadrough, Kilcommon, THURLES.
A letter from the widow of Detective Sergeant Michael McLoughlin to the Officer in
Charge of the War Allowance Department seeking advice as to how she might apply for
a War Allowance after the death of her son who died, not on the field of battle, but
nonetheless on ‘War duty’.The letter was apparently referred by the War Office, London,
to the Chief Secretary's Office, Dublin. Accompanying the letter is a letter dated
26 July 1916 advising Mrs. McLoughlin that her letter has been received by Herbert
Samuel (1870-1963), British Home Secretary, and will receive his attention.