POLICE in London are trying to trace the relatives of a Tipperary man who went on to become Lord Kitchener's personal protection officer during the First World War.
Officers from the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection Command are trying to find direct descendants of Detective Sergeant Matthew McLoughlin.
Here's a look at his fascinating life story:
Tragic death
Matthew died on June 5, 1916, along with Lord Kitchener and 735 others, aboard HMS Hampshire which sank after hitting a mine near Orkney.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the tragedy and the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command will name their new office after the late officer when they move from New Scotland Yard later this year.
Co. Tipperary roots
Matthew was born in Kilcommon, North Tipperary on February 6, 1879 to Michael, a farmer, and Bridget McLoughlin.
He was the seventh of 14 children and lived in a small house on the side of a hill near the hamlet of Foilnadrough, about a mile to the west of Kilcommon.
Moving to Britain
He moved to London in January 1900 and joined the Met on September 17, 1900.
In 1904 he transferred to a specialist unit, where he protected royalty and ministers of state.
The McLoughlin family
His son, Michael Paul McLoughlin, was born on April 19, 1912 at Sunny View, Pardown, Wootton St Lawrence, Hampshire.
His birth certificate reports Margaret Amelie McLoughlin, formerly Quernel (or possibly Queruel or Quesnel) as his mother. She is believed to have been born in France, possibly at Le Havre where it appears Matthew served as a Special Branch Ports officer.
His son, Micheal, may have ended up in Caracas, Venezuela as somebody with that name applied for a passport there (date unknown).
Matthew and Margaret were married in Kensington, London, on January 13, 1912.
If you believe you are a relative of any of the above, or have any information that might assist the Met in tracing a living relative, email [email protected] and [email protected]
