William Vanston

Died

:

2 February 1921

Age

:

26

Rank

:

Constable

Force

:

Royal Irish Constabulary

Cause

:

Homicide - Shot

Duty Status

:

Off Duty

Roll of Honour Citation

Shot dead by a man on a bicycle as he was leaving his home in Maryborough, Queen's County.

Constable Vanston, who had a little over two weeks service with the RIC, was shot dead early in the morning as he left his home in Dublin Road, Maryborough, Queen’s County, when a man on a bicycle rode up, dismounted and fired two shots at the officer.

The bullets penetrated William’s lungs, killing him almost immediately.

Constable Vanston’s family had a long history of serving with the Constabulary. His late father had achieved the rank of Head Constable, his uncle was a District Inspector serving in Dublin while his cousin served at Brown Square Barracks in Belfast.

William left a wife and two young children.