Peter was born in Co. Cavan, Ireland around 1886, his parents were John and Catherine Culligan m/s Sweeney.

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Along with his younger brother John, he came to Scotland and worked on farms in the local area. On the 1911 census, Peter Calligan (note spelling) was working for John and Elizabeth McInnes at Leitchland Farm, close to Inverkip. John was living as a boarder of Thomas and Catherine Docherty in Dalziel, Lanarkshire and working in the steel works according to the 1911 census. Peter and his brother enlisted for service in Greenock and he served with the 9th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers.

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Peter was killed in front of his brother as they went over the top on 16th August 1917. John and a priest (the Chaplain) pulled Peter's body out of the way and carried on. That was the last time he was seen. Peter was 28 years old.

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Peter was difficult to trace because of the spelling of his name on the war memorial (and also an incorrect date) - he was listed at 'Colligan'. After getting in contact with his family and at their request, I approached Inverclyde Council who were extremely helpful and had the spelling changed in time for the Remembrance Service in November 2016. His family visited the memorial that day and a few tears were shed after seeing it changed, including when they emailed me to say thank you. After 96 years of the wrong spelling and his brother being told it couldn't be changed, it meant so much to them that it was finally right.

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Thanks also to Inverkip Parish Church for being so accommodating in having a small amendment to the memorial plaque in the church with the correct spelling of Private Culligan. He is also remembered on the Tyne Cot memorial.

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John Culligan died in Greenock in 1974.