BALLYMENA 1914-1918
Carved in stone ...but not forgotten
1914 - Flocking to the colours
The grim harvest begins ...
August 1914
McCONACHY, Charles George, Able Seaman, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Amphion . Killed as result of mine explosion: 6th August 1914 Service No: 234602. : Aged 25, son of David and MargaretMcConachy, of Strath House, Dungiven,
The Observer reported:
C.G. McConaghy (sic) formerly of Ballymena, was killed by a German mine while serving on board HMS Amphion. He was a pupil of
TEMPLETON James Pte. 2nd R Innis. Fus. KIA 26/8/1914. Aged 29 son of George and Agnes, Ballymena. Lived
The Observer reported - (May 21, 1915)
The parents of Private James Templeton, formerly of Ballymena, now of
Since the Battle of Mons no trace of Pte Templeton has been obtained. He was an employee of Davison’s Sirocco Works,
Pte David McClintock
McCLINTOCK David Rfn. 1st R I Rifles. KIA 26th August 1914. Service no 7300. Aged 28, born/enlisted Ballymena. Son of Pat and Sarah McClintock, Parkhead. Comm. La Ferte Sous Jouarre memorial,
The Observer reported (May 21 1915) :- Mrs.. McClintock, Parkhead, was notified on Saturday last that her son. Pte David McClintock of the 2nd Btn. Royal Irish Rifles has been killed in action. He was wounded a considerable time ago and no news has been received from him since. The hospital to which he was taken was believed to have been shelled by the Germans and it is surmised that he lost his life in that way. The deceased spent six and half years in
September 1914 MARTIN Jack Rfn. 2nd R I Rifles. KIA 18 September 1914. Service no. 8490. Aged 31, son of the late John and Kathleen Martin of Kinrkinriola. Enlisted Ballymena. Wife Margaret Martin at
Rfn. Edward Anderson
ANDERSON, Edward, 5936, Rfn., 2 R. Irish Rifles, KIA, September 20, 1914. La-Ferte-Sous-Jouarre Memorial,
October 1914
Ballymena boys to the rescue
Finner Camp, Ballyshannon
On Sunday, 4 October,1914, while two of the soldiers of the Donegal Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were bathing, one of them took cramp. His companion swam to his rescue and succeeded in reaching him but the drowning man caught hold of him and they would have both been drowned if it had not been for the gallantry of seven Ballymena men who, seeing the peril of the two men, caught hold of each others hands and made a chain, reached the drowning men and brought them safe to shore and rendered first aid.
The rescue party took them to the hospital where they are progressing favourably.
The names of the rescue party are:- Sergt. William Cairns, Privates T. Coulter, Sandy Moody, Bertie Montgomery, W. Lorimer, B. Smith, James Moody.
Private William Telford, Tullygarley, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers is reported wounded and a prisoner of war and a comrade of the same regiment, who has been invalided home, pays a high tribute to his bravery.
Both were separated from their company in a small French town which was surrounded by Germans. Private Telford was wounded and when he saw capture was inevitable he handed his revolver, belt and bandolier to his companion and advised the latter to escape, which he evidently did though he was shot himself in the attempt.
Private R. Abernethy of the Royal Irish Rifles, invalided home from the front with a wounded leg, arrived at his parents’ residence, 20 Larne Street, Ballymena on Tuesday.
Ballymena Observer Oct. 9 1914
Escape from Antwerp
SAMUEL M. Gourley, Portglenone, son of Mr. James Gourley, senior Postmaster in Portglenone, was with the Royal Naval Volunteers in the trenches at Antwerp. He returned to Portglenone on a few days furlough on Thursday October 15 and he left Ballymena on Sunday last to report himself at Dublin on Monday morning.
Before going he received a presentation of a beautiful Bible from Miss Young, Portglenone House and a presentation of cigarettes and money from several of his companions in Portglenone. The Naval Marine was one of a party of the defenders (of Antwerp) who, mud-stained, dirty and unshaven, returned to Dover from Ostend.
Only a week previously he had left Dover and with his comrades embarked for a port unknown. They landed and were sent direct to the trenches where they were under fire at once.
Several chaps around him were struck but he escaped. On the retreat he experienced many thrilling adventures. At one time they were almost led into the German lines but through the intervention of a Belgian officer they were put on the right track and the treacherous guide was shot. Most of them got back to England safely after about eight days but some strayed into Holland and were interned there and a few, alas, were left lifeless in the trenches.
ANTWERP – a vitally important port on the Belgian Coast. As the Germans advanced rapidly, Britain sent Naval units to try and defend the city. Outgunned and outnumbered, the sailors had no chance and the city was abandoned.
POWER Joyce, Leading Stoker HMS Hawke. Sunk by U-Boat 15th October 1914. Service no. 308879. Aged 33 son of Mr. and Mrs. William Power, Ahoghill. Husband of Maggie Power, Waring Street, Ballymena. Comm. Chatham Naval Mem. and 2nd Broughshane Pres. Church.
The Observer reported:-
A message from the dead
The following is an extract from a letter dated 10th October written by Mr. Power to his minister, Rev. A Watson, Broughshane, and received by him on Tuesday last.
After referring to his wife and children, he says: - 'The more we have lost some ships it is nothing much, if they would only come out until we get at them (he refers to the German High Seas Fleet). We would soon get our own back.
"I do not think much of my countrymen in this war for not coming out and showing their loyalty. All the single young men should join now, for this is a just war. Would they like to see their homes ruined and dear ones murdered, while they are content to stop at home? For my part I would not be elsewhere for anything. I cannot tell you anything about what we are doing. Our letters are looked over before they leave and are sent back if we say much.'
He was a Raceview man and had been employed as fireman at the Raceview Woolen Mills. Much sympathy is is felt in the neighbourhood with his wife and two young children (twins). Mr. Power was a naval reserve man and was called up at the declaration of war.
Alexander Mairs -HMS Hawke
MAIRS, Alexander, Stoker 1st Class, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Hawke. Died 15th October 1914. Service No: SS/101872. Aged 29. Son of John and Maggie Mairs, of Gracehill, Co. Antrim. Comm.. Chatham Naval memorial and
Pte. James McNeill
McNEILL James Pte. 1st R Scots Fus. KIA 18th October 1914. Service no, 6681. Of Ahoghill. Comm. Le Touret Memorial and 2nd Ahoghill Pres. Church.
The Observer reported (December 4, 1914):- Much regret is felt in the Ahoghill and Broughshane District over the death of Pte. James McNeill of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, which sad event took place at the
L.cpl. Alexander McLean
McLEAN Alexander Lcpl. 2nd A&SH KIA 21st October 1914. Service no. 6902 Born Ballymena, enlisted Coatbridge, lived
L.cpl. Robert Black
BLACK, Robert, 12109, Lce. Cpl. 2 HLI, KIA October 24, 1914. Named Menin Gate Memorial. Born Ballymena, enlisted
See death report of his brother, William Black (November 1914 section)
Pte. Joe Richardson
RICHARDSON, Joseph Rfmn. 2nd R I Rifles (30). KIA 24th October 1914 . Aged 30, born Ahoghill. Son of James and Isabella Richardson of 7,
The Observer reported (November 20, 1914) :- Pte. Joe Richardson,
Pte.
Rfn. Daniel Robinson
ROBINSON Daniel Rfn. 2nd R I Rifles. KIA 25th October 1914. Service no. 8262. Born Ballymena, enlisted
L.cpl. James Wallace
WALLACE James Lcpl. 1st Irish Guards. KIA 26/10/1914. Service no. 1575. Aged 32, son of John and Isabella , Railway Cottages, Ballymena. Wife Clara in
The Observer reported (November 27, 1914) - Mr. John Wallace of Railway Cottages, Ballymena, has been notified by the War Office that his son L.cpl. James F. Wallace, 1st Btn Irish Guards, has been killed in action. Mr. Wallace received a letter from a private in the Irish Guards last week informing him of the death of his son which took place on October 26. L.cpl. Wallace was well known in Ballymena and was formerly in the employment of Mr. John Ellis, tailor,
Rfn. Robert Getty (Gettis?)
GETTY (or Gettis) Robert, Rfn. 2nd R.I.Rifles. KIA 27/10/1914. Service no. 6444. Aged 24, Enlisted Ballykinlar, husband of Ellen Sinclair Getty,
The Observer reported (December 11, 1914) :-
MRS. Gettis,
Pte. Joseph Bell
The Observer reported (December 14, 1914):-Mr. William John Bell,
Pte. William Armstrong
ARMSTRONG, William, 9196, Private, 1 Black watch, KIA, October 29, 1914. Named on
The Observer reported (December 30, 1914):- It was officially reported to the parents of Pte Wm. Armstrong, Bally, Ballymena, that their son, of the Black Watch, had been killed in action as long ago as October 29, 1914. The deceased, who leaves a wife and two young children residing in
Rfn. Alexander Lundy
LUNDY Alexander Rfn. 2nd R I Rifles. Died 27th October 1914. Service no. 8989. Born Ballymena, enlisted and lived
Private Leslie Houston
The Observer reported (December 11, 1914):- Mrs. L. Houston,
Pte Houston was an employee of H. Lancashire's,
November 1914
Missing and wounded ...
Private John Weir, Royal Irish Fusiliers, a former auxiliary postman in Ballymena is reported missing since 28th August.
Private Robert Esler, late of Greenvale Street, of the 9th Lancers has been reported wounded.
Private Dan Lorimer Royal Irish Rifles, is presently at home in Ballymena on furlough. He has three brothers and a brother in law on active service and his parents are justly proud of this fine record. At the Aisne he got a bullet wound in the left shoulder and lay in the trenches all day and ultimately decided to make a bolt for safety.
An army reserve man, Pte. Lorimer was called up at the outbreak of war, proceeding to the front with the first BEF. He was through the Battle of Mons and describing his experiences there and on the
"We then got the order to remain where we were and when the enemy attacked, Cpl. Heggarty, who has since been killed, gave us the order to for three rounds of rapid firing which we did with good effect and the Germans were checked here and lost heavily.
"We subsequently retired on the right flank till we came to a little village on the 26th of the month. We opened out and the word came that the German lancers were in the village. Our artillery opened fire on the village and cleared it as far as possible and then our infantry advanced and unfortunately some considerable damage was done to them by a couple of shells fired by a British gun in the rear.
"We got the word to retire again and were lying in a green field when we were directed to return to the road and all the wounded were put on horseback and removed to a church which had been converted to a temporary hospital.
"Private David McClintock obituary above (of
"After the turning movement which led up to the
"As soon as 'A' coy of the Rifles got across, rifle fire was opened on us and we had to run for a plantation and later on we got cover of an embankment.
"Captain Soutery gave us orders to advance but had not gone 100 yards till he was wounded and we had to retire. Captain Durant, who was next in command, took charge and we were within 300 yards of the Germans when he was wounded on the thigh and Private Clarke who went to bind his wounded was also wounded.
"Captain Durant then gave orders for Colour Sgt. Lynas to take charge and when I was passing along this word I was wounded. The bullet passed through my left shoulder and grazed my lung. I was wounded between three and four o'clock in the morning and lay there till between five and six o'clock at night.
"Captain Durant was also lying wounded and I crawled over to get a drink out of his water bottle. I told Private Clarke that I was going to make a dash for it, but he said I was wrong to remain where I was.
"However, I made the attempt and I had only gone about fifty yards when I fell as the result of weakness and loss of blood. I had to lie there for a considerable time as the bullets both from out side and the Germans were passing close. All I was able to do was shout out 'Royal Irish Rifles' and I saw an officer in the British lines who had a maxim gun, waving on me to come on.
"I got up again and the officer, whom I do not know, but belonged to one of the Irish Regiments, and who was a very plucky man kept the Maxim going till I reached safety.
"All I had by this time was my shirt and my trousers and I was in a bad state, but I was soon removed to a hospital on the outskirts of
"The French people were very good to us all along the line and my comrades gave me my share of the good things which were offered to us. I also saw Private Joe Richardson (obituary above) of Harryville in the battle and Private Jack Martin (obituary above) of Ballymena too. I am sorry to say that Private Martin was killed and I fear Pte McClintock met the same fate."
Private T. McCluggage, formerly of High Street, who was wounded on the hand at the Aisne is now at home. He is a reservist with the Royal Irish Rifles and he was in the thick of the fighting since the landing of the BEF in France.
Battle of the Aisne – One of many costly battles fought by Britain’s ‘Contemptible Little Army’, as they had been labelled by the German Kaiser. From this abusive term, the regulars and reservists derived their proud nickame of ‘The Old Contemptibles’.
Ballymena Observer Nov. 6, 1914
Captain T. McCann Phillips
PHILLIPS T. McCann Captain, RAMC att. Major Hayes’ Ambulance. Died of wounds 4th November 1914. Aged 24, formerly of Ahoghill. Son of Rev. J.G. and Mrs. Anne Phillips. Buried Poperinge Comm. Cem.
Captain Arthur E. B. O'Neill MP
O’NEILL Arthur E. B. Captain 2nd Life Guards. KIA 4th November 1914. Aged 38, MP for Mid-Antrim, 2nd son of Baron O’Neill of Shane’s Castle. The first MP to die in the war. Comm. Menin Gate.
The Observer reported (November 20, 1914):-
The Late Captain O'Neill.
Killed in a bayonet charge.
The manner in which Captain the Hon. Arthur O'Neill was killed in action is related in letters received by the family of the late 2nd Lt. W. S. Peterson, 2nd Life Guards, from three of his brother officers. The following are extracts from the letters:-
"Yesterday afternoon, November 5, we were ordered to support and recapture a village out of which the French had been driven. The whole regiment dismounted and advanced under heavy rifle fire on the village, which was charged at the point of the bayonet by us. Your son - Lt. Peterson - was shot through the heart during this charge. I am most profoundly grieved; he was such a splendid fellow and such a great friend.
"We cleared the village at the point of the bayonet killing about 30 Germans and capturing about 20. I was the only officer left after this attack as out commaning officer, Major Dawney, a most gallant man was killed sitting next to me in the trench by a shrapnel shell. We also lost Captain O'Neill, killed, and Mr. Johnson and Mr. Hobson wounded, during this attack."
"Our brigade, the regiment itself, were known to stay in the trenches longer than anyone else. Your brother died with two other officers of the regiment, Major Dawney, commanding and Captain Arthur O'Neill, in driving the Germans back; they accomplished this work and in so doing actually saved most likely a great defeat of our arms; the fact is recognised by the General. I heard - I do not vouch for the truth of it - your brother (Peterson) killed 16 Germans before he was killed."
"As the senior officer left with the regiment, and as I was also the squadron leader, I write to let you know that he (Peterson) died leading his troops most gallantly as we advanced under enemy fire.
In the bag ..
WE have been informed that Corp. W.J. Nesbitt of the Irish Guards, son of Mr. Nesbitt, Mount Street, has been wounded in the hand and is now in hospital in England.
Private John Weir has been reported to be a prisoner of war at Senegar, Germany.
Private W. McIlroy of Alfred Street (pictured above) who was also reported missing has been wounded but has rejoined his regiment, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Mrs. John Watt of Victoria Terrace, Ballymena has been notified that her brother, L.cpl. R.S. Wilkinson of the R. Innis. Fus. has been wounded and is now a POW at Hanover.
Ballymena Observer November 13, 1914
Gdn. Charles Montgomery
Pte. William Allison
ALLISON, William, 7864, Private, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers, died at home, November 14, 1914. Born Ballymena enlisted
Pte William Black
BLACK, William 11302, Cpl. 2 HLI, KIA (brother of Robert Black whose CWGC notice appears above) November 14, 1914. Named Menin Gate. Born Ballymena, enlisted
The Observer reported (April 16, 1915):-
Two brothers killed and one wounded
INFORMATION has been received in Ballymena that L.cpl. Robert Black, of the 2nd Btn. Highland Light Infantry, who was previously reported wounded and missing, is now reported killed. L.cpl. Black comes from Ballygarvey, Ballymena and his brother, Private W. Black, of the same regiment, was killed at the front some months ago. Another brother, Private Jerry Black of the Connaught Rangers, was wounded early in the war.
ALLEN Charles, 1535, Private, 1 Irish Guards, KIA, November 18, 1914, listed on
Any news is good news ...
NEWS has been received in Ballymena by the relatives of R. McDonald, Larne Street, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, that he has been wounded in the leg.
H. McNeill, James Street of 4th Btn. Royal Marines, who has been wounded during the defence of Antwerp was in Ballymena recently.
A letter has been received from Pte. Jas. Griffen, James Street of the R. Innis. Fus. that he has received a wound in the left arm and is now in the 2nd Western Hospital, Manchester.
Corp. W. J. Nesbitt has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Mr. Joseph Mewhirter Killycowan has received a card from his son, Pte John Mewhirter of the Irish Guards who was reported missing since 1st September. The card states that he was taken prisoner at Mons and is now in the camp at Erfurt, Germany.
(Mons was the Belgian mining town at which the BEF - Britain's tiny but highly professional army fought their first major engagement. It was at Mons that the Germans first felt the awesome accuracy and firepower of the superbly trained BEF regualrs. Nearly every man was a marksman, because it added to their pay, and they could fire 15 aimed shots in 60 seconds .. the infamous ‘mad minute.’
Despite a brave stand, the British were soon outflanked as French troops fell back and thus began an epic fighting retreat to escape the German pincer movement. Ed.)
Ballymena Observer November 20, 1914
A family at war ...
MR. Charles McAuley, Moat Road, Ballymena, has three sons serving with the colours. Patrick Joseph McAuley is on HMS Exmouth. Brian McAuley is a constable in the Hong Kong Police and formerly was a seaman on HMS Monmouth. James McAuley is a private in the Connaught Rangers.
Miss A. Armstrong of Ballymena has received a letter from her brother, Pte. R. Armstrong of the Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was wounded at the battle of Mons. He was wounded in the knee and has been in an American Ambulance Hospital in Paris. He expects to be home for Christmas.
(At this stage of the war, pro-British Americans operated volunteer hospitals and ambulance services in France and Flanders. Ed)
Ballymena Observer November 29, 1914
December 1914
McILWAINE Anderson Rfn. 2nd R I Rifles. Died of wounds
The Observer reported (January 1, 1915):- Mr. Robert McIlwaine, Dunfane, Ballymena, has been notified by the War Office that his son, Pte Anderson McIlwaine of the 2nd Btn. R. Irish Rifles, has died from wounds received at the Battle of Ypres on December 2, 1914.
Rfn. George Harkness
HARKNESS, George Rfn. 2nd R I Rifles. Died 3rd December 1914. Service no. 8252. Born Ballymena, enlisted Ballymena. Buried
Sgt. T. Kerr
SGT T. Kerr, Brookville Terrace, of the RAMC who went to the front with the BEF has been promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Sgt. John Montford
Sure and steadfast
The Sir George White Memorial Coy. Boys' Brigade, Broughshane, has a roll of honour of members serving with the colours.
BB Lieutenant John Montford, who is a sergeant in the North Irish Horse, is attached to the body-guard of General Smith Dorrien. Staff Sgt. D. J. Mullan has received a clerkship in the Royal Engineers and Pte Wm. McClure is serving with the Royal Irish Rifles quartered at Dublin.
Mrs. W. Armstrong, Kinhilt Street, recently forwarded a parcel of cigarettes to her husband, Pte W. Armstrong of the Black Watch which has been returned by the War Office, with a notification that Pte Armstrong has been wounded and is missing. It is almost seven weeks since Mrs. Armstrong heard from her husband.
Much regret is felt in the Ahoghill and Broughshane district over the death Pte James McNeill of the Royal Irish Fusiliers which sad event took place at the Battle of the Marne. The deceased was a native of Ahoghill and was for the past four years the faithful servant of Mr. John Martin of Roughan, Broughshane.
Mr. William McLean, Galgorm, has four sons and all four are with the colours - Gunner William McLean, Royal Garrison Artillery; Gunner Thomas McLean RGA; Pte John McLean, R.I. Rifles and Pte Robert McLean with the 12th Btn. R.I. Rifles (Ulster Division).
(The Battle of the Marne was a decisive battle of the war. It stopped the Germans from capturing Paris, forcing them to retreat and eventually led to the horror of a war of attrition in the trenches. Ed)
Ballymena Observer December 4, 1914
Nursing sisters
MR. and Mrs. Thomas Longmore, Bridge Street, Ballymena, have two daughters who are at present engaged in nursing wounded soldiers in English Hospitals while their two sons are with the colours. Sergeant Longmore at the front with the Irish Guards and Pte George Longmore of the East African Mounted Volunteers, formerly an official with the Indian Police.
Mrs. James Kennedy of Alfred Street, has three sons and a son-in-law serving with the colours. Stoker Peter Kennedy is on board HMS Queen Mary and Pte William Kennedy is serving with the Royal Engineers. Her third son, Pte. James Kennedy of Galgorm Street, has joined the Ulster Division. Her son-in-law Pte W. McIlroy, Alfred Street, was wounded at the front.
Ballymena Observer December 10, 1914
NELSON Samuel Rfn. 2nd R I Rifles. KIA 12th december 1914. Service no. 8180. Aged 30, son of Sam and Cathrine Nelson, formerly of
The Observer reported (December 30, 1914): - The War Office has notified Mr. Samuel Nelson, formerly of
Medics and ministers
THE following promotions have taken place in connection with the Ballymena recruits 12th Btn. RIR (central Antrims):- Sergts. J. H. Wright and Norman Henry; L/sgts. Robert Baird and Samuel McGarry; Corp. Samuel Cumming; Lcpls. Wm. Grant, George Montgomery, James Watson, Thos. Nesbitt, Robert Barr, Alex. Greer.
Lcpl. H. Hamilton, Clonavon Place, 6th Btn. RIRifles rejoins his regiment on January 4. He is a son of the late Mr. James Hamilton.
Three more Ballymena Academy Old Boys have recently received commissions in the RAMC:- Dr. J. Clarke son of Mr. Wm. Clarke, High Street; Dr. J. Spence son of Mr. R. Spence, Ahoghill and Dr. H. W. Wier, son of Mr. J. Wier JP, Liscoom, Ballymena.
Rev. D. R. Mitchell of First Broughshane has been posted to the 108th Infantry Brigade as a Presbyterian Chaplain.
(108 Brigade was a component of the 36th (Ulster) Division. Ed)
Ballymena Observer December 17, 1914
ORR, Robert Clifford Captain Somerset Light Infantry 3rd Bn. KIA 19/12/1914. Aged 34, of Masoe, Ballymena. Son of Robert Harrison Orr and Cassandra Marchaise Orr, of 1,
The Observer reported (January 1915):- The sad tidings of the death of Captain Robert C. Orr, solicitor, Ballymena was received on Wednesday morning, last, by his partner, Mr. Travers W. King, solicitor.
The deceased was gazetted to the 3rd Btn. Somerset Lt. Infantry about four years ago and was reported missing as from the 19th inst (December 1914). He was appointed captain of his regiment on the 3rd November after he had proceeded to the front.
He was the son of the late Mr. Robert Orr, solicitor who carried on an extensive practice in
The late captain Orr was educated at
The late Captain Orr was appointed adjutant of the 'Irish Battalion North Antrim Regt of the Ulster Volunteers and since the inception of this movement he was most prominently identified with it, as indeed he was with everything pertaining to the cause of Unionism in this district.
He was also a very prominent figure at Larne Harbour on the historic occasion of the gun-running and distribution of the rifles to the loyalist volunteers of the county.
The deceased was a devoted member of St. Patrick's Church of Ireland, Ballymena. His mother resides at Rockside, Newcastle, Co. Down and his brother is practising as a solicitor in Lombard Street, Belfast.
Orr's grave as pictured in early 1915.
The recovery of Orr's body (along with those of his brother officers) was a contributary factor
in the famous 1914 Christmas Truce in the Ploegsteert Wood sector near Ypres.
Orr's grave 2007 - picture courtesy of Michelle Young Western Front Association
'Lines to the memory of the late Capt. R.C. Orr
3rd btn. Somerset Light Infantry'
He was one of our gallant townsmen,
Who gave his life to save
His country's honour from the hun
Who'd make each one a slave.
Though far away in Belgium
His heart was always here
He thought on Loyal Ulster
He was still a Volunteer.
For in the muddy trenches
Two days before he fell
He penned a message to his lads
To guard old Ulster well.
He was our gallant captain
His commands we did regard;
We'll never have his like again
To drill us round the yard.
He's answered roll call up above
His work on earth is done;
He nobly died a soldier's death,
Fighting the German Hun.
But the day is surely coming
That his blood will be avenged;
By the noble 12th Battalion
His death will be revenged.
He's gone from us forever
But his spirit will live in
The gallant lads who go to sweep
The Germans to Berlin.
Then buckle on your armour
The call comes near and far;
To go and help our brothers
To end this bloody war.
A. Lewis, Bryan Street, Ballymena.
Published in the Observer 1915
Knees up for Willie
Private Willie Moore, the well known Ballymena footballer who was at the front with his old regiment, the Inniskillings, has been invalided home and is now in an English hospital as the result of frostbite suffered in the trenches. Whilst in the hospital, the injury to his knee sustained at football is being attended to and he is expected to leave the institution better than ever.
(Frostbite was a common occurrence in the bitter winter of 1914/15. ‘Trench Foot’ also took its toll as soldiers had to stand in waterlogged trenche for hours and often days without a chance to dry their feet or change socks or boots. Ed.)
Ballymena Observer December 24, 1914
Fire man William Graham
GRAHAM William, Fireman, Merchant Marine SS Gem of