BALLYMENA 1914-1918

1915 - Not such a lovely war ...

Ballymena 1915 - A Scottish Regimental Band leads a recruiting 'fancy dress' parade through the streets of Harryville. This picture was taken at Salisbury Square and many of the houses are still recognisable.

January 1915

Able Seaman Samuel M. Gourley

GOURLEY, Samuel Mooney , Able Seaman, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.S. "Viknor." . Date of Death: 13th January 1915. Service No: Clyde 3/2177.

Aged 21 Son of James Gourley, Portglenone.. Grave/Memorial Reference: 10. Comm: Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

The Observer reported February 12, 1915: -

WE regret to state that Saml. M. Gourley, A.B. of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, lost his life in the sinking of HMS Viknor. Young Gourley, who was only 21 years of age, was a son of Mr. James Gourley, Portglenone. He was called up at the outbreak of war and took part in the defence of Antwerp, and was amongst those who made their escape towards Ostend.

Feeling the strain

PRIVATE William Allen, Alexander Street, who was serving at the front with the Royal Engineers, is now invalided to No. 11 Field Ambulance, suffering from syncope as a result of his strenuous experiences in the trenches.

Miss Murray, formerly of Lawnview Place, Ballymena is serving as a Red Cross Nurse at the front.

Sgt, John Blair, formerly of Lisbreen, Martinstown, who is attached to the 119th Heavy Battery RGA, has had some 16 years service in the army. Writing home a few days ago he stated he was in good health.

(RGA – Royal Garrison Artillery. The unit which was responsible for heavy guns.Ed.)

Ballymena Observer January 15, 1914

Cullybackey recruits

WE are pleased to learn that many of the young men from the Maine Works, Cullybackey, have joined the colours and some are at the front, and those who recently joined are in training at Newtownards, Lurgan and Antrim.

We also understand that they are very busy with Government work in the Maine, dyeing khakis and French blues, on linen and cotton goods, and are bound to feel the want of the trained hands leaving them at this time.

They had two young men called up from the Reserve named Lcpl. Henry and Charles McIlroy. They have both been in the fighting line since early August and the latter has been twice wounded and is in present in a hospital in Rouen, France.

Ballymena Observer January 22, 1915

Guardsman James Leetch

LEETCH, James Gdsmn. 1st Scots Guards. Missing believed killed 25th January, 1915. Service no. 9423. Aged 22, born Ballymena, enlisted Glasgow. Son of Robert and Mary Jane, Galgorm. Buried Le Touret Memorial, France. Comm. Ahoghill Church of Ireland.

Guardsman Andrew McCleary

McCLEARY Andrew Gdsmn. 1st Scots Guards. KIA 25th January 1915. Service no, 12428. Aged 31, born Clough, enlisted Bo’ness. Husband of Annie McCleary, 27 Murrayfield Tce. West Lothian, Scotland. Comm. Le Touret Memorial, France.

Join the band

THE war office has notified Mrs. McClintock of Boyd's Entry, Ballymena, that her son Pte David McClintock, R.I. Rifles (obituary in 1914 section) has been wounded and missing since September 18. Mrs. McClintock has been advised by the War Office to communicate with the American consul to find out if her son is a prisoner.

Mr. Archibald McAteer, Waring Street, has five sons in the King's army, all of whom joined prior to the outbreak of war. Wilson and Archie are with the Royal Field Artillery. Adam is with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, James with the Royal Irish Rifles and Nathaniel with the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons.

The Seven Towers Flute Band have given eight of their youngest members to Kitchener's army and the Royal Navy:-

Messrs. James Moore (1st Flute); Robert Parke (2nd Flute); Thos. Colville and Harry Walsh (3rd flute) William J.McNiece (F flute) and Samuel McFetridge (bass drum). The band continues to make progress under the tuition of Mr. A. H. Perrin and are also fortunate in having a gentleman like Dr. Jones, who takes such a keen interest in their affairs.

The Young Conquerors Flute Band have shown a fine example of patriotism in giving seven of their members to the King's army. The following are the names - Hugh McDowell, Royal Iniskilling Fusiliers; Samuel Wilson, Royal Dublin Fusiliers; James Barr, Hugh Smith, Robert Magee, William J. Magee and James Thompson all of the 12th Royal Irish Rifles.

Ballymena Observer January 29, 1915

February 1915

Private R. Carey

CAREY, R. 17359, Private, 11 R. Innis. Fus. Died at home February 27, 1915. Buried at Ballymena New Cemetery.

Frostbite and illness

PRIVATE Charles McManus, Ballymena, of the Royal Irish Fusiliers (newspaper error, McManus was 1st R. Innis. Fus.), has arrived home on furlough in Ballymena, suffering from frostbite as a result of exposure in the trenches.

Above: Trooper Robert Mitchell

Trooper Mitchell - son of Mr. Richard Mitchell, Clarence Street - of the 12th Lancers, is at present in a hospital in England suffering from a slight cold. Before returning to the front he hopes to pay a visit to Ballymena and his many local friends wish him the best of luck.

Mrs. McAteer of Waring Street has received a letter from the King informing her that he has heard with much interest of her five sons in the services.

Ballymena Observer February 5, 1915

Back to front

PRIVATE James Whiteside, of Monaghan, Ballymena, who serves with the Royal Scots Greys has been wounded but is off to the front again. Private Dick McCormick of North Street is from the front suffering from frostbite. He was with the Royal Irish Rifles.

Ballymena Observer February 12. 1915

March 1915

Rfn. Hugh Andrews

ANDREWS, Hugh, 7955, 1 R. Irish Rifles, KIA March 10, 1915. Named Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. Born Ballymena, enlisted Belfast.

L.cpl. Thomas Henry

HENRY Thomas Lcpl. 1st R I Rifles. MIA since March 1 1915. Date of death given as 10th March 1915. Service no. 8779. Born Glenhugh Rd. Ahoghill, enlisted Glasgow, lived Moneyglass. Comm. Le Touret Memorial, France.

The Observer reported July 23, 1915:- Lance Corporal Thomas Henry, Glenhugh (Road, Ahoghill of the 1^st Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, has been reported missing since 11^th March 1915. Intimation to this effect was received by his mother, who will be glad to receive any news concerning his whereabouts from any the Irish Riflemen at the front. L.cp. Henry who is only 22 years of age was in the special reserve and was called up at the outbreak of war. He had been at the front since August last year.

Lance Corporal Joseph Martin

MARTIN Joseph Lcpl. 1st R I Rifles. KIA 10th march 1915. Service no. 9014. Born Londonderry, son of Elizabeth Martin of 15 Hope Street, Ballymena. Comm. Le Touret Memorial, France. Comm. Wellington Street Pres. Church.

The Observer reported April 2, 1915 - Deep regret will be felt at the reported death of Lance Corporal Joseph Martin, Hope Street, of the 1st Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, which sad event occurred on March 10 at the victory of Neuve Chapelle. This sad news was received by the parents of L.cpl. Martin on Monday, through a chum named Alexander who is himself connected with Ballymena.

L.cpl. Martin had been in India four years with the 1st Battalion and shortly after the outbreak of war his regiment was called to the battlefields of France. Since that time he was a regular correspondent to his parents, always stating that he was in the best of health and spirits. No letters have been received from him for a considerable period and it is feared the worst has happened.

Roll up ...

Recruiting in Ballymena during the last week has been pretty brisk and 12 young men have passed the necessary test and have been posted to their respective regiments, principally in the Ulster Division.

A great number more offered their services a number of whom were over-age and some under age. The number of Ballymena men now with the colours totals over 600.

It has been decided by the authorities that the 16th Btn. RIR having been constituted as the Pioneer Btn. of the Ulster Division, extra duty pay at the rate of 2d per diem will be allowed to the men, the increase is to be retrospective.

(Pioneers – a unit within the Division which would, in modern terms, be designated as ‘combat engineers’. Men with specialist skills in construction etc. Ed.)

Ballymena Observer March 12. 1915

Carnlough Hero

SIR John French has recommended Company Sgt. Major Hugh McVeigh of the Irish Guards for reception of the medal for 'distinguished service in the field'. CSM McVeigh is a native of Carnlough where his parents reside. When his superior officers were put out of action in the course of a recent charge, he took command and led his men to victory. At the outbreak of war, as a reserve man with the rank of sergeant, he rejoined the Guards and has been on active service since. He was promoted on the field.

(Sir John French – the BEF’s early war commander. A soldier of the old school, he was replaced by the more famous Douglas Haig.)

Ballymena Observer March 19,1915

April 1915

Severely wounded

NOTIFICATION has been received by Mr. Mark Thompson, Queen Street, caretaker of the Old Churchyard, that his brother Private Robert Thompson (son of the late John Thompson, Henry Street) of the 1st Btn. Royal Irish Rifles has been severely wounded on 14th March. Private Thompson is now in a hospital in Rouen. He was in India for a period of three years and, after the outbreak of war, was called to France.

Above: David Larkin

Information has been received from Private David Larkin, Hill Street, of the 1st Btn. RIR .

"I am in a hospital wounded. I got it on 11th March at Neuve Chapelle, a bullet through my left forearm and a piece of shrapnel shell in the upper part of my right leg. It was something dreadful to se how some of the men were suffering. I had to crawl on my hands and knees to the dressing station.
"I shall never forget that battle. My company suffered most, there are only four of us left out of 100 and I consider myself lucky getting off with wounds.
"The Germans were cut to pieces and lost thousands. They deserved all they got for man, woman and child are all alike to them.
"It would make your blood run cold to hear the people of Neuve Chapelle tell of the cruel treatment they received at the hands of the Germans.

"I had a letter from A.... about a parcel that she and a few others had sent me but of course I was not there to receive it. It will not be lost. Some of the boys will get it and it will be divided up between them. That is the way we all do when the owner is away wounded, so I must thank you very much for the parcel. You would be surprised how a little parcel brightens up the troops. They are pleased as schoolchilden."

(Battalions – A regiment is made up of battalions (btns.) these are in turn made of companies, platoons and sections. Regular battalions obviously had numerical designations such as 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd (Reserve). Ed)

Ballymena Observer April 2, 1915

L.cpl. John Bowden

Above: John Bowden's funeral moves along Church Street, Ballymena. The carriage is pulled by his

comrades from the 12th Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers)

BOWDEN, John, 18880, Lce.Cpl. 12 R. Irish Rifles. Died through illness April 1, 1915. Buried Ballymena New Cemetery. Aged 19, son of David and Margaret of Slatt, Ballymena. Enlisted Ballymena. Comm. 1st Ballymena Pres. Church.

The Observer reported April 9, 1915 :- Much regret is felt in the 12th Btn. R.I. Rifles at the death of L.cpl. John Bowden, of Ballymena, which took place on Thursday morning, April 1, at the Newtownards Camp.

Ambulances and alcohol

WE have very great pleasure in announcing that our appeal in last week's Observer for a sum of £500 has resulted in the magnificent and gratifying response of more than £250 in subscriptions in one week. This is one-half of what will be required to furnish one of the best motor ambulances to the war office for immediate service at the front. As we said in last week's appeal, the scheme has got nothing whatever to do with any political party or religious denomination. It is for us all, masses and classes, and all must take a pleasure in its promotion.

At the annual meeting of the Vestry held on Wednesday, April 7, the following resolution was passed, Rev. T. Dowzer M.A. Chairman.

"That the Vestry of St. Patrick's Church, Broughshane are unanimously of the opinion that prohibition of intoxicating drink should be carried out by the Government during the time of the war and also that this prohibition should be applied to all officers, NCOs and men of the British army and navy.

(Temperance – the campaign against alcohol was of major social importance in pre-war Britain. Many societies were established to encourage people not to fall foul of the ‘demon drink.’ It was during WW1 that Britain’s licensing laws were first introduced to prevent war workers from over indulging in drink and thus disrupting production. Ed.)

Ballymena Observer April 9, 1915

2nd Lt. H. B. Hodges

HODGES, Henry Burden,Second Lieutenant, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 2nd Bn.. Date of Death: 18th April 1915; Age: 19 Son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. W. Hodges, of Gl.enravel House, Glenravel, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. Comm. Menin Gate and Ballymena New Cemetery.

The Observer reported April 30, 1915:- 2nd Lt. Hodges was the younger son of Mr. J. F. W. Hodges JP. He was only 19 years of age and was educated at Sherborne School, Dorset and Sandhurst. He was a noted athlete; last year (1914) he won the pubic school championship at Aldershot in the light weights. He was posted to the KOYLI on 23rd December last and went to the front in the middle of March. A prominent Ulster Volunteer and for a time instructor to the Newtowncrommelin Coy of the UVF. His brother Lt. J. F. Hodges, was wounded on the day that 2nd Lt. Hodges went into the trenches.

Pte John Laverty

LAVERTY John Pte. 2nd R Irish Fus. KIA 20th April 1915. Service no 17499. Aged 23, born Ballymena, enlisted Ballymoney. Son of James and Margaret Laverty, 2 Alexander Street, Ballymena. Comm. Menin Gate.

The Observer reported April 30, 1915 :- SERGEANT T. Reilly, B company, 2nd Btn Royal Irish Rifles, in a letter to Ballymena, states that Rfn. John Laverty was killed in action on March 19,1915. Rfn. Laverty, who had previously been reported missing, belonged to Alexander Street, Ballymena, where his parents live. He is the son of a soldier and has a brother at the front with the Royal Engineers.

Off to Dublin

MISS Nora Patman, daughter of the late Canon Patman, Rector of Ahoghill is at present on the nursing staff of an ambulance train in France.

Intimation has been received by his parents in Ballymena from the War Office that Pte John Laverty, Alexander Street, Royal Irish Rifles has been reported as missing. Another brother, Private James Laverty is with the Royal Engineers at the front.

Dr. A. Duncan, Harryville House, Ballymena, has joined the RAMC and has been ordered to report to Dublin for duty.

Ballymena Observer April 23, 1915

Pte. Hugh McMichael

McMICHAEL Hugh Pte. 2nd Btn. R Innis Fus. KIA 28th April 1915. Service no. 10720. Son of James McMichael, Linenhall Street, Ballymena. Comm. Le Touret Memorial.

The Observer reported July 30, 1915 - Mr. James McMichael, Linenhall Street, Ballymena, has received official notice that his son, Hugh McMichael, has been killed at the front. His son was a private in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Another son. Pte. Charles McMichael of the 2nd R. Dublin Fus., who had been seven years in India, has been wounded and is now in hospital in Egypt. A third son, Staff Sgt Farrier William James McMichael is at present in France with the North Irish Horse. Four of Mr. McMichael's sons-in-law are with Kitchener's army.

Sorry to say ...

LANCE Corporal John McCurley, William Street, of the 2nd Btn. RIR who was wounded on March 1 at West Ypres, has been home on a few days furlough. He stated that he was wounded by a bullet on the hand while in charge of a fatigue party bringing up supplies to the trenches.

(Ypres – the Belgian town of Ypres was almost surrounded by the German army. Throughout the war, the British and Belgians fought to preserve this ‘salient’ from being over-run. Thus the reference to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Ypres. Ed.)

Ballymena Observer April 30, 1915

May 1915

Rfn. James McFall

McFALL James Rfn. 2nd R I Rifles. KIA 8th may 1915. Service no. 10277. Son of the late James (brother of Daniel KIA Jily 1 1916; cousin of Daniel KIA 1915). Born Craigywarren, kin at Garfield Place, Ballymena. Comm. Menin Gate.

The Observer reported May 21, 1915 - Intimation of the death of Private McFall, Dunfane, has been received in Ballymena. Private McFall joined the Royal Irish Rifles about 18 months ago and went into action with his battalion. His brother, Private Daniel McFall, is serving with the Ulster Division in the same regiment. News of his death was received from his cousin who is also at the front.

This week's recruiting:-

12th Royal irish Rifles - Samuel Shaw, Drumfin; James Telford, 8 Alexander Street, Alex, Luke 37 Springwell Street; James Stewart, Pound Cottage, Wm. Furgrove, Hillmount, Robert Letters, Hillmount, Henry Watt, Hillmount, John Gordon, Hillmount, Wilson Kirkpatrick, Hillmount; Matthew G. McCrory, Hillmount; Henry Stewart, Pound Cottage; Robert Little, Galgorm Street; John Dunn, North Street, Robert McCartney, Hillmount; Samuel Dawson, Galgorm.

17th Royal Irish Rifles - David Lorimer 9 Alexander Street; George McAuley, 3 Alexander Street; Hugh leith, Cullybackey; Andrew McCallion, Cullybackey; William Ramsey, Cullybackey.

5th Royal Irish Rifles - Samuel G. A. McWilliams, Duneaney; Fred McNeill, Dunminning.

Connaught Rangers - Samuel O'Dornan 11 William Street; Joe Nixon Parkhead.

Irish Guards, William White Kenbally, Broughshane.

Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers - James Reid, The Braid

Royal Scots - Hugh McClurkin, Galgorm Street; William John Wilson, James Street; Thomas Colgan, Galgorm Street (actually Seaforths).

Ahoghill couple die on Lusitania

MR. and Mrs. Thomas Agnew were homeward bound on the Lusitania when she was torpedoed by a German submarine.

Mr. and Mrs. Agnew were resident in Monnessen, Pennsylvania, four years and were returning to Ballylummin, Ahoghill. Tom Agnew, carpenter, was son of the late John Agnew, farmer, Ballylummin, who died in September last year.

Walter Agnew, another brother, who has been a motor inspector in the States, and returned to this country six months ago to manage the farm, received a wire from the Cunard Company, stating that the bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Agnew had not been recovered.

(Lusitania – a transatlantic liner sunk without warning by a German U-boat off the Irish Coast. The death of many American citizens in this sinking was a considerable public relations blow to the German cause. The Lusitania sinking was a contributing factor in America’s eventual decision to declare war on Germany in 1917. Ed.)

Ballymena Observer May 21, 1915

Behind the wire

PRIVATE William Telford, Alexander Street, of the Royal Irish Riles has been wounded and a prisoner of war in Germany since September 23, 1914.

MRS. Graham, Clarence Street, Ballymena, has been notified by the War Office that her brother, Private Patrick O'Kane of the 1st Btn. RI Rifles has been wounded in the right hand and is now in hospital. A letter received from Private O'Kane shortly after the notification., states that he is progressing favourably. This is the second time he has been wounded, sustaining the previous one in the left hand in December last, at Ypres and lost a finger as a result. He was in India with his regiment at the outbreak of war.

MRS. Campbell, 7, Galgorm Road, Ballymena, has received official intimation that her son, Private Joseph Campbell of the Royal Scots, has been wounded and is at present in hospital in Manchester. Private Campbell is suffering from shrapnel wounds in the arm and legs.

Private Harry Loughlin, 2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers, who is a native of Ballymena, has been wounded and is at present in hospital.

Lance-corporal Tom McCord, Ahoghill, 2nd Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, has been reported as missing.

Private James Leetch, Galgorm, of the Scots Guards, has been missing since January 20, 1915.

Ballymena Observer May 21 1915

Private John Currie

CURRIE, John Private, 2nd R. Innis. Fus. KIA 16/5/1915. Service no. 3154. Named Le Touret Memorial, France. Born Ballymena enlisted Belfast. Sister at 8 Patrick Place, Ballymena.

Private Thomas Gordon

GORDON Thomas Private 2nd R. Innis. Fus. KIA 16/5/ 1915. Service no. 3192. Aged 28, born Ballymena, enlisted Belfast, son of Thomas and Jeannie 129, Mervue Street, Belfast. Comm. Le Touret Memorial, France.

Private Robert Boyd

BOYD, Robert James, 32932, Private, 2 R. Innis. Fus. KIA at Festtubert, May 16, 1915. Named Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais. Born Ballyclare, enlisted Belfast. Aged 22, son of William and Mary Boyd, Ballyscullion, Toomebridge.

The Observer reported March 10, 1916 - Mr. William Boyd, Millquarter, Toomebridge, has been officially notified of the death of his son, Private Robert Boyd, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Private Boyd has been reported missing since the Battle of Festubert on 16^th May, 1915.

Cpl. William Ferris

FERRIS, William cpl. 2nd Royal Irish Regt. KIA 8/5/1915. Service no. 8362. Aged 29, born Ballymena. Son of Frank and Martha Ferris, 69 Cindy Road, Custom House, London. Comm. Menin Gate.

Private Thomas Francey

FRANCEY Thomas Private 2nd R. Innis Fus. KIA 16/5/1915. Service no. 8061. Aged 29, born Ballymena, husband of Mary Jane Francey, 117 Thorndyke Street, Belfast. Named Le Touret Memorial, Pas De Calais.

Private Thomas Faulkner

FAULKNER, Thomas Private 1st Irish Guards. KIA 18/5/1915. Service no. 1885. Aged 33, son of Alex and Annie Faulkner, Ahoghill. Wife Sarah lived at 10 Somerset Street, Belfast. Comm. Le Touret Memorial, France.

Private James McConnell

McCONNELL James Pte. 11th Australian Inf. KIA 19th may 1915. Service no. 984. Born Australia, raised in Ballymena, attended Ballymena Aacademy. Buried Lone Pine Cemetery. Gallipoli.

The Observer reported September 10, 1915:- OFFICIAL news has been received by Mr. Charles McConnell JP Co.C Ballymena that his nephew, Private James McConnell who was serving at the Dardanelles with the First Australian Contingent has been killed in action. Private McConnell, who was born in Australia, came to Ireland when a boy to his Uncles, Messrs. C and M. McConnell and was educated at the Cushendall Road National School and Ballymena Academy. He subsequently served his apprenticeship in engineering with firm of Messrs. Combe, Barbour, Belfast prior to his return to Australia.

Rifleman James Nixon

NIXON, J. Rfmn. 1st Btn R I Rifles KIA 9th May 1915. Service No. 8313. Born Ballymena, 13 years in forces, fought Mons and Neuve Chapelle. Wife at 11 Parkhead, Ballymena. Comm. On Ploegsteert Memorial.

Ballymena Observer, September 1 1916 - OFFICIAL notification has been received by Mrs. Nixon, Parkhead, Ballymena, that her son Rifleman James Nixon, Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on 19th May 1915. Rifleman Nixon was 13 years in the army, nine of which he spent on service in India. He was through the memorable retreat from Mons and the battle of Neuve Chapelle.

Pte. Adam McAteer

McATEER, Adam Pte. ‘D’coy. 1st Btn. R.Innis.F. Missing/KIA 22nd May 1915 Service No. 10187. Aged 21, born Cullybackey, enlisted Glasgow. Son of Archibald and Jane McAteer, 26 Waring Street, Ballymena. Comm. on Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.and 1st Ballymena Pres. Church.

The Observer reported (15 September, 1915) - News is anxiously awaited concerning the fate of Private Adam McAteer, Waring Street, Ballymena, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, whose father received intimation from the War Ofice on the 22nd May to the effect that he was missing. Private McAteer came from from India with the Regiment shortly after the outbreak of war and proceeded to the front. Since he was reported mising no trace of him can be found.

Above: New recruit Andrew Millar of Cullybackey was wounded on 1st July 1916

This week's recruiting - 12th Royal Irish Rifles - Samuel Davison, Galgorm; John Maybin, Lower Broughshane.

17th R I Rifles - Wm. Allen, Dunnyvadden; James Gordon, Cullybackey; Andrew Millar, Cullybackey, Jos. Logan, Cullybackey; Thomas Lowry, Cullybackey, Edward Mairs, Parkhead, John Warwick, 3 Waveney Avenue, Ballymena; Robert John Lowry, Fenagh Cullybackey; Wm. Weir, Carncarney, Ahoghill.

KOSB - Alex. Grahamslaw, Raceview; Samuel Kyle Ahoghill.

Three times wounded

MRS. McIlroy, Alfred Street, has received intimation that her husband, Pte. W. McIlroy of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been wounded below the knee on the left leg, and is now in No.2 Canadian Hospital, France. This the third time that Pte. McIlroy has been wounded.

Ballymena Observer May 28, 1915

June 1915

The casualties mount ...

Intimation has been received by Mrs. Willie Moore, Alexander Street, Ballymena, that her husband the well-known Ballymena footballer, has been wounded whilst serving with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. Private Moore, who belongs to the 1st Inniskillings was wounded in France about Christmas and after a short furlough returned to active service.

Private M. McComb, Dunnygarron (above) , who is on active service with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was wounded on May 14.

Above: James Harbison

Mr. Robert Harbison, Main Street, Cullybackey, has received official intimation to the effect that his son, Pte. James Harbison, 2nd Btn Inniskilling Fusiliers was wounded in action in France on May 10th. He has a wound on the thigh.

Ballymena Observer June 4, 1915

Rfn. John Tilney

TILNEY John Rfn. 2nd R I Rifles KIA 2/6/1915 Service no. 7201. Born Ballymena, lived Belfast. Buried Ridge Wood Mil. Cem. Vorrmzeele, Belgium.

Corporal Robert Gordon

GORDON Robert Cpl. 1st Can. Inf. (Western Ontario) Regt. Reported missing Givenchy 15/6/1915 (believed killed). Service no. 6218. Aged 24, son of Wilson and Agnes, Straid, Gracehill. Comm. Vimy Memorial and Ahoghill Cof I.

The Observer reported October 8, 1915 - Official intimation has been received that Cpl. Robert Gordon, 1st Btn. Canadians, who was posted as missing on 15th June last was killed at Givenchy. Deceased who was 25 years of age, was the second son of Mr. Wilson Gordon, of Straid, Ballymena. He had been in Canada for three years at the outbreak of war.

37th List - 1.026 Patriotic Men

This week’s recruiting: 18th Btn. R.I. Rifles - John Millar, Tullygarley; John Cameron, 9 Ballymoney Street; Thomas Patterson, Garfield Place; Samuel Millar, Larne Street; James Sloane, 16 Waveney Avenue; William Leetch, 80 Queen Street; William Nevin, Larne Street.

RAMC - Samuel Leetch, 80 Queen Street; Robert Eagleson, Bridge Street.

Royal Engineers - Thomas McAllister, 15 Duke Street; Thomas Herbison, Prospect Place; W. Jas. McLaughlin, King Street.

Dental Mechanic - John Walsh, Wellington Street.

Regulars

R. Field Artillery - Driver D. Davison, Rocavan; R. Innis. Fus. Pte Hugh McMichael, Linenhall Street (killed); Royal Dublin Fus. Pte Charles McMichael (wounded); North Irish Horse, Staff Sergt. Farrier Wm. McMichael, Linenhall Street.

Joined since the outbreak of war

RAMC - Lt. J.K. Brownlees attached London Irish Rifles; Royal Irish Rifles - Cpl. John Thompson, Cullybackey, YCV Btn.; Pte Thomas Craig, Cullybackey; Pte. Robert McCartney, Cullybackey; Pte. Samuel Watt, Cullybackey; Pte. James Millar, Cullybackey.

Canadian Contingent - Cpl. James McMaster, formerly Ballygelly, Broughshane, 10th Btn. Canadian Infantry; Cpl. W. H. Rea, formerly of Rocavan, Canadian Artillery; Pte John C. McDowell, Kinhilt Street, MG section Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

Football and fighting

LANCE Corporal William Dempster, Waveney Avenue, of the Cameron Highlanders, has been at home on furlough during the last few days after treatment for a shrapnel wound on the arm, sustained at Richebourg on May 9. Lce. Cpl. Dempster was 12 years in the army, and at the outbreak of war he volunteered for active service. He has been through many big engagements and had some exciting experiences.

Above: John Houston

John Houston of Ballymena, the Irish International Association football player, has joined the 4th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, stationed at Carrickfergus, retaining the rank of Sergeant which he previously held in the 2nd Btn. Sergt. Houston formerly played for South End Olympic and Linfield and for the past three seasons he has been attached to Everton. He is a brother of Private Leslie Houston who was killed in action (see obituaries).

PRIVATE Alex. Dempster , Ballymena, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was home recently on furlough and was looking fresh and well after his arduous duties in the trenches. Private Dempster was through a great number of engagements and was wounded in the leg by shrapnel at Neueve Chapelle.

(Neuve Chapelle - a village in Northern France. Initially the British attacked successfully, but the attack bogged down and heavy casulaties ensued.)

Ballymena Observer June 11, 1915

A view from the trenches

FARRIER Alex Rainey, Clarence Street, attached to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, was home on Furlough last week, after being treated in hospital for a bullet wound in the chest.

In an interview with a representative of this paper, he gave some interesting particulars on his experiences on the continent with the Royal Irish Fusiliers since the outbreak of war.

He was in all of the big engagements , commencing with the retreat from Mons, followed in close succession by the battles of the Marne, the Aisne, Metrin, Armetieres, La Basee, Neuve Chapelle, St. Eloi, Ypres and Hill 60.

It was on April 25 that he received his wound. It appears the Fusiliers were being brought up to reinforce the Canadians and a machine gun opened fire on the place where the Ballymena soldier's company was waiting and a bullet which he thought was intended for the officer in front of him entered his chest and he was quickly dressed by an officer and sent to the rear, and in time reached Rouen Hospital where he was well looked after by a Ballymena officer, Lt. R. A. Hepple.

Farrier Rainey was present on the occasion of Capt. Orr's death when the Fusiliers were called up as a reinforcement to the Somerset Light Infantry. He saw Capt. Orr the night previous to his death, and was fighting 200 yards from him when he fell gallantly leading his men in a bayonet charge.

Captain Orr and a large number of Somersets were killed by shrapnel shell. The Somersets, on this occasion, made a successful onslaught on the German trenches, which they captured.

About the worst time he had was in the street fighting at Armentiers. The Fusiliers were the first British soldiers to enter the city and they had a great reception from the French people.

During the fighting there they had to run the gauntlet of hidden machine guns and a great number of his comrades were knocked out.

Farier Rainey referred to a number of Ballymena men he had met with at the front, including R. Adair of the 12th Lancers who was considered an excellent shot and had done good duty as a sniper. The Observer Tobacco fund, he said, was a great organisation. Previous to the newspaper tobacco funds, they seldom had a supply of tobacco or cigarettes but now there is nearly always a supply coming to them from some newspaper or another.

Ballymena Observer June 25, 1915

July 1915

39th List - 1044 Patriotic Men

This week’s recruiting: 18th Btn. R.I.. Rifles - John Tuff, 1 King Street; John Davison, Whinfield, Clonavon; Robert Barr, 138 Queen Street; Samuel Currie, 8 Patrick Place; John Henry, 42 Queen Street; John Smith, 13 Patrick Place.

Cushendall recruits for the Irish Brigade - Hugh Spence, P. McAllister, Michael O’Connell, Patrick Crolly, Damiel McCafferty, Patrick McAuley.

Joined since the outbreak of war - Cadet Corps (Royal irish Rifles) Clare Haslett, Galgorm Road.

Private Mann’s Thrilling Experiences

PRIVATE Samuel Mann, High Street, Ballymena, of the Canadian contingent, who has seen fierce fighting at the front gave the following thrilling narrative of his experiences:-
“After some training in Canada, we were sent to Salisbury Plain in England where, after three and a half months spent in finishing our training, we were efficient and well prepared for the fighting line. We embarked on a transport for France and after four days in rough sailing we were landed somewhere in France. After a short stay on the coast we boarded a cattle train and were taken inland. On the 10th April we were taken out for what we thought was a route march but we were soon brought to our senses when we heard the thunder of the guns becoming clear. We were soon close to the firing line near Armentiers. When we reached the firing line the French were retreating but when the Germans saw the Canadians still advancing they beat a hasty retreat.
"The Germans at length reached their trenches and turned their machine guns on us and men were mown down in great numbers.”
They dug in at midnight and remained five days under incessant shell fire, dozens of his comrades being blown to pieces but they still held on and did not retire. They were eventually relieved and sent for a 46 hour rest.
“On the following evening when we were having tea in the billets, round went the word to get ready for action. We arrived in the trenches on the left of St. Julien and again met the French retiring, We stopped the Huns and drove them back into their first line of trenches”
They dug themselves in and remained there until they were reinforced by the Buffs (East Kent Regt.).On Saturday they lost many men through the retirement of the French and the Germans took four guns. They got orders to recover the lost ground and secure the guns. They did this and drove the Germans back in the face of powerful odds.
In connection with the fighting at Hill 60, Pte Man said there was a little wood on the left of it and they lost 900 men in clearing it out.
“The English soldiers blew the hill up and the result of it was that the place where the hill stood was as flat as any of the surrounding ground,” said Pte Mann.
They remained there for 18 days and after being relieved went to a place called the ‘Horse Shoe’ or better known as the ‘Death Trap’.
“During the time we were there a spy on top of one of the churches in St. John gave the position away but we speedily ferreted him out and shot him. We again got orders for action and went in near Ypres where we stayed in the trenches for four days. A day’s rest came again and then a 25 mile match which brought us to a small town where we were billeted.”
They were brought up to full strength by reinforcements and were ordered to La Bassee. On the 12th May they went in as reinforcement to the English troops and took a German line of trenches.
“We were fighting along with the Irish Guards and several other Guards regiments at that time and when we came out of one of the bayonet charges the Guards cheered us all the way, they were calling our boys the White Goorkas,” he said.
Pte Mann and two of his comrades were sitting in a dug-out one day and a shell burst upon them burying them with earth. When he was extricated, he was unconscious and after he regained his senses it was to find that he had lost his teeth.
The other two soldiers were buried forever. Private Mann was sent to Havre where he remained for two weeks and after spending some time in a hospital in England, he got home on a few days leave. He has a memento of the war in the shape of the head of a shell which burst near him.

Ballymena Observer, July 2 1915

Another Ballymena Canadian - Sgt. Major Matthew Graham, originally from Glarryford

Another man from Ballymena serving with Canadian Forces - James Spence, formerly of Galgorm Street

Eng. Cdr. Hugh Todd

TODD Hugh Eng. Commander Royal Navy Reserve. Died in Inverness Hospital 3/7/1915. Of Harryville, Ballymena. Buried Carmoney Cem. Co. Antrim. Comm. Wellington Street Pres. Church.

Private Daniel McFall

McFALL Daniel Rfn. 2nd R I Rifles. KIA 10th July 1915. Service no. 10276. Son of Thomas and Rosetta McFall, kin at 3 or 16 Garfield Place, Ballymena. Comm. Menin Gate and Cloughwater Pres. Church.

The Observer reported July 30, 1915 - Mrs.Rosetta McFall, Garfield Place, Ballymena, has received official notification that her third son, Pte Daniel McFall 2nd Btn R.I. Rifles has been killed in action in France. Deceased, who was only 19-years-old, enlisted towards the end of 1913 and was about nine months at the front when killed. His cousin, James McFall, who was in the same regiment, was also killed in action recently.

Out of Africa

SAMMY Moore, Waveney Avenue, of the Royal Marines, who has seen active service in the Cameroons, is at present home on furlough in Ballymena.Young Moore has been in the Marines upwards of three years and his many friends in Ballymena were glad to see him again.

MR. A. E. Cowan, son of Mr. John Cowan, Broughshane Street, Ballymena, has been granted a commission as 2nd Lt. in the Royal Engineers stationed at Chatham. Mr. Cowan, who is an old Academy pupil, finished his education at the Royal College of Science, Dublin and his large circle of friends in Ballymena wish him every success for the future.

Ballymena Observer July 2, 1915

Letting off steam ...

Correspondence to the Editor

A distinguished Ballymena soldier

Pioneer Robert Wylie

Dear Sir - I observe with pleasure in this week's issue of the 'Ballymena Observer' where Mr. Samuel Hood and the Urban Council have brought to the notice of the general public, the names of several officers from this district who have distinguished themselves on the field of battle.

We all rejoice with the relatives of those distinguished soldiers and are proud of the brave County Antrim officers who have been conspicuous among the millions of soldiers for their noble deeds. I had no idea there were so many from these parts that we could be so especially proud of, but if you will allow me space in your paper, I will add another, whose name seems to have been omitted from the list.

His is not an officer’s name, but as Burns would say 'a poor but honest soger' 23504 Pioneer R. Wylie, Royal Engineers who was mentioned in despatches and has been recommended in recognition of 'conspicuous bravery in the field'.

He is a real Ballymena man, was born and brought up in King Street, Harryville and now lives in Gilmore Street with his family.

Private Wylie is quite young and smart and a good type of Irish soldier though he has just been discharged from the army with 25 shillings per week of a pension, having been incapacitated through gas used by the Germans. When I see Wylie, I always like to salute him and when I see a group of young men and Wylie near by, I point to him and say, 'Go thou and do likewise.'

Yours Faithfully,

Andrew McQuiston.

This letter set the cat amongst the pigeons when the Urban Council next met. Mr. McQuiston was reflecting the views of many 'real Ballymena folk' that the officers from the 'big house' families of the district, some of whom had only limited contact with the town and common people were receiving more than their fair share of publicity.

Private Wylie's name was hurriedly added to the Urban Council's list of congratulations - causing several red faces in the chamber! It would not be the last time, that the ordinary 'sogers' would take the great and good of the Urban Council to task for their often contemptuous remarks about the rank and file. Ed.

Ballymena Observer July 16, 1915

Pte. James Francey

FRANCEY, James Private 2nd R. Innis. Fus. KIA 22/7/1915. Service no. 17487. Aged 38, son of William and Ellen Jane, 88 Queen Street, Ballymena, elisted Hamilton, lived Queenstown. Buried Bethune Town Cemetery, Pas De Calais. Comm. 1st Ballymena Pres. Chuch.

The Observer reported July 30, 1915 - Mr. William Francey, Queen Street, Harryville, who is a pork cutter in Messrs. Morton and Simpson‚s had received information that his eldest son, Pte James Francey, who was in the Royal Innis. Fusiliers, was killed on a recent date.

It appears that Pte Francey, who is attached to the Ambulance Corps of the battalion, was in a building some miles behind the firing lines which was hit with a shell, with the result that the Ballymena man was killed. Private Francey joined the Inniskillings in November and had been at the front four months. He had left this neighbourhood for some years prior to enlisting but his old friends here will regret to hear of his death. Mr. Francey has two other sons and a nephew with the colours.

Private Thomas McLaughlin

McLAUGHLIN Thomas Pte. 2nd R Innis. Fus. KIA 22nd July 1915. Service no. 18136. Aged 36, born Skerry, enlisted L’Derry, lived Broughshane. Son of John and Mary Ann McLaughlin, wife Annie went to live at 24 Orchard Row, L’Derry. Buried Hinges Mil. Cemetery Pas De Calais.

Above: George Thompson, a recent recruit, along with his brothers and a brother-in-law, is pictured here with his wife Jane. He became a lance corporal with the Royal Irish Rifles and was gassed and captured on March 21 1918 during the German offensive.

43rd List - 1.082 Patriotic Men

This week’s recruiting:- 18th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles - Hugh Wylie, Fair Hill Lane; Johnston McGaw, Fair Hill Lane; Wm. Lorimer, Alexander Street; Daniel Wisener, Lisnacrogher; Wm Lowery, Parkhead; Wm. McCarley, Moat Road; John McKay, Springwell Street; Samuel Allen, Fenagh. Royal Irish Rifles (Cadet Corps) Jack Crawford, Ashville, Ballymena.

Reservist: Cpl. R. McCosh, Kenbally.

Joined since the outbreak of war - 15th Royal Irish Rifles - Pte. Adam Thompson, Galgorm Street; Seaforth Highlanders - Pte. William Thompson, Galgorm Street; Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, Pte. Wilson Thompson, Galgorm Street; 18th Royal Irish Rifles, Pte George Thompson, Galgorm Street.

Ice cream and shrapnel

Hugh Reynolds

PRIVATE H. Reynolds, 1st Btn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who is present in No.3 General Hospital, Wandsworth, London, has written home to his mother who resides at Adair's Court, Church Street, Ballymena, to inform here that he was wounded at the Dardanelles and is the first Ballymena man to return to England from that theatre of war.

LANCE Cpl. Thomas Reade, Ballycloughan, son of Mr. James Reade who went to the front with the 1st Btn Royal Irish Rifles has been here for a few days leave after treatment in a hospital for wounds. He was wounded twice, with shrapnel and secondly with a bullet wound in the left shoulder at Fromelles on May 9. Lce. Cpl. Reade has gone to Dublin where he joined the 3rd Btn.

Captain M. M. Chesney, who has been awarded the Military Cross, is the son of Mr. David Chesney, Kilcury, Ahoghill.

A commission in the Royal Field Artillery has been granted to Mr. William Perry, Ahoghill, Ballymena. Mr. Perry Jun. was educated at Ballymena Model School, Ballymena Academy and subsequently went to Trinity College, Dublin where he has been for the past five years, studying for the Church.

Private John McAuley, Connaught Rangers, has arrived home in Ballymena with a bullet wound in the head. He was in hospital in France and Birmingham.

Charles Caulfield, ice cream vendor, Bridge Street, has been called up by the Italian Government and left on Wednesday for Belfast where he joined a number of other Italians who were re-joining the colours.

(The Cafolla family took the name Caulfield when they first arrived in Ballymena in the early 1900s. In their hey-day they had three successful 'chip shops' in the town. The Bridge Street cafe will be well remembered for its Edwardian styling. Ed.)

With the Royal Irish Rifles in Flanders on 16th June 1915

Cpl. Robert Platt, Portglenone.

Cpl. Platt of 2nd RIR writes home to his father, Mr. John Platt, gardener, Portglenone House, describing the battle on the above date, in which the Rifles distinguished themselves and lost a large number of men.

"Since last I wrote to you we were in a charge and it was awful. We started out the night before and marched 13 miles. We arrived at the place about half past one in the morning so that we were put into an old trench and told to await orders so you can have an idea that our nerves were strung to the highest pitch.

"So, the Germans started to rain shells into us but then our artillery opened fire on the German trenches. The row was awful. the whole sky was just in one great blaze with bursting shells.

Sharp at three o'clock the order came down our lines to fix bayonets and to load our rifles and 10 minutes later down came the order to charge so we all rushed over the trench but a good few of our boys fell on the parapet as the Germans had their machine guns trained on us but on we went and as one fell, another took his place.

"We arrived at the German trench and when it came to the steel they could not match us and I am proud to say that I put a few out with the bayonet myself. Although one does not think of it

at the time, one does think of it after the excitement is over.We took over 200 prisoners and a couple of machine guns. I sent home a German sword.

"But we were not satisfied with one trench we went on and took two more lines of them. They shelled us the whole day after we took them and they eventuallty sent loads of gas but we stuck on for what we had so dearly won.

"I was to be recommended for the DCM for fetching in wounded under fire but the officer that took my name was killed shortly afterwards and I do not know how it will go now but I was promoted on the field by our own officer to Corporal.

"I was buried three times by shells and had to be dug out and I got a slight bullet wound in the thigh but I am out of hospital again and expect to go into action in a couple of day's time.

The battle took place on 16th June. It was even worse than the charge we made at Hill 60. The Germans lost a good deal more than we did. The Brigade officer says the Rifles have made a name for themselves out here that will go down in history. All the English Regiments out here are very fond of the Rifles since we came out of the charge.

Ballymena Observer July 30, 1915

August 1915

Private James Gillen

GILLEN James Private 1st R. Innis. Fus. KIA 31/7.1915. Service no. 6480. Aged 33, next of kin Mary Killen, Glenbuck, Dunloy, formerly instructor to Dunloy INV. Named Helles Memorial, Gallipoli.

43rd List - 1094 Patriotic Men

This wek’s recruiting: 18th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles - Joseph Hollinger, Alexander Street; John Wisnener, Cloughmills; John Scullion, John Street; James Glenholmes, Ballycowan; Wm. D. Hamilton, Ballycowan; James D. Lamont 91 Queen Street; Hugh Reynolds, 8 Garfield Place.

Royal Engineers Chemistry Corps - Eric Jean Bradshaw, Glenardagh.

Joined since the outbreak of war - RN Air Service Armoured Car Section - P.O. S. A. Bellis, Waveney Cottages, Ballymena; Army Service Corps - Alex. McClean, Casement Street; Canadian Contingent - Tom Mooney, Ballycraigy, Railway Construction Corps; Arthur McNeilly, Broughshane Road.

Promotion

ANOTHER Ballymena Academy Old Boy, Mr. James Hunter, son of Mr. Thomas Hunter, Postmaster and ex-petty sessions clerk at Glenarm, has obtained a commission in the Royal Naval Reserve. He earned his apprenticeship in the Star Line (James P. Corry & Co. of Belfast and London) with whom he severed his connection a few days ago, and after a short instruction from Mr. Boomer of Belfast, successfully passed his examination for 1st mate. He then applied for a commission in the RNR. He is now in training at Devonport.

PRIVATE William Leetch of the 18th Btn. RIR son of Mr. Wm. Leetch of Queen Street, has been promoted to the rank of lance-corporal. He has only had six weeks' soldiering.

Ballymena Observer August 6, 1915

Private David Anderson

ANDERSON, David, 12085, Private, 5 Royal Irish Fusiliers (R.Ir.Fus.), DOW (at sea) August 8, 1915. Named on Helles Memorial, Turkey. Born Ballymena.

Rfn. John Buchanan

BUCHANAN John, 10638, Cpl. 6 R. Irish Rifles. KIA August 10, 1915 at Gallipoli. Named Helles Memorial. Born and enlisted Ballymena, lived Belfast.

Rfn. William Torbitt

TORBITT William,Pte. 6th R I Fus. KIA 15/8/1915. Service no. 12684. Born Ahoghill, lived Belfast. Buried Helles Cem. Gallipoli.

SMYTH Thomas McIntyre. Pte. 7th Seaforths. KIA 16th August 1915. Service no. S/1943. Born Dungall, Clough, enlisted Johnstone, Scotland. Comm. Le Touret Memorial.

45th List - 1,111 Patriotic Men

This week’s recruiting:- 18th R.I. Rifles - James McCaig, Edward Street; Robert Clarke, Alexander Street; W.J.Esler, Kells; Robert McCracken, Cullybackey.

5th Btn. R.I. Rifles, Charles Loughery, Galorm Parks (Carniny); 6th R.Irish Dragoons, Thomas McMurray, Upper Tannybrake, Kells; RAMC, Lt. James Kyle, Broadway Avenue; Army Cyclist Corps, Pte. James Wier, Liscoom, Ballymena; 9th Royal Scots, John Gerald McClean, Provincial Bank, Ballymena.

Joined the outbreak of war: Irish Guards, Pte. James G. Robinson, Rathkeel.

No luck ...

MRS. Rose Ann Moore, Alexander Street, has received intimation from the War Office that her husband, Pte. W. Moore, the well known Ballymena footballer, has been wounded again at the front with his old regiment, the 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was invalided home last December suffering from frostbite and on rejoining his regiment afterwards went to the Dardanelles, where he was wounded on May 7th and was sent to an hospital in Cairo. He again went to the front after he had recovered from that injury. He has now been wounded for the third time.

MRS. Dempsey, Slatt, Ballymena, has been officially notified that her son Private John Dempsey (3766) 7th Btn Seaforth Highlanders was wounded in action on the 20th inst. but all inquiries made since then have failed to trace him in any of the hospitals and it is presumed that he is wounded and missing. Mrs. Dempsey has another son, Private Thomas Dempsey serving in the 9th Btn. Gordon Highlanders.

MR. James G. Robinson, son of Mr. John Robinson of Rathkeel, who has been in the Canadian Bank of Commerce, London has joined as a private soldier in the Irish Guards.

MR. James A. Wier, eldest son of Mr. John Wier JP, Liscoom, Ballymena, who has returned to 'do his bit' from the Argentine, where he was employed as an accountant on an estancia, has joined the army cyclist corps as a private.

DR. James T. Kyle, son of Mr. James Kyle, Broadway, Ballymena, has been granted a commission in the RAMC and has been ordered to report to Limerick. Dr. Kyle, who was educated at Ballymena Academy and Queen's College, held the post of assistant medical officer to the Education Board at Dewsbury, Yorkshire.

Ballymena Observer August 20 , 1915

Private Joseph Kennedy

KENNEDY Joseph Pte. 1st R Innis. Fus. KIA 21st August 1915. Service no. 2829. Aged 20 born Ballymena, enlisted Belfast. Son of Isabella, 6 Disraeli Street, Belfast. Comm. Helles Memorial Gallipoli.

Private Patrick Heffron

HEFFRON Patrick Pte. 5th Connaught Rangers. KIA 22nd August 1915. Service no. 3812. Aged 21, born Ballymena. Son of the late Patrick and Mary Ann Heffron. Lived in Liverpool. Comm. Helles Mem. Gallipoli.

September 1915

Above: New recruit Thomas Larkin (brother wounded at Neuve Chapelle). He is pictured in the 'slouch hat' and bandolier typical of the pre-war Ulster Volunteer Force.

47th List - 1,123 Patriotic Men

This week’s recruiting:- 18th Btn. RIR Thomas Larkin, 22 Hill Street; 4th Btn. RIR John Cairns 26 Larne Street; Jas. Cushenan, 13 James Street.

Regulars: 2nd Royal Irish Rifles - Sergt. Major Scullion, Crosskeys.

Joined since the outbreak of war - R.Innis. Fus. - 2nd Lt. F. W. Vint, Waveney Road; Pte. Samuel Baird, Cloughmills; Pte James Wylie, Cullybackey; Royal Garr. Artillery - 2nd Lt. James Vint, Waveney Road; Royal Irish Fusiliers 2nd Lt. T. W. Patton, Cloughwater; 2nd R.I.Rifles Pte John Digney, Clonavon.

More bad news

MRS. Henry MacDonnell, Water Street, Ballymena, has received notification from the War Office that her husband, Private Henry MacDonnell, 6th Btn Royal Irish Rifles, has been wounded in action at the Dardanelles. Private MacDonnell was a reserve man and was called up on the outbreak of war. He was formerly in the employment of Ballymena Urban Council.

Intimation has been received by his parents who reside at 142 Queen Street, that Private William Finlay, 6th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been wounded in action at the Dardanelles three days after he landed there. Private Finlay was formerly on the Ballymena Postal Staff and was subsequently transferred to Belfast where he enlisted. He has sustained a bullet wound in the thigh and is now under treatment in the Royal Naval Hospital, Bighi, Malta.

Ballymena Observer September 3. 1915

Rfn. Shepherd Hamill

HAMILL Shepherd Rfn. 11th R I Rifles. Died at home 3rd September 1915. Service no. 3795. Aged 19 son of John and Nancy of Taylorstown, Toome. Buried in Grange Corner Pres. Church. Comm. likewise.

Captain John Clarke

CLARKE, John, Captain, 1st/2nd Welsh Field Ambulance, KIA September 9, 1915. Buried at Hill 10 Cemetery, Gallipoli. Aged 32, son of William and Mary Anne (White), High Street, Ballymena. MD in Aberbargoed. Comm. Wellington St. Pres. Church.

The Observer reported September 17, 1915 - The death of Capt. John Clarke RAMC, 1st Welsh Field Ambulance, Welsh Territorial Division, who was killed in action at the Dardanelles, was notified by telegram received from the War Office on Wednesday last. Captain Clarke was the third son of Mr. William Clarke, boot and shoe manufacturer, Wellington Street, Ballymena and a brother of Mr. Jas. Clarke, solicitor.

He was born in Ballymena 32 years ago and educated at the local Academy, Edinburgh University and Queen's Belfast. Prior to the war he was in medical practice at Aberbargoed, near Cardiff. It is only a few weeks since he received his captaincy and now he has fallen in the service of his country. He was held in the highest esteem in his native town.

Gallipoli toll rises

PRIVATE William Turtle of the 6th Btn RIR Springwell Street, Ballymena, who was wounded at the Dardanelles is at present home on a short furlough. Private Turtle, who was an employee of the Braidwater Spinning Company, joined the army about eight months ago and was at the front only about six weeks when he was wounded. He was a popular member of the Springfield Football Club.

INTIMATION has been received by his parents residing at Garfield Place, Ballymena, that their son Private Alexander Watson of the 6th RIR has been wounded at the Dardanelles.

Private Watson joined the colours at the outbreak of the war and proceeded to the front about six months ago. The news to hand states that he has received a bullet wound in the ankle. A brother, Pte Samuel Watson is also serving with the 6th RIR at the Dardanelles. In a letter home to his parents from the military hospital. Cottonenta, Malta, Pte Sandy Watson says:-

"Just a few lines to let you know that I am wounded and in hospital. Johnny Turk got me all right with a shrapnel bullet in the left leg, just above the ankle. I am being treated here all right and hope to be quite well soon. My brother Sam was all right, the last time I saw him and as for Johnny Turtle (Springwell Street), I heard he was wounded in the hand.

MR. Archibald Beattie, Galgorm Street, Ballymena, has been notified that his son, Private Archie Beattie of the 6th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles has been wounded at the Dardanelles.

THE first Ulster Volunteer from Ballymena to enlist has been wounded. Mrs. Mary Hamilton, Springwell Street, received the information from the war Office that her husband, Corporal Harry Hamilton of the 6th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles has been dangerously wounded below the right ear. Corporal Hamilton, who prior to the outbreak of war was employed as a sawyer by Messrs. J. Coleman and Co., Ballymena listed for the Irish Rifles on August 10th, 1914. He was a member of the Harryville Unionist Club and was connected with the Orange Order being attached to the Dunfane Lodge.

Private Alex. Peacock, 2nd Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force, (13th Btn.) who was recently wounded, writes to his mother who lives at Rasharkin to say that he is now recovered and expects to be sent out to the Dardanelles with other members of his company.

PRIVATE Patrick Bonar, Flag Lane, Ballymena, of the 2nd Btn Leinster Regt. is at present under treatment in the 13th Stationary Hospital, Rouen. He is a well known Ballymena footballer and played for Summerfield FC.

CAPTAIN Owen Wilson, RAMC, son of Dr. James Wilson, River View, Galgorm, who went to France with the first troops, has secured second place in the Indian Medical Exam and is now on his way to India to take up his new duties.

Ballymena Observer September 10, 1915

49th List

Joined since outbreak of war - 17th Btn. RIR - Rfn. George Wilson, Clonavon.

This week’s recruiting:- 16th (Irish Division) - John Molloy, 5 Duke Street; Alex. Donnelly, Fair Hill Lane; Alex. Irvine, Springwell Street.

4th RIR - Andrew McMurray, Anticur, Killagan; 18th RIR - Joseph Park O’Neill, Springwell Street.

Official information has been received that Private D. W. Mullan of the 6th Munsters, son of the late Dr. Andrew Mullan, MD. MA of Wellington Street, Ballymena, has been wounded at the Dardanelles. He went to the front with the 10th Irish Division. He was shot by a sniper in the leg.

The friends of Pte. Alexander Dempster, 3rd Btn. , Inniskilling Fusiliers, belonging to Adair’s Court, Ballymena, have received intimation that he has been wounded in the left shoulder at the Dardanelles. This is the second time he has been wounded. He received a shrapnel wounds in France on April 3 and on recovery was sent out to the Dardanelles.

Above: Archie Devlin of Bridge Street. The Devlin family have been well known for their 'Fruit & Veg' in Ballymena since the late 19th Century.

Private Archie Devlin, son of Mr. Joseph Devlin, fruiterer of Bridge Street, Ballymena, has written home to his parents stating that he was wounded in action at the Dardanelles on August 22. Pte. Devlin joined the Inniskillings a short time after the outbreak of war and has been two months in the firing line.

Mr. Robert McCartney, Townhill, Portglenone, has received a letter from the war office stating that his son, Private Andrew McCartney, Welsh Regiment, wounded at the Dardanelles is seriously ill.

Private Alexander Moore of the 7th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, now on active service in the Dardanelles, writing last week to a friend in Ballymena, says:- “We have had a very difficult time but are making great progress and the end should not be far off. I have been hit twice by shrapnel but am not out of action yet.”

Ballymena Observer, September 17, 1915

50th List - 1,147 patriotic men

Joined since the outbreak of war - Highland Light Infanry - Fred J. A. Orr, Clough; James Galbraith, Carnlea.

Royal Engineers - Pte. John Blair, Drumaglea.

Canadian Contingent 2nd Dragoons - Pte. James McClean, Hamilton Ontario, formerly of Mount Street, Ballymena; Pte Samuel Strange, Hamilton, Ontario, formerly of Glenwherry.

Australian Contingent - Pte. Tom McKay, son of Mr. Samuel McKay, Drumrankin.

This week’s recruiting - North Irish Horse - Frank McBurney, Ballylig; James Currie, Ballyloughan.

18th Btn. RIR - Edward Taylor, Fenagh.

Captain Arthur J. W. Compton RAMC, medical officer to the 1st Btn. Coldstream Guards has been wounded in Flanders. He was educated at Ballymena Acdemy and Queen’s College Galway.

The relatives of Private John Erwin, 5th Btn. Royal Irish Fusiliers of Kinhilt Street, Ballymena, and formerly of Ballymena Post Office staff, have received inimation that he was wounded at the Dardanelles. The news is contained in a letter from Private Erwin himself, in which he says the bullet passed through some letters he had in his pocket and slightly injured his arm, subsequently entering the throat of a fellow soldier, killing him instantaneously.

Mrs. Wallace, Galgorm Street, Ballymena, has received intimation that her son Rfn. John Wallace of the 6th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, was wounded at the Dardanelles on 15th August and is at present in the King George Hospital in London in a rather critical condition suffering from dysentery. Private Wallace, who was was formerly employed at Eaton’s Bookstall at Ballymena Ralway Station, joined on the outbreak of war.

Miss M. O. Simpson, West Church Manse, Ballymena, has joined Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service reserve and has been posted for duty in Egypt.

Miss Bresland, daughter of the late Mr. James Bresland, formerly headmaster of Ballymena Model School, has ben accepted by St. John Ambulance Association and has been posted for service in Egypt.

Surgeon J. G. Boal RN, of Ballymena, has recently been transferred from HMS Termeraire to the new swift destroyer, HMS Lightfoot. This is one of the very latest boats. Surgeon Boal was home this week on a few days’ visit to his friends in Ballymena.

Ballymena Observer, September 24, 1915.

Pte. Arthur Laverty

LAVERTY Arthur Pte. 11th (S) Btn. HLI. KIA 25th September 1915. Service no. 19470. Born Ballymena, enlisted Coatbridge. Son of Alex Laverty, Hillmount, Cullybackey. Comm. Loos Memorial and Cuningham Mem. Pres. Church.

The Observer reported (February 4, 1916) - NEWS has been received by Mr. Alexander Laverty of Kilrea Road, Cullybackey, through the medium of the Red Cross HQ that his son, Pte. Arthur Laverty, 11th Btn Highland Light Infantry, has been killed in action. Private Laverty was in Scotland on the outbreak of war when he enlisted.

Lt. J. G. Caruth

CARUTH, James Gordon, 2 Lt. 5 R. Irish Rifles (att. 2 RI Rifles). KIA September 25, 1915. Named on Menin Gate, Belgium. Aged 19, son of J.D. and Constance Helen Caruth, Hugomont, Ballymena. Comm. West Presbyterian Church.

The Observer reported October 1, 1915 - Mr. James D. Caruth, Hugmont, Ballymena, received an official message from the War Office yesterday stating that his eldest son, 2nd Lt. J. G. Caruth of the 5th Btn. RIR had been killed in action between 25th and 27th September. He was only 19 years of age.

He was educated at Cheltenham College, England and he received his commission in September 1914 in the 5th RIR. he was sent to France with a draft and was attached to the 2nd Battalion of the Rifles. He was a playing member of the Ballymena Cricket Club.

Sgt. Wm McCrory

McCRORY William Sgt. 2nd R I Rifles. KIA 25th September 1915. Service no. 7501. Born Ballymena, enlisted Belfast. Comm. Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Private Thomas Finlay

FINLAY Thomas Private 1oth A&SH. KIA 25/9/1915. Service no. S/5965. Aged 20, son of Thomas, Skeagh, Carnalbana. Comm. Loos Memorial and Carnalbana Pres. Church.

Private John Craig

CRAIG, John, 13674, Private, 7 Royal Scots Fusiliers. KIA September 26, 1915. Loos Memorial. Aged 23, son of Mary J. Craig, Ballee. Comm. 1^st Ahoghill Pres. Church.

Private W. J. Mewhinney

MEWHINNEY (Mawhinney) William James Pte. 1st R Scot Fus. KIA 29th September 1915. Service no. 15841. Born Ballynafie, Portglenone. Comm. Menin Gate.

The Observer reported October 15, 1915 - Mr. William John Mawhinney, who resides at Ballynafie, Portglenone has received information that his son Pte. Wm. J. Mawhinney of the 2nd Btn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, has been killed in action. Private Mawhinney enlisted in Scotland where his wife and family reside.

Private Andrew McCartney

McCARTNEY Andrew Pte. 8th Welsh Regt. Died 30th September 1915. Service no. 12733. Aged 50 born Ballymena, son of Robert McCartney, husband of Maggie Ross McCartney Buried Alexandria War Cem.

51st List - 1, 158 Patriotic men

Joined since the outbreak of war - Elec. Wm John Adair, Queen Street (Royal Navy); Canadian Contingent, Pte. James Kielt, formerly Ballymena.

This week’s recruiting:- 18th Btn. RIR - Alex. Herbison, Loughmegarry; William Smyth, Moat Road; Samuel Mawhinney, Appletee, Shankbridge; Alex Black, 70 Queen Street.

RAMC - James Rea, Hope Street; John Gillen, Wellington Street; Wm. Ballentine, Bryan Street; James Mewhirter and John A. Maybin, both Ballymena.

Private Adam Lynn, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, has written to his mother , who resides at James Street, Ballymena, stating that he has received a slight wound in the right ankle while on active service in the Dardanelles. He is now in the Royal Naval Hospital in Malta and is making a good recovery.

Pte. Lynn, who is only 19 years of age, joined the R. Innis. Fus. shortly after the outbreak of war and, on proceeding to the Dardanelles was transferred to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. His father came through the South African War without a scratch and received the Kings and Queens Medals. He belonged to the Royal Irish Rifles.

Corporal John Boyle, Ballymena, 6th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles has been wounded at the Dardanelles. Corporal Boyle who served through the South African War, is a well known local footballer, having played regularly for Summerfield FC.

Lt. H. W. Weir, MB, RAMC, son of Mr. John Weir, JP, Liscoom, Balllymena, has been gazetted to the rank of Captain. He went to the front in December 1914 with the 83rd Field Ambulance and for the past seven months has been medical officer to the 2nd Btn. Cameron Highlanders.

Mrs. Wolseley, widow of the late Mr. C. Wolseley Jnr. Galgorm Road, Ballymena, who some time ago volunteered her services as a nurse to the War Office, has received instructions to proceed to France. Mrs. Wolseley is a daughter of the late Mrs. Jas. Bresland, formerly Headmaster of Ballymena Model School, and was connected with the local branch of the St. John Ambulance Association and the Ulster Volunteer Force Nursing Corps. Two other local nurses connected with the St. John Ambulance, Miss C. Lancashire and Miss D. Caruth have volunteered and been accepted but have not yet been called up.

Ballymena Observer, October 1, 1915

52nd List - 1,162 Patriotic Men

Joined since the outbreak of war - Canadian Contingent - Pte. David Mitchell, formerly Gracehill; Pte. Robert Craig, formerly Gracehill; Pte. Wm. J. Woodcock, formerly of Patrick Place.

This week’s recruiting - 4th Btn. RIR - Wm. John Reynolds, 4 Blaney’s Court.

Mr. Bradshaw, school inspector, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, has received a letter from his son, Corporal Eric Jean Bradshaw, who is in a base hospital at Rouen, informing him that he has been wounded in the neck by a piece of shrapnel while in the trenches and again in the knee by a piece of high explosive shell while on his way to the rear.

Corporal Bradshaw joined the Chemistry Corps of the Royal Engineers only a few weeks ago.

In his letter he states he was wounded on Saturday, September 25, and it took him six hours to get out of the communication trench when he was wounded again on the way out by a whizz -bang (shrapnel shell) dozens of which were bursting all over the place.

Proceeding, he writes:- “About eight o’clock I reached a field ambulance and was brought to a clearing hospital further back. I stopped there for a day and was shifted back further to a general hospital which, after our arrival, was converted into a clearing station so we had to go back further still.

“We stayed in that hospital for about two days and then were transferred to trains and brought here to Rouen. It was an awful journey and lasted over six hours. The train was not an ambulance train, just an ordinary French 3rd class ‘crawler’. I am writing this in the YMCA Hall. It is a grand place with books and papers and games. There are concerts occasionally and paper is provided for writing letters.

“You will have seen in the papers that our attack was a great success. I saw them bringing in the prisoners - hundreds of them. Just opposite to where I was in the trench we captured 17 machine guns on a 22 yard front. It was a regular fort with bomb-proof shelters etc. The Germans thought it was impregnable.”

Mr. Mark Thompson of 5 Queen Street, Ballymena, has recived intimation that his brother, Pte. Robert Thompson of the 1st Btn Royal Irish Rifles, was wounded on the 25th of September and is now in Bristol Royal Infirmary. Pte. Thompson, who has been six years in the army, was wounded at Neuve Chapelle on March 10th. On recovering he returned to the front and has now two bones in his left leg broken. He has two brothers in the army.

Ballymena Observer, October 8, 1915

53rd List - 1,166 Patriotic Men

Joined since the outbreak of war - South Afrcian Irish - Pte. Wm. Douglas, formerly of Ballymena.

This week’s recruiting:- 18th Btn RIR - Alex Montgomery, Princes Street; Pte Robert Martin 5 Bridge Street Place.

Royal Engineers, Pte. David McConnell, 1 Railway Street.

Lt. Samuel Allen Bell of the 2nd Btn Royal Irish Rifles was wounded on the head by a shell on Sunday, September 26th. He is a son of Mr. James Bell, of Grovehill, Bally, Ballymena. It is thought that when Lt. S. Bell was having his wounds dressed, 2nd Lt. Caruth (see obituaries) took command of the company and was killed.

Private James McCartney, 4th Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of Mr. James McCartney of Bridge Street, Ballymena, who went to the Dardanelles on May 1st has been ill and is at present being treated in hospital in Malta. He was formerly a machine man in the Observer Office.

Rifleman Alex. Connor of the 2nd Btn RIR son of the late Mr. Robert Connor, Larne Street, Ballymena, has written to his mother stating that he was wounded in the recent big advance and he is now in a hospital in Aberdeen. He joined at the outbreak of war.

Mrs, McKee, Ballee, was notified by the War Office during the week that her son Pte. James McKee of the HIghland Light Infantry is in a hospital in Alexandria seriously ill.

Mrs. Montgomery, residing at Killyfleugh, Ballymena, that her son, Pte. Harry Montgomery, Black Watch, has been wounded in France and is in hospital in Wimerux. He was in Scotland when the war broke out and joined the colours there.

Mr. James S. Boal, solicitor, Ballymena, has received a commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery.

Mr. Alfred H. Murray, formerly of Ballymena, an Inspector pf the Scottish Widows Provident Association in Dublin, who joined the Rugby Football Battalion, 7th Royal Dublin Fusiliers as a private, has been granted a commission in the regiment for distinguished service in the field.

2nd Lt. Murray was in charge of a machine gun during the landing of the 7th at the Dardanelles and on the morning after the landing was recommended for promotion. He was a popular footballer and tennis player in Ballymena and his early promotion has given much satisfaction to his old schoolfriends at Ballymena Academy.

Writing to his aunt, who resides in North Street, Ballymena, L.cpl. Dan Lorimer (8066) 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, a well known Ballymena man who was previously wounded at the Battle of Mons said:-

“We had a big fight with the Germans and that is the reason I did not write sooner. I tell you it was rough. We cut them down like sheep as soon as we ran up to them. I reckon there were six or seven of them called for every one of us.

“I reckon I was lucky as I never got a scrape. I was recommended for the DCM for bravery on the field and I am getting full corporal - that is two stripes .”

Corporal Lorimer has two brothers, Sergt. John Lorimer and Pte. David Lorimer, Inniskillings, and Rfn. Willie Lorimer, 18th Royal Irish Rifles, with the army. His brother-in-law, Pte. Bob Owens, is with the Highland Light Infantry.

Mr. William Douglas, a Ballymena man who emigrated to South Africa some 13 years ago was home during the week on a short visit to his relatives in Ballymena, before proceeding to the front.

Mr. Douglas, who holds a medal for participation in the Zulu War, was resident in the Belgian Congo when the present war broke out and he instantly offered his services to the Empire. He joined the 3rd South African Infantry (South African Irish) and came through the whole of the campaign in German West Africa without a scratch.

At the conclusion of that campaign it was decided that a large force should be sent to the aid of the allies in Europe and 10,000 men volunteered, 2,000 of whom are already in England. Private Douglas came over with the advance guard.

Ballymena men killed and wounded as Rifles make history

THE following text is of Major General Haldane’s farewell to the 2nd Btn. Royal Irish Rifles on the occasion of their removal from his command:-

Reference is made in it to the recent advance and the part taken in it by the 2nd Rifles. It was during this glorious action that 2nd Lt. Gordon Caruth was killed and Lt. S. A. Bell was wounded.

General Haldane said: “I have just got the opportunity to saw a few words to you before leaving. You are going to a more quiet part of the line and you will be under an Irish General there and perhaps he will understand you better than I do.

“You have a splendid fighting record throughout the campaign, being complimented by Sir John French and General Smith Dorrien in coprs orders. The fighting in this part of the line during the last few months has been very severe and this battalion has made history.

“When the history of this campaign is written the name of the 2nd RIR will be written in large print. Your commanding officer, Colonel Weir, has been promoted to a brigade, due largely to the conduct of the battalion on 25th September. Your brigadier was ordered to hold the Germans in the Ypres Salient while the other corps made the attack further south. You attacked the strongest position in the enemy’s line.

“We had not enough artillery ammunition in our line to give you more support. The result was that the Germans’ hidden machine guns and cleverly laid barbed wire traps were not demolished entirely. All the big gun ammunition was required further south.

“Your clever demonstration in front of this part of the line brought all the enemy’s reserves to this point, thereby facilitating the offensive towards Loos. In fact, the enemy were pepared to attack but were half an hour too late. On reading the rport, I found that the Royal Irish Rifles notwithstanding the enemy’s preparation, not only pierced the German lines but actually held their first line trenches for 24 hours, but on account of the corps on their flanks failing to achieve their object, the battalion was unfortunately obliged to retire to their own lines, having no one in support on their flanks.

“It was a splendid bit of work and proves that Irishmen will always get to the front no matter what obstacles are in their way. On that day you filled the German trenches with dead with that little wepaon, the bayonet, which, when in an Irishman’s hand is filled with life itself.

“I am sorry to lose you but one has to bow to higher authority. I suppose you are sorry to say goodbye to this spot? (laughter) The heaviest fighting has always been here so if I ever find myself in difficulties I will always count on the help of your battalion.”

In this fighting the 2nd Btn RIR lost 15 officers killed, wounded and missing with a large number of the men suffering similarly.

(The action described above concerns a diversionary, spoiling attack made by the 2^nd Btn . Royal Irish Rifles as part of the overall Battle of Loos. Ed.)

The 12th Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrims) was recently presented by the Chief Constable of Norfolk with a regimental pet.

“Slemish” is a very handsome, stern looking blood-hound. Slemish mountain is the highest peak in Mid-Antrim and for many years has been a popular meeting place for picnic parties.

Ballymena Observer, October 15, 1915

Pte. Thomas McCully

McCULLY Thomas Gdsmn. 2nd Scots Guards. KIA 17th October 1915. Service no. 12607. Aged 36, enlisted Linlithgow. Son of William McCully, Kirkinriola, Ballymena. Wife of Sarah McCully of 115 Greendykes Rd. Broxburn. Comm. Loos Memorial, Pas De Calais, France.

The Observer reported November 26, 1915 - Pte. Thomas McCully of the 2nd Scots Guards, a native of Kirkinriola, Ballymena, was killed in action at Loos on 17th October. Deceased was, for the past 15 years, in the employment of the Broxburn Oil Company Ltd.

He joined at the outbreak of war. He served his apprenticeship as a blacksmith in the Harryville Foundry of Mr. David Christie. He was connected with the Loyal Orange Institution and was a member of LOL 476 Craigywarren from which he transferred to No.54 Broxburn Hearts of Oak LOL of which he was worshipful master for a number of years. He leaves a wife and 5 children.

Pioneer Samuel Brizzle

BRIZZLE (Brizell) Samuel, 116648, Pioneer, 5 Labour Btn. R. Engineers. Died, October 20, 1915. Divisional Cemetery, Dickebusch Road, Ypres. Aged 46, born Ahoghill, enlisted London. Lived 12 Trafalgar Street, Belfast.

Private H. Brown

BROWN, Hutchinson, 15200, Private, 11 Cameronians. KIA October 20, 1915. Buried Carnoy Military Cemetery, Somme France. Born Kilcurrie, enlisted Glasgow, lived Busby.

Private John Kerr

KERR John Pte. 6th R Ir. Fus. KIA 23rd October 1915. Service no. 19883. Formerly of Patrick Place, Ballymena. Comm. on Dorian Memorial, Greece.

Private Andrew Davidson

DAVIDSON, Andrew Private 8th Seaforth Highlanders. KIA 25/10/1915. Service no. S/3716. Aged 33, born Ballymena. Son of Mr. Davidson, Mid Shirva Farm, Twechar. Wife and two children at Tintock. Named Loos Memorial.

54th List - 1,181 Patriotic Men

Regulars: Pte. Samuel Boyd, Ballyreagh, Clough.

Joined since outbreak of war - 11th Royal Scots, Pte. James Murphy, Drumaglea; 13th Canadian Contingent, Pte. Wm. Watt, Frocess; 3rd RIR Pte. James Rea, Carnalbana; 5th RIR - Bandsman J. Young, Clonavon; Royal Garrson Artillery, 2nd Lt. James S. Boal, Tullygarley.

This week’s recruiting - Army Ordnance Corps - Pte. David Gordon, 36 Bridge Street; Pte. John Campbell, Lisnahuncheon; Pte. James Mullan, Bryan Street.

Royal Field Artillery - Pte William McLean, Tannaghmore; Royal Horse Artillery, Pte. Samuel Linton, Killagan; 18th RIR Pte Samuel Hamill, Crumkill.

Corporal W. J. Nesbitt of the Irish Guards, son of Mr. Samuel J. Nesbitt, Mount Street, Ballymena, is suffering from gas poisoning. He has been right through from the beginning of the war and was only wounded once. We understand he is making satisfactory progress.

Mrs. Surgeoner, Bridge End, Galgorm, has been notified that her three sons - Pte. George Surgeoner 11th Royal Scots; Pte. James Surgeoner, 6th Cameron Highlanders and Pte Alex. Surgeoner, also of the 6th Cameron Highalnders were all wounded during the recent advance in France, James also being posted as missing.

The latter’s wife and three children reside at 52 Main Street, Thorneybank, Glasgow. George was shot through the right arm and is now in hospital in England. All three enlisted in Scotland.

Mrs. Calderwood, Carclinty, Craigs, has just received official intimation to the effect that her son Pte. Matthew Calderwood, Irish Guards, has received three shrapnel wounds in the chest, thigh and knee, in the great fighting at Loos. Pte. Calderwood, before enlisting, was a pupil at Ballymena Academy and passed the King’s Scholarship Exams in April. He is at present in Cornelia Hospital, Poole, Dorset and is progressing favourably.

Private Samuel Boyd, Ballyreagh, Clough, of the Irish Guards, who was home recently after being treated for wounds received at the front, claims to have been an eyewitness of the deed that won Sgt. Michael O’Leary of that Regiment, the Victoria Cross.

Driver Alex. Loughrey, Carniny, of the Royal Engineers, who has been at the front since the outbreak of war, was home during the week on furlough. He was looking fit and well despite his many exciting experiences.

Private Bertie McCann, Broughshane Street, Ballymena, of the 7th Btn. Royal Munster Fusiliers, who was wounded recently in three places in the left leg, is at present home on leave. Pte. McCann joined the army about the middle of November last year and, after a course of training extending over eight months, he proceeded to the Dardanelles and landed at Suvla Bay last August. Consequently he was wounded and brought to Dublin where he received treatment. he is allowed 10 days leave.

Mr. Jack Young Jnr., son of Mr. J. Young, photographer, Ballymena, who joined the 5th Btn. RIR in August, being attached to the band, was granted leave to sit for the Edinburgh University entrance examination which he successfully passed.

Private Young is the well-known flautist who took part in many local concerts. He was a member of the Young Conquerors Flute Band and on numerous occasions assisted other bands in prize contests. He was awarded a medal for piccolo solos. Bandsman Young was a popular member of the Ballymena Academy XV.

Ballymena Observer, October 22, 1915

55th List - 1,185 Patriotic Men

Joined since the outbreak of war - Canadian Contingent - Pte Adam Barr, Hanbury, British Columbia. Formerly of Lower Tannybrake, Kells.

This week’s recruiting - RAMC Robert Hunter, Dromona; 12th R. Innis. Fusiliers - Samuel McHaig, Innisrush; Home Service, Pte. John O’Neill, Harryville.

Private Masterson, Irish Guards, has been wounded in Flanders and is now in hospital in Manchester. He was an RIC man when he volunteered and is the son of Mr. Patrick Masterson, ex-head constable of the RIC in Ballymena.

Corporal Harry Hamilton of Springwell Street, Ballymena, of the 6th Btn. RIR, who was wounded at the Dardanelles on August 10, was allowed sick leave recently and paid a visit to his friends in Ballymena. Corporal Hamilton states that he came across several Ballymena men whilst at Gallipoli. He was in hospital at Alexandria.

The following men from the Ballymena District are in the 3rd Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, at present stationed at Portobello Barracks, Dublin:-

Rfn. James Rea, Drumcrow, Carnalbana; Rfn. George Steele, Moat Road; Rfn. David Garrett, High Street, Renfrew, formerly of Buckna; Rfn. Jas. Young, Carnalbana.

The following members of Ballymena Brass Band have joined the colours and are now on active service:- John Wallace, double bass, 11th RIR; John Erwin, 1st trombone, RIF; John Davison, 2nd trombone 18th RIR; John McCay, solo cornet 18th RIR; John Anderson, 2nd cornet 12th RIR; David Adair, 2nd cornet 12th RIR; Alexander Wallace, solo horn 12th RIR; Herbert Marshall, 1st baritone 5th RIR; William Blair, flugel horn, 4th RIR; J. Montgomery 2nd horn RIF; W. J. Woodcock 1st trombone Canadian Ex. Force; James McClean, solo cornet, Canadian Ex. Force.

The band has a few young lads endeavouring to learn the instruments so as to keep the organisation moving until the ‘boys’ come back.

Cadet R. Crawford who joined the Royal Irish Rifles a few months ago, has received a commission in the 18th Btn. of the RIR, Ulster Division. 2nd Lt. Crawford is a son of Mr. Robert Crawford, Ashville, Ballymena. He was a popular member of Ballymena Academy Rugby XV.

Mr. James R. Darragh, son of the late Mr. Samuel Darragh, Ballycraigy has received a commision in the 3/6 West Riding Regt.

His many friends in Ballymena and elsewhere will be pleased to learn that Sgt. W. J. Nesbitt, eldest son of Mr. Samuel Nesbitt, Flax Mill owner of Mount Street, Ballymena, and of the 1st Btn. Irish Guards, has been recommended for a commission and will in all probability be attached in future to the 4th (Service) Gloucester Regiment and will, he expects, be proceeding to a new sphere of operations on Friday after a few days’ leave at home from Flanders where he has been for almost the past 12 months.

He has seen during this time, some very severe fighting and has himself been wounded by shell fire in the legs and had to undergo several attacks from gas from which he is still suffering and at times pitting up blood from the severe spasms of coughing.

He was mentioned in dispatches by Sir John French for distinguished bravery in holding a crater with a platoon of only 49 against outnumering forces of Germans.

The Guards bombed the Germans out of this crater and had the distinction of holding it for 24 hours until reinforcements arrived.

Just as they were going down a communicating trench, one of Sgt. Nesbitt’s comrades was killed by a shell. The Germans, unable to hold their position, withdrew and when Sgt. Nesbitt’s gallant little force returned to their quarters that night there were only 11 to answer the roll call.

At the recent battle at Hulluch, they were ordered to storm the line of enemy trenches which they did with all the dash and gallanty associated with this historic regiment, but in a dug-out they disocvered 10 Germans in hiding and firing for all they were worth.

On seeing them, Sgt. Nesbitt dashed upon them and fired ten rounds into their trench killing every one of them. Fearing lest any of then might only be wounded and escape, he jumped into the dug-out, rifle in hand and bayonetted the entire lot amidst the cheers of the few comrades who witnessed his heroism.

Sgt. Nesbitt who is come of a good old fighting stock, was through all the South African war and his two brothers, Riflemen Tom and Robert Nesbitt are at present attached to the 18th Btn. RIR.

Ballymena Observer, October 29, 1915

56th List - 1,206 Patriotic Men

This has been the best week for recruiting in Ballymena for 12 months. 18 young men have joined the army in the past seven days, 11 of whom are from the country and seven from the town of Ballymena.

Editor’s note: This follows a major recruiting drive in the area. One of the features of this campaign was a very, hard hitting editorial in the Observer which pointed out that many ‘sons of farmers and the middle classes’ had failed to match the volunteering spirit shown by the ‘working classes of the town’.

Joined since the outbreak of war:- Army Service Corps, Sgt. John Fisher, Kells; 4th Dragoons, Trooper Samuel James Fisher, Kells; 1st Royal Scots - Pte. Hugh Fisher, Kells.

This week’s recruiting:- 18th Btn. RIR - Thomas Wilson, Duneaney; Hugh Johnson, William Anderson, James Duff, Ben Millar - all Hillmount, Cullybackey; John McAuley, Bridge Street; Robert John Kennedy, Broughdone; Thomas Scullion, Linenhall Street; David Jamison, Greenvale Street.

4th RIR - Wm. McKay, Ballylig, Broughshane; Robert Wylie, Fair Hill Lane.

12th RIR David Wilson Millar, Tullygarley.

ASC: James Townsley, Kinbally; RGA Samuel Gillespie, Lower Broughshane; Royal Irish Fusiliers, John Hamilton, Clonavon; North Irish Horse, C. Elliott, Ulster Bank, John Aiken, Queen Street; Home Service, Matthew Finlay, Cloughmills.

Mr. Daniel McMullan, 82 Queen Street, Ballymena has been notified that his son Rfn. Wm. McMullan of the 12th RIR has been slightly wounded in the ankle while in action. Rfn. McMullan, in a letter to his parents, describd the wounds as a ‘sore foot, which was only a sprain for which he was put in hospital for a day or two’. They had a jolly time of it at the front and the battalion’s first spell in the trenches was three days. He could not complain about anything.

Mrs. Blair, Galgorm Street, Ballymena, received intimation last week from the war office to the effect that her grandson, Rfn. William Blair of the 6th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles has been reported wounded at the Dardanelles and is at present missing. He was only 19 years of age and enlisted at the outbreak of war. Prior to joining the army Pte. Blair was an employee of Mr. Robert Carson, Confectioner of Clonavon.

Rifleman Bob Thompson, son of the late Mr. John Thompson, Whitesmith of Henry Street, Ballymena, has had his left leg amputated owing to severe wounds received in action.

Ballymena Observer, November 5, 1915.

Lance Corporal Thos. Cochrane

COCHRANE Thomas Hill, 59175, Lce. Cpl. 21 Btn.E.Ontario regt. KIA November 11, 1915. Buried Ridge Wood Military Cemetery, Belgium. Son of John and Margaret Cochrane, Craigs, Cullybackey. Brother of John above. Brother Hugh was Lt. in Canadian forces.

The Observer reported December 3, 1915 - News has been received of the death of Lance Corporal Thomas H. Cochrane, of the Canadian Division, who was killed in November. From the information to hand it appears he lost his life while saving a comrade. He was shot in the chest and died in a short time. He was a son of Mr. John Cochrane, of Cushendun, formerly of Craigs. Deceased has a brother serving in the 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles.

57th List 1,259 Patriotic Men

It seems that the recruiting campaign had an amazing effect. An incredible number of men - many of them from the country districts - took the King’s Shilling during the second week of November 1915. The vast majority went to the 18th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles for training before being posted to their front-line units.

Above: New recruit Hugh Connaughty of Garvaghy, Portglenone. His brother Robert enlisted the following week.

Joined since the outbreak of war - 2nd Btn. Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders - Pte. John Carmichael, Upper Tannybrake, Kells; 2nd Btn. The Black Watch - Pte. Robert Carmichael, Upper Tannybrake, Kells.

This week’s recruiting:- 18th Royal Irish Rifles - R. James Robinson, Prospect Place; James Mairs, Parkhead; Henry Dempster, Parkhead; Hugh Connaughty, Garvaghy, Portglenone; Barclay Fleming, Garvaghy; Hugh Harris, Drumraw; Alex. McClean, Brackneymuckly; James Swann. Crevillyvalley; Thos. Shaw, Clough; David Allen, Alfred Street; Wm. McQuillan, Alexander Street; Agnew Crowe, Glenwherry; Alex. Sands. Ballyconnelly, Cullybackey; Adam Ireland, Aughafatten; James Robinson, Larne Street; Wm. Herbinson, Craigs; James Gillespie, Slatt; Wm. McCurdy, Artnagross; Wm. McVeigh, North Street; Wm. Montgomery, Kirkinriola; Thos. Picken, Slatt; Matthew Gibson, Slatt; James Weir, Ahoghill; Arthur Kennedy, Joseph Kennedy, George Kennedy all Broughdone; Joseph McAleese, Robert Street; James Rock, Ballygarvey.

4th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles - Patrick McReynolds, Glenwherry; John Collins, Queen Street; R. J. McCreedy, Larne Street; John McGowan, Coach Entry; Wm. Hamilton, Grove, Dunclug; John Barr, Queen Street.

North Irish Horse - D. Kerr, Greenmount Terrace; W. Ferguson, Albert Place; S. Montgomery, Greenmount Terrace; W. Johnston, Broughshane Road; S. Crawford, Tullymore, Broughshane.

3/9th Royal Scots - Herbert Victor Brown, Sunnymead, Ballymena; KOSB - Wm. McKee, Moat, Kells; RGA - Thomas McDonnell, Larne Street; HLI - Harry Armitage, Straid, Gracehill; Home Service - Frank McShane, James Street; Michael Walsh, Crebilly. 9th R. Innis. Fus. - Henry Clarke, Francis Street; R. Mun. Fus. Patrick McGlynn, Ballymena; ASC - Thomas Wilson, Bridge Street; 19th RIR - Simpson Montgomery, Cullybackey; Samuel Henry, Bridge Street; Wesley Hood, Mill Street; Royal Navy - John Orr, Killybeg.

Mr. Alexander Caruth, eldest son of Mr. Norman Caurth, C.C. Solicitor, Drumard, Ballymena, has received a commission in the Special Reserve of Officers and is being attached to the 3rd Gordon Highlanders at King Street Barracks, Aberdeen. 2nd Lt. Caruth who is 17, is an old Cheltenham College boy. He has often assisted Ballymena Cricket club. His sister Miss Deborah Mary Caruth, who has joined the VAD is at present at No.5 General Hospital, France. She was one of the volunteer nurses at the Waveney Hospital.

Amongst the number of young men who joined the North Irish Horse this week was Mr. William Ferguson of Albert Place, Ballymena. Trooper Ferguson was a well known vocalist in Ballymena and was a member of the YMCA Gymnastic team which won the Kerr Smiley Shield a few years ago. He was an assistant in Mr. Caruth’s office.

Ballymena Observer, November 12 1915

Above - Robert Connaughty: Shell shocked with 11th R. irish Rifles 1st July 1916. Later wounded in 1918 (gunshot wound to face). Survived war.

58th List - 1,303 Patriotic Men

This week’s recruiting - 4th RIR - Hugh Magee, Carrycown, Martinstown; Malcolm McComb, Alfred Street; Wm. Neeson, Ballylummin, Ahoghill.

18th RIR - Wm. Doherty, Ballycowan House, Ballymena; Nathan Russell, Alfred Street; Samuel Millar, Henry Street; R. Connaughty, Garvaghy, Portglenone; Thos. Sands, Ballyconnelly, Cullybackey; Thos. Moody, Drumrankin, Ahoghill; Wm. McMaster, Ballyconnelly; Thomas McAniney, Ballyweaney; Andrew McGall, Portglenone; M. O’Neill, Ballybolan, Ballymena; James Lowry, Fenagh; Samuel Neilly, Parkhead; George Leitch, Ballyconnelly; John Spence, Waring Street; John Gibson, Slatt; Robert Gilliland, Moat Road; W. J. McCaw, Glenone, Portglenone; John Anderson, North Street.

19th RIR - Leonard Todd, Queen Street; David Mills, Balymarlow; R. Wilkinson, Cullybackey.

20th RIR - Wm. McNeill, Edward Street; David Holmes, Hugomont, Ballymena; John B. Thompson, Ballee; Samuel Ramsey, Ballee.

Irish Guards - Wm. Boyle, Bridge Street Place.

R. Innis. Fus. - R. Bamber, Ballyconnelly; Charles Nelson, Adair’s Court; Wm. Rice, Dunbought.

Connaught Rangers - Alex. Gillen, Crebilly.

Home service - Wm. Jas. Millar, Tullygarley; Alex McAleese, Pottinger Street, Cullybackey.

ASC - Wm. Cooke, William Street.

North Irish Horse - Jas. Tennant, Harryville; Sam Steele, Alton Terace; David Buchanan, Waveney Road; Thomas Montgomery, Kinhilt Street; Trooper Richmond, Ballymena.

Royal Naval Air Service - James E. Crawford, Clough.

Private Wiliam Blair of the 6th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, who was officially reported on 28th October to be wounded and missing after fighting in the Dardanelles, has written home to his grandmother, who resides in Galgorm Street, stating that he had received her parcel and was alright.

Ballymena Observer, November 19, 1915

Private James Montgomery

MONTGOMERY James Pte. 13th R Scots. KIA 25th November 1915. Service no 23351. Aged 21, born Ballymena, lived/son of Margaret of 10 Fountain Place, Ballymena. Comm. Loos Memorial, Pas De Calais France.

The Observer reported (December 10, 1915) - Mrs. Montgomery, Fountain Place, Ballymena, has received official intimation from the War Office that her son, Pte. James Montgomery of the 13th Royal Scots, was killed in action on 25th November. Prior to outbreak of war he was an employee at the Braidwater Spinning Mill and he was in France for the past six months. He was in the firing line for the past 39 days. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church.

59th list - 1320 Patriotic Men

Joined since the outbreak of war - Australian Contingent - Pte. John Alexander, formerly of Coreen, Ballymena.

This week’s recruiting - Royal Irish Rifles - Thomas Sloan, Joseph Peters, William McKeown, Robert White, Wilfred Barr - all of Broughshane.

Royal Naval Air Service - Bertie Dickey, Killagan.

Royal Navy - Samuel Wilson, Tulygarley; James Henry, Leighinmohr; Robert Murphy, Leighinmohr; William Moore, Spencestown.

19th RIR - David Jamison, Upper Buckna; F. McMurray, Lisnahilt, Broughshane; W. J. Robinson, Rathkeel, Broughshane.

20th RIR - R. Courtney, High Street; Wm. McKane, Park Street.

North Irish Horse - George Beattie, Church Street.

RAMC - George Rodgers, Cullybackey.

Corporal John Boyle (10683) of the 6th RIR who was formerly reported wounded at the Dardanelles is now reported wounded and missing. Corporal Boyle formerly played for Summerfield FC whom he assisted to win the County Antrim Junior Shield.

Mr. W. J. Stuart, son of Mr. William Stuart of Mount Earl, Ballymena, has been gazetted as second-lieutenant in the North Irish Horse. He came here from New South Wales to join the army and has two brothrs in the services, one in the army and one in the navy.

Mr. Bertie Dickey, son of Mr. R. J. Dickey of Killagan has joined the RNAS. He is an old Ballymena Academy boy.

Mr. George Beatty and Mr. Robert Courtney who have joined the colours this week are assistants at Messrs. W. McClelland and Son, provision merchants. We understand their employers are granting half salary to these young men during the period of the war.

Mr. T. S. Haslett, eldest son of Rev. T. S. Haslett, 1st Ballymena, who joined the cadet corps in connection with the Royal irish Rifles a few weeks ago, has been granted a 2nd Lieutenancy in the RIR. he is an old Ballymena Academy boy and in two successive seasons represented Ulster in the school’s interprovincial football and cricket matches.

Two more Ballymena Academy old boys, Messrs. R. Crawford and J. Crawford, sons of Mr. Robert Crawford, Ashville, Ballymena, have been gazetted as 2nd Lieutenants in the Royal irish Rifles.

Mr. William T. Smyth, second son of Mr. William Smyth, The Curragh, Ballymena, has received a commission in the 5th Connaught Rangers. 2nd Lt. Smyth, an old Academy boy has an elder brother, L.cpl. John Smyth, prinicipal of Cloughwater National School, presently on active service with the Ulster Division.

Ballymena Observer, November 26, 1915

60th List - 1,332 Patriotic Men

Joined since outbreak of war - Alfred Mills, Crebilly.

This week’s recruiting - North Irish Horse - John Forbes, George Forbes of Hillmount; James Anderson, Brocklamont; William Stevenson, Crankill; Harry Welsh, Cullybackey.

18th RIR - Andrew Shaw, Slatt; William Wilson, Killyfleugh; R. McCallion, Cullybackey Road.

Trooper P. Fox, son of Mr. Patrick Fox, Ballycraigy, who has been at the front for 16 months with the Royal Irish Lancers was home on leave. He has been wounded before but this is the first time that he has got home.

Ballykeel LOL 472

Men who are ‘doing their bit’

The folowing is a list of the names of Ballykeel Lodge men who have joined the colours and a few who are engaged in munition work.

Joseph Richardson, Alfred Street, KIA, 1st Btn RIR.

Alex. Richardson, Alfred Street, 12th RIR.

James Lennox, Moat Road, 12th RIR.

Robert Herbison, Springwell Street, 12th RIR.

George Steele, Moat Road, 12th RIR.

John Turbett, Moat Road, 12th RIR.

James McAuley, Moat Road, 12th RIR

John Bell, Queen Street, 12th Btn. RIR.

Daniel McNeice, Queen Street, 12th RIR.

David Clarke, James Street, 12th Btn. RIR.

Alex. Moody, Alfred Street, 12th RIR.

George Thompson, Alfred Street, 9th Btn. RIR.

David McCullough, Bridge Street, 9th Btn. RIR.

Thomas Larkin, Springwell Street, 9th Btn. RIR.

David Allen, Alfred Street, 9th Btn. RIR.

Robert Moore, North Street, RGA.

William Russell, Castle Street, RGA.

Adam Lynn, Alfred Street, Innis. Fus.

James Winnington, Moat Road, Innis. Fus.

Arthur Holmes, Canadians, formerly of Moat Road

David Buchanan, Waveney Road, NIH

Samuel Steele, Alton Terrace, NIH.

William McNeill, Edward Street, NIH

George Hamilton, formerly Waring Street, War Work

Anderson Crawford, Larne Street, War Work

Edward Steele, Moat Road, War Work

Archie McNeice, Queen Street, War Work

Alex. Thompson, formerly Larne Street, War Work

John Tennant, Francis Street, War Work

Wm. Murray, formerly Moat Road, War Work

George Kernoghan, formerly Casement Street, War Work.

Ballymena Observer, December 3, 1915

61st List

1,348 Patriotic Men

Joined since the outbreak of war :-

New Zealanders - Pte. James McBride, formerly of Coreen, Broughshane; North Irish Horse. Trooper Herbert Wm. McClean, Provincial Bank House; Trooper David James Johnston, 46 Mount Street; Farrier Jerry Cupples, Lisnevenagh.

This week’s recruiting:- NIH - Joseph Bailie, Princes Street. RAMC - Lt. J. C. Wilson, Alexandra House.

18th RIR - Stafford Garrett, Railway Street; W. Barr, Crumkill; John Agnew, Crumkill.

20th RIR - George Fullerton, Clonavon Road; William Allen, Ballee.

Bantams - Hugh McAleese, Broughshane.; Home Service - John McClintock, Parkhead.

RAMC - Carson Woodcock, Patrick Place; Jack Gillespie, Cullybackey; Alex Murdock, Hillmount.

Ballymena Observer, December 10, 1915

Pte. Wm. R. Johnston

JOHNSTON William Robert Pte. 1st R Ir. Fus. Died 11th December 1915. Service no. 8166. Aged 31 Born Ballymena, enlisted Belfast. Son of the late Alex. and Sarah Johnston, Ballymena. Buried Forceville Communal Cem. Somme.

62nd list

1,357 Patriotic Men

Joined since the outbreak of war - 18th RIR - Samuel Steele, Robert Foster of Tullynamullan.

Irish Guards - M. A. Orr, Queen Street; John Blair, Queen Street.

This week’s recruiting - North Irish Horse - James Graham, Clough; Bob Walker, Clough; Samuel Wilson, Railway Street.

Royal Engineers - Bernard Gillespie, Princes Street; 10th R. Dublin Fus. - William Caldwell, Cromkill.

Mr. John Colvin of Princes Street, Ballymena, has received information from an officer in the 12th Royal Irish Rifles, to the effect that his son Rfn. Thos. Colvin has been wounded in the right hand by the explosion of a shell. Mrs. J. H. Wright, a sister of the wounded private, also received information from her husband, Sgt. Major J. H. Wright, that her brother was slightly wounded in the arm and is now in hospital.

Rfn. Colvin was wounded while sitting reading about 7 o’clock in the evening. The letter received by Mrs. Wright was dated 1st December so that it would seem that Pte. Colvin was wounded on Tuesday, November 30th. Pte. Colvin who went to the front with the 12th RIR (Ulster Division) is the second Ballymena man in that battalion to be wounded, the first being Rfn. William McMullan of Queen Street.

The friends of Trooper Robert Heron, North Irish Horse, who resides at Tully, Ballymena, have just received intimation to the effect that he is at present in hospital suffering from a dislocated shoulder blade and a broken leg sustained in Flanders. It is understood that a shell exploded close to Trooper Heron’s horse and he was thrown from his seat, the animal falling on top of him. Trooper Heron was called up on the outbreak of war and has been at the front for over a year.

Rifleman Alexander Orr, 12th Btn. RIR who belongs to Glenarm, has been severely injured in France. He was trying to separate the two parts of the nosecap of a shell which he had found in the trenches and which he had brought to his billet as a souvenir. There was an unexploded fuse on the cap and it went off with the result that he was injured in the had, leg and hands. He was immediately removed to hospital.

Dr. John Charles Wilson, son of the late Mr. David Wilson of Alexandra House, Ballymena has been given a commission in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He is an old Academy boy.

Mr. Alex O’Hara of Waveney Road, Ballymena, has received intimation from his son. Sgt. Thomas O’Hara, Royal Engineers, that he has accepted a commission in the Royal Engineers. 2nd Lt. O’Hara was a former pupil of the Academy and enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and has been at the front for some time. Mr. O’Hara was a keen cricketer and a playing member of the Ballymena club.

We have been informed that Rev. Canon A. E. Ross, Rector of Ballymena and Ballyclug, has offered his services to the army and has been appointed Chaplain. He will leave for the front at the beginning of the year.

Ballymena Observer, December 17, 1915

This is the first week since the outbreak of war that there have been no recruits in the Ballymena District. No doubt this is due to the Christmas Holidays.

Rev. H. C. Townsend, MA, Rector of Craigs Parish Church, County Antrim, has been appointed as an army chaplain. The Rev. gentleman has been in charge of Craigs for upwards of 12 years.

Corporal Dan Lorimer 2nd RIR, has been wounded for the second time. Intimation to that effect has been received by wife from L.cpl. P. O’Kane who states that the injury is not serious. Corporal Lorimer took part in the retreat from Mons and was in the Battle of the Aisne where he was wounded.

Ballymena Observer, December 24, 1915

63rd List - 1,365 Patriotic Men

Joined since the outbreak of war - 16th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles - Rfn. Hugh McCready, son of Mrs. Margaret McCready, Ross, Kells; 11th Btn RIR - Rfn. James Craig, Ballywatermoy; North Irish Horse - Trooper William Craig, Ballywatermoy.

This week’s recruiting:- 18th RIR - Hugh Kernoghan, Tullygarley; John McCosh, Railway Street; R. Heggarty, Railway Street.

20th RIR - Samuel Laird, Kells.

RFA - William Bonnar, Rocavan.

Dr. J. Duffin has been appointed temporary surgeon in his Majesty’s fleet. Surgeon Duffin is a son of Mr. Frank Duffin, formerly of Craigs. Cullybackey. He has been a year with the Royal Army Medical Corps and has recently returned from the front where he was in medical charge of the 16th Btn. RIR.

Mr. H. A. Robinson, who has been making munitions of war in England, has enlisted under Lord Derby’s recruiting scheme. He is the only son of Mr. S. J. Robinson, Dromona.

Constable Howley RIC, who was stationed at the Harryville Barracks, Ballymena, for some time, has volunteered his services for the army and has been accepted. He has joined the 7th (Pals) Btn. of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, He will be succeeded in the Harryville Barracks by Constable Sweeney who is being transferred from Broughshane.

2nd Lt. F. R. Skillen, who was transport officer for the King’s Own Liverpool Regt. was home from the front during the Christmas weekend. Mr. Skillen is the eldest son of Mr. Joseph Skillen of Claremont, Ballymena. He joined the army in the early Autumn of 1914 as a trooper in the North Irish Horse and in December was granted a commission.

Ballymena Observer, December 31, 1915

Carved in stone ...but not forgotten