BALLYMENA 1914-1918

L.cpl. Robert Carmichael 

65th list - 1,379 Patriotic Men

North Irish Horse, Trooper Edward McClure, Gracehill; 20th R.I. Rifles Robert Gillen, Crebilly; Norman Irwin, Clonavon, William Lennon, Craigs. Irish Guards - John Forsythe, Castle Street; Army Ordnance Corps, George Lyttle, William Street; Connaught  Rangers, John McAllister, Duke Street.

PRIVATE J.C. McDowell of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (perhaps one of the most famous  'colonial' battalions of the war. Ed.) has written home to his relatives who reside at Windsor Terrace, Ballymena,  from the 2nd Field Hospital, stating that he had been wounded on the right hand and that he is improving.

MRS. McCann, Creagh, Toomebridge, has received a letter from her son, Private Patrick McCann, Royal Munster Fusiliers saying that he has ben wounded in the recent retreat in Serbia and is now in hospital.

PRIVATE Samuel W. Maxwell, formerly of Killyless, of the New Zealand contingent, is at present on a visit to his  friends in Ireland, after being treated for wounds received at the Dardanelles (Gallipoli). Private Maxwell and his parents emigrated to New Zealand some seven years ago and, at the outbreak of war, he volunteered his services and accompanied the main body of the first NZ Contingent to Egypt where he finished his training.

His contingent was called to the Dardanelles at the opening of hostilities and he was wounded early in September 1915 by shrapnel in the back. He was taken to hospital in Cairo and was afterwards transferred to a London hospital  from where he came to Ireland on a short furlough. He is a nephew of Mr. Joseph Maxwell, Dagusville, Ballymena.

Trooper Robert Burnitt of the NI Horse, at present on active service, formerly assistant clerk to Mr. Charles Johnson in the Ballymena Workhouse, acknowledges with thanks the receipt of a parcel of cigarettes received from the employees of Messrs. John Wilson and Son, Harryville Factory, which were much appreciated by him and his comrades.

PRIVATE Joseph Curry of the New Zealand Contingent, who has just recovered from an attack of enteric fever which he developed at the Dardanelles is at present on leave with his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Curry of Ballynacaird, Lisnamurrican Pte. Curry who is in his 25th year, emigrated to New Zealand in the year of 1912 where he joined the Volunteer Force, and when war broke out he volunteered for active service on August 8th 1914.

After three months' training in New Zealand, the contingent embarked for Albany where they joined the Australian Force. The training of the New Zealanders was completed in Egypt. Early in the New Year they were called up to meet an attack made by the Turks, which they easily repulsed.

In this encounter they had their first casualties. The battalion in which he was a machine gunner, was amongst the first to land at the Dardanelles on April 25th 1915. Curry had many narrow escapes at the landing. He was in the trenches for three months when he took ill and was sent to hospital at Malta. later he was transferred to a hospital in Birmingham and at present is on six week's leave.

Ballymena Observer January 14. 1916

Private James Barclay 

66th List 1,383 Patriotic Men

Our 66th list shows a big falling off in recruits in the Ballymena District when compared with the figures for the corresponding period of last year. During the past week, four men joined the colours and for the 3rd week in January 1915 there were 18. If Ballymena's fine record is to be kept up there will have to be more active steps taken in promoting recruiting in the district.

4th R.I. Rifles - James Donnelly, Ahoghill; 18th Royal I Rifles - C. Simpson, Waveney Cottages; 20th R.I. Rifles Samuel McKee, Crevillyvalley; Cameron Highlanders, Duncan McNeilly, Liminary.

COLONEL J. Barnett Wlson, of Knowehead, Broughshane, who, in the early months of the war was in charge of Shorecliff Military and several other detached hospitals on the south coast and has also been for some time in command of the Medical Staff of the 12th Division in France has been appointed District Director Medical Services of the 16th Army Corps. He will therefore be in command of the staff having medical surveillance of 120,000 men.

A Clough Soldier's Story

'Dispatch Rider's Ordeal'

TWO thrilling incidents are related by Gunner Whiteside RFA, in a letter to his friends in Clough, Co. Antrim. He writes:-  "It is really marvellous how our airmen go for the Germans and in nine cases out of ten come off best. It is very exciting to watch as many as six machines  battling away, thousands of feet up in the air.

 "I have seen several Taubes (A German aircraft) come down head foremost and there was precious little value in them when they landed.

"One evening I was sent with a message to the trenches and was sitting in the dug out with the telephone operator when the enemy took it into their head to make a surprise attack. You can imagine my feelings when, hearing the commotion, I popped my head round the corner and saw the Germans clambering over our parapet. You bet I was soon on my hind legs and looking for a rifle. I soon got one and just by good luck there was a bayonet on the end of it.

"Tumbling out, I soon came to the first German who was looking for trouble. As, perhaps you know, an artilleryman knows precious little how to use a bayonet, but I knew if I didn't get him he would very soon have me.

"My luck was in and I got him fair and square, but in my excitement I must have overdone it, as I couldn't get the bayonet out again. He took the rifle and all out of my hands as he fell. Before I had time to recover, I saw another Hun making for me at top speed. I though it was all up with me , and, as a last desperate resort I scooped up a double handful of mud and flung it right in his face.

 "This had the effect of making him drop the rifle and do a bit of a goose-step, all the time howling with the pain of his eyes. I lost no time and was soon sitting on his chest, choking the Hunnish life out of him. By this time the boys had mopped up the lot and here we are waiting for some more fun.

 "On another day we were sitting round the gun having an easy spell when suddenly we spied a cyclist coming bumping along as hard as he could pelt. When he was about 30 yards away we heard the whistle of a shell which let right in front of him. For a minute or so we saw nothing; then out of the smoke came the cylist, spitting and swearing with the front wheel around his neck.

 "We started to laugh at the figure he cut but as he came staggering towards us we were hushed for we saw that his left hand was cut clean off and only a shattered bleeding stump was left. He stagged up to our major, handed him a dispatch, saluted and collapsed at the major's feet. He was barely 18."

AMONGST the officers who have reached England with Canadian troops is Captain W. A. Adams, who has arrived in Belfast on a visit to his relatives. Captain Adams is a native of Ballymena and he is a barrister-at-law, in practice at Que Appele, Saskatchewan.Ballymena.

PRIVATE Adam Lynn of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, who was wounded in action some time ago at the Dardanelles has been home on leave. His parents reside at James Street, Ballymena and his father, who is an old soldier holds the King's and Queen's Medals for the South African War.

PRIVATE Thomas Colvin, Princes Street,  of the 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, who was wounded on the right hand by the explosion of a shell early in January, is at present home on furlough in Ballymena. He lis looking fit and well but his hand is slightly painful yet.

Ballymena Observer, January 21 1916.

Above: Ulster Division soldiers in their 'winter warfare' coats made from sheepskin. The caption is inaccurate and actually shows members of the 16th (Pioneers) Royal Irish Rifles with which both the Ballymena men mentioned saw service.

67th list - 1390 Patriotic Men

20th R.I. Rifles - Robert N. Kyle, Glebe Cottages, Rasharkin; Charles Irwin, Larne Street; Joseph Reid, Mount Street.  Inniskilling Dragoons (Ulster Div.) Wm. Robinson, Ballinacaird.

Joined since the outbreak of war: Royal Enginners, Pte. Walter Henry, son of Mr. James Henry, Urban Councillor, Rural District Councillor, Mill Street, Ballymena. Canadian Contingent: Pte Robert Ross, formerly of Ballymena; Pte Samuel Finlay, son of Mr. and Mrs. William  Finlay, Queen Street.

INTIMATION has been received by his friends in Ballymena that Pte. Patrick Bonar, Flag Lane, 2nd Leinsters, is at present in St. Helen's Hospital in England suffering from an old gunshot wound to the arm.

Mr. Samuel Wilson, Ballydugenan House, Toomebridge, has received a postcard from Private Joseph McCartney 7th Leinsters stating he has been wounded and is in hospital in France.

RECENTLY Private Robert Ross, Canadian Contingent, brother of Mr. Matthew Ross, High Street, Ballymena, was home on a visit to his friends in Ballymena, after being treated for wounds recived in an action in France. He is an old soldier who served in the Royal Artillery for 12 years and at the ourbreak of the present war he offered his services to King and Country.

Lance Corporal Dan Lorimer, Ballymena, of the 2nd Btn Royal Irish Rifles who was recently mentioned in dispatches and was later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (actually 'Mentioned in Despatches') , is at present home on ten days leave following a nasty bullet wound in the hand. This is the third time Lance Corporal Lorimer has been wounded.

Ballymena Observer, January 28, 1916

February 

68th list - 1,408 Patriotic Men

This week's recruiting:- 18th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles - Allan McClean, Coreen, Broughshane; J. McGrath,  Alexander Street; Hugh Stewart, Laymore; Charles Reynolds, Clonavon.

Joined since the outbreak of war: Royal Scots - Cpl. Isaac Kerr and Pte W. Kerr,  Newtowncrommelin; Highland Light Infantry - Pte Robert Falconer, Skerry East; Scottish Rifles Signaller John Scott, Newtowncrommelin; Gordon Highlanders - L.Cpl. W. McCartney, Legagrane, Cargan; Royal Navy - Robert John McIntyre, HMS Fox, Newtowncrommelin.

Canadian Contingent - Pte Matthew Anderson, son of Mr. Matthew Anderson, Omerbane; Pte Tom Aicken, from Omerbane. 18th Notts and Derby - Pte Robert McCartney, late of Bridge Street.

MRS. J. Stewart, Glenwillow House, Toomebridge, has been notified by the War Office that her son, Lt. Dr. John Stewart, RAMC, has been severely wounded on the chest and arms by shell fire in France and is now in hospital. Dr. Stewart who is second son of the late Mr. John Stewart and grandson of the late Rev. Hall Stewart, for many years Pastor of Grange Presbyterian Congregation, had a distinguished college career, shortly after the completion of which he volunteered for service in the RAMC.

Private William Telford, 1st Btn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been wounded and is in hospital in Egypt. He is 22 years of age and a son of Mrs. Telford, Alexander Street, Ballymena, who has another son, Rfn. James Telford serving with the 12th Royal Irish Rifles (Ulster Division) in France.

Cpl. James Sempey

SEMPEY James Cpl. 12th R I Rifles. KIA 10th February. 1916. Service no. 19751. Aged 29, born Ballymena, son of Hugh and Isabella Sempey. Lived Ballyclare. Wife Sarah McNeill (f. Sempey) at Main Street, Ballyclare. Buried Mesnil Ridge Cem. Somme.

69th list - 1,408 Patriotic Men

This week's recruiting:- 18th Royal Irish Rifles - Joseph Knox, Greenvale Street; William Turtle, Springwell Street;  William Harvey, Alexander Street. 4th Btn. R. I Rifles, James Laverty, Alexander Street.

Joined since the outbreak of  war - Canadian Contingent - Pte Andrew Murphy, formerly of Greenvale Street.

Mrs. A. Gordon, Station Road, Cullybackey, has received official notification that her son, 17/785 Rifleman James Gordon, 8th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (East Belfast Vols.) has been wounded in France. Rfn. Gordon, who was a member of the Cullybackey UVF, enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and was previously an employee at the Maine Works, Cullybackey.

Private James Neeson, 7th Royal Munster Fusiliers, second son of Mr. Thos. Neeson, Ballylummin, Ahoghill, is reported wounded and missing at Gallipoli. Numerous inquiries have been made through various channels but all have failed to trace him. He was 22 years of age and prior to enlisting was employed at Ballyclare Green.

Squadron Sergt. Major D.A. Cathcart, an experienced non-com of the Royal Scots Greys, has, for service in the field, been specially promoted to a commission as 2nd Lt. in the Royal West Kent Regt. and joins the 1st battalion. He is a grandson of the late Mr. James Cathcart of Slatt and  a brother of John Cathcart of  Alfred Street , Ballymena.

Signaller Harry Walsh , Waveney Road, Ballymena, came home from the front recently on a short leave. He is looking remarkably fit and states that all the boys out there are in the best of spirits.

Ballymena Observer, February 11. 1916

70th list - 1,410 Patriotic Men

'Only two local recruits this week!'

18th Btn. R.I. Rifles, Const. Edward Copeland, R.I.C.; Irish Guards, John Greer, Alfred Street.

REV. George Clenaghan, C.C. Glenravel, Ballymena, has been appointed an army chaplain and takes up duty in about three weeks.

Mr. W. H. Davison, Mayor of Kensington, who is the son of Mr. R. Davison, Beechfield, Ballymena, on a recent  visit to the front at the invitation of the war office, came upon Captain Orr's grave in a peaceful little spot near the firing line. It was covered wth fresh green sods and daffodils were growing at the root.

Lt. R. M. Pryde, second son of Mr. James Pryde, Leighinmohr, Ballymena, who is attached to the 15th Btn. R.I. Rifles (Ulster Division) is home on a well-earned rest from the trenches. Before the outbreak of war, Lt. Pryde was closely connected with the Ulster Volunteer Force and was commanding officer of B coy. 1st Btn. North Antrim Regiment.

Sgt. Major John Wright, Carniny, of the 12th R.I. Rifles (Ulster Div.) has returned to the front after a few days leave from the firing line. Sgt. Major Wright was an enthusiastic Ulster  Volunteer and was one of the local commanders.

Lieut. Charles Gage Stuart presented with the DSC

LT. Charles Gage Stuart, RN, was presented on Wednesday, by the King, at Buckingham Palace, with the Distinguished Service Cross for 'meritorious service in connection with the sinking of the German Cruiser 'Dresden' on March 14th, 1915.'

Lt. Stuart is a son of Mr. William Stuart C.E. of Mount Earl, Ballymena and a brother of 2nd Lt. W. G. B. Stuart of the 12th Btn Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers), and 2nd Lt. Stuart, North Irish Horse. He is also a nephew of the late Rear Admiral Leslie Stuart CMG and served with that officer in HMS Vengeance on the China Station during the Russo-Japanese war. Lt. Stuart's seniority as Lieutenant dates rom 1st April 1909. When the war broke out he was serving on the cruiser Glasgow, on the south-east coasts of America. He was in the action with Von Spee's squadron on November 1 in which the 'Good Hope' and the 'Monmouth' were sunk. The 'Glasgow' got away damaged on that occasion but lived to fight another day and Lt. Stuart had the satisfaction of being on board his ship in the engagement in which the Dresden was sunk on March 14th.

Ballymena Observer, February 18, 1916

71st List - 1,413 Patriotic Men

'The falling off in recruiting has been noticeable during the past two months. For the eight weeks of January and February, 1915 there were 54 recruits and for the same period this year there were only 34.

This week's recruiting:- North Irish Horse, Trooper J.D.Martin, Bradford (formerly of Waveney Avenue, Ballymena); 18th Btn. RI Rifles - John Craig, Ballygarvey; 19th Btn RI Rifles - 2nd Lt. David Fleck, Greenhill, Ballymena.

PRIVATE William Murphy, Greenvale Street, of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, is at present lying in hospital at Salonika  suffering from a severe ankle sprain. Private Murphy took part in the operations at the Dardanelles and was, before  enlistment, a prominent figure in local football circles playing for Summerfield Strollers and later Summerfield FC.

MR. Thomas McKeown, Finkiltagh, Portglenone, has received information that his son, Private Robert McKeown of the 1st Seaforth Highlanders, was wounded on January 7, at the Persian Gulf. Private McKeown volunteered shortly after the outbreak of war and went to Belgium in January 1915. He was one of the unfortunate victims to suffer from the first gas attack at Hill 60. After his recovery from this he was went with a draft to the Persian Gulf Expeditionary Force.

IN a section of the 12th Btn Royal Irish Rifles there is a bantam cock that accompanied the battalion from Larne to France as a mascot. Soldiers on furlough from the regiment state that the mascot has become wonderfully cute.

A Ballymena man's experience at the Dardanelles and Serbia

LANCE-Corporal Samuel Law, son of Mr. W. J. Law, Alfred Street, who is only 19, was formerly employed in the  Braidwater Mill, and joined the army prior to the outbreak of war.

 He was attached to the (censored) and sent to Dublin to complete his training. Subsequently, he was ordered to the  Dardanelles. Many and varied were the experiences he had there with the wily Turk.

On one occasion, his Division - almost certainly the 10th (Irish) Division - had to go without food for two days, as it was difficult owing to the desperate way in which the Turks harassed them for the commiseriat to keep in touch.

From the Dardanelles, the battalion was sent to Serbia (the ill-fated Salonika expedition) to reinforce the French and  stem the tide which was sweeping the Serbians from their native land. Many were the hairbreadth escapes he came  through.

 At times he thought his Division was lost, but they rallied and dealt some fine kncok-out blows to the  Bulgarian-German troops (Bulgaria had joined Germany, Austria and Turkey against the Allies).

 Times without number they attacked and hoped to cary the day but at last the order came to withdraw and his  Division had to bear the brunt of covering the main army when retreating to Salonika.  At length, when all was clear, they were ordered to run for it:

"You should have seen us go," he writes. " Leaping to  the parapet of our trenches we took to our beaters for the hills, which we reached in safety. Then, under cover, we prepared to make ourselves comfortable and enjoy a well-earned rest after our long spell in  the trenches.”

 "Our rest camp," he says, "is christened 'Devil's Hollow'. I haven't seen any white women for months on end. One  seems to be in the heart of Africa. It is most depressing at times. One doesn't realise the exhilarating joy which comes  from seeing a white woman in these desolate and wild hills.

 "More woman nurses are badly needed. I think they would only be too glad to make haste and offer their services  and come out to cheer us and make our lot a little brighter. You haven't seen our Division mentioned much in the papers in the fighting in and around Serbia but I may tell you they were a credit to the (censored), for the way in  which they carried the burden of the last few days before leaving Salonika."

Young Law has so far come through without a scratch. He was a member of  St. Patrick's Church. He was also a member of Harryville Unionist Club.

Ballymena Observer, February 25 1916

Rfn. Robert Watt

Rfn. Robert Watt

WATT Robert John Rfn. 11th Btn. RIR. Service no. 19818. Died 29/2/1916. Killed by shrapnel while in billet behind the lines. Aged 30, son of Agnes. Husband of Elizabeth Ann Warr, Portglenone. Buried Mesnil Ridge Cem. Somme.

March 

72nd list - 1,417 Patriotic Men

This week's recruiting:- 4th Btn Royal Irish Rifles - Nathaniel Dunlop, Loan, Cullybackey; John Barr, Springwell Street; 8th Hussars James Morton, 16 Patrick Place; Royal Garrison Artillery - Const, Richard Spratt, late of RIC Cullybackey.

DOCTOR John Cathcart, son of Mr. James Cathcart, Kells, has received a  commission on the RAMC and has gone  to Limerick for training. Dr. Cathcart was professionally engaged at the Sanitorium, Whiteabbey.

CONSTABLE Edward Spratt of the RIC has obtained permission from the authorities to enlist in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was popular with the Cullybackey residents and carries with him the best wishes of all for  success in his new sphere of labour.

Ballymena  Observer, March 3, 1916

Lance Corporal Samuel Beattie

73rd list - 1,420 Patriotic Men

 This week's recuiting:- 8th Hussars - D. Robinson, Ballinacaird; 18th tn. Royal Irish Rifles, James Campbell,  Broughshane; 10th Liverpool Scottish, John Wylie, Waveney Crescent.

INFORMATION has been received by his relatives, who reside at Kinhilt Street, Ballymena that Pte. Hugh  McDowell  of the 9th Royal Innis. Fus. is at present in hospital sufering from trench feet.

MR. John Wylie, managing clerk to Mr. Robert Boal, solicitor, High Street, Ballymena, has joined the Liverpool Scottish (Territorials) this week and commences training on Saturday at Blackpool. Mr. Wylie is a popular vocalist  and his presence will be missed on many concert platforms.

Ballymena Observer, March 10, 1916

74th list - 1,421 Patriotic Men

 'Only one recruit was attested at the local office during the week , and in the corresponding period last year, 11  men joined the colours. The fall off in recruiting continues.  This week's recruiting: 18th Btn. RI Rifles - Robert McFall, Garfield Place.

Above: Bob Thompson acquired the name 'Stick' as a result of his injuries. He was for many years associated with the Braidwater Mill

PRIVATE Bob Thompson, son of the late Mr. John Thompson, whitesmith, Henry Street, who had his left leg  amputated as the result of severe wounds received on the 25th September 1915 arrived home in Ballymena this week  after being discharged from the army.

 He is looking healthy and well after his trying times and his many friends in the town were glad to see him home again;  and also to know that he can manage to walk about with the artificial leg that the authorities fitted him with, and with  the aid of a stick. Private Thompson, who was six years in the army, was in India prior to the outbreak of war for a period of three  years and when the war broke out was called to France to serve with his regiment, the 1st Btn. Royal Irish Rifles. He  was wounded at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle and, after his wounds were treated, was home on a short furlough . He  returned to France and on 25th September 1915 was wounded again and had two bones broken in his left leg, the result being that his leg had to be amputated. He has two brothers serving with the army.

Today (Friday) is St. Patrick's Day. Half a ton of Shamrock was despatched from Belfast on Saturday for distribution  amongst the Ulster Division.

Ballymena Observer March 17, 1916

Rfn. Allen Foster

Lance Corporal R. Kirkwood

75th list - 1,425 Patriotic Men

This week's recruiting: 4th Btn. RI Rifles - J. Buchanan, formerly Broughshane Road; 18th Btn. RI Rifles - J.  Millar, Springwell Street.

Joined since the outbreak of war - 8th Btn. R.Innis. Fus. Charles Sinclair, Railway Street; RAMC Canadian Contingent, Pte. Christie Montgomery, formerly of High Street.

WANTED: A melodeon.

We have received numerous letters from men at the front wishing us luck and prosperity. Driver A. Scott, Royal  Engineers, formerly of Pound Cottages Ballymena, writes stating that there are a number of Ballymena men in his company, and that as a little bit of music is very cheering out there, they would be much obliged if some old friend  would send them a melodeon. If any of our readers would like to send Driver Scott an instrument they can have his full address on application to the 'Observer' office.

Dear Sir - Just a few lines to thank you and the workers of the Raceview Woollen Mills for their useful present of  smokes, which I received alright and I am to tell you they were very useful to me and my chums. When the parcels arrived we were having a hard time with frost and snow. I have met a number of boys from Ballymena in the trenches.

I wish every success to the factory and the workers belonging to it. Go on the Blues! - Yours sincerely,  Rfn. Patrick Thompson, 'C' Coy. 8th Btn Royal Irish Rifles

PTE Charles Sinclair, 8th R.Innis. Fusiliers (Ulster Division), who is a son of the late Mr. Andrew Sinclair, Railway  Street and a nephew of Mr. Charles Sinclair, James Street, has been wounded in an engagement in France. Pte  Sinclair, who only celebrated his sixteenth birthday last Sunday, was an employee of the Braidwater Spinning  Company. He joined the army in 1914 and went to the front with the Ulster Division last autumn.

PTE James Winnington, 17 Moat Road, Ballymena, of the 6th Btn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, is at present home on  leave after recovering from frostbite received while in Serbia. Pte Winnington was seven months at the Dardanelles and was in hospital in Lemnos suffering from dysentry.  He was removed from there to Serbia where he remained for four months. He was attacked by frostbite and  afterwards was taken to a hospital in Plymouth. He has a brother serving with the colours.

PTE Joseph Morrow, Ballee, of the 12th Btn. Rifles is at present home on leave after recovering from an illness  contracted while serving in France.

ANOTHER local soldier home on leave this week is Private John McDowell, formerly of Kinhilt Street, Ballymena,  of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Pte McDowell joined the Canadian contingent shortly after the  outbreak of war and, after traning in Canada and England, proceeded to the front in July last. He is a mounted machine gunner and has been in charge of a machine gun crew for some time past. he has been wounded several times but not seriously. He is a brother of  Pte. Hugh McDowell of the 9th R.Innis. Fusiliers.

MR. J. Buchanan,a third son of Mr. A. Buchanan, Jeweller, Ballymena, who was carrying on a jewellery business in  Hamilton, near Glasgow, has been called up under the 'Derby Group' system and has joined the 4th Royal Irish  Rifles.

Ballymena Observer, March 24, 1916

Lance Corporal Hugh McNally

Lcpl. Hugh McNally

76th List - 1,427 Patriotic Men

'The continual slackness in recruiting in the district has been more marked during the past few weeks than in  any other period. One local man enlisted ruring the present week and for a corresponding period last year eight joined the colours. If the 1,100 per week recruits which Lord Wimborne asked for from Ireland is being reached, Ballymena District has not done its share.'

This week's recruiting: 18th Btn. RI Rifles John Wilson, Killyfleugh.

Joined since the outbreak of war - Canadian contingent. Pte John Bell Gibson, formerly Broughshane Street,  108th Btn. Canadian Exped. Force.  

LANCE Corporal Alex. Winnington, whose brother was recently home on leave, enjoyed a nine-day furlough in  Ballymena. L.cpl. Winnington, of 17 Moat Road, was fifteen months in France . He served eight years in the army, six  of which were spent abroad and on the outbreak of war he was called up as a reservist and volunteered out of his  own battalion for active service with the 1st Royal Irish Rifles.

MISS Jean Gilmer, NZANS, only daughter of the late Dr, Robert Gilmer, Ballymena, one of the military sisters  selected by the New Zealand Health Department for service under the Imperial Authorities, left Wellington, NZ on  January 26th. Miss Gilmer was for some months senior sister in Trentham Military Hospital and for the past six  months was in charge of Victoria Military Hospital, Wellington.

March 31, 1916

April

WYLIE David Lce. Sgt. 7th R Innis Fus. Died of wounds 5/4/1916. Service no. 20446. Born Ballymena, enlisted Glasgow. Buried Bethune Town cemetery.

THIS was a blank week for recruiting in Ballymena. For this week last year there were ten local men joined the army.

MR. W. Stuart. Mount Earl, Ballymena, has received official notification that his youngest son, 2nd Lt. W.B.Stuart  of the Royal Irish Rifles, has been wounded. Later particulars from Padre Clifford stated that a bomb (grenade)  exploded prematurely and, as a result, 2nd Lt. Stuart had been slightly wounded in the arms and legs. Mr. Stuart who had just passed through his course in the drawing office of Denny Shipbuilding Yard, Dumbarton, joined the army in  the autumn of 1914 and went to the front in October 1915.

He has two brothers on active service - Lt. Cdr. C.G.Stuart DSO, and 2nd Lt. L.I.Stuart North Irish Horse.

NEWS reached Cushendall by telegram on the 24th inst. that Rfn. Denis Humphries RI Rifles had died that day at  the 6th stationary jospital, Havre, as a result of severe influenza. Prior to enlistment, Denis spent his entire 19 years at  the Layde. When the call came to him from his King, true to the loyal traditions of his family (his eldest brother who  was doing well in Canada, gave up his employment and came home with the Canadians and is now at the front) he gladly gave his service at earliest date.

MRS. Montgomery, Doury Road, Ballymena, has received information that her son, Pte. Bertie Montgomery of the Royal Innis. Fusiliers is in hospital suffering from gas poisoning and wounds. Prior to joining the colours, he was a  member of the Ballymena Ulster Volunteer Force, the Church Lad's Brigade and was an employe of the Ballymena  and Harryville Co-Operative Society.

Rfn. John Knox

 77th List - 1,428 Patriotic Men

 This week's recruiting: Royal Scots, Pte William Harvey, Alexander Street

SERGEANT J.M. Boyd, son of Mrs. Boyd, Kinhilt Street, Ballymena, who joined the 5th Australian Light Horse at the outbreak of war, has been promoted to 2nd Lt. in the same regiment. Mr. Boyd was in hospital for some time in  Malta suffering from a fractured skull, but has now rejoined the Australian Forces. He has a brother also with the  Australian Forces. (Anyone who has seen the film 'Gallipoli' starring Mel Gibson will realise this is the unit featured  in the movie. Another movie, 'The Light Horsemen' was also made to celebrate the achievements of the famous  regiment.)

MRS. Gihon, Lisnafillan House, has received an acknowledgement from Driver A. Scott Royal Engineers for the  melodeon which she forwarded in answer to his appeal.

IN the last letter received from Pte John Weir, Royal Irish Fusiliers, by his wife, who resides in Galgorm Street,  Ballymena, he acknowledges the receipt of photographs from home and states that he is enjoying the best of health. Private Weir, who was a postman in Ballymena, has been a prisoner of war since the retreat from Mons in 1914.

Ballymena Observer, April 14, 1916

Rfn. Alexander Hamill

HAMILL Alexander Rfn. 20th R I Rifles. Died at home 21st April, 1916. Son of John and Nancy Hamill, Taylorstown.Buried Grange Corner Pres. Church and comm. likewise.

78th list

This week's recruiting: 18th RIRifles - Pte John Finlay, Mounthamilton, Cloughmills; 8th Hussars Pte  Andrew Linton, Killycowan, Glarryford.

MR. Allan Shafto Adair, only son of R.Shafto Adair Bart. Ballymena Castle and Lower Berkeley Street, Portman  Square, London, has been given a commission in the Grenadier Guards. (Later to become Major General Sir Allan  Adair, last of that line, who was a commander of the Guards Armoured Division in World War 2)

WE have a letter from Private P. Thompson of Broughshane, acknowledging a parcel of cigarettes from the employees at Raceview, forwarded through the Observer Tobacco Fund. He would appreciate very much if some of our readers would send a football which would help his comrades to enjoy their spare time when not in the trenches.

Ballymena Observer, April 21, 1916

CAREY, John 23154 Private, 8 Royal Irish Fus. DOW April 27, 1916. Named on Loos Memorial. Born Ballymena, enlisted Belfast.

79th List

This week's recruiting: 18th Royal Irish Rifles  - Pte. David Wright, Laymore; Constable King, High Street  Barrack, RIC, Ballymena).

INFORMATION has been received in Ballymena that Private Arthur Orr, son of the late James Orr, formerly of  Ballymena, who enlisted in the Canadian Exped. Force shortly after the outbreak of war has been wounded. Private  Orr was formerly employed in the dentistry establishment of Mr. Waide, Ballymena and was a member of the local Church Lads' Brigade.

MR. E. Lodge, gardener at Craigdun, Ballymena, has been notified that his son, Pte. R.E. Lodge of the Canadian  Contingent has been wounded. Private Lodge was formerly employed as gardener to Lord O'Neill at Shanes Castle and was in Canada at the outbreak of war when he enlisted. His father had been in the army and a brother is also serving with the colours.

Ballymena Observer April 28, 1916

Private Robert Taggart 

TAGGART  Robert Pte. 7th R I Fus. DOW 2/5/1916. Service no. 21392. Father at 42 James Street, Ballymena. Buried Lillers Communal Cemetery.Ballymena Observer, May 26, 1916 - MRS. Taggart, James Street, Ballymena, received official intimation on Friday last of the death of her son, Private Robert Taggart of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, which occurred at the West Riding Casualty Clearing Station on May 2, 1916. His death was due to wound and gas poisoning received in action.  Private Taggart, who was an old soldier, rejoined the colours in August last, when the Royal Irish Fusiliers band visited Ballymena on a recruiting tour. Prior to his enlistment he was employed in Messrs. D. McCartney and Son's ,Ballymoney Street. He came through the South African campaign and received several medals. 

80th list

This week's recruiting:- 18th Btn RI Rifles - F.W.McMaster Upper Buckna; Wm. Boyd, Upper Buckna

MR. Robert Millar, Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, has rceived information intimating that his son, Sergt. R. W. Millar of the Canadian Mounted Rifles was wounded and is at present in St. John's Hospital in France. By the same post Mr. Millar received a letter from his son stating that he had received a bullet wound in the shoulder. Sgt. Millar is the second son of Mr. Millar to enter the forces. He emigrated to Canada two years ago, where he was employed by Eatons of Toronto. He joined the Canadians in June 1915 and went to the front in January of 1916. His brother L.cpl Reginald Millar has been at the front since October of last year with the Royal Irish Rifles.

INFORMATION has been received by Mrs. Molloy of 5 Duke Street, Ballymena, that her husband Private John Molloy of the Royal Irish Regiment has been slightly wounded over the left eye and is now in hospital. Private Molloy who is a tailor by trade was employed by Mr. Davison, Wellington Street, Ballymena and joined the army in September 1915.

Ballymena Observer, May 5, 1916

81st list

This week's recruiting:- 18th Btn. RI Rifles - F.S. McKibben and T.G. McKibben, Glenwherry; John Glenholmes, Ballycowan.

SERGEANT Robert Shaw, Royal Innis. Fus. has received a bullet wound in the right wrist and is now in the Red Cross Hospital, Christchurch, Hants. He is the eldest son of Mr. Robert Shaw, Ferniskey, Kells, Co. Antrim whose youngest son is also on active service with the Royal Engineers.

THE Editor writes: We shall be much obliged if readers will forward to us for publication in our columns any information they may receive as to casualties occurring amongst local men in the army or navy, together with home address and any personal details. Photographs of local men who have lost their lives or who have been wounded while serving with the colours will also be welcomed with a view to publication.

Ballymena Observer, May 12, 1916

McKEEVER Bernard Hugh A/Sgt. RGA. Died Mirzapur India, 12th May 1916. Service no. 71655. Born Ballymena, enlisted Allahsbad, India.

Sergt. Samuel C. Caldwell 

Private Thomas Coulter

COULTER Thomas, 13869, Private. R. Innis Fus. KIA July 1, 1916. Thieval Memorial. Born Ballymena, lived Moat Road. Comm. Wellington St. Pres.

Church.

Official information has been received by his relatives who reside at Moat Road, Ballymena that Private Thomas Coulter, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, is missing since 1st July. Pte. Coulter enlisted in October 1914 , prior to which he was in the employment of Messrs. Kane Bros. Ballymena.

Rifleman Samuel Crawford