BALLYMENA 1914-1918
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The Ulster Division parades past Belfast City Hall prior to leaving for France
1916
PRIVATE Samuel W. Maxwell, formerly of Killyless, Cullybackey, and 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.
(11/202 Samuel White Maxwell had been born at Killlyless, Cullybackey, but was working as a labourer in NZ when the war started. He was just 20 years and 8 months old when he enlisted in August 1914, and he was to serve 5 years and 101 days in the army before being discharged on the 28 November 1919. He finished his training in Egypt in 1914-15, was at Gallipoli in 1915, and was with the Egyptian Exp Force in 1916. He transferred to the Western Front in 1916 and remained there until the end of the war. During leave in Ireland in 1918 he stayed with Miss E Gregg, Killyless, Cullybackey. He died on the 14 May 1968.
The 1901 census records Maxwell as a 7 year old living with his widowed aunt Mary J Gregg (Grigg sic), a farmer, and her family. They were Jane,Sarah A, Alexander, Mary E and John, a blacksmith. They are recorded in 1911. Mary Jane was living with her children Sarah A, Alexander and Mary E, a dressmaker. The last was presumably the E Gregg with whom he was staying in 1918.)
Photograph courtesy of Sarbena Maxwell
This week's recruiting:
20th Royal Irish Rifles: Rifleman David McConnell, Railway Street; William Gordon, Robert McAuley, Ballymarlow; Robert Foster, Dunnyvadden; W, J. Bankead, Ballee; Samuel Gamble, Kells.
4th Royal Irish Rifles - Hugh Gribben, Alexander Street;
10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers - David Kernohan, Ballymena.
SERGEANT J.H.J. Carson, Crumkill, of the Inniskilling Dragoons, brother of Mr. George Carson, Carnaughts, has been promoted to the rank of Squadron Sgt. Major and Warrant Officer. SSM Carson was nine years in India with the Dragoons and is now with the Indian Expeditionary Force.
January 7, 1916
CARMICHAEL Robert, S/7056, L/Cpl. 2 Black Watch. DOW January 9, 1916. Buried Amara War cemetery, Iraq. Born Ballymena, enlisted Kirkintilloch, Scotland. Aunt at Tannybrake, Kells.
65th list - 1,379 Patriotic Men
North Irish Horse - Trooper Edward McClure, Gracehill;
20th Royal Irish 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 been wounded in the recent retreat in Serbia and is now in hospital.
Trooper Robert Burnitt of the North Irish 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 William Curry of Ballynacaird, Lisnamurrican. Private 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
BARCLAY, James, 9802, Private. 1 Gordon Highlanders, KIA, January 17, 1916. Buried La Clytte Military Cemetery, Belgium. Born Kells, enlisted Aberdeen. Commemorated in Connor Presbyterian Church.
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 Royal Irish Rifles - James Donnelly, Ahoghill;
COLONEL J. Barnett Wilson, 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 Royal Field Artillery, 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 cyclist, 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 Observer, January 21 1916.
20th Royal Irish Rifles - Robert N. Kyle, Glebe Cottages, Rasharkin; Charles Irwin, Larne Street; Joseph Reid, Mount Street.
Inniskilling Dragoons - Wm. Robinson, Ballinacaird.
Joined since the outbreak of war:
Royal Engineers: 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 received in an action in France. He is an old soldier who served in the Royal Artillery for 12 years and at the outbreak 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 - Corporal Isaac Kerr and Private W. Kerr, Newtowncrommelin (both KIA);
Highland Light Infantry - Private Robert Falconer, Skerry East;
Scottish Rifles (Cameronians): Signaller John Scott, Newtowncrommelin;
Gordon Highlanders - Lance Corporal 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.
SEMPEY James, 19751, Corporal, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, KIA on the 10th February. 1916. Aged 29, he was born in Ballymena, the son of Hugh and Isabella Sempey. He lived Ballyclare. His former wife, Sarah McNeill (f. Sempey), lived at Main Street, Ballyclare. He is buried Mesnil Ridge Cemetery Somme.
McWILLIAMS Herbert, 17/1344 Rifleman, 8th Royal Irish Rifles, Killed in Action on the 10th February 1916. Aged 19, born Ahoghill, enlisted Belfast. Son of Ellen McWilliams, 9 Abingdon Street, Belfast. He is buried in Auchonvillers Military Cemetery, 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, Royal Irish Rifles, James Laverty, Alexander Street.
Joined since the outbreak of war -
Canadian Contingent - Private Andrew Murphy, formerly of Greenvale Street.
Squadron Sergt. Major D.A. Cathcart, an experienced non-commissioned officer of the Royal Scots Greys, has, for service in the field, been specially promoted to a commission as 2nd Lieutenant 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. Royal Irish Rifles - Constable 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 with fresh green sods and daffodils were growing at the foot.
Lt. R. M. Pryde, second son of Mr. James Pryde, Leighinmohr, Ballymena, who is attached to the 15th Btn. Royal Irish 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 Royal Irish Rifles (Ulster Division) 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.
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 Battalion, 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 from 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. (Battle of Coronel was an Imperial German Naval victory over the Royal Navy on 1 November 1914, off the coast of central Chile. The East Asia Squadron of the Imperial German Navy led by Vice-Admiral von Spee met and defeated the British West Indies Squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Cradock.) 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. (The Battle of the Falkland Islands was a decisive British naval victory over the Imperial German Navy on 8 December 1914 and revenge for the Coronel defeat. The British hunted down Admiral von Spee, then commanding the German squadron of two armoured cruisers, SMS Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, the light cruisers SMS Nürnberg (1906), Dresden and Leipzig, and three auxiliaries, who attempted to raid the British supply base at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. A British squadron, consisting of the battlecruisers HMS Invincible and Inflexible, the armoured cruisers HMS Carnarvon, Cornwall and Kent, the armed merchant cruiser HMS Macedonia and the light cruisers HMS Bristol and Glasgow, had arrived in Stanley the day before. It was a decisive British victory. Admiral Spee and his two sons were among the German dead and of the German force of eight ships, only two escaped: the auxiliary Seydlitz and the light cruiser Dresden. Dresden hid for three months before she was cornered by a British squadron (Kent, Glasgow and Orama) and sunk the on 14 March 1915. )
Ballymena Observer, February 18, 1916
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 Royal Irish Rifles - John Craig, Ballygarvey;
19th Btn, Royal Irish 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 commissariat 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 knock-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 carry 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 (Ballymena slang for 'feet') 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
WATT Robert John, 19818, Rifleman, 11th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles Service, died on the 29th February, 1916. He was struck by shrapnel while in a billet behind the lines. Aged 30, he was the son of Agnes, and husband of Elizabeth Ann Watt, Portglenone. He is buried in Mesnil Ridge Cemetery, Somme, France.
The Observer reported, March 17 1916 - Mrs. Agnew Watt, Portglenone, has received intimation that her son, Rifleman Robert John Watt, 11th Btn., Royal Irish Rifles, has been killed in action. Deceased joined the army at the outbreak of the war and prior to that he worked at Antrim, where he was a member of the UVF. His wife resides at Portglenone and he has a brother at the front.
GRIBBEN Samuel, 19419, Corporal, 11th (S) Highland Light Infantry, died in Lincoln Hospital of wounds received at Loos. Date of death 29th February 1916. Aged 31, he was the son of James Gribben of The Race Course, Broughshane. He enlisted in Coatbridge, Scotland, and was the husband of Agnes Gribben, Ronald Road, Coatbridge. He is buried in Lincoln Newport Cemetery & commemorated in 2nd Broughshane Presbyterian Church.
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 - Constable Richard Spratt, late of RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary), Cullybackey
John is remembered in Connor Presbyterian Church as Lieutenant John Cathcart, Royal Army Medical Corps, though his medal index cards says he was Captain J. Cathcart. The London Gazette (LG, Issue 29998, page 2958) also says as follows: ‘The undermentioned temp. Lts. to be temp. Capts: … John Cathcart, M.B.’ He survived the Great War and held the rank until he relinquished his commission on the 31st March 1919. (London Gazette, Issue 31347, page 6230)
The family headstone in Connor New Cemetery, Kells reads:
Cathcart in loving memory of James Cathcart, of Kells, who died 3rd June, 1929.
Also of his wife Elizabeth Jane Cathcart, who died 16th April 1929.
Also their sons John Cathcart died 26th August 1958, Robert Henry Cathcart died 25th April 1983. Thomas C.D. Cathcart died 9th November 1984 interred in Canada. [on grave surround] Also of their daughters, Annie Jane, who died 20th April 1887. And Margaret, who died 30th December 1896, and buried in the Connor old Churchyard.
Also their daughter Jane Erskine, who died 14th November 1953
And her daughter Elizabeth, who died in infancy.
Mary Cathcart died 25th June 1959
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
BEATTIE, Samuel, 18860, Lance Corporal, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on March 7, 1916. He is buried Hamel Military Cemetery, Somme. Aged 35, he was born and enlisted Ballymena. He had kin at Prospect Place and his wife Maria lived at 91 Queen Street, Ballymena.
The Observer reported, March 17 1916 - Mrs. Beattie, Prospect Place, Ballymena has been informed of the death of her husband, Lance Corporal Samuel Beattie of the 12th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers), through the following letter from Lt. W. B. Stuart of the same battalion which was received by her on Tuesday morning last.
Dear Mrs, Beattie,
I deeply regret that it is my duty to inform you of the death of your husband. I quite realise that I can do very little towards redeeming this great sorrow for you, at the same time I should like you to know of the high esteem in which Major Dixon and the officers and men of C company held your husband.
He was a great section commander of my platoon and a more capable and reliable NCO for the post I never had. It may possibly be some comfort to you to know that he suffered no pain, his death being instantaneous. He was shot through the head. He is the first man of C company to give his life for his country and, as such, he will always be remembered by everyone in the Company.
Yours sincerely,
W.B.Stuart
Lance Corporal Beattie was an old soldier, having been eight years in the army, seven of which were spent in India. On the outbreak of war when the call came to the manhood of the nation to stand to arms, he volunteered and joined the 12th Royal Irish Rifles.
Prior to his enlistment he was van man to Messrs. Gordon and Esler of Broughshane Street and he was held in the highest esteem by his fellow workers. His brother, Private James Beattie, an employee of the Braidwater Mill, joined the colours at the outbreak of war . The sincere sympathy of the townspeople goes out to Mrs. Beattie and her two children, who are left to mourn his loss.
This week's recruiting-
8th Hussars - D. Robinson, Ballinacaird;
18th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles - James Campbell, Broughshane;
10th Liverpool Scottish -John Wylie, Waveney Crescent. (See below)
The family were at Henry Street, Ballymena at the time of the 1901 census and John, then 16, was a law clerk in a solicitor’s office; in 1911 the family were at Waveney Road and John was managing clerk in the solicitor’s office.
The Ballymena Observer, March 10, 1916, noted that ‘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.’ However, Wylie’s medal index card says he was 6591, later 52052, of the 19th King’s (Liverpool Regiment). The same newspaper revealed on 19th January 1917 that ‘Lance Corporal John Wylie, formerly managing clerk in Mr. Robert Boal's Office, High Street, is at present home on leave and we understand he has been transferred to a Cadet Corps for officers. He was six months at the front with the Liverpool Scottish and was wounded slightly in the head.’ This latter probably happened during fighting on the Somme.
The observation that he had been selected for officer training is correct, the London Gazette (LG, Issue 30157, page 6496) confirming his appointment as a 2nd Lieutenant on the 30th May 1917. Moreover, it was Lieutenant John Wylie, Royal Irish Rifles, who married miss Elizabeth Gray, Lindores, Ormeau Road, Belfast, in St Anne’s, Belfast on the 3rd August 1917. The bride’s father was a well known Belfast auctioneer, one Robert Maurice Gray.
John Wylie was wounded a second time in 1918, the local press reporting that ‘Second Lieutenant John Wylie, Royal Irish Rifles, attached Royal Irish Regiment, was admitted to the 18th General Hospital, Rouen on November 6th suffering from a gunshot wound on the right leg and thigh (slight). … He served in France, in Salonika and Palestine and was drafted to France again in April 1918. He is a native of Ballymena and was, prior to enlisting, managing clerk in the office of Mr. Robert Boal, Solicitor, Ballymena.’
Lieutenant John Wylie recovered and survived the war but his post-war life remains a mystery, though he is remembered in the records of Ballymena’s 1st Presbyterian Church, this indicating he was in the King’s (Liverpool Regiment).
INFORMATION has been received by his relatives, who reside at Kinhilt Street, Ballymena that Private Hugh McDowell of the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers is at present in hospital suffering 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. Royal Irish Rifles - Robert McFall, Garfield Place.
Right: 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 (tinsmith), 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 Battalion, 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 dispatched from Belfast on Saturday for distribution amongst the Ulster Division.
Ballymena Observer March 17, 1916
FOSTER Allen, 3749, Rifleman, 11th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds on the 17 March 1916. He was born in Ahoghill and enlisted in Randalstown. He was the husband of. M. Foster, Cloghogue, Ahoghill. He is buried in Mesnil Ridge Cemetery, Somme.
Lance Corporal R. Kirkwood
KIRKWOOD Robert, 19049, Lance Corporal, 'C' Company, 12th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds at Southwark Military Hospital on the 21st March 1916. He was aged 24 and was born in Kells, the son of Nat and Maggie Jane Kirkwood, Kells. He is buried at Nunhead, All Saints Cemetery and commemorated in Connor Presbyterian Church.
The Observer reported, March 24 1916 -
We regret to hear of the death of Lance Corporal R. Kirkwood, 12th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles, son of Mrs. Kirkwood, Kells, which took place at Southwark Military Hospital on Tuesday.
Young Kirkwood, who was an employee at the Old Green Woollen Mills, joined the 12th Royal Irish Rifles shortly after the outbreak of war and went to the front with the Ulster Division on October last. He was invalided to a base hospital a few weeks ago. Lance Corporal Kirkwood was a good soldier and highly popular with his comrades in the 12th.
This week's recruiting:
4th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles - J. Buchanan, formerly Broughshane Road;
18th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles - J. Millar, Springwell Street.
Joined since the outbreak of war -
8th Btn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers - 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,
Rifleman Patrick Thompson, 'C' Coy., 8th Btn, Royal Irish Rifles.
Private Joseph Morrow, Ballee, of the 12th Battalion, Royal Irish 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 training 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 Royal Inniskilling 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. (Volunteering faltered and by May 1915 it had became clear that voluntary recruitment was not enough. The National Registration Act of July 1915 was a means of discovering how many men between the ages of 15 and 65 were engaged in each trade. All those in this age range who were not already in the military were obliged to register, giving details of their employment. It showed there were almost 5 million males of military age who were not in the forces, of which 1.6 million were in the "starred", i.e. protected, high or scarce skill jobs.
Men who attested under the Derby Scheme, who were accepted for service and chose to defer it were classified as being in "Class A". Those who agreed to immediate service were "Class B". The Class A men were given a grey armband with a red crown as a sign that they had volunteered; they were transferred into Section B Army Reserve and were sent back to their homes and jobs until they were called up. This also protected men from being given the 'white feather' or being called 'shirkers'.)
Ballymena Observer, March 24, 1916
Lance Corporal Hugh McNally (McAnally)
Ballymena Observer, March 24.1916 -
OUR readers will be sorry to note this week the death of Lance Corporal Hugh McNally of the 6th Battalion, Connaught Rangers, Irish Brigade, which sad event took place in Bellahoustin Military Hospital, Glasgow.
L/Cpl. McNally was amongst the first batch of recruits from Ballymena to join the Irish Brigade in November 1914. After training in Fermoy, he was transferred to Aldershot and then went to France with a draft. He was about six months in France where he was promoted to Lance-Corporal and was invalided to the hospital in Glasgow some time ago suffering from an internal illness.
A wire reached Mrs. McNally, who resides at Galgorm Street, on Monday night from the commanding officer stating that her husband was seriously ill and asking her to go over to see him. She crossed to Scotland on Wednesday night and the sad news reached Ballymena yesterday morning (March 23).
Lance Corporal McNally was a son-in-law of Mr. Phil McKeown, Castle Street, and he leaves his wife and three sons to mourn his loss. Prior to his enlistment he was in the employment of Mr. H. Lancashire, Church Street.
McNALLY Hugh (McAnally), 6/2795, Lance Corporal, 6th Connaught Rangers, died of wounds in Bellahoustin Military Hospital, Glasgow. Aged 34, born, he enlisted and lived in Ballymena, and his wife Sarah at lived at Railway Place, Ballymena. His parents John and Margaret McAnally lived at Cullybackey. He is buried in St. Mary's (Aughnahoy) Cemetery, Portglenone.
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 during 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. (Lord Wimborme became Lord Lieutenant for Ireland or Viceroy in February 1915.)
This week's recruiting:
18th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles - John Wilson, Killyfleugh.
Joined since the outbreak of war -
Canadian contingent -Pte John Bell Gibson, formerly Broughshane Street, 108th Bn. Canadian Expeditionary Force.
LANCE Corporal Alex. Winnington, whose brother was recently home on leave, enjoyed a nine-day furlough in Ballymena. Lance Corporal 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, NZ Army Nursing Service, only daughter of the late Dr. Robert Gilmer, Ballymena, is 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
McBRIDE Thomas, 19633, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds on the 4th April 1916. Aged 25, he was born at Randalstown, lived in Antrim, and was the son of John and Ellen McBride of Muckrim, Toome. He is buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen and commemorated in Grange Presbyterian Church.
Ballymena Observer, April 14, 1916 - Mr. John McBride of Muckrim, Toomebridge, has received official intimation that his eldest son, Private Thomas McBride, Royal Irish Rifles, has been killed in action. Deceased, who was 25 years of age and most popular in the Toomebridge District, enlisted in the Ulster Division in September 1914.
Rifleman Thomas McBride
WILSON Robert, 58104, Private, 20th Canadian Infantry Regiment, died on the 5 April 1916. Aged 35, he was the son of Samuel and Eliza Kennedy Wilson, Main Street, Cullybackey. He is buried Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium and commemorated in Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian Church, Cullybackey.
Ballymena Observer, April 21, 1916 - MRS. Wilson, Main Street, Cullybackey, has received official intimation that her son, Private Robert Wilson, Canadian Infantry, has been killed in action. He was a son of the late Mr. Samuel Wilson, Cullybackey and enlisted in Canada shortly after the outbreak of war. He was resident for upwards of 12 years in Canada and was employed in the firm of Messrs. Eaton, Toronto. Prior to emigrating he was a member of LOL 696 Cullybackey.
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 Rifleman Denis Humphries, Royal Irish Rifles had died that day at the 6th Stationary Hospital, 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.
Rifleman John Knox
KNOX, JOHN, 641, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds on the 8th April 1916. Aged 20, he was born at Ballymena and enlisted in Belfast. He was the son of Hugh and Kane Knox of 19 Greenvale Street, Ballymena. He is buried Forceville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France and commemorated in Wellington Street Presbyterian Church, Ballymena.
Ballymena Observer, April 14, 1916 - Mrs. Knox, Greenvale Street, Ballymena, has received information that her son, Rfn. John Knox of the Royal Irish Rifles, has been killed in action at the front. A letter from Capt. John E. Jenks, received by her on Wednesday morning stated that he had been wounded but a further communication from the same officer, received by her yesterday morning, intimated that he had died as a result of his wounds.
The following are the letters:
Saturday, April 8, 1916.
Dear Mrs. Knox.
I much regret to inform you that your son, NO.641, Rfn John Knox was wounded this afternoon. He was working in the trenches when a shell exploded close to where he was and a piece of it struck him on the back of the head. I was unable to find out exactly how serious the wound was, she he was not working with our own battalion this afternoon. but from what I learn, I fear it was serious. I will write again when I can get any further particulars. "
And then:
Sunday, April 9, 1916.
Dear Mrs. Knox
Further of mine yesterday - it is my sad duty to inform you that your son, Rfn. J. Knox died last night as the result of the wound he received in the trenches. You have my deepest sympathy in your sad loss, as the boy was a general favourite and a good soldier and in the days to come it may be some consolation to you to remember that he did his duty well and died for his country.
Prior to enlistment, Rfn. Knox was an employee of Messrs. Workman and Clarke, Belfast. He had a large circle of friends in Ballymena who will be sorry to hear of his death. He was the son of the late Hugh Knox of Ballymena.
77th List - 1,428 Patriotic Men
This week's recruiting:
Royal Scots - Private William Harvey, Alexander Street
IN the last letter received from Private 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
78th list
This week's recruiting:
18th Royal Irish Rifles - Private John Finlay, Mounthamilton, Cloughmills;
8th Hussars: Private 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 (Mill), 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 Fusiliers, DOW April 27, 1916. Named on Loos Memorial. Born Ballymena, enlisted Belfast.
79th List
This week's recruiting:
18th Royal Irish Rifles - Private 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 Expeditionary 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, Private R.E. Lodge of the Canadian Contingent has been wounded. Private Lodge was formerly employed as gardener to Lord O'Neill at Shane's 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
TAGGART, Robert, 21392, Private, 7th Royal Irish Fusiliers, died of wounds on the 2 May 1916. His father lived at 42, James Street, Ballymena. Private Taggart is 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 wounds 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 Sons, Ballymoney Street. He came through the South African campaign and received several medals.
80th list
This week's recruiting:
18th Btn Royal Irish Rifles - F. W. McMaster, Upper Buckna; Wm. Boyd, Upper Buckna.
MR. Robert Millar, Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, has received 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 Lance Corporal 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 Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles - F.S. McKibben and T.G. McKibben, Glenwherry; John Glenholmes, Ballycowan.
SERGEANT Robert Shaw, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 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, 71655, Acting Sergeant, Royal Garrison Artillery, died at Mirzapur India on 12th May 1916. He was born in Ballymena and enlisted at Allahsbad, India.
Private Harry McCarey
McCARRY (or McCarey) Harry, W/958, Private, 13th Cheshire Regiment, was killed in action on the 15th May 1916. Aged 25, he was the son of Jane McCarey, 7 Warden Street, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.
Ballymena Observer, May 26, 1916 - INTIMATION has been received by Mrs. McCarey, Warden Street, Ballymena, that her son Private Harry McCarey of the Cheshire Regiment has been killed in action. The sad news was received on Saturday last in the following letter from an officer of his battalion:
Dear Mrs. McCarey,
I am very sorry to have to write to tell you that you son, Harry, has been killed in action. He was one of the best men in my platoon and in the company. He did very well once in a small attack when he was specially chosen. I don't think he knew what fear meant. He was always bright and cheery and kept the men around him so. He is a great loss to us all.
Private McCarey enlisted immediately after the outbreak of war, and after training for 12 months in England, he proceeded to the front where he has been for the last nine months. Before his enlistment he was an employee of Messrs. Lever Brothers, Port Sunlight, England.
Rifleman W. Allen
ALLEN, William, 6530, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds (leg wounds) on May 13th, 1916. He is buried in Forceville Communal Cemetery, France. He was born at Ballyclug and enlisted in Ballymena. He was the 19 year old son of Sam and Ellen of Dunnyvadden, Kells.
Ballymena Observer, May 26, 1916 -
MR. Samuel Allen, farmer, Dunnyvadden, Kells, has received official notice that his fourth son, Rifleman W. Allen Royal Irish Rifles (Ulster Division) died of wounds on May 17.
The first intimation received on Saturday from Capt. J. E. Jenks, was as follows:
In the field, May 13.
Dear Mrs. Allen,
I much regret to inform you that your son, No. 6530, Rfn. W. Allen, was rather severely wounded in the leg this afternoon. He was sentry in the front line trench when a heavy high explosive shell struck close to where he was standing, a fragment of it striking him above the ankle. I am afraid I shall not be able to give you any news of how he is getting on as once a man is sent back from the line we don't know to which hospital he is sent and can't communicate.
I am very sorry to lose him, even if it is only for a time. He was a quiet, good lad and always did his work well."
This letter was follows on Monday by a second letter from Capt. Jenks dated 17th inst, which was as follows:
Dear Mrs. Allen,
I deeply regret to inform you that your son, 12/6530, Rfn. W. Allen, who was wounded on the 15th inst., has since died. Although his wounds did not at first appear grave, it seems they were and combined with the severe shock of the bursting shell, he succumbed to their effect. I deeply sympathise with you on your sad loss.
Your boy was a great favourite with the others of his platoon and a good soldier - which, after all is the best one can say of anyone in these trying times and is the proudest way one can live, or die if need be. I am so sorry to be the bearer of this ill news.
Rfn. Allen joined the army 12 months ago and went to the front with the 12th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles in the Ulster Division. Prior to his enlistment he was employed on his father's farm. He was a member of the local company of the UVF. Mr. Allen has two other sons with the colours, Private Samuel Allen and Private Robert Allen, who are at present training with the Canadians. Rifleman Allen was highly popular in the district and much sympathy is felt with his relatives in their bereavement.
82nd List - 1443 Patriotic Men
This week's recruiting:
4th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles
- George Dunseath, Fernacushog, Clough; Alexander Linton, Dougry,
Clough; John Cameron, Ballymacreigh, Shankbridge; Samuel Meeke, Slatt.
18th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles - Robert Elder Patterson, Carncoagh;
Scots Guards - Robert Moore, North Street.
CONFLICTING reports have been received as to the whereabouts of Rifleman William Kearns, whose home address is 26 Larne Street, Ballymena.
The
first information, which evidently is the true story, comes from Pte.
Kearns himself, stating that he is a prisoner of war in Germany. A
fellow soldier wrote home that Private Kearns was killed and in the
casualty list of Monday he is reported as missing.
We give below the details of the several reports:
Miss
Martha Kearns of Larne Street has received a letter from Pte. William
Kearns of the Royal Irish Rifles stating that he is in a POW camp at
Giessen, Germany. Rfn. Alex Connor of Larne Street had written home
saying that Pte Kearns was killed in action.
PRIVATE John Hamilton of Clonavon, who is with the Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been gassed and is now in an English Hospital. Private Hamilton joined the army about six months ago. He is a well known Ballymena man and some years ago was a prominent footballer.
PRIVATE Thomas Service, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was wounded on 4th inst, in the neck. He is a son of the late Mr. William Service of Glenwherry, Ballymena and half brother of Mrs. Francey, 21 Paxton Street, Belfast. This is the second time he has been in hospital as he was shot in the body in the Dardanelles Campaign.
MESSRS. T.D. and N.S. McKibben, brothers and former members of the UVF left Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, B.C. where they had settled and returned to their old home at Glenwherry, Ballymena to enlist in the Ulster Division. Both were engaged as school teachers in Nanaimo and the esteem with which they were regarded was shown in a practical way before they left by the members of the Presbyterian Young People's Guild, with which they were connected. They are now in training at Clandeboye Camp.
Ballymena Observer, May 19, 1916
McKENDRY (CWGC says McKenzie), Daniel, 18/754, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 19th May 1916. He came from Upper Buckna, Broughhane, and he is buried in Authille Military Cemetery, Somme.
LENNOX, Andrew, 17333, Private, 10/11th Highland Light Infantry, was KIA on the 23rd May, 1916. He was born in Ballymena and enlisted in Lanark, Scotland.
McDOWELL, Hugh, 13882, Private & Drummer, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, died of wounds in No.2 Stationary Hospital, Abbeville, France on the 26th May 1916. Aged 24, he had kin at 1 Windsor Terrace, Ballymena, and he was the son of the late Hugh McDowell, Ballymena and brother of J. C. McDowell, Canadian Forces. He is buried in Abbeville Military Cemetery and commemorated in Wellington Street Presbyterian Church, Ballymena.
Ballymena Observer, June 2, 1916 - A fortnight ago we intimated in this column that Drummer Hugh McDowell of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Ulster Division) has been seriously wounded by shrapnel on the shoulder, muscles of the arms and knee, while serving in the trenches and we regret this week to record his death as the result of his wounds which took place on Friday evening last in No.2 Stationary Hospital, Abbeville France.
The sad news was contained in a telegram which reached his relatives who reside at Kinhilt Street, Ballymena on Monday morning. A letter from a nurse in the hospital received on Tuesday stated that his position became worse and he died somewhat suddenly at 9.45 pm and that he was such a good patient and seldom complained of pain.
Drummer McDowell enlisted in September 1914 and after training in Ireland and England he proceeded to the front with the Ulster Division. Prior to his enlistment he was employed in the dressing shop of the Phoenix Weaving Factory, Ballymena and he was a popular member of the Young Conquerors Flute Band. He was a member of Wellington Street Presbyterian Church and was a prominent figure in the choir.
His brother Corporal John C. McDowell is serving at the front in the machine gun section of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. He wrote home in 1916 from the 2nd Field Hospital to say he had been wounded in the right hand in December 1915, and he was again wounded in April 1916.
83rd list - 1444 Patriotic Men
This week's recruiting:
Army Service Corps (Mechanics) - Pte G. Wilson, Summerfield, Ballymena.
THE latest casualty list contained the name of 2nd Lt. G.M.S. McAlister who is reported wounded. He is the son of Captain Daniel A. McAlister, Cushendall and a cousin of Mr. D. McAlister, JP, CC and Mr. Arthur McAlister, Cushendall. He was serving with the Northumberland Fusiliers and was recently commended for gallantry.
We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Norman E. McClelland (son of the late Mr. Wm. McClelland, Arno, Ballymena) as chief surveyor of the American Bureau of Shipping.
Ballymena Observer, May 26, 1916
JOHNSTON, David, 21527, Private, 8th Royal Irish Fusiliers, was KIA on the 2nd June 1916. Aged 18, he was born in Broughshane and enlisted in Larne, and he was the son of the late Hugh Johnston of Cloughmills. He is buried St. Patrick's Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.
Trenches on the railway embankment: Hill 60, near Ypres, July 1916
© IWM Q 45394
Hill 60 is located about about 3 miles from Ypres and directly on the railway line to Comines. The raised ground, spoil from the construction of the railway cuttings, comprises two low features separated by the railway line. The northern area was Hill 60 and the southern part was known to Allied soldiers as The Caterpillar. Hill 60 overlooked Ypres, modern Ieper, and was of strategic significance to both sides operating around the Ypres Salient. Naturally, it was intensely fought over by both sides.
Poignant tribute to fallen piper
A poignant ceremony marking the supreme sacrifice of a World War One piper was held in Broughshane last week.
Private Richard Maybin, who was originally from the village, had travelled to Canada to find work in the years before the outbreak of the war.
He was among many emigrants who enlisted into the Canadian Army. Richard was killed on the 2nd June 1916 aged 21 years, during a major German assault in The Ypres Salient, where 80% of his regiment became casualties on one day. Private Richard Maybin is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Belgium and at 1st Broughshane Presbyterian Church.
After his death, his personal effects and bagpipes were returned to his mother, Mrs Margaret Maybin who lived in the townland of Lisnamurrican, where they remained in a trunk in the attic for more than half a century before being discovered and restored by Mr Harold Bennett of Carricklongfield, Dungannon.
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch, (RSPBANI) decided to participate in the Living Memory project, a project which remembers the “forgotten front” - the 300,000 war graves and commemorations in the UK.
To mark the Battle of the Somme Centenary through the Living Memory Project, the RSPBANI Branch held a Slow Air/Lament Pipe Tune Composer’s Competition in July of this year and felt it fitting that the tune should be named in memory of Private Richard Maybin.
The winning tune was composed by Iain Bell from Dumfries, Scotland and was played at 1st Broughshane Presbyterian Church on November 2 by RSPBANI Branch Project Manager, Ian Burrows on the pipes that belonged to Private Maybin. A framed copy of the tune was also presented to George McMullan, Clerk of Session, 1st Broughshane Presbyterian Church by RSPBANI Branch President Winston Pinkerton. Members of Broughshane and District Pipe Band also attended the commemoration and presentation.
This week's recruiting:
3rd Btn. Royal Irish Rifles: Joseph O'Neill, Springwell Street;
18th Btn. Royal Irish Rifles: W. J. Erwin. Tullygarley; John Wilson, Dunfane;
19th Royal Irish Rifles: A.S. Calderwood, Ballywatermoy;
North Irish Horse: William Gillespie, Ballycraigy.
MRS. T.A. Carroll has received a postcard from her husband Lance Corporal T. A. Carroll, who is a chef attached to the Ulster Division, stating that he is in a Scottish Hospital in Aberdeen. No information is given as to whether he is wounded or sick. He enlisted as a chef in the home camps in the 36th Ulster Divisional Cyclist Corps and when the Division went to the front he volunteered for service with the unit.
OFFICIAL intimation has been received by his relatives in Cushendall that Private Patrick McAllister, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been wounded by shrapnel and is now in a base hospital. He is a brother of Messrs. D. McAllister J P and A. McAllister.
Staff Sergeant Major R. J. McCaw of the Australian Light Horse, has been given a commission in an Australian Infantry regiment. Lt. McCaw is a Ballymena man and was engaged for some time in the post office, subsequently joining the Royal Irish Rifles with which he served through the South African war. He proceeded with his regiment to India at the conclusion of hostilities. He was settled with his family in Adelaide when the present war broke out and at once volunteered, coming to Europe with the first contingent of the Australians. He was wounded in the landing at Suvla and for some time recuperated with friends in Ireland before again proceeding to the front.
DR. Andrew Gaston, third son of Mr. Andrew Gaston, Carnbeg, Cloughmills, has received a commission in the RAMC and has received orders to proceed to Dundalk. Dr. Gaston was educated at Ballymena Academy, Queen's University and Edinburgh, where he qualified in November last. His elder brother James is also in the medical service.
Ballymena Observer, June 2, 1916
Chief Stoker Peter Kennedy
KENNEDY, Peter, 1836U, Chief Stoker HMS Queen Mary, lost his life in the sinking of his ship at Battle of Jutland. He was aged 33, and his wife Jane Kennedy lived at 23, Ritchie Street, Belfast. He was the son of the late Frank and Jane Kennedy of Larne Road, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial and in Harryville Presbyterian Church.
Ballymena Observer, June 16. 1916 -
CHIEF Stoker Kennedy was lost with HMS Queen Mary in the recent naval battle off the Danish Coast (Jutland). His mother, who resides in Larne Street, Ballymena, has received official intimation from the Admiralty that it is feared he has gone down with his ship. Stoker Kennedy was a reserve man and prior to being called up was a head fireman in Workman, Clarke & Co's North Yard. He was a native of Ballymena and served for 15 years in H M Navy. Deceased, who was an enthusiastic member of Cavehill L.O.L. 1956 and the RBP 181, leaves a wife and five children who reside at 26, Ritchie Street, Belfast. He has two brothers and a brother-in-law on active service.
85th List - 1451 Patriotic Men
This week's recruiting:
North Irish Horse - Trooper James Russell, Patrick Place;
New Zealand Rifles - Private Robert Galbraith, Carnlea.
THE latest casualty list included the name of Lt. Fritz R. Webb, Royal Irish Rifles, who is reported wounded. He is a son of the late Mr. C.J. Webb, J.P. of the Old Bleach Linen Company, Randalstown. He obtained a commission in the South Antrim Battalion of the Ulster Division on 14th September 1914 and was promoted to Lieutenant on 1st February 1915.
Ballymena Observer, June 9, 1916
BROOKS, Andrew, 19550, Private, 167th Machine Gun Corps (MGC), (actually 107th Machine Gun Company, 107th Brigade) formerly 17/960 Royal Irish Rifles, was supposedly KIA on June 10th, 1916. He is buried in Authuille Military Cemetery, Somme. He was born in Ballymena and enlisted in Belfast.
Private George Francey
FRANCEY, George, 404342, Private, 14th Bn. Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regt.), was KIA between 12 June 1916 and 13 June 1916. Aged 25, he was formerly of Kells, the son of John Francey. He is buried in Bedford House Cemetery and commemorated in Connor Presbyterian Church.
Ballymena Observer, August 4 1916 - Private George Francey, previously reported missing, has now been returned as killed in action between 12th and 13th June (1916). Deceased who was a son of Mr. John Francey, Kells, Ballymena, emigrated to Canada about three years ago. He was in the Ottawa train disaster shortly afterwards and was instrumental in saving the lives of the two children of a Ballymena lady, Mrs. McNeilly. Before emigrating he was Deputy Master of Connor LOL 555 and a Sir Knight of RBP 271, Kells and Ferniskey.
GRIBBEN, Robert, 23/1393, Rifleman, N.Z. Rifle Brigade, 1st Battalion, died of wounds on the 17th June, 1916. Aged 28, he was the son of James Gribben, of The Race Course, Lower Broughshane, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. He is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery, Nord, France and commemorated in 2nd Broughshane Presbyterian Church.
Miss R. Gribben, Racecourse Road, Broughshane, Ballymena, has received official intimation that her brother, Rifleman Robert Gribben, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, has died of wounds. The deceased emigrated to New Zealand about seven years ago and joined the colours in September last.
Ballymena Observer
There were no recruits from Ballymena this week.
INFORMATION has been received in Ballymena that Private S. Wallace, Canadian Contingent, has been wounded by shrapnel in the right eye and is at present in No 1 Canadian Field Hospital, France. Prior to emigrating to Canada he resided at Corbally, Galgorm.
INFORMATION has been received in Ballymena to the effect that Bombardier Joseph Francey, Royal Field Artillery, son of Mr. William Francey, Queen Street, Ballymena, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
Bombardier Francey has been at the front since the outbreak of war and has about three and a half year's service. He enlisted in Scotland. (His two brothers also served. Gunner James Francey served in the Royal Field Artillery, and Alexander Francey, invalided home from France in 1916, served with the Highland Light Infantry.)
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 21 JUNE,1916.
69141, Bombadier J. Francey, 71st Battery, 36th Bde., R.F.A: - For consistent good work since the commencement of the campaign: On one occasion,though not a signaller, he mended wires under heavy fire, and restored communications at a critical moment. He has proved himself a most reliable and fearless N.C.O., and has set a fine example.
Ballymena Observer, June 16, 1916
ERWIN (sometimes Ervine), James, 10621, Private, 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached the 96th Brigade, Machine Gun Corps, died of wounds received 10 June 1916 on 19 June 1916. Aged 20, he was the son of John and Maggie Erwin, and he was born Ballygarvey, Ballymena, and he enlisted and lived at Ballymena. He is buried Puchevillers British Cemetery, France.
Ballymena Observer, June 30, 1916 - OFFICIAL intimation has been received by Mr. John Erwin, Ballygarvey, Ballymena to the effect that his son Private James Ervine (Erwin), Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has died of wounds received in action. Private Ervine (Erwin) enlisted shortly before the outbreak of war and was only nineteen years of age.
86th List
This week's recruiting:
North Irish Horse: Samuel Wallace, Kilnacolpagh;
Royal Irish Fusiliers: John McCambridge, Church Street;
Royal Garrison Artillery: Adam Gilmer, Ballygarvey;
3rd Royal Irish Rifles: Henry Richmond, Drumcon, Rasharkin;
Connaught Rangers: John Madden, Suffolk Street;
Royal Flying Corps: Dan McConnell, Colleen, Ballymena;
Motor Transport Service: George McConnell, Colleen, Ballymena.
Joined since the outbreak of war -
Pte. W. J. McBride, Coreen, Broughshane.
SERGEANT John McDowell, who is in the Machine Gun Company of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, is at present home on a short leave with his relatives who reside at Kinhilt Street, Ballymena. For bravery in the field in the recent heavy engagement at Ypres in which the Canadians took part, he has been recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal and was granted special leave. His brother, Private Hugh McDowell of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, died from wounds recently in a French Hospital.
Ballymena Observer, June 23, 1916
MILLAR, John, 1574, Battery Quartermaster Sergeant (actually Quartermaster Serjeant Saddler), 13th Brigade Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, Indian Contingent, died of heatstroke on 29 June 1916. Aged 38, he was born in Ballymena, and was the elder son of late Samuel Millar. He enlisted in Belfast, and his wife Annie lived at 26, Parkmount Street, Belfast. He is buried in Mesopotamia's Amara War Cemetery, Iraq.
87th List
This week's recruiting:-
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders - Pte David Watson, Henry Street; Pte Charles Tweed, Railway Street; Pte John Kearns, Larne Street;
Army Service Corps - Pte. Jas. W. Thompson, Wellington Street.
SECOND Lieutenant John Bell, King's Own Royal Lancashire Regiment, who is reported wounded, is the fifth son of Mr. James Bell, Grovehill, Ballymena and brother of 2nd Lt. Samuel A. Bell, Royal Irish Rifles, who was wounded on the head by a shell on Sunday, 26th September 1915 at Loos. Prior to the war 2nd Lt. J. Bell was parish minister of Carlton Church, Uddington, Scotland. He volunteered for service in 1914 and has been at the front since 1st June, 1915.
Intimation has been received by Mrs. James Armstrong, Allison's Hill, Ballymena, that her nephew Rfn. John Rodgers, 12th Royal Irish Rifles has been wounded.
Ballymena Observer, June 30, 1916
The entire month of July 1916 is almost entirely given over to news of casualties from the 1st July advance of the 36th (Ulster Division) at the Somme. Due to the scale of casualties resulting from that attack, it has been decided that the first day on the Somme requires a separate chapter in the history.
Ballymena's bloodiest day - 1st July 1916
ANDERSON, William Henry, 19376, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, KIA, July 1, 1916. He is buried in Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery, Somme. He was born in Broughshane and enlisted in Antrim. Aged 21, he was the son of James and Mary Anderson, Shane's Cottage, Randalstown.
The Virgin statue hanging from the Church of Notre Dame de Brebieres in Albert, September 1916.
© IWM Q 855
Rifleman David Anderson
ANDERSON, David, 4932, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds on July 5, 1916. He is buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery, Somme. Aged 39, he was born and enlisted Ballymena, son of Adam and Jane, sister Martha at 9 Bridge Street Place.
Mrs. Anderson, Bridge Street, Ballymena, has received information that her son, Rifleman David Anderson of the 12th Royal Irish Rifles (originally reported as wounded) has died of wounds. Rifleman Anderson enlisted about 14 months ago and went to the front with the Ulster Division. Before joining the army he was an employee at the Braidwater Mill and was a member of the Braidwater LOL, Ballymena.
BARR, John, 7859, Rifleman, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on July 7, 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme. Aged 38, he was the son of Duffin Barr, Crumkill. His wife Ellen and six children lived at 159 Queen Street, Ballymena. He enlisted in Ballymena and is commemorated in Wellington St. Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Barr, Queen Street, Ballymena, has received notification that her husband Rifleman John Barr, Royal Irish Rifles has been killed in action. Rifleman Barr enlisted in November 1915 during the last recruiting campaign in the district and he had been at the front since March. Before joining the army he was in the employment of the Midland Railway Company (NCC). He leaves his wife and six young children to mourn his loss.
BLAIR, James, 69, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on July 1, 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme. He was born in Ballymena and enlisted in Ballyclare. Aged 20, he was the son of William Blair, Millvale, Ballyclare.
BONNAR, John, 6293, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on July 1, 1916. He is named on the Thiepval Memorial. He was born at/had kin at Rocavan/Racavan, Broughshane. He enlisted in Ballymena and lived in Ballyclare. He is commemorated in Buckna Presbyterian Church.
Information has been received by his sister that Rifleman John Bonnar, 12th Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrims), has been killed in action on July 1. Rifleman Bonnar enlisted in May 1915 prior to which he was in the employment of Mr. James Currie, Rocavan. Rifleman Bonnar, who was only 18 years of age, was a son of the late Mr. James Bonnar, Rocavan.
BOYD, William. 11894, Rifleman, 15th Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on July 1, 1916. He is named on the Thiepval Memorial. He was born in Drummaul, Co. Antrim, enlisted in Belfast, and was the husband of A. Hoy (formerly Boyd), Drummaragh, Doagh.
BROWN, George, 17678, Private, 108 Coy, Machine Gun Corps, was KIA on the July 1, 1916. He is buried Connaught Cemetery, Somme. He was born in Randalstown.
BROWN, William, 7905, Rifleman, 16th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on July 1, 1916. He is buried Hamel Military Cemetery, Somme. He was born at Portglenone, enlisted in Ballymena, and his wife and daughter at Culnafay, Toomebridge.
Rifleman William Brown (Pioneer),
Newferry, whose wife and young daughter reside at Culnafay, has been
killed in action on July 1. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. William
Brown of Newferry. He had emigrated to America three years ago and
returned in Christmas 1914, joining the army in the early spring of 1915
and went to the front with the Ulster Division. (16th Bn. Royal Irish
Rifles).
His
wife later received a letter from 2nd Lt H M Baillie which told her
what had befallen her husband. He said, 'We were in the trenches holding part of
the line after the big advance, and your husband either heard or saw a
wounded man out in front of the wire. Without a moment's hesitation he
climbed on to the parapet and gallantly went to the rescue of the poor
chap. He succeeded in carrying him to our trench and was just getting in
himself when he fell the victim of a German sniper. Death was
instantaneous. We all mourn the loss of such a hero ...'.
Rifleman Brown
is the only recorded fatal casualty of the 16th (Pioneer) Battalion on
July 1. However, the unit was to remain in action well after the
remainder of the Division were relieved on July 3.
Sergeant Samuel Coleman Caldwell
CALDWELL (Calwell), Samuel Coleman, 17396, Sgt. 12th Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds on July 3, 1916. He is buried in Puchevillers Cemetery, Somme. He was the son of Robert Torrens Caldwell and Mary Elizabeth Calwell, of Ross Lodge, Kells, Co. Antrim. He enlisted in Ballyclare and is commemorated in Kells Presbyterian Church.
Mr. R. T. Caldwell, of Ross, Kells, Ballymena, has received notification that his eldest son, Sergt. Samuel C. Caldwell, 12th Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers), has died of wounds received in action on July 3. Deceased, who was 27 years of age, was unmarried.
Sergeant William Grant
GRANT, William, 19003, Sergeant, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, KIA on 1st July 1916. He was born at Galgorm and enlisted in Ballymena. He lived at Railway Cottages, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in 2nd Ballymena (High Kirk) Presbyterian Church. Headstone in Cushendall Rd New Cemetery, Ballymena.
Lance Corporal Robert A. Campbell
CAMPBELL, Robert Alexander, 18961, Private, 11th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was KIA July 1, 1916. He is named on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme. He was born at Connor/Galdanagh and enlisted in Belfast. He lived in Maryhill, Glasgow.
The Ulster movement in the Maryhill Division of Glasgow has lost one of its foremost workers by the death in action of L/Cpl Robert A. Campbell, of the Inniskilling Fusiliers (Ulster Division). Deceased, who was a native of Galdanagh, Kells, removed to Maryhill along with his parents a number of years ago. He took an active interest in furthering Ulster's interests in Maryhill, and among the many Ulstermen in the district he was highly respected. He was one of the first members of the Glasgow UVF and had been with the Ulster Division since January 1915. The deceased was a bomber and in the afternoon of 1st July while taking part in the offensive, he, along with many other good Irishmen, was killed. His parents who are well known in the Galdanagh District and who now reside at 14 Campbell Street, Maryhill, Glasgow have received a letter of sympathy from his officer, in which it is stated: "Bobbie was one of the best men I ever had. He was a fearless and upright soldier and I can assure you that everyone in the battalion will mourn his loss." L/Cpl. Campbell was also a member of both the local Orange and Masonic Lodges.
His older brother, William, who is in the Cameron Highlanders, was wounded at Loos last year. He is now serving in Salonika. Aug 4 1916
Lance Corporal Thomas Cooke
COOKE, Thomas Haslett, 19441, Lance Corporal, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on the July 1, 1916. He is named on the Thiepval Memorial. Aged 19, he was born in Ballymena and enlisted in Belfast. He was the son of Alex Cooke, 22 Larne Street, Ballymena and he is commemorated in 1st Ballymena Presbyterian Church.
Ballymena Observer: Mr. Alexander Cooke, Larne Street, Ballymena, received a letter from a Presbyterian Chaplain yesterday to the effect that his son, L/Cpl. T. Cooke, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed on July 1.
Lance Corporal Cooke enlisted in September 1914 prior to which he was an employee in the Braidwater Spinning Mill. He was only 19 years of age. He has two brothers with the colours, Rifleman Alex Cooke, who is in training with the 18th Royal Irish Rifles at Clandeboye and Private James Cooke, Royal Engineers.
COULTER, James, 7263, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on the July 1, 1916. He is named on the Thiepval memorial. Aged 19, he was the son of Robert and Ellen, Drumanaway, Randalstown.
COULTER, Robert, 14250, Private, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was KIA on the July 1, 1916. He was born Aughlurch, Co. Fermanagh, but in lived Ballymena.
COULTER Thomas, 13869, Private. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was KIA on the July 1, 1916. He is named on the Thiepval Memorial. He was born in Ballymena and lived on the Moat Road, Harryville. He is commemorated in Wellington St. Presbyterian 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. Private Coulter enlisted in October 1914, prior to which he was in the employment of Messrs. Kane Bros, Ballymena.
CRAWFORD, Samuel, 17378, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was KIA on the 1 July, 1916. He was born at Lisnafillan, Ahoghill and enlisted in Larne. His father Archie lived at Lisnafillan, Ballymena and his wife and son were at Circular Road, Larne. He is buried Ancre British Cemetery, Somme and commemorated in Ahoghill Church of Ireland.
Official information has been received of the death in action of Rifleman Samuel Crawford, 12th Royal Irish Rifles (CAV), a native of Lisnafillan, Ballymena and whose wife and young child reside in Circular Road, Larne. Rfn Crawford, who was the second son of Mr. A. Crawford, Lisnafillan, was formerly employed by Mr. D. Weir, Straid, Gracehill and by Mr. Robert Moore, Bridgend. Prior to going to Larne he was in the employment of Ballymena gas works. In Larne he was employed by the Aluminium Works. He was a member of the UVF in Larne and a member of Galgorm LOL, Ballymena. He enlisted in the autumn of 1914 and went to the front with the Ulster Division.
Andrew Dinsmore Davison
DAVISON, Andrew Dinsmore, 17714, Private 108th Company Machine Gun Corps, formerly 18942, Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born and lived/son of Sam and Elizabeth Davison, Bridge End, Galgorm. He enlisted in Ballymena, and he is buried in Mesnil Communal Cemetery, Somme. He is commemorated in Ahoghill Church of Ireland.
DAWSON, Samuel, 14860, Private, 11th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was killed in action on 1st July 1916. He was born at Portglenone, enlisted in Belfast, and lived in Glasgow. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
ELLIS, Samuel, 19472, Lance Corporal, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born at Mossend, Scotland, enlisted in Antrim, and lived at Toomebridge. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
FENTON, James, 17629, Lance Corporal, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born and lived near Dunloy. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme.
FOSTER, John Barkley, 3734, Lance Corporal, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 28, He was born in Drummaul, enlisted in Randalstown, and was the son of William and Betty Anne Foster, Randalstown. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Randalstown Old Presbyterian Church.
FRANCEY, William, 17697, Private, 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born in Ballymena and enlisted in Hamilton, Scotland He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in 1st Ballymena Presbyterian Church.
Lance Corporal William Furgrove
FURGROVE, William, 6362, Lance Corporal, 12th Royal Irish Rifles was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born in Moneymore, enlisted in Ballymena, and was the only son of William Furgrove of Cullybackey. He is buried in Ancre British Cemetery, Somme, and commemorated in Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Furgrove, Cullybackey, has received information of the death in action of her son, Corporal W. Furgrove, Royal Irish Rifles (CAV) which took place on the 1st July. The secretary of the Ancient Blue Masonic Lodge, Cullybackey, has written to Mrs. Furgrove and family conveying sincere sympathy.
Ballymena Observer
GAMBLE, Frank,18993, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 21, he was born in Connor, enlisted in Ballymena, and was the son of Mr. & Mrs. John Gamble, The Moat, Kells. He is commemorated on theThiepval Memorial and in Connor Presbyterian Church.
MR. John Gamble, The Moat, Kells, received intimation yesterday that his son Rfn. Frank Gamble 12th Royal Irish Rifles has been killed in action. He enlisted in September 1914 prior to which he was a turner in the woollen Mill of Messrs. John Dinsmore and Son, Old Green. Rfn. Gamble was a member of the local company of the UVF. He is a brother of Mr. Lockhart Gamble, ticket collector at Ballymena Railway Station and caretaker of the Masonic Hall.
GIBSON, David, 1004, Rifleman, 14th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born and lived at Kellswater and enlisted in Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in 1st Ballymena Presbyterian Church.
Corporal David Glendinning
GLENDINNING, David, 1290, Corporal, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 22, he was born in born Randalstown and enlisted in Lisburn. He was the son of David and Mary Glendinning, at one time living in Glarryford, and he had lived with his wife and child at Ballyronan. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
David Glendinning was the son of David, a labourer, and Mary Glendinning. David was born in Randalstown about 1894, and the family is associated with Glarryford, but David later lived in the Ballyronan area. David Glendinning had married Ellen Smyth in Antrim on 19th March 1915. Ellen and his daughter lived at the time of his death in The Cottage, Ballyronan, Magherafelt. May, his daughter, was born in Ballyronan on 4th January 1916.
Corporal David Glendinning
The 1901 census lists David as age 7, living with the family at house 9 in Ballyriff, Loop, Moneymore. His father was a labourer. David (Sen.) and Mary list their children as: William James Glendinning (born about 1892), David Glendinning (born about 1894), Annie Glendinning (born about 1896), Thomas Glendinning (born about 1898), Minnie Glendinning (born about 1900); later additions to the family were Samuel Glendenning (born about 1902), John Glendenning (born about 1905).
GRAHAM, William, S/3674, Private, 2nd Gordon Highlanders, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 25, he was bornin Broughshane and was the son of Sarah, 131 Watsonville, Motherwell.
GRANT John, 19005, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was from Galgorm and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in 2nd Ballymena Presbyterian Church.
INTIMATION was received yesterday by Mr. John Grant, Galgorm, that his son Rifleman John Grant, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, has been killed in action. Rifleman Grant enlisted in September 1914 and before joining the colours was in the employment of the late Mr. John Young
GRANT, William, 19003, Sergeant, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born in Galgorm and enlisted in Ballymena. He lived at Railway Cottages, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in 2nd Ballymena Presbyterian Church.
Information was received yesterday that Sergeant William Grant of the 12th Royal Irish Rifles has been killed in action. He was the son of Mr. William Grant of Railway Cottages, Ballymena, and prior to his enlistment in September of 1914 was a tailor in Messrs. Barclay and Crawford , Church Street, Ballymena. Sgt. Grant was a prominent member of the Harryville Company of the UVF. The Rev. Alfred McFadden of High Kirk (2nd Ballymena), to which Church he belonged, made a touching reference to him last Sunday.
HAMILL, Thomas, 19531, Rifleman, 9th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born in Ballymena and enlisted in Belfast. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
HARPER, James, 3252, Rifleman, 15th Royal Irish Rifles, was born at Mount Street, Ballymena. - see Virtual Memorial
HARPER, Joseph, 880, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born on the 27 December 1896 at Ballycraigy, Carnmoney. He was the son of Thomas Harper, Ballynarry, and Rose (Rosetta) Killen, Ballyhenry, and the couple had married in Carnmoney Parish Church on the 6 May 1891. His willl gave his effects to Mrs R. Harper, Carnanee, Templepatrick. He was not the brother of James above, as some have speculated.
Lt. Thomas Greenwood Haughton
Mr. T. G. Haughton, JP, Hillmount, Cullybackey, yesterday received the sad official information that his youngest son, Lt. Thomas Greenwood Haughton, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, had been killed on 1st July. Mr. Haughton, who was 25 years of age, was educated at Edgbaston Preparatory School, Birmingham and at St. Edmond's School, Oxford. He had been a popular and enthusiastic officer in connection with the Ulster Volunteers and was commander of E Coy. 1st Battalion, North Antrim Regiment.
When war broke out he offered his services, securing a commission in the Central Antrims, the 12th Royal Irish Rifles, going to the front in October 1915. At his coming of age on 2nd June 1912 the employees of the family firm, Messrs. Frazer and Haughton, Cullybackey, made him a presentation of a gold watch and chain as a token of the respect in which he was held.
(photograph courtesy of Our Heroes, South Dublin Libraries)
Corporal George Ireland
IRELAND, George, 17923, Corporal, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was the son of James Ireland of Ballygarvey. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in 2nd Broughshane Presbyterian Church.
Information has been received by Mr. James Ireland, Ballygarvey, Ballymena, that his third son, Cpl. George Ireland, 12th Royal Irish Rifles (CAV), has been killed in action. Cpl. Ireland who was 29 years of age enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and went to the front with the Ulster Division. Prior to joining the army he was employed by the Midland Railway Company. He was a member of the UVF and Loyal Orange Institution. His brother, Pte John Ireland, 204th Btn. Toronto Rifles, is in training with the Canadians.
Rifleman James King
KING, James, 19046, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born at Carnmoney, but lived and enlisted in Ballymena. His wife Maggie King lived at 10 Springwell Street, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in 2nd Ballymena Presbyterian Church.
Rifleman J. King (dead)
Mrs. King, 108 Springwell Street, Ballymena has received a letter from the Chaplain of the 12th Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrims) informing her that her husband, Rifleman J. King has been missing since 1st July. Before joining the forces, he was an employee of Mr. Bernard O'Neill, boot and shoe manufacturer, Mill Street, Ballymena.
Ballymena Observer, Aug 4 1916
LINTON, David, 6186, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 19, he was the son of Robert John and Mary Linton of Artnacrea, Clough, Co. Antrim. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Clough Presbyterian Church.
Official intimation has been received by Mr. Robert Linton, Cloughmills that his son, Rifleman David Linton Royal Irish Rifles (Ulster Division) was killed in action on July 1.
Rifleman David Linton
MAGILL Robert, 6205, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 18, he was the son of Robert and Elizabeth Magill, Randalstown. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Randalstown Old Presbyterian Church.
McCALMONT, David, 305, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was bornat Glenwherry and he enlisted in Ballyclare. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme.
John (Ross) McCart
McCART (Ross), John, 818, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 20, son of George and Margaret McCart, 14 Castle Street, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
McCARTNEY John, 17848, Private, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born in Ballymena and enlisted in Belfast. His kin lived at 11, Alfred Street, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
McCLEAN, John, 2216, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born at Kirkinriola and enlisted in Lisburn. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
McCLENAGHAN, Thomas, 22878, Private, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born in Ballymena and he enlisted/lived Belfast. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
McCRACKEN (McCrackin), Robert, 487, 13th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was the son of Mrs. R. McCracken, Station Road, Cullybackey. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian Church, Cullybackey.
McFarland Grave Marker
listing James and His Brother George
McFARLAND, James, 18728, Private, 10th Machine Gun Corps, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Service He was born at Shankhill and the family lived in Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and named on a grave in Ballymarlow Church of Ireland (Parish of Kilconriola and Ballyclug)
McGOWAN James, 6190, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 18, he was born in Bushmills, son of William & Jane McGowan, 4 King Street, Ballymena (brother of John above). He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
NEWS was received yesterday by Mr. William McGowan, King Street, Ballymena, that his two sons, Rifleman James McGowan and Rifleman John McGowan of the 12th Royal Irish Rifles, have been killed in action on July 1.
John enlisted in September 1914 prior to which he was in the employment of Ballymena Urban Council and James enlisted in May 1915 before which he was an employee in the Braidwater Spinning Mill. Both went to the front with the Ulster Division. It is understood that one brother went to the assistance of the other and they were both killed fighting together.
Rifleman W. J. McMullan
McMULLAN William John,19657, Rifleman 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on 1st July 1916. Aged 27, he was the son of Daniel and Margaret McMullan of Queen Street, Ballymena. He is buried in Ancre British Cemetery, Beaumont Hamel, Somme.
Mr. Daniel McMullan, 82 Queen Street, Harryville, has been officially informed that his son William John McMullan (Central Antrim Volunteers) has been killed in action. He had previously been reported missing since 1st July.
Rfn. McMullan enlisted in September 1914 and went to the front with the Ulster Division last Autumn. He had the distinction of being the first Ballymena man in the 12th Royal Irish Rifles to be wounded. This was in October 1915 when he was slightly wounded in the foot. Prior to enlisting Rifleman McMullan was employed in Greer's tailoring establishment, Church Street, Ballymena.
Ballymena Observer, Aug. 11 1916
McMURRAY, George, 19120, Lance Corporal 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born in and lived at Tannybrake, Kells, and he enlisted in Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Connor Presbyterian Church.
McNEICE, William John, 4869, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 23, he was born and lived in Ballymena. He was the son of Wm. John and Maggie McNeice, Tullygarley, and his wife of Jeannie lived at 64 Moat Road, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in 1st Ballymena Presbyterian Church.
Rifleman Daniel McNiece
McNEICE, Daniel, 19627, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was the son of John McNiece of Queen Street. He left three daughters, the eldest of which was 10 in 1916. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Wellington Street Presbyterian Church.
MR. John McNiece, Queen Street, Harryville, received a letter from a chaplain yesterday stating that his son, Rfn. Daniel McNiece, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on July 1. Rfn. McNiece enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and was formerly in the employ of Kane Bros. He was a member of the UVF and of Ballykeel LOL. He leaves three children.
MILLAR Thomas, 6862, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 18, was born at born Drummaul and enlisted at Clandeboye, Co Down. He was the son of James and Sarah Millar of Caddy, Randalstown. He is commemorated in Randalstown Old Presbyterian Church.
Rifleman Samuel Millar
MILLER, Samuel, 240, Lance Corporal, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds on the 1st July 1916. Aged 27 and born at Ballyclay, he was the son of Alex and Mary Miller of 32 Larne Street, Ballymena. His wife Jeannie lived at Castle Lodge. He is buried in Forceville Communal Cemetery, Somme and is commemorated in Harryville Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. S. Millar, Castle Grounds, Ballymena, has received official notification to the effect that her husband, Rifleman Samuel Millar, Royal Irish Rifles, has died of wounds. Rifleman Millar enlisted in June 1915 and has been at the front nine months. About five weeks ago when he was home on leave he was married. He is a son of Mr. Alexander Millar, 59 Larne Street, Ballymena. His brother Rifleman Lockhart Millar is on active service. (He was Lance Corporal at the time of his brother's death)
Rifleman Alex. Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, Alexander, 580, Rifleman, 13th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He lived with his wife and six children at 13 Hope Street, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Mrs. Montgomery, Hope Street, Ballymena, has received official notification that her husband, Rifleman Alexander Montgomery, Royal Irish Rifles (Ulster Division) is missing. Rifleman Montgomery enlisted in October 1915 before which he was an employee in the Braidwater Spinning Mill.
Ballymena Observer, Aug 11 1916
On February 9, 1917 Mrs. Montgomery was informed that her husband had, indeed, been killed in action on July 1, 1916.
MONTGOMERY, Robert, 19499, Private, 107th Machine Gun Corps (Inf) was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born at Moorfields and enlisted in Belfast. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme.
Left: Private John Reid
REID, John, 27147, Private, 11th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He came from Knockans, Finvoy, Rasharkin and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.He was 36 years old, had previously serves in the Boer War and was the husband of Mrs. Sarah Reid, of Knockans, Finvoy, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim.
RICE, William, 27692, Private, 10th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He lived at Craigs, Cullybackey and enlisted in Ballymena. His parents lived at at 29 Glu Street, Paisley. He is buried in Connaught Cemetery, Somme.
RITCHIE, David Lynn, 376, Sergeant, 9th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 46, son of Charles Ritchie of Ballylig, Broughshane and husband of Jane Ritchie ,Carncairn, Broughshane. Comm. On Thiepval Memorial and 1st Broughshane Pres. Church. Son of Charles Ritchie, of Ballylig, Broughshane; husband of Jane Ritchie, of Carncairn, Broughshane, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.
ROBINSON, Edward, 3745, Rifleman, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born at the Grange and lived in nearby Taylorstown. He was the son of John Robinson of Kilvillis, Toomebridge. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in Grange Presbyterian Church.
SMYTH, James, 50, Lance Corporal, 11th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 19, he was the son of Thomas and Margaret Smyth, Caddy, near Randalstown. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial and in 1st Ahoghill Presbyterian Church.
SMYTH, James, 19211, Corporal, 12th royal irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was the son of John Smyth, Craigs, Cullybackey and he lived at Cullybackey. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
THOMPSON, James, 19231, Rifleman, 13th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. Aged 20, he was bornin Ballymena and lived at Kircubbin, Co Down . He was the son of William and Margaret Thompson, Kirkistown, Co Down. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
TORBITT, William, 18840, Lance Corporal, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was born in Ballymena and lived in Larne. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
WALLACE, Alexander, 19242, Rifleman, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on the 1st July 1916. He was the husband of Amy Wallace, Gilmore Street, Ballymena. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
MRS. Wallace, Gilmore Street, received information yesterday from a chaplain at the front to the effect that he husband, Rifleman Alex. Wallace, 12th Royal Irish Rifles, was killed in action on July 1. Rifleman Wallace, who was a member of Harryville Unionist Club and the UVF, enlisted in September 1914 and went to the front with the Ulster Division. Before joining the army he was in the employment of Messrs. Morton and Simpson Ltd. He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss. He was a son of Mr. John Wallace Queen Street.
Ballymena Observer
Mr. Samuel Herbison, Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, has received information from a hospital in France stating that his son Rifleman S. Herbison, 12th Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers), has been wounded. Rifleman Herbison joined the army in April 1915 and prior to his enlistment was an employee of the Braidwater Weaving Factory, Ballymena.
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers: Pte. Daniel Laverty, Alexander Street;18th Royal Irish Rifles: George Gills, Ballinacaird, Broughshane;5th Royal Irish Rifles: Pte Wm. Currie, William Street.
Royal Irish Fusiliers: Private John Hood, son of Mr. John Hood, Belfast, formerly of Ballymena;Royal Highland Regiment (Black Watch): Private Matthew Bell, formerly of Bryan Street, Ballymena;198th Bn. Canadians: Sgt. John Kennedy, Ballylesson House.
Doing His Bit
The two eldest boys served in the Irish Guards during the Great War; the third, Thomas, was a policeman in Toomebridge. 6480 Lance Corporal Patrick Joseph, Irish Guards, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Labour Corps on the 14th July 1917. He had been on active service after 17th August 1915.
4451 Robert James Masterson, later at Springfield Road, Belfast and with relatives at 11, Glenbrook Avenue, Bloomfield, Belfast, must have been in the forces prior to or after his teaching career in Ballymena Boys National School, Cushendall Road, Ballymena, this being suggested by the fact that one photograph caption in the local newspaper said he ‘rejoined the Irish Guards’; this is also suggested by his Medal Index Card which says he was in France after 9th December 1914; he would not have been there at that date without previous military experience and was almost certainly a recalled reservist. Robert James Masterson was wounded in the arm during the Great War, as the above newspaper entry states.
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers: W. Norwood Cairns, Waveney Avenue;20th Royal Irish Rifles: Robert Linton, Glarryford.
Army medical Corps - Lieutenant John B. McCutcheon, fourth son of the late Gilbert McCutcheon, High Street, Ballymena.North Irish Horse - Trooper William J. Bones, Clarence Street;Army Service Corps - Private R. J. Calderwood, Carclinty, Craigs.
North Irish Horse - William Parke, Ballywatermoy; James Francey, Ballee; and William McCarley and George Marks, Casement Street.
5th Royal Irish Rifles - Matthew Murray, Garfield Place;Gordon Highlanders - C. McMaster, Ballylummin, Ahoghill;ASC Mechanical Transport - W. J. Taggert, Craigywarren.
North Irish Horse - Wm. Kyle, formerly Ballymena;Royal Garrison Artillery - Patrick Higgins, Rasharkin, Alex Semple, Liminary :ASC Mechanical Transport - George Hall, Cullybackey, Robert H. Wilson, Ballygarvey Terrace;Irish Guards - Andrew Graham, Ballyreagh.
Royal Irish Rifles - David McClintock, Carncairn, Broughshane.
ASC - John Cathcart, Alfred Street; Alex. Murray, Queen Street.18th Royal Irish Rifles - James Dewey, Knockahollet.
Motor Transport- John Carson, Clonavon, Ballymena;3rd Royal Irish Rifles - Matthew Hill, Broughshane;18th Royal Irish Rifles - Wm. James Ervine, Frocess;20th Royal Irish Rifles - James McMillan, Drumcon, Rasharkin.