Hugh Harris was the only son of Robert and Margaret Harris. Hugh was born on 13th November 1895 in Ahoghill. He was the youngest of three children. His mother died when he was very young. By 1911 he was living with his grandparents near Portglenone. Hugh enlisted in Ballymena in 1915. Prior to enlisting, he was in the employment of Mr Hugh Coulter, Ballyconnelly, Cullybackey. Rifleman Hugh Harris was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he died of wounds received in action on Thursday 9th August 1917.
Further Information
Hugh Harris was the only son of Robert and Margaret Harris. Robert Harris married Margaret McCartney on 25th July 1891 in the district of Ballymena.
Hugh Harris was born on 13th November 1895 in Ahoghill. He was the youngest of three children.
Family: Robert Harris, Margaret Harris, Jane Harris (born about 1891), Maggie Harris (born 15th April 1894), Hugh Harris (born 13th November 1895).
Hugh’s mother Margaret died when he was very young.
The 1901 census lists Hugh as age 5, living with the family at house 10 in Finkilragh, Lisnagarran, County Antrim. His father was a farm labourer and a widower.
The 1911 census lists Hugh as age 15, living with his grandparents at house 21 in Drumraw, Portglenone, County Antrim.
Hugh Harris enlisted in Ballymena in 1915. Prior to enlisting, he was in the employment of Mr Hugh Coulter, Ballyconnelly, Cullybackey.
Rifleman Hugh Harris was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he died of wounds received in action on Thursday 9th August 1917. He was 21 years old.
Newspaper reports state that his father, Robert Harris, was living in Craigs, Cullybackey at the time of his death.
From the Ballymena Observer dated 14th September 1917:
Mr Robert Harris, Craigs, Cullybackey, has received intimation to the effect that his only son, Hugh, Royal Irish Rifles, has died of wounds received in action. Prior to enlisting about two years ago, he was in the employment of Mr Hugh Coulter, Ballyconnelly, Cullybackey.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 12th September 1917:
Rifleman Hugh Harris, Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds, was the only son of Mr Robert Harris, Craigs, Ballymena.
Rifleman Harris is buried in Wieltje Farm Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium.
Rifleman Hugh Harris is commemorated in Cullybackey United Free Church.
