Updates this month - Magherafelt War Dead

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31/03/2016

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29/03/2016

The CWGC record Rifleman J Thompson as the son of the late Thomas Thompson and of Matilda Thompson, of The Cottages, Ballybeen, Dundonald, Belfast.

29/03/2016

Rifleman Thompson is buried in Hamel Military Cemetery. Hamel is a small village in France, about six kilometres north of Albert.

29/03/2016

Rifleman John Thompson was serving with the 12th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on Saturday 1st July 1916. He was 22 years old.

29/03/2016

John Thompson enlisted in Belfast. He was apparently living in ‘Donald’ at the time. This may have been Dundonald.

29/03/2016

The 1911 census lists John as age 17 living with the family at house 39 in Killinchy, County Down. John had left school and was working a letter carrier.

29/03/2016

By the time of the 1901 census, John was aged 7 and living with the family at house 6 in Drumshanbo Glebe, Killeenan, Kildress, County Tyrone. Thomas was a coachman.

29/03/2016

Family: Thomas Thompson, Matilda Thompson, John Thompson (born 4th January 1894, Magherafelt), Robert Thompson (born 13th August 1895, Magherafelt), William Thompson (born 31st May 1898, Cookstown).

29/03/2016

John Thompson was born on 4th January 1894 in Magherafelt.

29/03/2016

John Thompson was the eldest son of Thomas and Matilda Thompson. Thomas Thompson and Matilda McKee were married on 23rd March 1893 in the district of Magherafelt.

29/03/2016

The CWGC record Private James Thompson as the son of Mrs Jamieson (formerly Thompson), of Craghuller, Cloyfin, Coleraine, County Derry.

29/03/2016

In his will, he left all to his grandmother, Mrs Jane McCotter, who was living at Castle Street in Ballymoney.

29/03/2016

Private James Thompson was lost at sea and is commemorated on the Mikra Memorial. The Memorial is in Mika Cemetery in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, Greece.

29/03/2016

His unit was travelling to the Eastern theatres of War, Salonika and Palestine and were on board the troop ship SS Arcadian in the Mediterranean. It had left Salonika headed for Egypt when it encountered an enemy submarine. It was torpedoed and the ship sank in the Mediterranean.

29/03/2016

Private James Thompson was serving with the 1st Garrison Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment when he died at sea on Sunday 15th April 1917.

29/03/2016

James apparently lived in Glenmanus, Portrush for a time. (TBC)

29/03/2016

His mother remarried to become Mrs Jamieson.

29/03/2016

James Thompson was born about 1881 in Kilrea.

28/03/2016

In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects to my grandmother, Mrs Jane McCotter, 12 Castle Street, Ballymoney.

28/03/2016

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28/03/2016

Last Will and Testament of Private James Thompson dated 23rd January 1917:

28/03/2016

The CWGC record Able Seaman Frank Sutton as the son of William Robert Sutton, of 33, Folkestone Rd., Copnor, Portsmouth.

28/03/2016

Frank is also commemorated on St Cuthbert’s Church WW1 Memorial, Copnor, Portsmouth.

28/03/2016

Able Seaman Frank Sutton is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

28/03/2016

Able Seaman Frank Edward Sutton died on 13st May 1916 when the ship was lost at the Battle of Jutland.

28/03/2016

In 1911, he was serving on HMS Good Hope and his father was boarding at 35 Folkestone Road, Copnor.

28/03/2016

He enlisted on his eighteenth birthday in 1908 for 12 years.

28/03/2016

Frank joined the Navy straight from The Royal Hospital School, Greenwich as Boy 2nd class in May 1906.

28/03/2016

Frank’s Sutton only connection to Kilrea was that his mother lived at Drumagarner House, Kilrea for a time. There is no evidence to suggest Frank Edward Sutton lived or even visited Kilrea.

28/03/2016

Frank Edward Sutton was the second son of William Robert and Elizabeth Sutton. Frank was born on 17th November 1890 in Portsmouth.

28/03/2016

News has been received that Company Sergeant Major James Surgenor, 11th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, son of Mr James Surgenor, Taylorstown, Toomebridge, was gassed in France in 1st September and succumbed in hospital on the 3rd. Sergeant Major Surgenor was a member of the Ulster Volunteers, and joined the colours about two years ago.

28/03/2016

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28/03/2016

From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 23rd September 1916: Sergeant Major James Surgenor

28/03/2016

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28/03/2016

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28/03/2016

James Surgenor is commemorated in Grange Presbyterian Church.

28/03/2016

Company Sergeant Major Surgenor is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

28/03/2016

He is mentioned in the Ballymena Weekly Telegraph of 23 September 1916.

28/03/2016

C.S.M. James Surgenor died of his wounds on Sunday 3rd September 1916. He was 26 years old.

28/03/2016

Company Sergeant Major James Surgenor was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was gassed on 1st September 1916.

28/03/2016

James enlisted in Lisburn around September 1914, at the start of the war.

28/03/2016

James Surgenor was a section commander in the Ulster Volunteer Force.

28/03/2016

Unusually, his father is not listed as living with the family on either census.

28/03/2016

The 1911 census lists James as age 21 living with the family at house 26 in Taylorstown, Ballyscullion. James was working on the family farm.

28/03/2016

The 1901 census lists James as age 11 living with the family at house 79 in Taylorstown, Ballyscullion, County Antrim. James was still at school. They were a farming family

28/03/2016

The family lived at Grange Corner, Taylorstown. This is about 2/3 miles from Ahoghill in the Randalstown/Toomebridge direction

28/03/2016

Family: James Surgenor, Margaret Surgenor, John Surgenor (born about 1883), Mary A Surgenor (born about 1888), Thomas Surgenor (born about 1889), James Surgenor (born about 1890).

28/03/2016

James Surgenor was the son of Margaret and James Surgenor. James was born about 1890 in Ahoghill.

27/03/2016

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27/03/2016

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27/03/2016

Images courtesy of Sam Hudson, Desertmartin. Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research donated by Mr Sam Hudson

27/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Johnston Stockman as the son of William and Eliza Stockman. It also records that he was the husband of Margaret Eadie Watson Stockman, of Crosshouse, Blackford. It notes he was born at Tobermore, Co. Derry.

27/03/2016

Private Johnston Stockman is commemorated on the Blackford War Memorial.

27/03/2016

Private Johnston Stockman was buried at home in Blackford Old Churchyard in Gleneagles, Perth and Kinross, Scotland.

27/03/2016

Private Johnston Stockman returned home to Sterling Street, Blackford where he died on 22nd July 1919. He was 34 years old. Coincidentally, his pension expired on 8th July 1919.

27/03/2016

Private Stockman was discharged on 3rd October 1918. He was physically unfit due to nephritis and deafness. Nephritis occurs when your kidneys suddenly become inflamed and it can ultimately lead to kidney failure.

27/03/2016

Private Stockman was transferred to 457th Labour Corps Agricultural Company on 1st June 1918 (No 591020).

27/03/2016

Private Johnston Stockman was called up on 15th September 1917 to the Royal Army Medical Corps (No 126204).

27/03/2016

Johnston was the husband of Margaret Eadie Watson Stockman. They lived in Blackford. Johnston was a labourer.

27/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Johnston as age 15 living with the family at house 2 in Drumballyhagan Clarke, Tobermore, County Londonderry. Johnston was a labourer. His father was a caretaker. His mother was a widow.

27/03/2016

His father, William Stockman, died on 25th April 1893 in the Magherafelt district. He was aged 48. Johnston was 8 years old.

27/03/2016

Family: William Stockman, Eliza Stockman, Robert Stockman (born 29th November 1866), Martha Stockman (born 31st March 1869), Eliza Stockman (born 9th February 1871), William Stockman (born 10th September 1872, died 3rd August 1895, age 13), Margaret Anne Stockman (born 9th June 1874), James Stockman (born 31st December 1875), Sarah Stockman (born 20th January 1878), Samuel Stockman (born 13th November 1879), Alexander Stockman (born 1st August 1881), Thomas Stockman (born 6th May 1883), Johnston Stockman (born 24th March 1885), Alexander Stockman (born 26th September 1887), George Stockman (born 1st August 1890), Annie Robina Stockman (born 9th September 1893).

27/03/2016

Johnston Stockman was born on 24th March 1885 in Tobermore. He was one of 14 children.

27/03/2016

Johnston Stockman was the son of William and Eliza Stockman. William Stockman married Elizabeth Boyd on 15th December 1865 in the district of Magherafelt.

26/03/2016

The CWGC record Private James Stewart as the son of William and Anne Stewart of Pontna, Kilrea, Co. Derry. It is recorded that he served as GRAY.

26/03/2016

Private James Stewart is buried in Chocques Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. The cemetery is four kilometres north-west of Bethune.

26/03/2016

Private James Gray (real name Stewart) was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Connaught Rangers when he died of wounds in France on Thursday 15th April 1915. He was 30 years old.

26/03/2016

There is no medal card for James Gray, but there is one for a Thomas Grey, with the same service number (9499), with the Connaught Rangers.

26/03/2016

James Stewart enlisted at Coatbridge in Lanarkshire, Scotland. He was living in Kilrea at the time. He enlisted under the name James Gray. No 9499. He served with the Connaught Rangers.

26/03/2016

There is a possible listing of the family living in Gortin Coolhill, north of Kilrea, but this address conflicts with the CWGC’s address at Portna. Portna lies south east of Kilrea.

26/03/2016

James Stewart was the son of William and Anne Stewart. He was born in County Londonderry about 1885.

25/03/2016

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25/03/2016

The 1911 census lists James as age 16 living with his father’s family at house 29 in Lisnagarran. Like his father, James was working as an agricultural labourer.

25/03/2016

The CWGC record Rifleman James Stewart as the son of James and the late Nancy Stewart.

25/03/2016

Rifleman James Stewart is buried in Wulverghem-Lindenhoek Road Military Cemetery. The cemetery is located thirteen kilometres south of Ypres.

25/03/2016

Rifleman James Stewart was serving with the 8th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he died on Thursday 7th June 1917, just three days after his 22nd birthday.

25/03/2016

James Stewart enlisted in Ballymena.

25/03/2016

Family (two): James Stewart, Nancy Stewart, Joseph Stewart (born 30th August 1907), Sarah Stewart (born 10th January 1910), John Stewart (born 10th November 1912).

25/03/2016

James’ father remarried. James and Nancy had a further three children.

25/03/2016

His sister Mary died in the Portglenone area on 12th November 1905, aged 17.

25/03/2016

James mother, Agnes, died in the Portglenone area on 8th June 1901, aged 43.

25/03/2016

The 1901 census lists James as age 7 living with the family at house 25 in Lisnagarran, County Antrim. Lisnagarran lies just north of Portglenone and west of Cullybackey. They were a farming family.

25/03/2016

Family: James Stewart, Agnes Stewart, Patrick Stewart (born 8th March 1886), Robert Stewart (born 8th March 1886), Mary Stewart (born 1st June 1888), Eliza Lizzie Stewart (born 16th September 1890), Agnes Stewart (born 21st August 1893), James Stewart (born 4th June 1895), Margaret Stewart (born 13th January 1898).

25/03/2016

James Stewart was born on 4th June 1895 in Portglenone.

25/03/2016

James Stewart was the son of James and Agnes Nancy Stewart. James Stewart married Agnes on the 10th January 1883 in the district of Ballymena. It is believed they had eight children.

24/03/2016

All images courtesy of Sam Hudson, Desertmartin. Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research donated by Mr Sam Hudson

24/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Samuel Spillane as the son of John Spillane of Mormeal, Tobermore. It also records that his brother James also fell.

24/03/2016

Both brothers belonged are commemorated Kilcronaghan Parish Church in Tobermore and they are also commemorated in Tobermore and Blackhill Orange Halls.

24/03/2016

Samuel’s older brother James also died in the war. Private James Spillane was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action at Passchendaele on Thursday 16th August 1917. He was 26 years old.

24/03/2016

Private Spillane has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial in Picardie, France.

24/03/2016

Private Samuel Spillane was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on the second day of the German Spring Offensive on Friday 22nd March 1918. He was 21 years old. The battalion held out against the Germans until almost all the battalion were killed, wounded or captured.

24/03/2016

Samuel Spillane enlisted in Omagh.

24/03/2016

Samuel was a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force and also Blackhill L.O.L. No. 681.

24/03/2016

The 1911 census lists Samuel as age 15 living with the family at house 29 in Mormeal, Tobermore. He was still at school.

24/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Samuel as age 4 living with the family at house 3 in Mormeal, Tobermore, County Londonderry. His father, who hailed from Tipperary, was a Farmer and Civil Bill Officer.

24/03/2016

Family: John Spillane, Margaret Spillane, William Spillane (born 21st October 1887), John Spillane (born 16th February 1890), James Spillane (born 9th June 1891), Robert Spillane (born 11th March 1893), Richard Spillane (born 23rd June 1894), Samuel Spillane (born 1st August 1896), Mary Jane Spillane (born 11th September 1898).

24/03/2016

Samuel Spillane was born on 1st August 1896. He was one of seven children.

24/03/2016

Samuel Spillane was the youngest son of John and Maggie Spillane. John Spillane married Margaret Moore on 10th June 1886 in the district of Magherafelt.

24/03/2016

All images courtesy of Sam Hudson, Desertmartin. Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research donated by Mr Sam Hudson

24/03/2016

The CWGC record Private James Spillane as the son of John and Margaret Spillane, of Mormeal, Kilcronaghan, Tobermore, County Londonderry. It was noted that his brother Samuel also fell.

24/03/2016

Both brothers belonged are commemorated Kilcronaghan Parish Church in Tobermore and they are also commemorated in Tobermore and Blackhill Orange Halls.

24/03/2016

James’ younger brother Samuel also died in the war. Private Samuel Spillane was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on the second day of the German Spring Offensive on Friday 22nd March 1918. He was 21 years old.

24/03/2016

Private James Spillane has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. The Memorial to the Missing at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke, West Vlaanderen, Belgium bears the names of many who fell in the battles for Passchendaele and whose bodies were never recovered.

24/03/2016

Private James Spillane was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action at Passchendaele on Thursday 16th August 1917. He was 26 years old.

24/03/2016

James Spillane enlisted in Omagh.

24/03/2016

James was a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force and also Blackhill L.O.L. No. 681.

24/03/2016

The 1911 census lists James as age 19 living with the family at house 29 in Mormeal, Tobermore. James was a farmer.

24/03/2016

The 1901 census lists James as age 9 living with the family at house 3 in Mormeal, Tobermore, County Londonderry. His father, who hailed from Tipperary, was a Farmer and Civil Bill Officer.

24/03/2016

Family: John Spillane, Margaret Spillane, William Spillane (born 21st October 1887), John Spillane (born 16th February 1890), James Spillane (born 9th June 1891), Robert Spillane (born 11th March 1893), Richard Spillane (born 23rd June 1894), Samuel Spillane (born 1st August 1896), Mary Jane Spillane (born 11th September 1898).

24/03/2016

James Spillane was born on 9th June 1891. He was one of seven children.

24/03/2016

James Spillane was the third son of John and Maggie Spillane. John Spillane married Margaret Moore on 10th June 1886 in the district of Magherafelt.

23/03/2016

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23/03/2016

Joseph’s mother, Esther Smyth, died on 18th March 1918.

23/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Joseph Smyth as the son of James and Hester Smyth of Beagh, Maghera, County Londonderry. It also records that he served with Leinster Regiment in India.

23/03/2016

Joseph is also commemorated on the family headstone in Maghera Church of Ireland churchyard.

23/03/2016

Private Joseph Smyth is buried in Birr Cross Roads Cemetery, three kilometres east of Ypres.

23/03/2016

Joseph enlisted and served with Leinster Regiment in India.

23/03/2016

The 1911 census does not list Joseph as living with the family at house 12 in Beagh (Spiritual), Maghera.

23/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Joseph as age 12 living with the family at house 9 in Beagh Spiritual, Maghera, Londonderry. He was still at school. His father was a farmer and his mother was a seamstress.

23/03/2016

Family: James Smyth, Esther Smyth, Robert Smyth (born 13th April 1883), William Smyth (born 4th May 1884), Anthony J Smyth (born 1st February 1886), Joseph S Smyth (born 4th January 1888).

23/03/2016

Joseph S Smyth was born on 4th January 1888. He was one of three surviving sons.

23/03/2016

Joseph Smith was the youngest son of James and Esther Smyth. James Smyth married Esther Gibson on 13th April 1882 in the district of Coleraine.

23/03/2016

Smith, John, Private, No 1435, North Irish Horse, attached 9th Battalion The Royal Irish Fusiliers, son of John Smith of Spruce Bank, Portglenone, county Derry, Farmer, by his wife Annie, daughter of Robert and Mary Adams, of Tyance, county Derry, educated at Innisrush and Portglenone; was a farmer’s assistant; joined the North Irish Horse 1st February 1915; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the following November, and died in No.6 Hospital, Rouen 1st December 1917 from wounds in action at Cambrai on 26th November. Buried in Rouen. His commander officer wrote. ‘Having been in the same squadron of the North Irish Horse myself, I have known Private Smyth for some time, and have always found him a fine soldier and popular among comrades.’

23/03/2016

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23/03/2016

From De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, (Volume 3)

23/03/2016

Mr and Mrs John Smyth, Spruce Bank, Portglenone, have received information that their third son, John Smyth, of the North Irish Horse and lately of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, has died from gunshot wounds received in action on November 26th. He was 22 years of age and has served three years. Mr and Mrs Smyth’s eldest son is serving with the New Zealanders.

23/03/2016

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23/03/2016

From the Ballymena Observer dated 14th December 1917:

23/03/2016

John’s brother, Lance Corporal Thomas Johnston Smyth, M.M. also served, with 14th Company, 2nd Battalion of the Otago Regiment with the New Zealand contingent. Thomas survived the war.

23/03/2016

Private J Smyth is buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France.

23/03/2016

Having been in the same squadron of the North Irish Horse myself, I have known Private Smyth for some time, and have always found him a fine soldier and popular among comrades.

23/03/2016

His commanding officer wrote of him:

23/03/2016

Private John Smyth died of his wounds in No.6 Hospital, Rouen on Saturday 1st December 1917. He was 22 years old.

23/03/2016

Private John Smyth was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he received gunshot wounds on 26th November 1917 during the assault on the village of Moeuvres during the Battle of Cambrai.

23/03/2016

Private John Smyth went to France with his unit in November 1915.

23/03/2016

John Smyth enlisted in Antrim, joining the North Irish Horse on 1st February 1915 (No 1435).

23/03/2016

The 1911 census lists John as age 16 living with the family at house 23 in Money Staghan Ellis, Claudy. John was working on his father’s farm.

23/03/2016

Family: John Smyth, Annie Smyth, Thomas Johnston Smith (born 7 June 1891), Joseph Samuel Smyth (born 26th April 1893), John Joseph Smyth (born 17th December 1894), Robert James Smyth (born 21st December 1896), Albert Wolsley Pembroke Smyth (born 14th May 1899), Mary Fillie Smyth (born 14th April 1901), Frederick B B Smyth (born 21st May 1902), Annie Caroline Smyth (born 13th January 1905).

23/03/2016

The 1901 census lists John as age 5 living with the family at house 23 in Money Staghan Ellis, Claudy, County Londonderry. Moneystaghan-Ellis lies just west of Portglenone in the district of Magherafelt, as does Spruce Bank. They were a farming family.

23/03/2016

John Joseph Smyth was born on 17th December 1894 in Tamlaght O'Crilly, just west of Portglenone in the district of Magherafelt. He was one of eight children.

23/03/2016

John Smyth was the third son of John and Annie Smyth. John Smyth married Anne Adams on the 19th August 1890 in the district of Magherafelt.

23/03/2016

Sergeant Smith is also commemorated on the WWI Roll of Honour in Wellington Street Presbyterian Church in Ballymena.

23/03/2016

Sergeant Smith has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. The Memorial to the Missing at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke, West Vlaanderen, Belgium bears the names of many who fell in the battles for Passchendaele and whose bodies were never recovered.

23/03/2016

In his will, he left all to his brother.

23/03/2016

Sergeant Samuel Smith was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on Thursday 16th August 1917.

23/03/2016

Samuel Smith enlisted in Belfast.

23/03/2016

Samuel Smith was born in Toome.

23/03/2016

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23/03/2016

Niederzwehren Cemetery was begun by the Germans in 1915 for the burial of prisoners of war who died at the local camp. During the war almost 3,000 Allied soldiers and civilians, including French, Russian and Commonwealth, were buried there. In 1922-23 it was decided that the graves of Commonwealth servicemen who had died all over Germany should be brought together into four permanent cemeteries. Niederzwehren was one of those chosen and in the following four years, more than 1,500 graves were brought into the cemetery from 190 burial grounds including Darmstadt.

23/03/2016

Lance Corporal John Shiels is now buried in Niederzwehren Cemetery.

23/03/2016

Official documentation from the Red Cross, from documents supplied by the German prisoner of war camp at Darmstadt, does not give any other details of his death.

23/03/2016

Lance Corporal Shiels died of wounds in Lazarett, Darmstadt, Germany as a P.O.W. on Saturday 18th May 1918. He was buried in Darmstadt.

23/03/2016

Lance Corporal Shiels was captured and became a prisoner of war.

23/03/2016

John Shiels enlisted in Maghera.

23/03/2016

Family: Samuel Shiels, Maggie Shiels, John Shiels (born 13th June 1897), Annie Stewart Shiels (born 19th December 1899), James Shiels (born 9th March 1901), Margaret Caroline Shiels (born 27th April 1905), Samuel Anderson Shiels (born 2nd January 1908), Sara Robena Shiels (born 4th February 1910), Maude Shiels (born 6th March 1912, tbc).

23/03/2016

The 1911 census lists John as age 13 living with the family at house 7 in Mullagh, Maghera, Londonderry. He was still at school. His father was a farmer.

23/03/2016

John Shiels was born on 13th June 1897. He was the eldest of at least six children.

23/03/2016

John Shiels was the son of Samuel and Maggie Shiels. Samuel Shiels married Maggie Stewart on14th February 1894 in the district of Coleraine.

22/03/2016

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22/03/2016

The CWGC record Private J A Shiels as the son of James Lyle Shiels of Auchinloch, Lenzie, Glasgow.

22/03/2016

Guardsman James A Shiels is buried in Kirkintilloch (Auld Aisle) Cemetery in Dunbartonshire in Scotland.

22/03/2016

Private James Shiels was serving with the 3rd Reserve Battalion of the Scots Guards when he died on Thursday 1st February 1917.

22/03/2016

James Arnold Shiels was the son of James Lyle Shiels.

22/03/2016

Lance Corporal Shanks has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial in Picardie, France.

22/03/2016

Lance Corporal William Shanks was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on Thursday 21st Mar 1918 at the commencement of the German Spring Offensive. He was 23 years old.

22/03/2016

Lance Corporal William Shanks was awarded the Military Medal (M.M.).

22/03/2016

A newspaper report from November 1916 records that Lance Corporal Shanks had been gassed and was at home on leave after thirteen months at the front.

22/03/2016

William Shanks enlisted in Castledawson.

22/03/2016

The 1911 census lists Willie as age 16, living with his grandmother at house 12 in Castledawson. He had left school and was working as a power loom weaver.

22/03/2016

Contrary information gives William’s place of birth as either the Shankhill in Belfast (Ireland’s Memorial Records) or in County Derry (census).

22/03/2016

William Shanks was born about 1895.

21/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Alexander Russell as the son of Alexander and Mary Jane Russell, of Tamladuff, Bellaghy, County Derry.

21/03/2016

The CWGC grave records denote that his mother’s name was Mary J Pickering.

21/03/2016

Private Alexander Russell is buried in Savy British Cemetery. Savy is a village six kilometres west of St Quentin.

21/03/2016

On the 21st March 1918 Savy and Roupy were successfully defended by the 30th Division during the German Spring Offensive, but the line was withdrawn after nightfall.

21/03/2016

Private Alexander Russell was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died of wounds in Savy, France on Friday 22nd March 1918.

21/03/2016

Alexander Russell enlisted in Glasgow.

21/03/2016

The 1911 census lists Alexander as age 17, working as a farm servant for the McIntyre’s at house 29 in Tamlaghtduff, Bellaghy.

21/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Alexander as age 8 living with his step family (Pickerham) at house 15 in Ballymacombs Beg, Bellaghy, County Londonderry. His step-father, John Pickerham, was a farm labourer.

21/03/2016

His mother remarried in 1900. John Pickerham / Pickering married Mary Russell on 27th February 1900 in the district of Ballymena.

21/03/2016

Alexander’s father is believed to have died shortly after his birth.

21/03/2016

Alexander Russell was the son of Alexander and Mary Jane Russell. Alexander was born in County Antrim sometime between 1888 and 1893, most like the former.

20/03/2016

In the event of my death, I leave the whole of my effects to my brother. Sam Smyth. 14926 11th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

20/03/2016

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20/03/2016

Last Will and Testament of Samuel Smith dated 27th June 1916:

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20/03/2016

There is a suspicion that Robert is a brother of Samuel Rowe, but this has not been proved. Private Samuel Rowe is listed as a witness regarding Private Robert John Rowe’s Will, so it seems certain the two were related.

20/03/2016

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20/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Samuel Rowe as the son of Joseph Rowe and also as the husband of Lizzie Rowe of Mullagh, Maghera, Co. Derry.

20/03/2016

Samuel Rowe is also commemorated in Churchtown Presbyterian Church in Tamlaght O’Crilly.

20/03/2016

Private Samuel Rowe has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial in Picardie, France.

20/03/2016

Private Samuel Rowe was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action during the German Spring Offensive on Sat 23rd March 1918.

20/03/2016

Private Rowe had been wounded on three previous occasions.

20/03/2016

He had been home on leave in January 1918.

20/03/2016

Private Samuel Rowe served throughout the war with the 10th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers until the battalion was disbanded in February 1918.

20/03/2016

Samuel Rowe enlisted in Coleraine.

20/03/2016

Samuel Rowe married Lizzie Porter on the 26th June 1915 in the district of Magherafelt. They lived in Mullagh, Maghera.

20/03/2016

There is a suspicion that Samuel is a brother of Robert John Rowe, but this has not been proved. Private Samuel Rowe is listed as a witness regarding Private Robert John Rowe’s Will, so it seems certain the two were related.

20/03/2016

Samuel Rowe was the son of Joseph Rowe. He was born in Tamlaght O’Crilly, Upperlands about 1887.

20/03/2016

In his will he left all to his sister, Mrs Sarah Collins, who also lived in Drumoolish.

20/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Robert John Rowe as the brother of Mrs Sarah Collins of Drumoolish, Upperlands, Co. Derry.

20/03/2016

Private Rowe has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

20/03/2016

Private Robert John Rowe was serving with the 10th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on Saturday 1st July 1916.

20/03/2016

Robert Rowe enlisted in Londonderry.

20/03/2016

The 1911 census lists John as age 11 living with the family at house 12 in Drumoolish, Tamlaght, Upperlands. He was still at school. His father was a widower.

20/03/2016

Robert’s mother, Esther Rowe, died in the Coleraine district on 26th December 1905, aged 45. Robert was 7 years old.

20/03/2016

Family: Joseph Rowe, Esther Rowe, Sarah Rowe (born 10th August 1880), Margaret Rowe (born 28th February 1882), James Rowe (born 27th February 1884), Annie Rowe (born 29th October 1887), Joseph Rowe (born 9th September 1888), Jane Rowe (born 27th May 1890), William Rowe (born 21st March 1892), Esther Rowe (born 2nd April 1894), Elizabeth Rowe (born 8th October 1896), Robert John Rowe (born 5th April 1898), Thomas Bolton Rowe (born 25th October 1900), Sammie Rowe (born about 1902).

20/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Robert John as age 3 living with the family at house 27 in Drumoolish, Tamlaght, County Londonderry. They were a farming family.

20/03/2016

Robert John Rowe was born on 5th April 1898.

20/03/2016

Robert Rowe was the son of Joseph and Esther Rowe. Joseph Rowe married Esther Holmes on 16th December 1878 in the district of Magherafelt.

20/03/2016

In August 1915, At his own residence at Drumoolish, Tamlaght O’Crilly, Upperlands, Co. Derry, Ireland. In case anything happens to me, I leave all I possess to my sister, Mrs Collins, Drumoolish. Mr William Collins, Drumoolish, was present at the time and heard the statement made. Signed by Private Samuel Rowe, 19170, of the 10th Inniskilling Fusiliers and by James McCaskey, 2nd Lieutenant of the 10th Inniskilling Fusiliers.

20/03/2016

00567

20/03/2016

00566

20/03/2016

Last Will and Testament of Private Robert John Rowe dated August 1915:

20/03/2016

‘His unfailing good nature, his readiness to work and his ability to smile when circumstances were made him a favourite with all. We feel the loss of a friend.’

20/03/2016

Official intimation has been received by Mr John McCotter, 11th Light Trench Mortar Battery, A.I.F., died on 26th March 1917 at the 2nd Casually Clearing Station, France, suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest. Lance Corporal McCotter paid a short visit home some months ago. He emigrated to Australia four or five years ago and responded to the call of the motherland at the outbreak of hostilities. Lieutenant Wilson, O.C. of the section to which the deceased was attached writes:-

20/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 28th April 1917:

20/03/2016

A reception committee was headed by Mr W J Henry J.P. awaiting the arrival of the 5:52 on Tuesday to bid a hearty welcome to Sergeant John McCotter, Australian Infantry Corps, on a short leave to his father Mr John McCotter, Lisnagrot. He left on Tuesday.

20/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 2nd December 1916:

20/03/2016

Sergeant William James Richmond is also commemorated on Lislea L.O.L. war memorial.

20/03/2016

James Richmond, age 27, Australian Infantry Corps, son of Mrs J Richmond, late of Lislea, Kilrea, now resident at 15 Bridge Street, Leven, Fife, Scotland. Deeply beloved.

20/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 17th February 1917:

20/03/2016

His mother lived at 15 Bridge Street, Leven, Fife, Scotland.

19/03/2016

Pte. Robert McCracken

Private Robert McCracken is commemorated on a plaque in Upperlands Protestant Hall.

19/03/2016

Pte. Robert McCracken

Robert had just arrived back on the front line on New Year’s Eve following a spell in hospital. He was hit by a shell splinter and was killed instantly.

19/03/2016

Pte. Robert McCracken

00565

19/03/2016

Pte. John McMullan

00564

19/03/2016

McDonald missing since 1st July 1916, now officially reported killed on that date or since. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife and three children, Tyanee, Portglenone.

19/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 28th July 1917:

19/03/2016

Robert and Ellen had three children and lived at Tyanee, Portglenone.

19/03/2016

00563

19/03/2016

L/Corp Albert Murphy

00562

19/03/2016

L/Corp Albert Murphy

Lance Corporal Albert Murphy is commemorated on the WW1 memorial in the grounds of Kildollagh Parish Church (St Pauls) at Loughan.

19/03/2016

Death of John Gamble, son of James (in Glasgow) and brother of David (in Kilrea). A regular soldier with three years’ service, he left for France on 1st September 1914 and on 28th October 1914 he was wounded at Ypres. On return from hospital he was shot through the head by a sniper in Belgium. He has another brother, Thomas, in the Royal Horse Artillery.

19/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 14th August 1915:

19/03/2016

Another brother, Thomas Gamble, served with the Royal Horse Artillery.

19/03/2016

His eldest brother, David Gamble, was listed as an Army Pensioner, aged 22. It is assumed that he was injured in the Boer War

19/03/2016

On 28th October 1914 he was wounded at Ypres and as a result spent some time in hospital.

19/03/2016

Private Gamble left for France on 1st September 1914.

19/03/2016

The 1901 census lists John as age 5 living with the family at house 17 in Kilrea, Londonderry. His father was a railway porter and a widower.

19/03/2016

John’s mother, Eliza Gamble, died on the eve of Christmas on 23rd December 1899. She was 47 years old. John was just four years old.

19/03/2016

Known family: James Gamble, Elizabeth Gamble, Elizabeth Gamble (born 7th March 1877, Clough in Ballymena), David Gamble (born 25th August 1878, Clough in Ballymena), Isabella Gamble (born 3rd January 1881, Clough in Ballymena), John Gamble (born 20th January 1882, Clough in Ballymena), Robert Gamble (born 7th April 1883, Clough in Ballymena), Thomas Gamble (born 1st April 1885, Kilrea), William James Gamble (born 23rd July 1887, Kilrea), Sarah Gamble (born 30th October 1889, Kilrea, died 30th November 1896) , Mary Ellen Gamble (born 13th April 1892, Kilrea), John Gamble (born 11th April 1895, Kilrea).

19/03/2016

John Gable was born in Kilrea on 11th April 1895. He was on of 10 known children.

19/03/2016

The family were originally lived on the Ballymena area but moved to Kilrea about 1884.

19/03/2016

00561

19/03/2016

The CWGC record Private John Gamble as the son of James Gamble of 42 Palermo Street, Springburn, Glasgow.

19/03/2016

Private John Gamble is buried in Cambrin Churchyard Extension. Cambrin is a village about 24 kilometres north of Arras and about 8 kilometres east of Bethune.

19/03/2016

After returning to the front, Private John Gamble was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards when he was killed in action when he shot through the head by a sniper in Belgium on 27th July 1915.

19/03/2016

John Gamble enlisted in Glasgow around 1912.

19/03/2016

John Gamble was the son of James and Eliza Gamble. James Gamble married Elizabeth Martin in the district of Ballymena on 27th January 1877.

18/03/2016

Corporal David William Ritchie is commemorated in 1st Kilrea Presbyterian Church.

18/03/2016

00560

18/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Thomas McLaughlin as the son of Smyth and Annie McLaughlin, of 14 Wilton Drive, Glasgow.

18/03/2016

Private McLaughlin has no known grave and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial in Turkey.

18/03/2016

Thomas McLaughlin was serving with the C Company, 7th Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry in Gallipoli when he died on Monday 12th July 1915.

18/03/2016

Thomas McLaughlin enlisted in Glasgow.

18/03/2016

The family apparently moved to Glasgow before 1901 as no census record can be found.

18/03/2016

Thomas McLaughlin was the son of Smyth and Annie McLaughlin. He was born in Kilrea about 1894.

18/03/2016

The CWGC have incorrectly named him W G Magill.

18/03/2016

There is no mention of Private William McGill in the Scottish Evening Times Roll of Honour.

18/03/2016

Private W McGill is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery.

18/03/2016

Private William McGill died of his wounds at No 764 Field Ambulance on Wednesday 19th May 1915.

18/03/2016

Private William McGill was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards when he was wounded at the Battle of Festubert. It is believed he was injured while trying to charge a machine-gun nest.

18/03/2016

William McGill lived at 11 Hopehill Road, Maryhill, Glasgow.

18/03/2016

William John McGill was born in Kilrea.

18/03/2016

Alexander’s brother William McDonald also served during the war. He was a prisoner of war for more than two years.

18/03/2016

Private McDonald has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

18/03/2016

Private Alexander McDonald was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment when he was killed in action at France & Flanders on Sunday 3rd September 1916. He was 21 years old.

18/03/2016

Alexander McDonald enlisted in Coleraine.

18/03/2016

The 1911 census lists Alexander as age 15 boarding with his mother and sister at house 55 in Coleraine Street, Kilrea.

18/03/2016

Alexander’s father, William McDonald, appears to have died on in Kilrea on 22nd November 1901, aged 45.

18/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Alexander as age 7 living with the family at house 15 in Coleraine Street, Kilrea, County Londonderry. His father was described as a ‘dealer’.

18/03/2016

Known family: William McDonald, Lizzie McDonald, Mary Anne McDonald (born 18th January 1886), Catherine McDonald (born 27th January 1888), Elizabeth McDonald (born 11th July 1890), William James McDonald (born 24th December 1892), Alexander McDonald (born 29th July 1895).

18/03/2016

Alexander McDonald was born 29th July 1895 in Kilrea.

18/03/2016

Alexander McDonald was the son of William and Lizzie McDonald. William McDonald married Elizabeth Gilmore on 12th March 1885 in the district of Ballymoney.

18/03/2016

Information has been received by Mrs Eddie Darragh that her cousin Guardsman Samuel Loughrey was killed in action on 25th January 1916. He left the district three years earlier for Glasgow after serving his apprenticeship to the boot trade and joined up at the outbreak of war.

18/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 25th March 1916:

18/03/2016

Private Sam Loughrey is buried in Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery. just south of the town of Souchez and eleven kilometres north of Arras.

18/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Sam Loughrey as the son of Samuel Loughrey of Movanagher, Kilrea, County Londonderry.

18/03/2016

Guardsman Sam Loughrey was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards when he was killed in action at Cuinchy on Monday 25th January 1915.

18/03/2016

Sam Loughrey enlisted in Glasgow at the outbreak of war.

18/03/2016

After serving his apprenticeship to the boot trade, about 1913, Sam left Kilrea for Glasgow.

18/03/2016

The 1911 census lists Samuel as age 16 living with the family at house 2 in Tamlaght, Kilrea. Sam had left school and was an apprentice boot maker.

18/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Samuel as age 6 living with the family at house 17 in Mullan, Kilrea, County Londonderry. His father was a farm labourer.

18/03/2016

Family: Samuel Loughrey, Maryann Loughrey, Charles James Loughrey (born 16th April 1882, Kilrea), Daniel Loughrey (born about 1884, Scotland), Eliza Loughrey (born about 1886, Scotland)), Mary Loughrey (born 18th February 1890, Kilrea), Margaret Jane Loughrey (born 8th May 1892, Kilrea), Samuel Loughrey (born 31st October 1894, Kilrea)

18/03/2016

Samuel Loughrey was born on 31st October 1894 in Kilrea.

18/03/2016

Samuel Loughrey was the youngest son of Samuel Loughrey and Mary Ann Loughrey. Samuel Loughrey married Mary Donnelly on 12th July 1881 in the district of Coleraine.

17/03/2016

Lieut George Kirkland

00559

17/03/2016

Private Joseph Bamford Hazlett is also commemorated on the Roll of Honour at Moneydig Presbyterian Church..

17/03/2016

Joseph Hazlett was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 16, Kilrea.

17/03/2016

Private Joseph Bamford Hazlett is also commemorated on the Roll of Honour at Masonic Lodge 16, Kilrea, Co. Londonderry.

17/03/2016

Following training, his regiment sailed from Wellington, New Zealand on 8th January 1916 and reached Suez, Egypt on 8th February 1916. He embarked for France on 9th April 1916 from Alexandria.

17/03/2016

Prior to enlisting Joseph lived in an area known as Forty Trees and worked on a farm for Mr T S Smith.

17/03/2016

00558

17/03/2016

00557

17/03/2016

00556

17/03/2016

00555

17/03/2016

00554

17/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Joseph Bamford Hazlett as the son of Samuel and Nancy Hazlett.

17/03/2016

Private Joseph Bamford Hazlett has no known grave and is commemorated on Caterpillar Valley (New Zealand) Memorial.

17/03/2016

Private Joseph Bamford Hazlett was serving with the 9th Reinforcements, 'D' Company, 2nd Battalion of the Otago Regiment when he was killed in action at the Somme on 15th September 1916.

17/03/2016

Joseph Bamford Hazlett enlisted on 29th October 1915 at Trentham Military Camp, near Wellington. He gave is next of kin as his father, living in Moneydig.

17/03/2016

He lived in an area known as Forty Trees.

17/03/2016

At some stage, probably around 1910, a few of the children, including Joseph emigrated to New Zealand.

17/03/2016

Following his education, Joseph became a farm labourer, probably working on the family farm.

17/03/2016

School for the family was Moneydig National School. Joseph entered school on 3rd August 1897 along with his brother, Hugh Brown Hazlett. Moneydig National School would later be known as Moneydig Public Elementary School (circa 1908), then Moneydig Primary School.

17/03/2016

The family church was Moneydig Presbyterian Church and Joseph was baptised there on 4th December 1887.

17/03/2016

The 1911 census does not list Joseph as living with the family at house 14 in Moneydig, Bovagh, Londonderry. Samuel Hazlett was listed as a farmer and also a local Justice of the Peace (J.P.).

17/03/2016

The 1901 census does not list Joseph as living with the family at house 22 in Moneydig, Bovagh, County Londonderry. They were a farming family.

17/03/2016

Oddly, there is absolutely no record of his birth with GRONI, nor is he listed in any census.

17/03/2016

Family: Samuel Hazlett, Nancy Hazlett, Matilda Hazlett (born 23rd May 1876), Annie Hazlett (born 31st May 1877), Jane Hazlett (born 13th September 1878), Thomas Hazlett (born 14th May 1882), Robert Hazlett (born 30th June 1883), Samuel Hazlett (born 22nd February 1886), Barbara Hazlett (born about 1885), Joseph Bamford Hazlett (born 23/09/1887), Mary S M Hazlett 11 (born 29th July 1890), Hugh Brown Hazlett (born 29th July 1890), William Hazlett (born 23rd January 1892), Margaret Hazlett (born 1st April 1895)

17/03/2016

Joseph Bamford Hazlett was born on 23rd September 1887. He was one of eight surviving children of a total of twelve.

17/03/2016

Joseph Hazlett was born the son of Samuel and Nancy Hazlett. Samuel Hazlett married Nancy Knox on 29th July 1875 in the district of Coleraine.

17/03/2016

Official intimation has been received by Mr John Graham that his son Lance Corporal R Graham has been killed in action on the 11th. He had just returned a week previously from Glasgow where he had been a visit to his wife and children. He volunteered at the outbreak of the war in Glasgow and was shot through the head by a sniper.

17/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 22nd January 1916

17/03/2016

MUCH OF THE IMFORMATION ON ROBERT’S EARLY LIFE IS SPECULATIVE AND REQUIRES CONFIRMATION

17/03/2016

Robert's brother John served with the Australian forces. He was injured and had a leg amputated but survived the war.

17/03/2016

The CWGC record Lance Corporal Robert Graham as the son of the late John and Mary Ann Morrison Graham. He is also recorded as the husband of Sarah Graham, of 16 Queen's Hill Street, Springburn, Glasgow.

17/03/2016

Lance Corporal Graham has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate in Ypres.

17/03/2016

Robert had just returned a week previously from Glasgow where he had been a visit to his wife and children.

17/03/2016

Lance Corporal Robert Graham was serving with the 10th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry when he was killed in action on 11th January 1916. He was shot through the head by a sniper

17/03/2016

Robert Graham volunteered at the outbreak of the war and enlisted in Sunderland.

17/03/2016

Robert lived with his wife Sarah and children at 16 Queen's Hill Street, Springburn, Glasgow.

17/03/2016

The 1911 census does not list Robert as living with the family at house 5 in Bridge Street, Kilrea. His father was now a publican.

17/03/2016

Robert went to live in Glasgow, Scotland.

17/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Robert as age 11 living with the family at house 6 in Bridge Street, Kilrea, County Londonderry. His father was a spirit merchant.

17/03/2016

Unconfirmed possible family: John Graham, Mary J Graham, John Graham (born 2nd May 1887), Robert Graham (born 11th July 1889), Alexander Graham (born 11th November 1895).

17/03/2016

According to the 1911 census, John Graham married Mary J G Graham about 1898.

17/03/2016

Robert Graham was the son of John Graham. Robert was born on 11th July 1889 in Kilrea.

16/03/2016

Obituary. Gilmore at Manchester Royal Infirmary on 25th January 1917, Private William Gilmore late of Drumane, Kilrea, remembered by his sister and brothers

16/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 3rd February 1917:

16/03/2016

There is a Private William Gilmore listed on the WW1 Roll of Honour in Bellaghy Masonic Lodge.

16/03/2016

Private W Gilmore is buried in Manchester Southern Cemetery.

16/03/2016

Private William Gilmore died of illness in Manchester Royal Infirmary on Monday 22nd January 1917.

16/03/2016

Following the battalion’s return to England from Salonika on 21st November 1916, Private Gilmore was admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary.

16/03/2016

Private William Gilmore then became part of the 2nd Garrison Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers.

16/03/2016

He was with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers for a time (No 19145).

16/03/2016

William enlisted in Kilrea shortly after the outbreak of war. He was living in Coleraine at the time.

16/03/2016

He lived for a time in Coleraine before coming to live in Drumane, Kilrea.

16/03/2016

William Gilmore was born in Garvagh about 1891.

16/03/2016

Mr John Gilmore of Reastown, whose son Private Robert Gilmour, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was reported missing since 1st July, has been informed that the body has been found and buried in France.

16/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 1st September 1917:

16/03/2016

Private Robert Gilmour, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Drumane, Kilrea, posted missing.

16/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 22nd July 1916:

16/03/2016

Robert apparently had a brother called James, who also served in the same battalion. He was wounded in the face. He was employed at Mr John Bloomfield’s shoe making business in Kilrea and enlisted soon after the war started. He survived the war. No confirmation of this can be found.

16/03/2016

Private R Gilmore is buried in Mill Road Cemetery, in the shadow of the Ulster Tower at Thiepval.

16/03/2016

His death was confirmed in September when the family were informed that the body has been found and buried in France.

16/03/2016

Private Robert Gilmore was serving with the 10th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, when he was reported missing / killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on Saturday 1st July 1916.

16/03/2016

Robert Gilmore enlisted in Kilrea.

16/03/2016

Robert was a member of Boveedy L.O.L.

16/03/2016

The 1911 census lists Robert as age 27 living with his family at house 11 in Drumane, Hervey Hill. Robert was a farm labourer.

16/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Robert as age 15 living with his family at house 21 in Drumane, Hervey Hill, Kilrea, County Londonderry. Robert had left school and worked as a car driver. His father was a Surface Man on Road.

16/03/2016

Known family: John Gilmore, Mary Gilmore (born about 1877), Annie Gilmour (born about 1882), Catherine Gilmore (born about 1884), Robert Gilmore (born about 1886), Samuel Gilmore (born about 1893), Sarah Jane Gilmore (born about 1894).

16/03/2016

On almost all documentation, his Regimental number is 19144, except with the CWGC, where it is 9144. This is believed to be a mistake and have asked the CWGC for clarification.

16/03/2016

The spelling of the family name varies throughout, both Gilmore and Gilmour being used. The CWGC used Gilmore.

16/03/2016

Robert Gilmore was the son of John and Sarah Gilmore. Robert was born about 1886 in the Drumane area of Kilrea.

15/03/2016

00553

14/03/2016

00552

14/03/2016

00551

14/03/2016

The CWGC record Sapper Nathaniel Ferguson as the son of John and Jane Ferguson, of Comber, County Down. He is also recorded as husband of Lillie McCaw Ferguson, of Letaville, Kilrea, County Derry.

14/03/2016

Sapper Ferguson is also commemorated on Comber War Memorial.

14/03/2016

Sapper Ferguson is commemorated on the Hunter family memorial plaque in St Patrick’s Parish Church, Kilrea.

14/03/2016

Sapper Ferguson was buried in Saint Marie Cemetery in Le Havre.

14/03/2016

Sapper Nathaniel Ferguson died of illness on Friday 1st January 1915.

14/03/2016

In December 1914 he Sapper Ferguson became ill with blood poisoning.

14/03/2016

Sapper Ferguson worked for Postal Section of the Royal Engineers. He was based at Le Havre, France.

14/03/2016

Nathaniel Ferguson enlisted in London.

14/03/2016

Nathaniel joined Masonic Lodge No. 16, Kilrea.

14/03/2016

The family moved to Letaville, Kilrea.

14/03/2016

Known family: Nathaniel Ferguson (born about 1879), Elizabeth McCaw Ferguson (born about 1884), Maria Lela Ferguson (born 27th November 1909).

14/03/2016

The 1911 census lists Nathaniel as age 32 living with his family at house 83 in Belmont Church Road, Victoria (part of), County Down. He was working for the Post office as a Sorting Clerk and Telegraphist S S T.

14/03/2016

They had one known child, Maria Lela Ferguson, born 27th November 1909 in Belfast.

14/03/2016

Nathaniel married Elizabeth McCaw Hunter in the district of Castlereagh on 2nd July 1906.

14/03/2016

Nathaniel Ferguson was the son of John and Jane Ferguson. Nathaniel was born in Comber, County Down around 1879.

14/03/2016

00549

14/03/2016

00550

14/03/2016

In the event of my death I give all my ?? to my father. Address unreadable.

14/03/2016

Last Will and Testament of Private Patrick Diamond dated 30th December 1915

14/03/2016

Possible family: John Diamond, Alice Diamond, Henry Diamond (born 1872), Kate Diamond (born 1874), Maggie Diamond (born 1876), Rosella Diamond (born 1880), Patrick Diamond (born 1886).

14/03/2016

The CWGC record Rifleman Patrick Diamond as the son of Mrs Mary Diamond of Gortmacrane, Kilrea, County Londonderry.

14/03/2016

Rifleman Patrick Diamond has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

14/03/2016

His mother died on 7th January 1920.

14/03/2016

On the 30th June 1916, five men were killed in action as the result of shellfire in the Somme region. Rifleman Patrick Diamond was one of them.

14/03/2016

He was then in hospital another time before being sent home to recuperate in Kilrea.

14/03/2016

Rifleman Diamond was wounded on the 25th September 1915.

14/03/2016

Rifleman Patrick Diamond had done about sixteen years in the army and served throughout the South African Campaign.

14/03/2016

Rifleman Diamond was given leave at this time and arrived home in Kilrea for a full week.

14/03/2016

The 1st Battalion was in Aden when war was declared and embarked for the U.K. on 27th September arriving at Liverpool on 22nd October 1914.

14/03/2016

The 1911 census does not list Patrick as living with the family at house 1 in Claragh, Kilrea. His mother was a widow. They were farmers.

14/03/2016

The 1901 census does not list Patrick as living with the family at house 2 in Claragh, Kilrea, County Londonderry. His father was a farmer.

14/03/2016

Patrick Diamond enlisted in Belfast around 1900 and was with 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles.

14/03/2016

The family lived in Claragh, just north of Kilrea.

14/03/2016

Patrick was born in Kilrea about 1886.

14/03/2016

According to other resources (see references) Patrick Diamond was the son of John & Alice Diamond. The CWGC record his mother as Mary.

13/03/2016

00548

13/03/2016

00547

13/03/2016

00546

13/03/2016

Private William Caldwell is commemorated on the Roll of Honour in St Paul’s Church in Garvagh and on Garvagh War Memorial.

13/03/2016

Private W Caldwell is buried in Berks Cemetery, which is located twelve kilometres south of Ypres.

13/03/2016

Private William Caldwell was serving with 10th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action on Saturday 20th January 1917. He was killed by shellfire alongside Private John Ross Cochrane and Lance Corporal A Leacock.

13/03/2016

Private William Caldwell went to France in October of 1915 and was based near the two small French villages of Mesnil and Martinsart before the start of the Battle of the Somme.

13/03/2016

William enlisted in Kilrea, possibly in 1914.

13/03/2016

The 1911 census lists William as age 29 living with the family at house 72 in Main Street, Garvagh, County Londonderry. William was a rural postman and his father was a gardener.

13/03/2016

The 1901 census lists William as age 22 living with the family at house 30 in Sarvagh, Garvagh, County Londonderry. William was a postman. His father was a farmer. His mother was a seamstress.

13/03/2016

Family: James Caldwell, Elizabeth Caldwell, Margaret Caldwell (born 8th September 1874), Eliza Caldwell (born 15th August 1876), William Caldwell (born 15th December 1878), Mary Jeannie Caldwell (born 30th April 1880), James Caldwell (born 21st November 1882), Alexander Caldwell (born 24th June 1885), Sarah Caldwell (born 21st August 1890).

13/03/2016

William Caldwell was born in Garvagh on 15th December 1878. He was one of six surviving children.

13/03/2016

William Caldwell was the eldest son of James and Eliza Caldwell. James Caldwell married Elizabeth Harrison on 1st July 1874 in the district of Coleraine.

13/03/2016

00545

13/03/2016

If anything happens to me in the war, I leave all that s coming to me from the War Office to my friend, Mary Walker of Coleraine Street, Kilrea. Dan Blann. Witness, John Higarty.

13/03/2016

Last Will and Testament of Private Daniel Blann dated 19th February 1917:

13/03/2016

00544

13/03/2016

Official intimation has been received by Mrs Walker, Coleraine Street that Private Daniel Bland died from pneumonia and measles in hospital in France. Private Bland visited Kilrea three weeks ago and was in good health. The Chaplain of the Battalion has written a sympathetic letter to Mrs Walker.

13/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 31st March 1917:

13/03/2016

Private Daniel Blann, 7th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, arrived home on Monday evening on leave from France where he has been for over twelve months.

13/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 7th February 1917:

13/03/2016

Two more recruits leave Kilrea, J Dallas of Carnroe and Dan Bland of Coleraine Street.

13/03/2016

From the Northern Constitution dated 26th June 1915:

13/03/2016

In his will, Daniel left all to his friend Mrs Walker of Coleraine Street, Kilrea.

13/03/2016

Private D Blann is buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery. Puchevillers is a village about 19 kilometres north-east of Amiens in France.

13/03/2016

Private Daniel Blann was serving with the 7th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died of illness in hospital in France on Friday 16th March 1917.

13/03/2016

Private Daniel Blann contracted measles and pneumonia shortly afterwards.

13/03/2016

The local newspaper reports that he was home on leave in February 1917.

13/03/2016

Daniel Blann enlisted in June 1915.

13/03/2016

The 1911 census lists Daniel as age 30 boarding at house 23 in Coleraine Street, Kilrea, County Londonderry with Mrs Mary Walker. He was working as a general labourer.

13/03/2016

The 1901 census lists a James Bland, age 20, living with relatives at house 43 in Coleraine Street, Kilrea.

13/03/2016

Daniel Blann was born about 1881 in Kilrea.

13/03/2016

The CWGC record Lance Corporal Thomas Adams as the son of John and Mary Adams of Claragh, Kilrea, Co. Derry and as a native of Claragh.

13/03/2016

Lance Corporal Thomas Adams is also commemorated on a plaque in 1st Kilrea Presbyterian Church and on the family headstone in the church grounds.

13/03/2016

Lance Corporal Adams is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. Etaples is a town about 27 kilometres south of Boulogne. During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense concentrations of Commonwealth reinforcement camps and hospitals.

13/03/2016

After receiving news of his son’s death, Mr Adams was visited by Driver Joseph Hegarty, Motor Transport, who was on furlough. Driver Hegarty and Thomas were close friends in civilian life in Glasgow.

13/03/2016

Lance Corporal Thomas Adams died of his wounds a few days later on Saturday 28th April 1917. He was 41 years old.

13/03/2016

In April he was seriously wounded. He was removed to a casualty clearing station and then to a hospital in Etaples. Injuries to his right leg meant it had to be amputated.

13/03/2016

Thomas Adams was sent to France in February 1917.

13/03/2016

Thomas Adams enlisted and joined the Gordon Highlanders and served with them throughout his time in the army.

13/03/2016

Thomas set up in business in Glasgow a few years previous to the war.

13/03/2016

The 1911 census does not list Thomas as living with the family at house 12 in Claragh, Kilrea.

13/03/2016

The 1901 census does not list Thomas as living with the family at house 16 in Claragh, Kilrea, County Londonderry.

13/03/2016

They were a farming family that lived at Claragh House, north of Kilrea.

13/03/2016

Family: John Adams (born about 1841), Mary Adams (nee Alexander, born about 1851), Thomas Adams (born 5th June 1875, mother nee Bradley), Robert Adams (born 18th December 1877), Annie Adams (born 5th March 1879), Sara Adams (born 16th November 1880), Isabella Adams (born 6th March 1882), Elizabeth R Adams (born 29th October 1883), Samuel Adams (born 24th February 1886), Torrans A Adams (born 20th March 1890), William Adams (born 25th September 1894).

13/03/2016

John Adams married Mary Alexander on 7th December 1876 in the district of Coleraine. They had eight children.

13/03/2016

His mother died one year later on 24th June 1876. She was 30 years old.

13/03/2016

Thomas Adams was born on 5th June 1875 in Kilrea and baptised on 13th August of the same year.

12/03/2016

Thomas Adams was the son of John and Mary Adams. John Adams married Mary Bradley on 8th June 1870 in the district of Coleraine.

12/03/2016

00542

12/03/2016

00543

11/03/2016

The CWGC record Rifleman Edward Robinson as the son of John Robinson of Kilvillis, Toomebridge, County Antrim.

11/03/2016

Edward Robinson is also commemorated on the Craigavad Roll of Honour in County Down.

11/03/2016

Rifleman Robinson has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

11/03/2016

Rifleman Edward Robinson was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme on Saturday 1st July 1916.

11/03/2016

Edward Robinson enlisted in Randalstown .He was living in Toome at the time.

11/03/2016

Edward Robinson was the son of John Robinson. Edward was born in Grange, County Antrim about 1887.

10/03/2016

00541

10/03/2016

The CWGC record Corporal D W Ritchie as the son of Sarah Ritchie of Kilrea, County Londonderry and the late John Ritchie.

10/03/2016

Corporal Ritchie is buried at Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

10/03/2016

Reports suggest he did not die as the result of enemy action.

10/03/2016

Corporal David William Ritchie was serving with the North Irish Horse when he died in France on Wednesday 17th March 1915.

10/03/2016

David enlisted in Kilrea.

10/03/2016

John Ritchie died on 1st February 1912 in Kilrea. He was 75 years old.

10/03/2016

The 1911 census lists David William as age 24 living with the family at house 2 in Kilrea. He was working on his father’s farm.

10/03/2016

The 1901 census lists David William as age 14 living with the family at house 20 in Kilrea, Londonderry. David was still at school. They were a farming family.

10/03/2016

Family: John Ritchie, Sarah Ritchie, Mary Anne Ritchie (born 27th April 1880), John Ritchie (born 1st March 1882), Elizabeth Lizzie Ritchie (born 28th March 1884), David William Ritchie (born 10th November 1886).

10/03/2016

David William Ritchie was born on 10th November 1886. He was one of four children.

10/03/2016

David William Ritchie was the youngest child of John and Sarah Ritchie. John Ritchie married Sarah Patton on 26th January 1879 in the district of Magherafelt.

10/03/2016

00540

10/03/2016

00539

10/03/2016

00538

10/03/2016

The CWGC record that the inscription on the gravestone was signed off by a Mrs M Richmond of 282 Castle Street, Glasgow.

10/03/2016

Private William Richmond is buried in Harlebeke New British Cemetery. The cemetery is located 32 kilometres east of Ypres in Belgium

10/03/2016

Harlebeke village was taken on the night of 19-20 October 1918 by the 9th (Scottish) Division.

10/03/2016

Private William Richmond was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he died on Monday 21st October 1918, just a couple of weeks before the war ended.

10/03/2016

William Richmond was born in Kilrea.

10/03/2016

00537

10/03/2016

00533

10/03/2016

00536

10/03/2016

00535

10/03/2016

00534

10/03/2016

00532

10/03/2016

00530

10/03/2016

00529

10/03/2016

00531

10/03/2016

00528

10/03/2016

William's British War Medal (38508) was acquired from a dealer in Melbourne, Victoria in July 2007 and is now in the Harrower Collection.

10/03/2016

The CWGC record Sergeant William James Richmond as the son of Joseph and Lizzie Richmond, of 10, Triangle Place, Leven, Fifeshire, Scotland.

10/03/2016

William had two brothers who also served. Private 54621 Alexander Richmond and Private 2643 Joseph Richmond both served with the 34th Battalion as well.

10/03/2016

Sergeant Richmond is buried in Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery.

10/03/2016

According to reports, Sergeant Richmond was killed by shrapnel at Armentieres and buried in a cemetery at same place.

10/03/2016

Sergeant William James ‘Bully’ Richmond was serving with the 34th Battalion of the Australian Infantry when he was killed in action on 26th of January 1917.

10/03/2016

On 27th November the Battalion went into the line in the L'Epinette Sector. The sector taken over had been held by the Northumberland Fusiliers, whom the 34th Battalion relieved.

10/03/2016

The following morning the Battalion moved to Le Harve Railway Station, leaving D Company behind. On arrival at the Station entraining commenced at 8:00 am and the train left at 11:15am. The journey was slow and occupied until 4:30pm on the 24th. On arrival at Bailleul the men detrained and marched to Outtersteene. D Company arrived at 4:00pm the following day. The Battalion rested here in billets for two days previous to taking over garrison duties in the line at Armenties.

10/03/2016

The 34th Battalion left Larkhill on the 21st November and entrained at Amesbury for Southampton, embarking on the S.S "Arundel". The Battalion arrived at Le Harve, France on the 22nd November 1916. Disembarkation commenced at 8:00am and the Battalion marched to No 1 camp on the Hill, arriving at 2:00pm.

10/03/2016

Here the Battalion transferred to S.S."Aragon", E867. Some Australian Details were on board, also a number of Tommies going to England on Furlough. Devonport was reached on the 23rd June, the Battalion disembarked at Plymouth at 1:00pm and entrained during the afternoon for Amesbury, arriving at midnight and marching to hutments at No: 1 Camp, Larkhill. Here the Battalion settled down training. Later the Battalion moved to the No: 25 Camp and finished off their training, which included six days' battle practice and field work at the Bustard Trenches.

10/03/2016

The voyage to England was without any unusual incidents and a good passage throughout. Suez was reached on 8th June, where a party of Light Horse and some details were disembarked. Arriving at Port Said on 9th, the ship coaled and proceeded to Alexandria which was reached on 11th June 1916.

10/03/2016

On 1st May 1916, the Battalion left by Train from Farley Station for the Showground in Sydney, equipped with kit bags and necessary clothing, and was reviewed in Moore Park by General RAMACCOTTI. On the following morning, 2nd May 1916, the men embarked on the transport HMAT A20 "HORORATA" and sailed at 4:00pm

10/03/2016

William James Richmond enlisted with A Company, 34th Battalion AIF on the 11th of December 1915 and was an original member of the Battalion with the rank of Lance Sergeant.

10/03/2016

Prior to enlisting William was a single 26 year old Farmer from Gunnedah, New South Wales.

10/03/2016

William emigrated to Australia.

10/03/2016

The 1911 census does not list William as living with the family at house 1 in Lislea, Tamlaght, County Londonderry.

10/03/2016

William's father died on 22nd May 1910 in Kilrea. He was 63 years old.

10/03/2016

The 1901 census lists William J as age 11 living with the family at house 4 in Moneygran, Kilrea, County Londonderry. Joseph Richmond was a farm labourer.

10/03/2016

Known family: Joseph Richmond, Lizzie Richmond, Alexander Richmond, Christina Richmond (born 20th November 1887), William James Richmond (born 31st October 1889), Robert J Richmond (born 13th November 1891), Mary Richmond (born 12th November 1893), Joseph Richmond (born 25th May 1897), Elizabeth Richmond (born 30th October 1899).

10/03/2016

William James Richmond was born on 31st October 1889 in Kilrea.

10/03/2016

William Richmond was the son of Joseph and Lizzie Richmond (nee Waddell). Lizzie was Scottish and no record of a marriage can be found in GRONI, so it may be assumed they were married in Scotland.

09/03/2016

00527

09/03/2016

The CWGC record Private Thomas John Richardson as the son of Mariah Richardson, of Ballynagarve, Magherafelt, Co. Derry, and the late James Richardson.

09/03/2016

Private Thomas Richardson is buried in Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery.

09/03/2016

Private Thomas Richardson was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died of wounds in France & Flanders on Tuesday 31st July 1917.

09/03/2016

His father, James Richardson, died on 6th January 1915 in the Magherafelt area, aged 58.

09/03/2016

Thomas Richardson enlisted in Glasgow.

09/03/2016

The 1911 census lists Thomas John as age 17 living with the family at house 20 in Ballynagarve, Ballyronan. Thomas was working on his father’s farm.

09/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Thomas as age 5 living with the family at house 20 in Ballynagarve, Ballyronan, County Londonderry. James Richardson was a farm labourer.

09/03/2016

Family: James Richardson, Mariah Richardson, Mary Jane Richardson (born 30th June 1888), James Alexander Richardson (born 28th January 1892), Thomas John Richardson (born 24th June 1894).

09/03/2016

Thomas John Richardson was born 24th June 1894. He was one of three children.

09/03/2016

00526

09/03/2016

Thomas Richardson was the youngest son of James and Mariah Richardson. James Richardson married Maria Glassey on 7th June 1881 in Desertcreat Parish Church in Cookstown.

08/03/2016

In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects to my mother, Mrs Ellen Ramsey, Culmore, Kilrea, County Derry, Ireland. Robert Ramsey. Sgt 18672. 12th Royal Irish Rifles

08/03/2016

00525

08/03/2016

Last Will and Testament of Sergeant Robert Ramsey dated 20th July 1916:

08/03/2016

00524

08/03/2016

00523

08/03/2016

The CWGC record Sergeant Robert Ramsey as the son of Daniel and Ellen Ramsey of Culmore, Rasharkin, County Antrim.

08/03/2016

Robert Rankin is commemorated in Rasharkin Parish Church (Church of Ireland).

08/03/2016

Sergeant Ramsey is buried in Ration Farm Cemetery, (La Plus Douve Annexe). Ration Farm is located ten kilometres south of Ypres in Belgium.

08/03/2016

Sergeant Robert Ramsey had just fired five rounds and inadvertently stood up straight to reload his rifle when he was hit in the head. A sniper had been waiting for just such a chance. He had been on trench duty and was himself watching for snipers.

08/03/2016

Sergeant Robert Ramsey was serving with the 12th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when he was killed in action at 10:30 on the morning of Wednesday 23rd August 1916.

08/03/2016

Robert was back with his unit in time for the Battle of the Somme and took part in the attack of 1st July. The Battalion had been decimated and was withdrawn for reorganisation. A few days later it was moved to the Messines area of Belgium, and it was here, close to Ration Farm Cemetery, on the evening of 22nd August 1916, that he wrote his last letter home.

08/03/2016

By early June he was again at 4th Army Infantry Training School, for more instruction.

08/03/2016

In January 1916, he is sent to Army Training School for four weeks, but after returning to his unit the weather deteriorates and conditions in the trenches of rain, snow, frost and mud are atrocious.

08/03/2016

By early summer 1915, they were at South Camp at Seaford, on the Sussex coast. It was here that he was made Orderly Sergeant. The extra work meant that during his time at Seaford he was only out of camp on three occasions. Once to London, and twice to Newhaven. From here they were moved in August to Borden Camp in Hants, and by September the weather had turned very wet.

08/03/2016

On being promoted to Lance Corporal, Robert was warned by his superior officers to keep his former mates at a distance and not to associate with them as closely as previously, but his answer to them was that they had always been his pals and nothing was going to change that, not even three stripes.

08/03/2016

He went to Clandeboye Camp for initial training. He wrote to his father and mother at least twice a week. By mid October had already been promoted to Lance Corporal and in a letter home says he won’t be content until he gets the other two stripes.

08/03/2016

Robert Ramsey enlisted in Ballymoney in September 1914.

08/03/2016

Prior to the war, Robert worked in the linen trade and was a linen lapper at W Clarke’s of Upperlands. He is listed on their WW1 Roll of Honour.

08/03/2016

Robert was a member of Ballymaconnelly L.O.L. 360.

08/03/2016

The 1911 census lists James as age 15 living with the family at house 11 in Culmore, Killoquin. Robert had left school and was working as a telegraph messenger.

08/03/2016

The 1901 census lists James as age 5 living with the family at house 5 in Culmore, Killoquin Lower, County Antrim. Daniel Ramsey was a coachman to Captain Armstrong of Culmore.

08/03/2016

Family: Daniel Ramsey, Ellen Ramsey, Thomas Ramsey (born 7th May 1894), Robert Ramsey (born 7th August 1895), Mary Ramsey (born 7th April 1897), Daniel Ramsey (born 2nd December 1901), James William Ramsey (born 24th April 1904).

08/03/2016

Robert Ramsey was born on 7th August 1895 in Kilrea, County Antrim. He was one of five children.

08/03/2016

Robert Ramsey was the second eldest son of Daniel and Ellen Ramsey. Daniel Ramsey married Ellen McMullan on 24th April 1894 in the district of Ballymoney.

07/03/2016

00522

07/03/2016

00521

07/03/2016

The CWGC record Private J Rainey as the son of John and Hannah Rainey, of Aughnahoy, Portglenone, County Antrim.

07/03/2016

Private Rainey is buried in Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontoire, Aisne, France.

07/03/2016

Private James Rainey was serving with the 1st/8th Battalion of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) when he was killed in action in France at the Battle of Beugneux on 29th July 1918.

07/03/2016

In early 1918 the 52nd Lowland Division was moved to the Western Front and eventually they fought in the 2nd Battle of the Marne.

07/03/2016

James disembarked with the battalion on Gallipoli on 14th June 1915, and afterwards moved to the war in Palestine.

07/03/2016

At the outbreak of World War One in August 1914 family stories recollect that Jimmy set off to walk to Randalstown to enlist in the Army, but this is unlikely. There are two reasons for this: firstly in the Battalion history quoted below it states in his death notice that he had enlisted in Glasgow and secondly since his Battalion, the 8th Scottish Rifles, was a Territorial one, he would have been a weekend soldier before the war broke out and so would have to be living in or around Glasgow. His nephew William Rainey (1930-2007) reported that Jimmy worked in the gasworks in Glasgow before the war. The 'Terriers', or 'Saturday Night Soldiers', were not obliged to serve overseas in the event of a crisis and as stated in the extracts only volunteers sailed off to Gallipoli and beyond.

07/03/2016

The 1911 census lists James as age 20 living with the family at house 37 in Aughnahoy, Portglenone. Like his father and brother, James was a farm labourer.

07/03/2016

The 1901 census James as age 10, living with the family at house 45 in Aughnahoy, Portglenone, County Antrim. His father is not listed as living at the address at the time. It is likely that John was coal mining in Scotland at the time, as were several other local people, due to high local unemployment.

07/03/2016

Family: John Rainey, Hannah Rainey, Agnes Rainey (born 23rd June 1883), Henry Rainey (born 16th May 1885), Jane Rainey (born 4th April 1888), James Rainey (born 30th April 1891), Eliza Lizzie Anne Rainey (born 3rd June 1894), Rose Rainey (born 8th April 1897).

07/03/2016

James G Rainey was born on 30th April 1892 in Aughnahoy, Portglenone, County Antrim. He was one of six children.

07/03/2016

James Rainey was the son of youngest son of John and Hannah Rainey. John Rainey married Hannah Greer on 7th August 1882 in the district of Ballymena.

07/03/2016

The CWGC record Petty Officer William Purcell as the son of David and Sarah Purcell.

07/03/2016

Petty Officer Purcell has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

07/03/2016

Petty Officer William Purcell was serving with Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve when he was reported as been killed in action in France on Sunday 4th February 1917. He was 23 years old.

07/03/2016

He contracted scabies and possibly pneumonia aferwards.

07/03/2016

Petty Officer William Purcell served on land in the Royal Naval Division, and was gassed in early November 1916.

07/03/2016

William was living at 27 Hill Street, Anderston, Glasgow when he enlisted on 6th April 1915. He was working as a Tramway Conductor. He gave his next of kin as his cousin, Mrs Ward, who was living at the same address.

07/03/2016

William had lived in New York City as a child, and later in Lancashire, where his parents were born.

07/03/2016

Belfast newspaper reports connect him to Toomebridge, but no direct connection can be found.

07/03/2016

William Purcell was the son of David and Sarah Purcell. William was born 9 August 1893, possibly somewhere in Ireland, but is not listed in GRONI.

06/03/2016

00520

06/03/2016

00519

06/03/2016

The CWGC record Private William Pickering as the son of James and Elizabeth Pickering, of 30 Canal Street, Port Dundas, Glasgow.

06/03/2016

There is no mention of Private William Pickering in the Scottish Evening Times Roll of Honour.

06/03/2016

Private Pickering is buried in Glasgow Western Necropolis.

06/03/2016

Private William Pickering was serving with the 16th Battalion (B Company) of the Highland Light Infantry when he died on Wednesday 15th August 1917.

06/03/2016

William Pickering was the son of James and Elizabeth Pickering. He was born about 1890 in Tobermore.

06/03/2016

Son of James and Isabella (Shiels) Paul, was born May 12, 1893 Maghera, County Derry, Ireland. He made a public confession of his faith in the Presbyterian Church of Maghera at the age of sixteen. His preparatory studies were pursued in the Rainey Endowed School of Magherafelt, Ireland, and he graduated from Lafayette College in 1914. He entered the Seminary at Princeton in the fall of the same year, remaining two years. He became a student in the Assembly’s College, Belfast, for the third year of his theological course. On his return to Ireland from Princeton he joined Queens University Officer Training Corps in Belfast and became a Second Lieutenant in the 16th Royal Irish Rifles, being sent to France in March 1917. He was in every engagement of his division after this and was severely wounded in October 1917 and returned to Ireland on leave in January 1918. On 21st March 1918, he was fatally wounded at St Quentin and died soon after, nine days after the completion of his 25th year. He was buried presumably at St Quentin, France.

06/03/2016

00518

06/03/2016

From unknown document: David Paul

06/03/2016

The CWGC record Second Lieutenant David Paul as the son of James and Isabella Paul.

06/03/2016

Second Lieutenant Paul has no known grave and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial in Picardie, France.

06/03/2016

Second Lieutenant David Paul was serving with the 16th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles when, on 21st March 1918, he was fatally wounded at St Quentin and died the same day. He died nine days after his 25th birthday.

06/03/2016

Second Lieutenant Paul was in every engagement of his division after this and was severely wounded in October 1917 and returned to Ireland on leave in January 1918.

06/03/2016

He became a Second Lieutenant in the 16th Royal Irish Rifles, being sent to France in March 1917.

06/03/2016

He became a student in the Assembly’s College, Belfast, for the third year of his theological course. On his return to Ireland from Princeton he joined Queens University Officer Training Corps in Belfast on 5th June 1916. While at Queens, he lived at 62 University Street, Belfast.

06/03/2016

David graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, in 1914. He entered the Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey, in the fall of the same year, remaining two years.

06/03/2016

His preparatory studies were pursued in the Rainey Endowed School of Magherafelt, Ireland.

06/03/2016

David’s mother, Isabella Paul, died on 2nd July 1903, aged 41 in Maghera. David was 10 years old.

06/03/2016

The 1901 census lists David as age 7 living with the family at house 15 in Crew, Maghera, County Londonderry. James Paul was a farmer.

06/03/2016

Family: James Paul, Isabella F Paul, Margaret S Paul (born 24th January 1892), David Paul (born 12th May 1893), William S Paul (born 11th August 1894), Joshua Joseph Paul (born 22nd August 1895), Robert Paul (born 19th June 1898, died 9th June 1899), James A Paul (born 30th December 1900).

06/03/2016

David Paul was born on 12th May 1893. He was one of five surviving children.

06/03/2016

David Paul was the eldest son of James and Isabella Paul. James Paul and Isabella Shiels were married on 1st April 1891 in the district of Coleraine.

06/03/2016

Archibald Patton is also commemorated in 1st Portglenone Presbyterian Church. A memorial tablet was erected by his brother in Innisrush Parish Church.

06/03/2016

The Auckland Star, dated 13 December 1917, reported that he had been killed in action. It states he had relatives in Whangarei.

06/03/2016

The CWGC record Rifleman Archibald Patton as the son of John and Sarah Patton, of Lydnee, Portglenone, Co. Antrim, Ireland. This should be Tyanee, Portglenone.

06/03/2016

Rifleman Patton is buried in Perth Cemetery (China Wall), which is located 3 kilometres east of Ypres town centre.

06/03/2016

Rifleman Archibald Patton was serving with the 1st Battalion (A Company) of the 3rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade when he was killed in action near Ypres in Belgium on 12th October 1917.

06/03/2016

Another sister, Maria Kyle, was living in Lyndhurst Street, Gisborne, New Zealand.

06/03/2016

His sister, Elizabeth Patton, is named as his next of along with his father. She was living at Seafieldview Road, Auckland, New Zealand.

06/03/2016

Archibald Patton enlisted on 3rd April 1916 at Trentham Military Camp, near Wellington.

06/03/2016

Prior to enlisting Archibald was living in Erua/Taumarunui area of the North Island of New Zealand. He was described as being a settler. He had previously worked for the Railway Depot.

06/03/2016

Archibald Patton emigrated to New Zealand. There was an Archibald Paton, who arrived 25 November 1907 in Wellington.

06/03/2016

The 1911 census does not list Archie as living with the family at house 98 in Tyanee, Clady, County Londonderry.

06/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Archie Patton as age 15 living with the family at house 84 in Tyanee, Claudy, County Londonderry. He was still at school. They were a farming family.

06/03/2016

Family: John Patton, Sarah Patton, William Patton (born 30th September 1873), Annie Patton (born 6th November 1874), Margaret Patton (born 24th April 1876, died 10th September 1886), James Patton (born 20th July 1877), George Patton (born 10th November 1878, died 14th November 1888), John Patton (born 20th November 1880), Elizabeth Patton (born 18th May 1882), Mary Maria Patton (born 24th January 1884), Archibald Patton (born 12th November 1885), Samuel Patton (born 26th August 1887)

06/03/2016

Archibald Patton was born on 12th November 1885 in the Bellaghy / Portglenone area, probably in Tyanee where he lived. He was one of ten children, eight surviving.

06/03/2016

Archibald Patton was the second youngest son of John and Sarah Patton. John Patton and Sarah Crockett were married on 26th December 1872 in the district of Magherafelt.

05/03/2016

00517

05/03/2016

00516

05/03/2016

00515

05/03/2016

00514

05/03/2016

00513

05/03/2016

00512

05/03/2016

00511

05/03/2016

00509

05/03/2016

00508

05/03/2016

00510

05/03/2016

00507

05/03/2016

00506

05/03/2016

The CWGC record Sergeant Alexander Patterson as the son of William and Margaret Patterson of Moyheeland, Draperstown, County Derry, Ireland.

05/03/2016

Alexander Patterson is also commemorated on the memorial in Termoneeny Church, Knockloughrim and on the Roll of Honour in Curran Masonic Hall.

05/03/2016

Sergeant Alexander Patterson has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.

05/03/2016

Acting Sergeant Alexander Hanna Patterson was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he was killed in action on 23rd May 1915.

05/03/2016

Alexander Patterson enlisted in Valcartier on the 22nd September 1914, at the outbreak of war. He listed his next of kin as his father.

05/03/2016

Prior to enlisting, Alexander worked as a teamster. He had spent two and a half years in the Canadian Militia.

05/03/2016

Alexander Hanna Patterson emigrated to Canada.

05/03/2016

The 1911 census does not Alexander as living with the family at house 6 in Moyheeland, Draperstown.

05/03/2016

The 1901 census lists Alexander as age 20 living with the family at house 10 in Moyheeland, Draperstown, County Londonderry. His father was a farmer. Alexander is listed as a scholar.

05/03/2016

Family: William James Patterson, Margaret Patterson, John Patterson (born 24th June 1875), Annie Patterson (born 1st August 1876), Maggie M Patterson (born 23rd April 1879), Alexander Hanna Patterson (born 14th May 1881), Margaret Patterson (born 15th May 1883), William James Patterson (born 11th March 1885), Sarah Jane Patterson (born 21st March 1887), Thomas A Patterson (born 9th November 1889), Mary Edith Patterson (born 14th April 1893), Rebecca R Patterson (born 4th June 1895)

05/03/2016

Alexander Hanna Patterson was born on 14th May 1881. He was one of ten children.

05/03/2016

Alexander Patterson was the second oldest son of William James and Margaret Patterson. William Patterson married Margaret Hanna on 24th November 1874 in the district of Magherafelt.

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William Parke’s brother also died in the war. Private Robert Park was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action near Kemmel, six miles south-west of Ypres in Belgium on Friday 19th April 1918. He was 29 years old.

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The CWGC record Private William Parke as the son of John Parke, J.P., and Mrs Parke of Grange, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Ireland. He is also listed as the husband of Isobel Annie Parke, of Minesing, Ontario. Minesing lies north of Toronto.

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'In Loving Memory of the members of the Toronto Railway Employees Union Div. 113 of the A.A. of S. and Ere of A who gave their lives in the Great War so that the Empire might endure. Faithful Unto Death'

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Private William Parke is also commemorated on the Memorial Plaque located at Toronto’s Old City Hall on Queen Street. It is inscribed as follows:

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Private William Park is listed on the WWI memorial in Termoneeny Parish Church Knockloughrim and on the Roll of Honour in Curran Masonic Hall.

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Private Parke has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres.

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Private William Parke was serving with the 58th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he was killed in action at Passchendaele on Friday 26th October 1917.

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On his enlistment papers he spelt his surname with an ‘e’. William Parke enlisted on 7th April 1916 in Toronto, Ontario.

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William Park was married to Isobel Annie Parke. They were living at Berkmount Avenue, Toronto.

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Prior to enlisting, William was employed as a motorman with Toronto Suburban Railway. A motorman was a person who operates an electrified trolley car, tram, light rail, or rapid transit train.

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John Park was a Justice of the Peace (J.P.).

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The 1911 census does not list William as living with the family at house 41 in Grange, Desertmartin, County Londonderry.

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William Park emigrated to Canada. There was a John William Park, from Ireland, aged 23, a Presbyterian from a farming background, who arrived in Canada in October 1910.

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The 1901 census lists William as age 13 living with the family at house 1 in Grange, Desertmartin, County Londonderry. John Park was a farmer and a member of Magherafelt Rural District Council (R.D.C.).

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Family: John Park, Margaret Park, William John Park (born 29th May 1887), Robert Park (born 17th December 1888), Lizzie Park (born 16th November 1890), Richard Park (born 1st March 1892).

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William John Park was the son of John and Margaret Park. William was born on 29th May 1887 in the Magherafelt area.

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Information and images are derived from both Phillip Tardif’s North Irish Horse website and Sam Hudson’s Castledawson War Dead website (see references).

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The CWGC record Private Robert Parkas the son of John Park, J.P., and Margaret Park of Grange, Magherafelt, County Londonderry.

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Robert Park’s brother also died in the War. Private William Parke was serving with the 58th Battalion of the Canadian Infantry when he was killed in action at Passchendaele on Friday 26th October 1917.

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Private Robert Park has no known grave and is commemorated at Tyne Cot Memorial.

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‘2am. Moved to Kemmel as composite Battalion with 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly. Heavy casualties while moving into position, from enemy shelling. Captain Despard wounded and died soon after. 8pm. Relieved by French troops and marched to Siege Camp.’

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On 18 April 1918 the Battalion diary stated:

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Private Robert Park was serving with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action near Kemmel, six miles south-west of Ypres in Belgium on Friday 19th April 1918. He was 29 years old.

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Private Robert Park was with the North Irish Horse (2325) for a time.

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Robert Park enlisted in Antrim.

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Robert Park was a member of O’Hara Purple Guards L.O.L. 310, Magherafelt.

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John Park was a Justice of the Peace (J.P.).

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The 1911 census lists Robert as age 22 living with the family at house 41 in Grange, Desertmartin, Londonderry. Robert was working on his father’s farm.

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The 1901 census lists Robert as age 12 living with the family at house 1 in Grange, Desertmartin, Londonderry. John Park was a farmer and a member of Magherafelt Rural District Council (R.D.C.).

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Family: John Park, Margaret Park, William Park (born 29th May 1887), Robert Park (born 17th December 1888), Lizzie Park (born 16th November 1890), Richard Park (born 1st March 1892).

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Robert Park was the son of John and Margaret Park. Robert was born 17th December 1888 in the Magherafelt area.

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His mother, Mary, died on 7 July 1918, aged 50.

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His brother, Samuel William Palmer, was killed in action two days later on 27th March 1918. Samuel was born in Londonderry so is not included in the Magherafelt list of casualties.

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Captain David Adams Palmer is commemorated on the family headstone in Tandragee Presbyterian Church Churchyard and on the Tandragee War Memorial.

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Captain Palmer is buried at Dernancourt Military cemetery near the site of the 56th Casualty Clearing Station where he was treated.

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Captain David Adams Palmer died of his wounds three days later on Monday 25th March 1918.

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On the 22nd March 1918, Captain David Adams Palmer received a gunshot wound the to the right shoulder fired from a German aircraft near Morchies.

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On the 3rd March 1918 he became an Acting Captain and was given command of a section (3) of tanks.

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Lieutenant Palmer was wounded in the battle of Cambrai on the 20th November 1917 but not seriously.

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In May 1917 he was promoted to Lieutenant.

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In January 1917 he was posted to ‘B’ Battalion the Heavy Branch of the Machine Gun Corps. The battalion later became the 2nd Battalion of the Tank Corps.

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In addition to the Military Cross, he received three certificates for gallantry and devotion to duty and was mentioned in despatches on a number of occasions, including after his death.

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'For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led a raid against the enemy with great courage and determination. Later, he spent five hours in ‘No Man’s Land’ searching for a wounded officer'

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Second Lieutenant David Adams Palmer was then attached to the 8th Battalion serving in Belgium and won the Military Cross at Wytschaete on 29 Oct 1916. The award appeared in the London Gazette on the 21st Dec 1916:-

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He completed his officer training at Alconah, Crowborough prior to becoming a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion of the Dublin Fusiliers based in Dublin.

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David Adams Palmer served with the South Irish Horse in Ireland (Soldier Number 568) until the 25th October 1915 when he was discharged as a Sergeant to be commissioned as an Officer in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. When he was with the South Irish Horse they were based at Riverstown, Glanmire, Co Cork.

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David enlisted as a special reservist in the South Irish Horse in Derry on the 31st January 1911. He was 18 years and 4 months old.

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The 1911 census lists David Adams Palmer as age 18 boarding at house 10 in Leinster Avenue, North Dock, Dublin. He is described as working as a Civil Service Boy and Clerk in the Irish Land Commission.

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The 1911 census does not list David as living with the family at house 8 in Whites Row, Tandragee County Armagh.

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In August 1910 he passed his final examinations in second division clerkship and was appointed to the Metropolitan Police Office in Dublin.

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In 1907 he took first place in Ireland in the Post Office exams and in June of the following year was again first in Ireland in the examination for Boy Clerks.

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David later attended Hughes Academy in Dublin.

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David was a member of Tandragee Presbyterian Church and a former pupil of Tandragee National School.

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The 1901 census lists David Adams as age 8 living with the family at house 2 in Bushmills Town, Portrush Rural, Antrim. His father was a corn miller.

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Family: David Palmer, Mary Palmer, David Adams Palmer (born 27th September 1892, Kilrea), Alexander Cochrane Palmer (born 13th August 1894, Kilrea), Samuel William Palmer (born 30th April 1896, Londonderry), Kennedy Adams Palmer (born 19th December 1897, Kilrea), Ernest G J Palmer (born 10th December 1903, Tandragee).

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David Adams Palmer was born 27th September 1892 in near Tamlaght-o-Crilly, Drumagarner, Kilrea. He was one of five children.

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David Palmer was the eldest child of son of David and Mary Palmer. David Palmer married Mary Adams on 27th November 1891 in the district Magherafelt.

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In the event of my death, I leave all my property and effects to my father, Mr R O’Neill, Gortgole, Portglenone, County Antrim, Ireland. Private L O'Neill 22128, 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, 14th July 1916.

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Last Will and Testament of Private Luke O'Neill dated 14th July 1916:

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The CWGC record Private Luke O'Neill as the son of Roderick and Mary Ann O'Neill of Gortgole, Portglenone, County Antrim.

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In his will, Luke left all to his father, Mr R O’Neill, Gortgole, Portglenone.

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Private Luke O'Neill has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. The Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom and South African forces who died in the Somme sector before 20 March 1918 and have no known grave. Over 90% of those commemorated died between July and November 1916.

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Private Luke O'Neill was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on Thursday 12th October 1916.

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Private O’Neill joined the 1st battalion in a later draft to make up for men lost in earlier battles, but was with them for the Battle of the Somme.

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Luke had been working in Scotland when he enlisted in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. He was living in Rasharkin at the time.

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The 1901 census lists Luke as age 7 living with the family at house 24 in Lisrodden, Lisnagarran, County Antrim. His father was a farm labourer.

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Although Luke O’Neill had been born at Portglenone, he had lived most of his life at Rasharkin.

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Family: Roderick O'Neill, Mary Ann O'Neill, John O'Neill (born 1st January 1891), Alexander O'Neill (born 21st April 1892), Luke O'Neill (born 25th March 1894), Patrick O'Neill (born 23rd March 1896, died 12th March 1898), Hugh O'Neill (born 7th October 1899).

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Luke O'Neill was born on 25th March 1894 in Portglenone. He was one of four surviving children, all sons.

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Luke O’Neill was the son of Roderick and Mary Ann O'Neill. It is believed Roderick Roger O’Neill married Mary Ann Dunlop on 30th October 1889 in the district of Ballymoney.

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Rifleman J O’Neill is buried in Sailly-Sur-La-Lys Churchyard in France.

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Joseph O’Neill’s sister lived at 23 Jamaica Street, Belfast. The 1911 census lists a Joseph O'Neill as age 33 living with his sister Margaret and parents at house 20 in Jamaica Street, Clifton, Belfast.

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Joseph’s wife and child lived at 47 Trafalgar Street, Belfast, There is also another address listed in Belfast, 11 Wansbeck Street.

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Rifleman Joseph O’Neill was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles, when he died in France on Thursday 15th April 1915.

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Joseph enlisted at Belfast.

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Joseph O’Neill lived for a time in Maghera.

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Joseph O’Neill was born in Derry.

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In the event of my death, I give all my property and effects to my father James O’Neill, Dreenan, Moyagall, Knockloughrim, County Derry, Ireland. Private O’Neill, 20882, Royal Irish Fusiliers.

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Last Will and Testament of Private O’Neill

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The CWGC record Private James O’Neill as the son of James and Ellen O'Neill of Dreenan, Knockloughrim, Co. Londonderry. In actuality, Private John O’Neill was the son of John James and Ellen O'Neill of Dreenan, Knockloughrim, Co. Londonderry

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In his will he left all to his father, James O’Neill who was living at Dreenan, Moyagall, Knockloughrim.

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Private John James O’Neill is buried in Fampoux British Cemetery, six kilometres east of Arras in the department of the Pas-de-Calais.

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Private John James O’Neill was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action in France on Wednesday 11th April 1917.

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He enlisted under the names of James O’Neill.

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The 1911 census lists William John as age 16 living with the family at house 53 in Dreenan, Gulladuff. John was working on the family farm.

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Family: John James O'Neill, Ellen O'Neill, Annie O'Neill (born 10th January 1887), Bridget Jane O'Neill (born 19th October 1888), Mary O'Neill (born 12th June 1891), Eliza Lizzie O'Neill (born 20th July 1893), William John O'Neill (born 21st January 1895), Andrew O'Neill (born 2nd March 1897, died 17th March 1897), Felix O'Neill (born 10th July 1899), Andrew James O'Neill 8 (born 11th July 1903)

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Dreenan is a townland bordering on the townland of Moyagall.

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The 1901 census lists William John as age 5 living with the family at house 3 in Dreenan, Gulladuff, County Londonderry. They were a farming family and lived with his father’s parents.

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William John O'Neill was born on 21st January 1895 in Moyagall, Gulladuff, Knockloughrim. He was one of seven children.

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John O'Neill was the eldest son of John and Ellen O’Neill. John O’Neill and Ellen Scullion were married on 8th October 1885 in the district of Magherafelt.

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The CWGC records that he was ‘mourned by brother and friends’, Mr J O’Neill, I Campbell, Paisley, Scotland.

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Lance Corporal George O'Neill is buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery in western France. Wimereux formed an important hospital centre, which suggests he died of wounds received.

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Lance Corporal George O'Neill was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) when he died a week before Christmas on Tuesday 8th December 1917.

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George O’Neill was for a time a Private with the Royal Scots Fusiliers (No. 13732).

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George O’Neill was born in Maghera.

01/03/2016

The CWGC record Major John Herbert Oliver-Thompson as the son of Henry and Alice Marian Thompson, of 51 Chestnut Grove, Bootle, Liverpool.

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Major John Herbert Oliver-Thompson is also commemorated on the Trinity College War Memorial.

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Major John Herbert Oliver-Thompson is also commemorated on the WWI Masonic memorial in Termoneeny Parish Church, Knockloughrim and on the Roll of Honour in Curran Masonic Hall.

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Major Oliver-Thompson has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. The Arras Memorial is in the Faubourg-d'Amiens Cemetery, in the western part of the town of Arras. It commemorates almost 35,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7th August 1918.

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Acting Major John Herbert Oliver-Thompson was serving with the 40th Company of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) when he was killed in action on Thursday 21st Mar 1918. He was 22 years old.

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Major John Herbert Oliver-Thompson was mentioned in Despatches.

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John Oliver-Thompson served for a time with the South Staffordshire Regiment.

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John Herbert Oliver-Thompson attended Dublin University (Trinity College) Officers Training Corps.

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The CWGC record Private O’Kane as the son of Mr and Mrs F O'Kane of Dungiven, County Derry.

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Private John O’Kane is listed on the WJ Clark Memorial in Upperlands.

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Private O’Kane is buried in Godewaersvelde British Cemetery. Godewaersvelde is a village in France near the Belgian border, about 16 kilometres south-west of Ypres.

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Private John O’Kane was serving with the 16th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment when he died on 19th October 1917.

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