Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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April's Updates
Date Name Information
25/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson The relatives of Mr Connie Stimpson have got word from the Colonial Office that he is now a prisoner of war. Mr and Mrs Stimpson emigrated from Magherafelt to China just before the outbreak of war, on his appointment to the important position of Inspector of Railways at Kowloon. His wife and young son were evacuated from Hong Kong to Australia, just in time, and until the present news arrived, there was no information forthcoming regarding Mr Stimpson. The news, it may be mentioned, was received through the International Red Cross from the Japanese authorities. Mr Stimpson is a brother-in-law of Mr Richard Paul of Magherafelt and his father will be remembered as railway inspector at Magherafelt. And he and his family are well remembered by many friends.
25/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson 01249
25/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 5th December 1942: Prisoner of War
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie 01248
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie 01247
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie Henry’s cousin, William Hanna, also became a naturalised American citizen on the same day.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie 01246
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie Private Henry Hanna Ritchie is commemorated on a plaque in 1st Presbyterian Church, Magherafelt.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie A military record gives his ‘Residence Place’ as Arlington, New Jersey. This may be where he is buried.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie Private Henry Hanna Ritchie was in training with the American Expeditionary Force at Spartanburg, South Carolina when he died on 1st November 1917. He was with the 102nd Engineers.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie Henry H Ritchie signed up for Military Service at St Louis, Missouri.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie Henry became a naturalised American citizen on 21st May 1917 at Kings in New York. He was working as a clerk and living at 179 Marcy Avenue, Brooklyn.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie Henry Hanna Ritchie emmigated to the United States. He arrived at Ellis Island, New York on 15th Aug 1915 from Liverpool . He was 17 years old. He listed his two next of kin as his father, Samuel Ritchie, and his brother, William C J Ritchie.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie The 1911 census lists Henry as age 12 with his father at house 4 in Main Street, Portstewart.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie The 1901 census lists Harry (as he was known) as age 2, living with the family at house 11 in Ballymoghan More, County Londonderry. Samuel Ritchie was a farmer.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie Known family: Samuel Ritchie, Margaret J Ritchie, Robert B Ritchie (born 8th September 1881), Alexander Ritchie (born 26th July 1883), Samuel J Ritchie (born 12th June 1887), William J Ritchie (born 17th February 1889), Minnie Sarah Ritchie - (born 4th February 1891), Sarah Ritchie - (born 10th November 1893, died 22nd February 1894), Henry ‘Harry’ Hanna Ritchie (born 31st May 1898).
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie Henry Hanna Ritchie was born on 31st May 1898 in Ballymoghan, near Magherafelt. He was the youngest of at least seven children, all born in the Magherafelt area.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie Henry Hanna Ritchie was the youngest son of Samuel and Margaret Ritchie. Samuel Ritchie and Margaret Hanna were married on 23rd November 1880in the district of Magherafelt.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie 1st November 1917 - At Spartanburg, South Carolina, Private Henry H Ritchie, 23rd Engineers, aged 30 years.
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie 01245
24/04/2020 Pte. Henry Hanna Ritchie From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 5th December 1942: 25 Years ago - Deaths
24/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl The Royal Netherlands Naval Authorities have informed Mrs Gerriet Jan Pijl, who resides with her father, Mr William Armour of Dergenagh, that her husband, Naval Gunner G J Pijl, has been reported missing, and presumed killed, in a recent Middle East naval engagement.
24/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl 01244
24/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 5th December 1942: Knockloughrim
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Able Seaman Gerriet Jan Pijl has no known grave.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Gerriet Pijl is listed as having served with 320 Squadron of the Royal Air Force from 1st July 1940 to 1st November 1941.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl 01243
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl 01242
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl 01241
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl It stated that Gerrit Jan Pijl, sailor of the second class (16340), last domiciled in London, on the 13th November 1942 in the morning, died between five and six o'clock because of the enemy sinking of the above mentioned sinking which happened about 350 miles from Gibraltar. At the age of twenty years, he was married to L E Armor, residing in N. Ireland, Derganagh, Knockloughrim - c / o Derry. He was the son of ARROW, H E, residing in Dan Helder, Koekoekstreat 36.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Today, 1st April 1944, Jan Willen Termijtelen, Commander of the Navy in the United Kingdom, temporarily residing in London, read the official report of the committee, consisting of Sea Captain H J Buenwinck and Sea Captain Lieutenant K.M.R. L. den Hoedt, regarding the loss of HRMS. ‘Isaac Sweers’
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Report Of Death
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl 01240
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl All images courtesy of Sam Hudson, Desertmartin. Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research undertaken by Mr Sam Hudson.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Able Seaman Pijl is listed on pages 116-118 of the Castledawson War Dead Book – ‘They Didn’t Come Home.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Able Seaman (2nd Class) Gerriet Jan Pijl is commemorated locally on Castledawson War Memorial.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl On 13th November, 1942, at about 0500 hours, the Isaac Sweers was attacked by a German U-boat. Two torpedoes hit the starboard side of the ship, and they put the whole ship ablaze from bow to stern. The first torpedo hit a fuel tank and burning oil spread over the water, the second hit the long room and officers’ quarters, where all 13 officers, at that time asleep, perished. It was clear from the start that Isaac Sweers, the ship that had survived many attacks from aircraft, wouldn't survive the damage she had sustained. Isaac Sweers sank in position 37.23 N, 02.12 E due to the U-boat attack. Only 86 men survived of a crew of 194.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl In November 1942, Isaac Sweers is at sea to rendezvous with Force "H". The plan was to refuel underway from Force "R" (2 oilers with 4 escorting trawlers), and by 00.00 hours in the night of 12/13, she was ready for action. She would cover Force R on one flank and leave in the morning for Force H.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl On the completion of the fit-out the Isaac Sweers was commissioned and was operational in the South East Atlantic.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl On 29th May 1941, the Isaac Sweers refit was completed at the dockyard in Southampton.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Gerriet Jan Pijl later married Miss L E Armour. They had a son, William Pijl.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl At Pembroke dock in Wales, Gerriet met his wife to be, Miss Armour from Dergenagh, Knockloughrim, who was serving in the Wrens as a cook.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl During the time that his ship was being fitted out, Gerriet was seconded temporarily as a rear gunner to the RAF, as a large number of bomber crews were being lost at that time.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl On 10th May 1940, while the Isaac Sweers was in dock for a fit out, German paratroopers landed nearby. The Dutch sailors immediately put to sea and the Isaac Sweers was towed to England by the Dutch tug Zwarte Zee. They arrive on the 11th May on the Downs. On the 12th May 1940 the ship arrived in Spithead.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Able Seaman (2nd Class) Gerriet Jan Pijl served on board HNLMS Isaac Sweers in World War Two. Isaac Sweers was a destroyer.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Gerriet Yan Pijl served with the Royal Netherlands Navy as a gunner in World War Two.
18/04/2020 Able Seaman Gerriat Jan Pijl Gerriet Jan Pijl was the son of Hendrik Evert and Jacoba Kos?? Pijl. He was born in Den Helder, the Netherlands on 10th January 1922.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter Mr and Mrs John Porter, of Union Road, Magherafelt, have received official intimation that their son, John Porter, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been wounded and is in hospital in Burma (war casualty). With the letter was expressed the sympathy and regret of the Army Council. Mr Porter, an ex-soldier who served in the Great War, has another son and a son-in-law on active service.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter 01150
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 22nd August 1942: Magherafelt (Private John Porter - Brother of Albert Porter?)
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter The CWGC record Private Albert Porter as the son of John and Mary Porter of Magherafelt. He is also recorded as the; husband of Matilda Porter of Magherafelt.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter Private Albert Porter is buried in St Swithin’s Church Of Ireland Churchyard in Magherafelt. His inscription reads HE FOUGHT AND DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE. EVER REMEMBERED BY FATHER, MOTHER & SISTERS
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter The funeral was conducted by Reverend WD Ewart and attended by members of the Royal British Legion. It took place on Sunday 19th January 1946.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter News of his death made the pages of the Mid-Ulster Mail newspaper on Saturday 26th January 1946.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter Private Albert Porter was serving with the Pioneer Corps when he died on 17th January 1946, aged 27. He had returned home to Magherafelt after the war and died at his parents’ house at Union Road.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter Private Albert Porter served with the Royal Ulster Rifles for a time.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter Albert Porter became the husband of Matilda Porter. They lived at Rainey Street, Magherafelt. The couple had two children names Dessa and Samuel.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter It seems almost certain that Albert Porter was the brother of John Porter, who also died in World War Two. They share the same parents’ names - John and Mary Porter. Also, a report in the local newspaper regarding John Porter notes he had another brother on active service. The report into Albert’s death lists his parents at Union Road, the same location as the John’s parents.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter Albert was the youngest son of John Porter and Mary Porter of Union Road, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry. He had at least two older siblings, named Violet and Kathleen.
18/04/2020 Pte. Albert Porter Albert Porter was the son of John and Mary Porter. He was born about 1918.
17/04/2020 Sgt. Patrick Gerald McGrath 01239
17/04/2020 Stoker Robert George McCahon 01238
17/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion 01237
17/04/2020 Gnr William Montgomery 01236
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan Thomas Cushnahan was born about 1914.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan The 1911 census lists the family at house 11 in Derryhirk, Aghagallon, County Antrim. Derrykirk lies just north of Lurgan. Joseph Cushnahan was a boat man on Lagan Canal.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan The CWGC record Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan as the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Cushnahan of Portglenone, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. He is also listed as being the husband of Annie Cushnahan of Lurgan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 44 of the Tower Hill Memorial.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan It is believed that what all the ships may have felt had been caused by a huge underwater explosion from one of the munitions ships cargoes which had been already been torpedoed, exploding under water.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan One explanation given by the Second Officer of another ship in the convoy who was on watch at the time may explain what caused the men to abandon ship. At the time he recalls his own ship being hit by a resounding thump causing the ship to heave over. Believing his own ship had been torpedoed (of which he had previous experience), he was surprised to see after inspection the ship had not been hit, but the crew also believing they had been torpedoed were preparing to release their own lifeboats and were subsequently ordered to secure the boats.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan The U-boat attack eventually ended on the 10th August with eleven ships sunk and a further two damaged, with the convoy reaching port three days later.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan Three ships which had not been hit suddenly began to be abandoned by their crew in the sheer terror and confusion going on around them, one of the ships being abandoned was Empire Moonbeam. After some time, two of the ships including Empire Moonbeam’s crew were persuaded to re-board their vessels, unfortunately not before the sea had taken seven of her crew to a watery grave.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan A total of seventeen U-boats then descended on the convoy and on the 8th August. In less than two hours five merchantmen had been sent to the bottom in two separate attacks. In the second attack three ships were simultaneously hit and is possibly what caused the following incident.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan On the 5th August part of the convoy was sighted by a U-boat.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan The Empire Moonbeam was a 6,849 steam cargo ship. The ship had left Sydney, Cape Breton in the thirty-six ship Liverpool bound Atlantic Convoy SC-94 on the 31st July 1942, which was accompanied by six naval escorts.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan was serving on board S.S. Empire Moonbeam when he died on 8th August 1942.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan Thomas was the husband of Annie Cushnahan.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan Thomas Cushnahan served with the Merchant Navy in World War Two.
17/04/2020 Able Seaman Thomas Cushnahan Thomas Cushnahan was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Cushnahan. It seems Joseph Cushnahan and Elizabeth Percy were married on 20th May 1907 in Belfast.
17/04/2020 Gnr William Wisener 01235
17/04/2020 Gnr William Wisener The CWGC record Gunner William Wisener as the son of John and Mary Ann Wisoner of Tobermore, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
17/04/2020 Gnr William Wisener Gunner William Wisener is commemorated locally on Tobermore War Memorial.
17/04/2020 Gnr William Wisener Gunner William Wisener is buried in Kantara War Memorial Cemetery in Egypt. His inscription reads: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS
17/04/2020 Gnr William Wisener Gunner William Wisener was serving with 6 Battery, part of the Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (2 Lt. A.A. Regt) of the Royal Artillery when he died in Egypt on 21st November 1941, aged 21.
17/04/2020 Gnr William Wisener William Wisener was part of the Special Reserve when he was called up on 2nd September 1939. He had been with the 9th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (9th L. A. A.).
17/04/2020 Gnr William Wisener William Wisener was the son of John and Mary Ann Wisener. He was borbn about 1920.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir 01234
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir 01233
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir All images courtesy of Sam Hudson, Desertmartin. Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research undertaken by Mr Sam Hudson.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir The CWGC record Lieutenant George Ferrier Weir as the son of David and Rachel Weir. He is also recorded as the husband of Mollie Elizabeth Weir.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir Lieutenant George Ferrier Weir is listed on pages 121-124 of the Castledawson War Dead Book – ‘They Didn’t Come Home.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir George Weir is also listed among those who served during World War One on the main Ulster Volunteer Memorial and on the World War One Memorial (served) in Curran Presbyterian Church.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir Lieutenant G Weir is also commemorated on Castledawson War Memorial.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir Lieutenant George Ferrier Weir is commemorated locally on a memorial in Castledawson War Memorial Hall.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir Lieutenant George Weir is buried in Delhi War Cemetery.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir Lieutenant Weir’s last posting was as O.C. of P.O.W. Camp Clement Town Dehra Dun U.P. India. (The Indian Service information comes from a 1946 claim by his daughter for his War Gratuity. On 9th January 1947 she received £22-10-0 for his service as Lieutenant.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir Lieutenant George Ferrier Weir died in india on 28th August 1942 of ‘apoplexy’.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir He served as a Regimental Sergeant Major in the 4th Lahore Battalion UTC ITF Lahore from 18th September 1939 to 31st May 1941.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir After a few months at home, war broke out and he was recalled to India sailing from Greenock on 3rd March 1939, arriving in Bombay on the 18th September 1939.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir He continued in the Inniskillings and in the late 1920’s accompanied the 1st Battalion to India and made such a name for himself at the Indian Small Arms School that he eventually went there as a Staff Instructor. Posted to the Indian Auxiliary Regiment with the rank of W.O. Class II, he remained with that Corps for close on ten years and finished this period of service attached to an Indian Army Cadet Unit as W.O. Class I.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir George married Mollie Elizabeth, but his wife died in July 1937. There was one child, Violet, who married but had no children.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir The medal lists show him as receiving the usual Victory Medal and the British Campaign Medal. There is a remark that they were ‘forfeited under Art. 1236 Warrant as amended by Army Order 298 of 1920’. This could have happened if he caused a civil disturbance by fighting in public. The medals were normally reinstated later.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir George joined the 10th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 29th September 1914. His regimental number was 3153. He served in France from November 1915 until the end of the war by which time he had been promoted to sergeant. His service record papers like so many WWI records were destroyed in the blitz in London during WWII.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir The 1911 census lists George as age 18, living with the family at house 21 in Toberhead. George and his other brothers were working on the family farm.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir Rachel Weir, George’s mother, died on 5th March 1904 due to complications during childbirth. Her unnamed son died a day later. George was 11 years old.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir Family: David Weir, Rachel Weir, John Weir (born 14th September 1890), George Weir (born 2nd February 1893), David James Weir (born 18th October 1895), Anna Bella Weir (born 16th April 1898), Mary Weir (born 8th May 1901), Unknown male (born 3rd March 1904, died 6th March 1904).
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir The 1901 census lists George as age 8, living with the family at house 43 in Toberhead, Desertmartin, County Londonderry. His father was a farmer.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir George Weir was born on 2nd February 1893. He was the second of five surviving children, all born ithe Magherafelt district.
17/04/2020 Lieut George Ferrier Weir George Weir was the second son of David and Rachel Weir. David Weir and Rachel Ferrier were married on 25th October 1889 in the district of Magherafelt.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Gordon Turnbull 01232
16/04/2020 Fusilier Gordon Turnbull The CWGC record Fusilier Gordon Turnbull as the son of Mr and Mrs James Turnbull of Kilrea, County Derry, Northern Ireland.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Gordon Turnbull Fusilier Turnbull is commemorated locally on Kilrea War Memorial.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Gordon Turnbull Fusilier Gordon Turnbull is buried in Beach Head War Cemetery at Anzio in Italy. His inscription reads: THY WILL BE DONE
16/04/2020 Fusilier Gordon Turnbull Operations in January 1944 landed troops behind the German lines at Anzio, but defences were well organised, and a breakthrough was not actually achieved until May. The site of Beach Head War Cemetery originally lay close to a casualty clearing station. Burials were made direct from the battlefield after the landings at Anzio.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Gordon Turnbull Fusilier Gordon Turnbull was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died at Anzio in Italy on 2nd May 1944.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Gordon Turnbull Gordon Turnbull was the son of James Turnbull. He was born about 1924.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor 01231
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor 01230
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor The CWGC record Fusilier Robert Trainor as the son of William and Sarah Trainor of Castledawson, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor Fusilier Robert Trainor is listed on page 120 of the Castledawson War Dead Book – ‘They Didn’t Come Home.’
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor Fusilier Robert Trainor is commemorated locally on Castledawson War Memorial and on the World War Two Roll of Honour Plaque in Castledawson Memorial Hall.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor Fusilier Robert Trainor was reinterred in Catania War Cemetery in Sicily on 7th April 1944. His inscription reads: HIS LOVING FACE AND SMILE WITH SADNESS WE RECALL HE ALWAYS HAD A KINDLY WORD AND DIED BELOVED BY ALL
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor Fusilier Trainor was initially buried at Grid Reference GR11/CB/106.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor The attack to cross the River Simeto in Sicily started at 10:30 on the morning of the 5th August. Fusilier Trainor may have been killed during that attack or he may have died of wounds suffered at the battles for Centuripe of the Salso on 3rd and 4th August.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor Fusilier Robert Trainor was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died on 5th August 1943.
16/04/2020 Fusilier Robert Trainor Robert Trainor was the son of William and Sarah Trainor. He was born about 1925.
16/04/2020 Pte. Charles Frederick Townsend Private Townsend is buried in Ballyscullion Parish Churchyard in Bellaghy.
16/04/2020 Pte. Charles Frederick Townsend Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research undertaken by Mr Sam Hudson.
16/04/2020 Pte. Charles Frederick Townsend Private Townsend is listed on page 119 of the Castledawson War Dead Book – ‘They Didn’t Come Home.’
16/04/2020 Pte. Charles Frederick Townsend Private Charles Frederick Townsend is commemorated locally on Castledawson War Memorial.
16/04/2020 Pte. Charles Frederick Townsend Private Charles Frederick Townsend died on 9th September 1941. He was stationed in Bellaghy at the time.
16/04/2020 Pte. Charles Frederick Townsend Private Townsend then became attached to the 4th Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment.
16/04/2020 Pte. Charles Frederick Townsend Private Charles Frederick Townsend was with 2nd Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment.
16/04/2020 Pte. Charles Frederick Townsend Charles Frederick Townsend was born about 1910.
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson 01229
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson 01228
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson The CWGC record Corporal Cornelius Charles Stimpson as the son of Charles Henry and Sarah Jane Stimpson. He is also recorded as the husband of Margaret Isobel Stimpson of Leeds, Yorkshire.
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson Corporal Cornelius Charles Stimpson was later reinterred at Stanley Military Cemetery in Hong Kong on 29th May 1957. His inscription reads: THY WILL BE DONE
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson Corporal Cornelius Stimpson was initially buried in a small cemetery at the Argyle Street P.O.W. camp in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson Cornelius attended the Rainey School circa 1915.
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson The 1911 census lists Cornelius as age 8, living with the family at house 26 in Townparks, Magherafelt. Townparks district was the centre of Magherafelt. Charles was a railway inspector.
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson Cornelius Charles Stimpson was born about 1903 in England. All the children were born in England.
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson Family: Charles Henry Stimpson, Sarah Jane Stimpson, Hilda Stimpson (born about 1892), Dorothy Stimpson (born about 1894), May Stimpson (born about 1896), Cornelius Charles Stimpson (born about 1903).
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson The 1901 English census records the family in Staveley, Derbyshire.
16/04/2020 Corp Cornelius Charles Stimpson Cornelius Charles Stimpson was the only son of Charles Henry and Sarah Jane Stimpson. Charles Henry Stimson was born in Sheffield about 1866. He married Sarah Jane Wilkinson about 1891 in Sheffield.
15/04/2020 Aircraftman Norman Stewart Starritt The CWGC records Aircraftman 2nd Class Norman Stewart Starritt as the son of Joseph and Sara Starritt of Desertmartin.
15/04/2020 Aircraftman Norman Stewart Starritt ‘STARRITT Erected to the memory of Joseph Starritt, died 13th April 1953. His wife Sarah Starritt, died 30th September 1966. Their son, Norman Starritt, died on active service 4th March 1945. Their daughter, Aileen Renner, died 23rd March 1954’.
15/04/2020 Aircraftman Norman Stewart Starritt The CWGC headstone is within the family plot. The family headstone reads:
15/04/2020 Aircraftman Norman Stewart Starritt Aircraftman Norman Starritt is buried in Lecumpher Presbyterian Churchyard. His inscription reads: LOVE'S GREATEST GIFT, REMEMBRANCE.
15/04/2020 Aircraftman Norman Stewart Starritt Norman Starritt attended the Rainey School in Magherafelt from 1931 t0 1934. The Rainey’s Roll of Honour, published later in a yearbook, also lists a James Starritt who served.
15/04/2020 Corp William Somerville 01227
15/04/2020 Corp William Somerville The CWGC record Corporal William Somerville as the son of Joseph and Mary Somerville of Upperlands.
15/04/2020 Corp William Somerville An audio eye witness account describes the crash. See the references below.
15/04/2020 Corp William Somerville Corporal William Somerville’s remains were returned home and he was buried in Upper Tamlaght O'Crilly Church Of Ireland Churchyard. His inscription reads: UNTIL THE DAY BREAK AND THE SHADOWS FLEE AWAY
15/04/2020 Corp William Somerville The plane crashed while attempting to land after engine failed, and hit a wall near the village of Dornoch, north of Inverness. The Martinet aircraft was specifically designed for target towing.
15/04/2020 Corp William Somerville On 09:45 on 26th April 1943, Corporal Somerville was killed in the crash of a Martinet Mark I aircraft (Serial Number HN939) of 8 AGS.
15/04/2020 Corp William Somerville Corporal William Somerville was served with the Royal Air Force.
15/04/2020 Corp William Somerville William Somerville was the son of Joseph and Mary Somerville. He was born about 1921.
14/04/2020 Pte. Joseph Shiels 01226
14/04/2020 Pte. Joseph Shiels 01225
14/04/2020 Pte. Joseph Shiels The CWGC records Private Joseph Shiels as the son of John and Mary Jane Shields of Upperlands, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
14/04/2020 Pte. Joseph Shiels Private John Porter, a Magherafelt man, was with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers and was killed in the same battle. He is also buried in Kasterlee War Cemetery.
14/04/2020 Pte. Joseph Shiels Kasterlee War Cemetery contains the graves of men killed in the fierce fighting associated with the crossing of the Meuse-Escaut Canal during the first three weeks of September 1944. The regiments represented by the largest numbers are The Royal Scots, The King's Own Scottish Borderers and The Royal Scots Fusiliers.
14/04/2020 Pte. Joseph Shiels Private Joseph Shiels was reinterred in Kasterlee War Cemetery, Belgium on 21st June 1945. His inscription reads: HE GAVE HIS LIFE THAT WE MIGHT LIVE
14/04/2020 Pte. Joseph Shiels Private Shiels was initially buried at Map Ref GHEEL SH.25 & 35 074928 with Private J Patrick (14211242), another man from the 8th Battalion of the Royal Scots.
14/04/2020 Pte. Joseph Shiels Private Joseph Shiels was serving with the 8th Battalion of the Royal Scots when he died in Belgium on 15th September 1944.
14/04/2020 Pte. Joseph Shiels Joseph Shiels was the son of John and Mary Jane Shields. He was born about 1917.
14/04/2020 Gman Clark Shiels The CWGC record Guardsman Clark Shiels as the son of James and Maggie Shiels of Upperlands.
14/04/2020 Gman Clark Shiels His parents’ headstone reads: ‘SHIELS – In loving memory of James Shiels died 18th January 1957, aged 68 years. Margaret Shiels (nee Hunter) died 19th July 1965 aged 72 years.’
14/04/2020 Gman Clark Shiels Guardsman Clark Shiels is buried in the family plot in Culnady Presbyterian Churchyard. His inscription reads ASLEEP IN THE ARMS OF JESUS.
14/04/2020 Gman Clark Shiels Guardsman Clark Shiels was serving with the Irish Guards when he died on 1st August 1943.
14/04/2020 Gman Clark Shiels Known family: James Shiels, Maggie Shiels, Matilda Shiels (born 1st August 1915), Annie Shiels (born 8th August 1917), Clark Charles Shiels (born 11th May 1919).
14/04/2020 Gman Clark Shiels Clark Shiels was born on 11th May 1919. He was one of at least three children, all born in the Maghera area. GRONI (Ref U/1919/181/1022/27/351) currently records his name as Charles.
14/04/2020 Gman Clark Shiels Clark Shiels was the son of James and Margaret Shiels. James Shiels and Maggie Hunter were married on 12th March 1914 in the district of Magherafelt.
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion 01224
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion Private Henry Scullion, Inniskillings, severely wounded about two months ago in the great British offensive, is on leave in the district.
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion 01223
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 24th October 1918: Upperlands
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion Private Henry Scullion, Upperlands, Inniskillings, who was on leave about a month ago, has been wounded and is at present in a Welsh hospital.
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion 01222
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 24th October 1918: Upperlands
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion The CWGC record Fusilier James Scullion as the son of Henry and Margaret Jane Scullion of Culnady.
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion Fusilier James Scullion’s remains were brought home and he was buried in Culnady Presbyterian Churchyard in Upperlands. His inscription reads: TOO GOOD IN LIFE TO BE FORGOTTEN IN DEATH
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion Fusilier James Scullion’s remains were found at 3.30pm on the 2nd June 1942 on the foreshore of Loch Eil, opposite Kilmallie Houses, Corpach. The cause of death was declared as drowning.
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion Fusilier James Scullion, aged 18, died whilst at Achnacarry. He was last seen alive on the 28th November 1941.
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion Fusilier James Scullion was in training at the Commando Training Depot at Achnacarry, north of Fort William, in the west of Scotland.
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion Fusilier James Scullion joined the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was with the 70th Battalion.
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion His father may have served in World War One. These newspaper reports mention a Henry Scullion of Upperlands.
14/04/2020 Fusilier James Scullion James Scullion was the son of Henry and Margaret Jane Scullion. He was born about 1923.
13/04/2020 Mr N L Reid (WW2) No other information is available.
13/04/2020 Mr N L Reid (WW2) The Castledawson War Dead book mentions N L Reid on page 119.
13/04/2020 Mr N L Reid (WW2) There is a N L Reid listed on the World War Two panel of the Castledawson War Memorial.
13/04/2020 Sgt. William Callaghan (Anderson) No other information is available.
13/04/2020 Sgt. William Callaghan (Anderson) He served with the Royal Air Force and was killed in action over Germany.
13/04/2020 Sgt. William Callaghan (Anderson) William attended the Rainey School from 1936 to 1939.
13/04/2020 Sgt. William Callaghan (Anderson) There is a Sergeant William Callaghan (Anderson) on the Rainey School Roll of Honour WW2, which was listed in a Rainey School Yearbook.
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering 01221
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering 01220
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering 01219
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering The Tobermore War Memorial Facebook page identifies Fusilier William Pickering.
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering Fusilier William Pickering is also commemorated on Aboyne War Memorial in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering Fusilier William Pickering is commemorated locally on Tobermore War Memorial.
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering The British Expeditionary Force was involved in the later stages of the defence of Belgium following the German invasion in May 1940, and suffered many casualties in covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk. A number were killed during the battle on the Ypres-Comines canal and were originally buried where they died, but in 1941 their graves were brought in from sites scattered throughout the commune for reburial in this cemetery.
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering Fusilier William Pickering is buried in Bus House Cemetery in Belgium. He was buried there and not reinterred.
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering Fusilier William Pickering was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers when he died on 27th May 1940. He was 38 years old.
13/04/2020 Fusilier William Pickering William Pickering was born about 1902.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee 01204
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee 01217
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee The actual Boston Mark IV, BZ463, on the ground at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, while undergoing armament tests with 1000-lb MC bombs mounted on wing pylons. This aircraft later served with No. 18 Squadron RAF in Italy.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee 01216
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee 01214
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee 01215
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee 01218
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee Sergeant James Edward O'FEE (1544258)
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee Sergeant Sidney George Apark ANSELL (756962)
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee Flying Officer Alfred Ronald GASKELL (162083)
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee Sergeant Jack HUGHES (1582761)
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee The CWGC record Sergeant James O’Fee as the son of James and Jenny O'Fee of Kilrea, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee He is also commemorated locally on the family headstone Kilrea Roman Catholic Church grounds.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee Sergeant James O’Fee is commemorated locally on Kilrea War Memorial.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee Sergeant James O’Fee and the three other men were reinterred in Cesena War Cemetery on 4th July 1945.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee The four crew were initially buried at Grid Ref IT:1/50000 SH100-II 2798,025, Cesena.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee ‘I had been displaced with my sister Attilia since early July 1944 in via San Bartolo di Savignano sul Rubicone, in a country house of the Ricci family (Micalantoni, a house that now does not exist more). One very hot night we heard an immense noise enveloping the whole house. From the open window we saw a plane flying at low altitude wrapped in flames like a fireball that in the fall was heading north. It was an English airplane hit by the German antiaircraft near Rimini or Santarcangelo. The plane was in flames at low altitude and crossed Pietà, via Emilia, the railway line. The airplane, which was a night-time scout, crashed into the fields to the left of the provincial road to San Mauro, at the height of the brick furnace on the opposite side. The next morning with my bicycle, against the wishes of my sister, I went to see. The airplane had cut wires and several trees on the road and crashed still smoking in the field just beyond the road. I remember that German soldiers had surrounded the place and kept the curious away. The parish priest of Suffragio and of the cemetery of Savignano, Don Marino Giacomoni (1884-1953) collected the poor remains of the pilots in parachute flaps, then put on a cart he transported them to the nearby cemetery to give him a burial. Several years later, when the urbanisation spread on that side, many meters ahead in the construction of a factory, (Gemma di Nicolini), pieces of a propeller and other metal fragments were found. Certainly many other fragments will have been found during the excavations to make houses in that area. Other citizens of Savignano remember that event.’
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee A thirteen year old Italian boy witness the crash. His report is translated from Italian:
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee The aircraft was shot down in the early hours of the following morning by the flak near Savignano sul Rubicone. The four man crew were lost. They were:
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee Sergeant James O’Fee was part of a crew of four which had taken off in a Boston aircraft (Serial Number BZ463) from Cesena in Italy at 22:30 on the night of 8th August 1944. It was on a night reconnaissance interdiction sortie over the Forli area, north west of Cesena.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee By August 1944, Sergeant James Edward O’Fee was with 18 Squadron.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee James Edward O’Fee served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in World War Two.
13/04/2020 Sgt. James Edward O'Fee James Edward O’Fee was the son of James and Jenny O'Fee. He was born about 1920.
13/04/2020 Fusilier James Craig Nelson The CWGC record Fusilier James Craig Nelson as the son of James and Margret Nelson of Upperlands, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
13/04/2020 Fusilier James Craig Nelson Rifleman Daniel Merron, who came from nearby Dreenan in Gulladuff, was also killed on Pucciarelli Ridge in the same battle.
13/04/2020 Fusilier James Craig Nelson Fusilier James Craig Nelson is buried in Orvieto War Cemetery. The cemetery was established as a battlefield cemetery by the 78th Division in the middle of June 1944, during the first heavy fighting north of Rome. The burials, with only one exception, date from the period 14th June – 4th July 1944.
13/04/2020 Fusilier James Craig Nelson Fusilier James Craig Nelson was killed on 23rd June 1944 in the Battle of Sanfatucchio. Rifleman Merron was killed on Pucciarelli Ridge.
13/04/2020 Fusilier James Craig Nelson James Nelson served with the 6th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in World War Two
13/04/2020 Fusilier James Craig Nelson James Craig Nelson was the son of James and Margret Nelson. He was born about 1921.
12/04/2020 Fusilier William Henry (Harry) Moran 01213
12/04/2020 Fusilier William Henry (Harry) Moran The CWGC record Fusilier William Henry ‘Harry’ Moran as the son of John T and Gertrude Moran of Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
12/04/2020 Fusilier William Henry (Harry) Moran Fusilier Harry Moran is buried in Udine War Cemetery in Italy, near the Yugoslav border which is now Slovenia. His inscription reads: AGE SHALL NOT WEARY HIM NOR THE YEARS CONDEMN. MUM AND DAD
12/04/2020 Fusilier William Henry (Harry) Moran Fusilier William Henry ‘Harry’ Moran was serving with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died on 3rd June 1947 in Italy, long after the war had finished. He was 19 years old.
12/04/2020 Fusilier William Henry (Harry) Moran William Henry Moran was the son of John T and Gertrude Moran. He was born about 1926.
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague 01174
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague Sergeant Leon YOUNG (1591823)
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague Flight Sergeant Norman Eric Armour SHARPE (917319)
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague Sergeant Arthur Ronald NEWBY (1591945)
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague Flight Sergeant James MONTAGUE (1051821)
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague Flight Sergeant John LAMONT (427518)
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague Flying Officer Robert Baines KNIGHT (422292)
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague Sergeant Stanley Laidler CAMERON (3031383)
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague The CWGC record Flight Sergeant James Montague as the son of Denis and Alice Montague. He is also recorded as the husband of Brigid T Montague of Swatragh, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague Flight Sergeant James Montague has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 272 of the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey.
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague The Lancaster aircraft was lost without trace. Flight Sergeant James Montague died on 9th February 1945, aged 27. The crew were:
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague At 5pm on the evening of 8th February 1945, an Avro Lancaster (Serial Number ND554) bomber took off from RAF East Kirkby on a night raid. Their mission was to bomb a synthetic oil plant at Politz, Poland, not far from the German border. Flight Sergeant James Montague was part of the seven man crew. The bomber was part of the first phase attack on the oil plant.
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague By February 1945, Flight Sergeant James Montague was with 630 Squadron.
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague James served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in World War Two.
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague James Montague was the husband of Brigid T Montague.
12/04/2020 Flt. Sgt James Montague James Montague was the son of Denis and Alice Montague. He was born about 1918.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. 01212
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. 01211
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. 01209
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. 01210
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. The CWGC record Private Alexander Mitchell M.M. as the nephew of William and Mary Kincaid of Upperlands, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. Private Alexander Mitchell M.M. was reinterred in Rheinberg War Cemetery in Germany on 4th July 1946. His inscription reads: WORTHY OF EVERLASTING REMEMBRANCE
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. Private Alexander Mitchell was initially buried at Schloss Galbeck in Germany (Ref SH4303 1/25,000 943430).
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. The announcement of his award of the Military Medal appeared in the London Gazette on 1st March 1945, after his death.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. Private Alexander Mitchell died on 24th February 1945 in Germany.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. His prompt and brave action saved a critical situation and allowed C Company to capture its objective without further interference from the flank. Signed Field Marshall B L Montgomery.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. The suddenness and determination of this attack so demoralised the enemy that they evacuated their positions and fled, leaving three dead behind. Private Mitchell then caught up with his Company again and completed the remainder of the attack with them.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. Private Alexander Mitchell, who was on the left flank of C Company, realised what a disastrous effect this post might have on the attack and, entirely on his own imitative and regardless of the danger to which he was exposing himself, turned off towards the direction of the enemy post and charged it, firing his Bren gun from the hip. When he stood up to do this, the enemy fire was particularly directed on him from both the front and the flank, but he took no notice of this and advanced in the the direction from which the fire was coming, spraying all likely positions with fire.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. On the morning of 29th September 1944 during an attack by the 8th Battalion of the Royal Scots in the area of Fratishoff (Map Sheet BOXTEL 18NM 1/25,000 3832) C Company was advancing from its start line and was under heavy small arms fire from its front, when an unlocated enemy post to the left rear opened up, causing ten casualties in a few seconds.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. Private Alexander Mitchell was awarded the Military Medal for his actions on the 29th September 1944.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. Alexander Mitchell served with the 8th Battalion of the Royal Scots.
11/04/2020 Pte. Alexander Mitchell M.M. Alexander Mitchell was born about 1922.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron Rifleman Daniel Merron is buried in Orvieto War Cemetery. The cemetery was established as a battlefield cemetery by the 78th Division in the middle of June 1944, during the first heavy fighting north of Rome. The burials, with only one exception, date from the period 14th June – 4th July 1944.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron Rifleman Daniel Merron was killed on 22nd June 1944 in the Battle of Sanfatucchio. Rifleman Merron was killed on Pucciarelli Ridge.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron He was latterly transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the London Irish Rifles.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron Rifleman Daniel Merron served initially with the Royal Ulster Rifles.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron Daniel enlisted on 24th July 1940.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron Prior to the war, Daniel worked as a labourer in Maghera.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron Daniel had married his wife Mary in 1934. They had two sons. Peter was born about 1934.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron The 1911 census lists Daniel as age 5, living with the family at house 1 in Drennan, Gulladuff. The male family members were farm workers. His sister and mother were seamstresses.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron Known family: Michael Merron, Anne Merron, Patrick Merron (born 15th December 1888), Catherine Kate Merron (born 16th August 1890), Michael Merron (born about 1893), Bridget Merron (born 21st June 1894), James Merron (born 10th May 1896), Lizzie Jane Merron (born 31st August 1900), Rose Merron (born 28th February 1902), Margaret Merron (born 5th April 1904), Daniel Merron (born 1st December 1906).
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron Daniel Merron was born on 1st December 1906. He was the youngest of eleven children, nine surviving. All were born in the Maghera area, presumably in the Gulladuff area.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron The 1901 census lists the family at house 30 in Dreenan, Gulladuff, County Londonderry. Michael Merron was a farm labourer. Anne Merron was a seamstress.
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron Daniel Merron was the youngest son of Michael and Anne Merron. Michael Merron and Anne Convery were married on 31st January 1888 in ther district of Magherafelt
11/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron The family details are based on ‘best fit’ and are not confirmed.
10/04/2020 R/man Daniel Merron 01208
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams 01207
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams 01206
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams 01205
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams The CWGC record Aircraftman 1st Class Joseph McWilliams as the son of Bernard and Margaret McWilliams of Draperstown, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams Aircraftman 1st Class Joseph McWilliams was buried in Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery. His inscription reads: OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOUL OF JOSEPH BELOVED SON OF B. AND M. McWILLIAMS. R.I.P.
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams After midnight, while completing a last turn in the poor conditions, the aircraft nosed down and crashed in flames in a field short of runway. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. All 26 occupants were killed.
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams The aircraft had been airborne for nine hours. Fuel supplies were running low and the weather was poor. It attempted to make emergency landing at Rennes airfield.
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams On 7th October 1945 he was a passenger on a Stirling aircraft (Serial Number LJ668) from 299 Squadron, a special transport flight, was travelling from Cairo bound for the UK with a crew of 6 and 20 service personnel.
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams Aircraftman 1st Class Joseph McWilliams died on 7th October 1945. He was 27 years old.
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams Aircraftman 1st Class Joseph McWilliams served with the Royal Air Force in World War Two.
10/04/2020 Aircraftman Joseph McWilliams Joseph McWilliams was the son of Bernard and Margaret McWilliams. He was born about 1918.
10/04/2020 L/Corp Patrick McQuaide The CWGC record Lance Corporal Patrick McQuaide as the son of John and Mary A McQuaide. He is also listed as the husband of Rose McQuaide of Kilrea.
10/04/2020 L/Corp Patrick McQuaide Lance Corporal Patrick McQuaide is buried in Drumagarner (St Marys) Roman Catholic Churchyard, between Upperlands and Kilrea. His inscription reads: SACRED HEART OF JESUS GRANT HIM ETERNAL REST. MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL PRAY FOR HIM. R.I.P.
10/04/2020 L/Corp Patrick McQuaide Lance Corporal Patrick McQuaide died on 1st August 1940.
10/04/2020 L/Corp Patrick McQuaide Patrick McQuaide served with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in World War Two.
10/04/2020 L/Corp Patrick McQuaide Patrick was the husband of Rose McQuaide.
10/04/2020 L/Corp Patrick McQuaide Known family: John McQuaide, Mary Ann McQuaide, John McQuaide (born 19th September 1904, Kilrea), Mary Ellen McQuaide (born 12th March 1906. Maghera)?, Patrick McQuaide (born 9th October 1907, Kilrea), Joseph McQuaide (born 7th May 1909, Kilrea), Bridget McQuaide (born 16th January 1911, twin, Garvagh, died 12th January 1912, age 1), Annie McQuaide (born 16th January 1911, twin, Garvagh, died 22nd January 1911), Catherine McQuaide (born 2nd May 1913, Garvagh), Bridget McQuaide (born 14th April 1915, Garvagh), Margaret McQuaide (born 4th February 1917, Garvagh).
10/04/2020 L/Corp Patrick McQuaide The 1911 census lists Patrick as age 4, living with the family at house 79 in Main Street, Garvagh, County Londonderry. His father was a labourer.
10/04/2020 L/Corp Patrick McQuaide Patrick McQuaide was born on 9th October 1907 in the Kilrea area.
10/04/2020 L/Corp Patrick McQuaide Patrick McQuaide was the second son of John and Mary Ann McQuaide. John McQuaide and Mary Ann McWilliams were married on 19th April 1903 in the district of Magherafelt.
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus 01204
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus Sergeant Howard Yorke TORR (1379180)
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus Sergeant Hugh McMANUS (1123740)
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus Sergeant Alan Frank GOFF (1176030)
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus Sergeant John BELL (1123836)
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus The CWGC record Sergeant Hugh McManus as the son of Patrick and Elizabeth McManus of Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus Sergeant Hugh McManus has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 89 of the Runnymede Memorial.
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus At the time of his death, his parents were living in Queen Street, Magherafelt.
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus The other Boston aircraft had the serial number AL284. It too was from 107 Squadron.
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus One of the Boston aircraft in the squadron was hit by anti-aircraft fire off the Le Havre coast and proceeded to collide with another Boston and both went down. Reports suggest that both planes may have disintegrated in the air. The four crew were:
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus On Tuesday 10th November 1942, at 13:20, Sergeant Hugh McManus was part of the four man crew of a Boston aircraft (Serial number Z2164) which took off for a mission to Le Havre in France from RAF Great Massingham in Norfolk.
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus Sergeant Hugh McManus served with 107 Squadron as part of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus He joined the Royal Air Force after he left school. On the outbreak of war, he volunteered for active service.
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus Hugh attended the Christian Brothers School in Monaghan.
09/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus Hugh McManus was the only child of Patrick and Elizabeth McManus. He was born about 1920.
08/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus Sergeant Pilot Hugh McManus, Royal Air Force, is officially reported after being in action over France. He is the only child and son of Mr and Mrs Patrick McManus of Queen Street, Magherafelt. Only 22 years of age, he has been in the R.A.F. since he left the Christian Brothers School in Monaghan, to be a wireless operator. On the outbreak of war, he volunteered for active service. Mrs Cousley, of the Medical Hall, is making active enquiries through the medium of the Red Cross, to get some news for his anxious parents.
08/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus 01159
08/04/2020 Sgt. Hugh McManus From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 5th December 1942: Reported Missing
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon The CWGC record Lance Corporal Frederick Lindsey McLernon as the son of Francis John and Martha Ann McLernon. He is also recorded as being the husband of Jean McLernon of Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Lance Corporal Frederick McLernon is listed on page 115 of the Castledawson War Dead Book – ‘They Didn’t Come Home.’
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Lance Corporal Frederick McLernon is commemorated locally on Castledawson War Memorial.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Frederick’s twin sister Frances also attended the Rainey School and she is mentioned in their Roll of Honour as having served with the L.A.C.W. and the W.A.A.F.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Lance Corporal Frederick McLernon is buried in Santerno Valley War Cemetery, south of Bologna in Italy. His inscription reads: FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH. REMEMBERED ALWAYS BY HIS LOVING WIFE, SON AND MOTHER
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Lance Corporal Frederick McLernon was attached to the 2nd Battalion of the London Irish Rifles when he died on 12th December 1944 in Italy.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Frederick McLernon served with the Royal Ulster Rifles in World War Two.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Frederick attended the Rainey School in Magherafelt from 1926 to 1930.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Frederick Lindsey McLernon was born on 4th November 1912. He had a twin sister, Frances. They were the youngest of the family.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon The 1911 census lists the family at house 39 in Queen Street, Magherafelt. Francis was described as a provisions merchant.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Family: Francis John McLernon, Martha Ann McLernon, William McLernon (born 6th December 1903), Matthew McLernon (born 4th April 1905), Benjamin McLernon (born 19th October 1906), John McLernon (born 10th October 1908), Evelyn McLernon (born 11th February 1911), Frederick Lindsay McLernon (born 4th November 1912, twin), Francis McLernon (born 4th November 1912, twin).
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon They had seven children, all born in Magherafelt.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Francis John McLernon then married Martha Ann Miller on 27th February 1903 in the district of Magherafelt. (GRONI Ref M/1903/N1/1857/4/112).
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon The 1901 census lists the family at house 8 in Market Street, Magherafelt. Francis was a grocer.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Family: Francis John McLernon, Sarah Ann McLernon, Mary McLernon (born 3rd October 1889, died ?), Margaret McLernon (born 21st December 1890), Jane McLernon (born 22nd September 1893), Mary Hadassah McLernon (born 21st November 1895), Francis John McLernon (born 30th June 1898, died 7th June 1901), Sarah Eliza McLernon (born 12th December 1900).
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon They had six children, all born in Magherafelt.
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Francis John McLernon initially married Sara Ann Eakin on 6th August 1888 in the district of Magherafelt. (GRONI Ref M/1888/N1/1848/1/29).
08/04/2020 L/Corp Frederick Lindsay McLernon Frederick Lindsay McLernon was the youngest son of Francis John McLernon.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean 01203
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean 01202
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean 01201
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean The CWGC record Fusilier Robert McLean as the son of Robert and Mary A McLean of Tobermore, County Derry, Northern Ireland.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Fusilier Robert McLean is commemorated locally on Tobermore War Memorial.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Fusilier Robert McLean was reinterred in Bergen-Op-Zoom War Cemetery on 16th April 1946. His inscription reads: HE LIVES IN CHRIST.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Fusilier Robert McLean was buried the next day beside a little school at Wouw, Holland.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Samuel McLean saw his brother struck by a grenade about fifty yards away, and was killed instantaneously.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Fusilier Robert McLean was serving with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers when he was killed in action near Wouw in the Netherlands on 27th October 1944.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Robert McLean and his brother Samuel McLean enlisted in November 1943 and both served with the Royal Scots Fusiliers.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean The family lived in the Mormeal area.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Known family: Robert McLean, Mary A McLean, Robert McLean (born about 1924), Samuel McLean.
07/04/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Robert McLean was the son of Robert and Mary McLean. He was born about 1924.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade 01200
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade 01199
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade The CWGC record Captain Cyril Edmund Vincent McGlade as the son of Patrick and Kate McGlade of Knockloughrim, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. His listed as being a Licentiate in Dental Surgery (L.D.S.).
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Captain Cyril E V McGlade is commemorated locally on Castledawson War Memorial.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Captain Cyril Edmund Vincent McGlade was reinterred in Taukkyan War Cemetery in Burma around 1951 or later.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Captain Vincent McGlade was initially buried in Mandalay War Cemetery.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Captain Cyril Edmund Vincent McGlade died on 23rd December 1944.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Vincent McGlade served with the Royal Army Dental Corps in World War Two.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Vincent is listed as being a Licentiate in Dental Surgery (L.D.S.), which meant he had a degree in dental surgery.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade The 1911 census lists Michael and Vincent boarding at Ursaline Convent in Coleraine, County Londonderry.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade The 1911 census lists the family at house 17 in Cabragh, Rocktown. None of the children were living with their parents.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Family: Patrick McGlade, Catherine Kate McGlade, John McGlade (born 6th September 1890), Greta Margaret McGlade (born 31st August 1892), Annie Nan McGlade (born 27th March 1894), Patrick McGlade (born 9th October 1895), Charles McGlade (born 15th February 1897), Bernard McGlade (born 5th September 1898), Michael McGlade (born 9th October 1900), Cyril Edmund Vincent McGlade (born 9th April 1903).
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Cyril Edmund Vincent McGlade was born on 9th April 1903, in the Knockloughrim area. He was the youngest of eight children, all born in the Bellaghy area.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade The 1901 census lists the family at house 1 in Cabragh, Rocktown, County Londonderry. As well as the people employed in the store, Patrick McGlade had two governesses in his household - one had been born in Co. Roscommon and the other, Blanche Vageill, had been born in France.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Patrick McGlade was a general merchant. He owned a store in Knockloughrim – Cabragh area.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Patrick McGlade and Rose Meenan were married on 10th September 1889 in the district of Magherafelt. It was a double wedding. Francis Meenan and Rose McGlade were married on the same day.
07/04/2020 Capt Cyril Edmund V McGlade Cyril Edmund Vincent McGlade was the youngest son of Patrick and Kate McGlade.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research undertaken by Mr Sam Hudson.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall The CWGC record Gunner William James McGall as the son of Mr and Mrs James McGall of Bellaghy, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall Gunner William James McGall is listed on page 114 of the Castledawson War Dead Book – ‘They Didn’t Come Home.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall Gunner McGall is also listed on the World War Two plaque in Castledawson Baptist Church, being the only man from the church who died in the war.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall Gunner McGall is commemorated locally on Castledawson War Memorial.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall Gunner William James McGall is buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery in Egypt. His inscription reads: IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM JAMES, BELOVED SON OF JAMES McGALL OF BELLAGHY, CO. DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall During the Second World War, Alexandria was again an important hospital centre, taking casualties from campaigns in the Western Desert, Greece, Crete, the Aegean Islands and the Mediterranean. Rest camps and hostels were also established there together with a powerful anti-aircraft base. Alexandria was also the communications centre for the middle and near east and became the headquarters of the Military Police. The cemetery at Hadra was extended for Second World War burials and was used from 1941.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall Gunner William James McGall was serving with 26 Battery, part of the 9th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment (H.A.A.) of the Royal Artillery when he died on 16th August 1941 in Alexandria in Egypt.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall Known family: James McGall, Margaret McGall, David McGall (born 28th April 1899, died 28th April 1899), Annie McGall (born 18th February 1900), Molly McGall (born 17th February 1901, died 17th February 1901), David McGall (born 8th September 1902), John McGall (born 15th September 1903), Mary McGall (born 27th December 1904), Edith McGall (born 29th April 1906), James McGall (born 20th July 1908), William James McGall (born 29th April 1914).
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall William James McGall was born on 29th April 1914. He was one of at least nine children, all born in Bellaghy.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall The 1911 census lists family at house 8 in Bellaghy. James was a labourer. Margaret was a seamstress.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall The 1901 census lists the family at house 27 in Bellaghy, County Londonderry. James McGall was a farm labourer.
07/04/2020 Gnr William James McGall William James McGall was the son of James and Margaret McGall. James McGall and Maggie Murray were married on 3rd April 1899 in the district of Magherafelt.
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden Sergeant Charles McFadden, Inniskillings, is home on leave from hospital. About two months ago he received a very serious wound, a bullet passing through his body in close proximity to his lungs. Sergeant McFadden was with the first contingent of volunteers from the district to join the Ulster Division, and has been through the campaign from the 36th Division went. He was wounded on 1st July 1916. He was a member of the Orange Institution, and a leading member of the Upperlands Company of the U.V.F.
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden 01198
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 30th November 1918:
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden Sergeant Charles McFadden, of the Inniskillings, writes to his wife that he has been wounded and is in hospital in France. He joined the Ulster Division on its formation, and has been through much hard fighting since. He was wounded on 1st July 1916 and about a year ago he was home on leave.
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden 01197
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 24th October 1918: Upperlands
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden The CWGC record Fusilier William John McFadden as the son of Charles and Kathleen McFadden. He is further recorded as the husband of Ethel M McFadden of Upperlands, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden Fusilier William John McFadden buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery in Burma. His inscription reads: SAFE IN GOD'S KEEPING. TILL WE MEET AGAIN
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden Fusilier William John McFadden was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers when he died in Burma on 3rd July 1944.
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden William later became the husband of Ethel M McFadden.
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden Although there is no evidence to confirm this, it is thought that his father served in World War One.
06/04/2020 Fusilier William John McFadden William John McFadden was the son of Charles and Kathleen McFadden. He was born about 1915.
06/04/2020 Fusilier Joseph Gibson Losses were extremely heavy and less than one third of the men of the 1st Battalion returned from the jungle to India
06/04/2020 Fusilier Joseph Gibson Fusilier Joseph Gibson died in Burma on 21st April 1942.
06/04/2020 Fusilier Joseph Gibson By 17th April 1942, the battalion had reached the oilfields to find that the Chinese force that had advanced from the north had already demolished the wells. By then however, the entire division was cut off by a ring of Japanese positions.
06/04/2020 Fusilier Joseph Gibson In March 1942, the battalion were flown to the north of Rangoon in Burma, with the objective of destroying oil wells in the area of Yenangyaung.
06/04/2020 Fusilier Joseph Gibson The Japanese swept through south east Asia in early 1942, capturing Singapore and invading Burma.
06/04/2020 Fusilier Joseph Gibson Fusilier Joseph Gibson served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in World War Two. The 1st Battalion were based in southern India at the outbreak of World War Two.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin 01196
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Samuel joined the army in 1932, aged 18.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin He worked for Eakins of Magherafelt for 3 years as a farm labourer.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Samuel left school at 14, when the family lived at Megargy.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin All images courtesy of Sam Hudson, Desertmartin. Information provided here is courtesy of the excellent research undertaken by Mr Sam Hudson.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Corporal Samuel Martin is listed on page 113 of the Castledawson War Dead Book – ‘They Didn’t Come Home.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin The CWGC record Corporal Samuel Martin as the son of Samuel and Sarah Martin of Knockloughrim, County Londonderry.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Samuel Martin is also commemorated on the family headstone in Maghera Church of Ireland churchyard.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Corporal Samuel Martin is commemorated locally on Castledawson War Memorial.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Corporal Samuel Martin has no known grave and is commemorated on Face 11 of the Rangoon Memorial in Burma.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Losses were extremely heavy and less than one third of the men of the 1st Battalion returned from the jungle to India.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Corporal Samuel Martin died in Burma on 24th April 1942.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin By 17th April 1942, the battalion had reached the oilfields to find that the Chinese force that had advanced from the north had already demolished the wells. By then however, the entire division was cut off by a ring of Japanese positions.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin In March 1942, the battalion were flown to the north of Rangoon in Burma, with the objective of destroying oil wells in the area of Yenangyaung.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin The Japanese swept through south east Asia in early 1942, capturing Singapore and invading Burma.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Corporal Samuel Martin served with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in World War Two. The 1st Battalion were based in southern India at the outbreak of World War Two.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Known family: Samuel Martin, Sarah Martin, Mary Martin (born 17th April 1914), Samuel Martin (born 19th March 1915), Sarah Sadie Martin (born 27th August 1916), Annie Martin, Dorothy Martin, Robert Martin, William Martin.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Samuel Martin was born on 19th March 1915 in the Magherafelt area.
06/04/2020 Corp Samuel Martin Samuel Martin was the eldest son of Samuel and Sarah Martin. Samuel Martin and Sarah Winton were married on 30th January 1913 in the district of Magherafelt.
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan 01195
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan 01155
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan Sergeant Francis George KINGHAN (535306) Wireless Operator
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan Flight Sergeant Percival Gordon CORY (564105) Pilot
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan Sergeant David Ferguson Sharpe CAMPBELL (743031) Observer
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan The CWGC record Sergeant (Wireless Operator) Francis George Kinghan as the son of Samuel and Sarah Kinghan of Toomebridge, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan Sergeant Francis George Kinghan is buried in Haugesund (Rossebo) Var Frelsers Cemetery in Norway. His inscription reads: O CRUCIFIED LORD JESUS HAVE MERCY ON HIS SOUL. MOTHER, BROTHERS AND SISTERS. R.I.P.
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan The aircraft was shot down at 14.25 whilst attacking a ship off Stavanger, and crashed into the sea at Østhusvik, Rennesøy, Rogaland, off Stavanger, Norway. There were no survivors. The crew were:
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan On 25th June 1940, the three man crew of the Blenheim (Serial Number N3604) took off at 12:48 from RAF Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands. They were tasked with a ‘Stab’ operation - a patrol between Stavanger and Bergen attacking shipping and other targets of opportunity.
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan By June 1940, Sergeant Kinghan was a wireless operator with 254 Squadron.
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan Francis George Kinghan served with the Royal Air Force in World War Two.
06/04/2020 W/less Op Francis George Kinghan Francis George Kinghan was the son of Samuel and Sarah Kinghan. He was born about 1917.
06/04/2020 Able Seaman Frank Edward Sutton 01194
06/04/2020 Able Seaman Frank Edward Sutton 01193
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert George McCahon 01192
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert George McCahon 01191
06/04/2020 Able Seaman Samuel Gourley 01190
06/04/2020 Able Seaman Samuel Gourley 01189
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan 01188
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan 01187
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan 01186
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan 01185
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan The CWGC record Stoker 2nd Class Robert John Keenan as the son of William and Agnes Keenan (nee White) of Portglenone, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan Stoker 2nd Class Robert John Keenan has no known grave and is commemorated on panel 56 of the Portsmouth Naval Memorial in England
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan On 24th May 1941, early in the Battle of the Denmark Strait, HMS Hood was struck by several German shells, exploded, and sank within 3 minutes, with the loss of all but three of her crew. Due to her publicly perceived invincibility, the loss affected British morale.
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan When war with Germany was declared, Hood was operating in the area around Iceland, and she spent the next several months hunting for German commerce raiders and blockade runners between Iceland and the Norwegian Sea. After a brief overhaul of her propulsion system, she sailed as the flagship of Force H, and participated in the destruction of the French fleet at Mers-el-Kebir. Relieved as flagship of Force H, Hood was dispatched to Scapa Flow, and operated in the area as a convoy escort and later as a defence against a potential German invasion fleet. In May 1941, Hood and the battleship Prince of Wales were ordered to intercept the German battleship Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, which were en route to the Atlantic, where they were to attack convoys.
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan Stoker 2nd Class Robert John Keenan served with the Royal Navy on board HMS Hood in World War Two.
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan Robert John Keenan was born on 23rd April 1917 in the Inishrush area of Portglenone. However, no GRONI record can be found to confirm this.
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan Known family: William Keenan, Agnes Keenan, Robert Keenan (born 5th February 1909, died 17th March 1909), May Mary Keenan (born 22nd March 1911), Nancy Keenan (born 1st March 1913), James Keenan (born 19th July 1914), Robert John Keenan (born 23rd April 1917).
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan The 1911 census lists his parents at house 36 in Inishrush, Clady, County Londonderry. William was a farm labourer.
06/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan Robert John Keenan was the son of William and Agnes Keenan. William Keenan and Agnes White were married on 19th January 1909 in the district of Magherafelt.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney About 1938, Joseph Kearney left Greenlough at the age of 14 to learn to be a priest at Salesian College in Manchester. This is believed to be Thornleigh Salesian College near Bolton, although Joseph is not listed on their Roll of Honour.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney He was born about 1924. He lived in the parish of Greenlough. Joey Kearney came from Newton Corner.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney 01184
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney 01183
05/04/2020 Stoker Robert John Keenan 01182
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney 01174
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney 01181
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney 01180
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney 01179
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney 01178
05/04/2020 L/Corp William W King 01177
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney Flight Sergeant Francis Henry STOKELD (1577610) Navigator
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney Flying Officer William Hannah Clingen RAMSAY (52128) Air Gunner
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney Sergeant James Joseph KEARNEY (1233707)
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney Pilot Officer Stanley Montague FUTCHER (177861)
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney Sergeant Alfred BRADLEY (1594893) Air Gunner
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney Sergeant Ronald BENTLEY (1698420) Flight Engineer
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney There is a townland in County Antrim called Newton Crommelin, but it is many miles from Portglenone.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney The CWGC record Sergeant James Joseph Kearney as the son of Patrick Joseph and Jennie Kearney of Newton, Portglenone, Co. Antrim.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney Sergeant James Joseph Kearney is also commemorated on a plaque in the small woodland near St-Germain-la-Poterie where the aircraft crashed.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney Sergeant James Joseph Kearney has no known grave and is commemorated on on Panel 232 of the Runnymede Memorial.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney Of the crew of seven, only F/S O J McNaughton RCAF survived and evaded capture. The crew who perished were:
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney The aircraft crashed at 0130, fully loaded in a small woodland two kilometres south west of the village of St-Germain-la-Poterie, eight kilometres from Beauvais.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney The target was Saint Leu d'Esserent, a the flying-bomb storage site. Bomber Command sent a force of 231 Lancasters and 15 Mosquitos to attack the V1 supply depot at Saint Leu D'Esserent.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney At 23:25 on the evening of 5th July 1944, a Lancaster bomber (serial number ME832), with Sergeant Kearney as part of the seven man crew, took off from Metheringham on a night raid.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney By July 1944, Sergeant Kearney was serving with 106 Squadron.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney James Joseph Kearney served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in World War Two. He as a wireless operator and an air gunner.
05/04/2020 Sgt. James Joseph Kearney James Joseph Kearney was the son of Patrick Joseph and Jennie Kearney.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane 01176
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane 01175
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane There was also a Lance Corporal Samuel Kane (6977922) who died in the war. The CWGC record him as being the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Kane. His wife lived in Portadown.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane The CWGC record Rifleman David Kane as the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Kane of Tobermore, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane Rifleman Kane is commemorated locally on Tobermore War Memorial.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane Rifleman David Kane was reinterred in Rheinberg War Cemetery on 12th August 1947. His inscription reads: THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD; I SHALL NOT WANT
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane Rifleman David Kane was originally buried in an isolated grave near Lingen, Reference Sh N1 MR V722363. Rifleman R Philips (7016338) was also buried in the same location.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane Rifleman David Kane was killed during this battle. A full account of the attack is detailed via the references below.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane On 6th April 1945, the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Ulster Rifles had been given the task of attacking the German village of Lingen at first light to clear a sector of the town. Lingen lies about 20 kilometres from the Dutch border.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane Rifleman David Kane served with the the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Ulster Rifles in World War Two.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane By the time of his enlistment he was living in County Tyrone.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane David Kane was born in County Londonderry about 1907.
03/04/2020 R/man David Kane David Kane was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Kane.
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes 01174
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes 01173
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Sergeant Willie STOVOLD (2211352) Flight Engineer
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Sergeant Ernest Frederick PRICE (1866332) Air Gunner
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Flying Officer Ernest JONES (152737) Air Bomber
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Sergeant John HUGHES (1120984) Wireless Operator
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Pilot Officer Edmond Jack GOODYER (424451) Pilot
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Sergeant Gordon Victor FOYLE (1853072) Air Gunner
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Flying Officer Basil Alfred CLACK (152041) Navigator
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes The CWGC record Sergeant (Wireless Operator) John Hughes as the son of Thomas and Charlotte Hughes of Tobermore, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Sergeant John Hughes is commemorated locally on the memorial in Tobermore Baptist Church and on Tobermore War Memorial.
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Sergeant John Hughes is buried in a joint grave with the crew in Escoublac-La-Baule War Cemetery, west of Nantes on the west coast of France. His inscription reads: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Sergeant (Wireless Operator) John Hughes was killed in action on 16th June 1944.
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes For an unknown reason the aircraft failed to return. Two different sources have the aircraft shot down or hit by bombs being dropped from above. All the crew died, they were:
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes On the evening of 15th June 1944, Sergeant Hughes, Wireless Operator on an Avro Lancaster (Serial Number ME783) took off at 20:27 from Skellingthorpe, near Lincoln, on a night raid. The target was Chatellerault, in the north west of France.
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes By June 1944 Sergeant John Hughes was with 61 Squadron.
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes John Hughes served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in World War Two.
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes Known family: Thomas Hughes, Charlotte Hughes, Annie Hughes (born 22nd July 1909), James Hughes (born 25th October 1910), Maggie Hughes (born 23rd January 1913), Thomas Hughes (born 25th September 1914, died 1st November 1914), John Hughes (born 16th February 1916), Thomas Hughes (born 18th May 1917), Robert Hughes (born 4th September 1919).
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes John Hughes was born on 16th February 1916. He was one of at least seven children, all born in the Tobermore area.
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes The 1911 census lists John’s parents living at house 4 in Moyesset, Tobermore. Thomas was a farmer.
03/04/2020 Sgt. John Hughes John Hughes was the son of Thomas and Charlotte Hughes. Thomas Hughes and Charlotte Nelson were married on 16th February 1909 in the district of Magherafelt.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis The CWGC record civilian Andrew Hillis as a ‘fire watcher’. He is listed as the on of the late Andrew and Elizabeth Hillis, of Mullaghgawn Farm, Toomebridge, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, his is also listed as the husband of Mary Hillis, of Edzell, Glasgow Road, Dumbarton. Andrew is record as being injured on 7th May 1941 at Edzell, Glasgow Road and thereafter dying at Killearn Hospital.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis Andrew Hillis is commemorated in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour. Of the many civilians of the Commonwealth whose deaths were due to enemy action in the 1939-1945 War, the names of more than 67,000 are commemorated in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour, located near St. George's Chapel in Westminster Abbey, London.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis It is not known where Andrew Hillis is buried. The CWGC records that his Reporting authority was Stirling County, Scotland.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis There was an RAF Edzell on the east coast of Scotland, but this is not thought to be the location of the incident.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis Andrew Hillis died at Killearn Hospital on 24th September 1941. Killearn is a few miles north of Dumbarton.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis Andrew Hillis was injured at Edzell, Dumbarton on 7th May 1941, possibly in the course of his job.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis This entailed spells of duty on the roof of buildings to smother any incendiary bomb in a section with sandbags or, if a fire had already started, to drench it with water using a stirrup pump and a bucket of water until the fire brigade took over. The Luftwaffe followed this fire raising exercise by dropping HE bombs that caused the fires to spread even more. There were many fatalities and casualties amongst the ordinary civilians as well as the police, Fire and Ambulance services who were taking the injured to over-worked hospitals.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis During World War Two, Andrew became a fire watcher. He would have been in his early fifties.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis Andrew Hillis lived in Dumbarton, Scotland. Dumbarton lies in an inlet on the west coast of Scotland which leads to Glasgow’s port.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis Andrew Hillis became the husband of Mary Hillis.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis The 1911 census lists Andrew as age 21, living with the family at house 3 in Mullaghgaun, Cranfield, County Antrim.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis The 1901 census lists Andrew as age 14, living with the family at house 5 in Mullaghgaun, Cranfield, County Antrim. They were a farming family.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis According the CWGC the family lived at Mullaghgawn Farm, Toomebridge.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis Known family: Andrew Hillis. Lizzie Anne Hillis. John Hillis (born 9th August 1866). Nancy Hillis (born 29th May 1868), Thomas Hillis (born 29th August 1870), Jane Hillis (born 21st June 1872), James Hillis (born 2nd March 1874), Unnamed female (born 5th December 1876), Unnamed female (born 6th March 1878), Margaret Hillis (born 20th April 1879), Mary Hillis (born 14th November 1881), Andrew Hillis (born 29th September 1884).
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis Andrew Hillis was born on 29th September 1884. All the children were born in the Antrim, area presumably in the Toome - Randalstown area. He was the youngest of at least ten children.
03/04/2020 Civilian Andrew Hillis Andrew Hillis was the youngest son of the late Andrew and Elizabeth Hillis. Andrew Hillis and Elizabeth Simpson were 19th September 1865 in the district of Antrim.
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry Lizzie Jane Henry passed away in 1993 at the age of 90 and now rests with him. Unusually, her name is inscribed on the CWGC headstone.
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry The CWGC record Private David Henry as the husband of Lizzie Jane Henry of Tobermore.
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry Private Henry is commemorated locally on the memorial in Tobermore Baptist Church and on Tobermore War Memorial.
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry Private David Henry was buried at home in Kilcronaghan Church of Ireland Churchyard. His inscription reads: I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH. 2 TIMOTHY IV. 7
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry Private David Henry was serving with the Pioneer Corps when he died of illness on 9th May 1945.
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry David was the husband of Lizzie Jane Henry.
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry The 1911 census lists David as age 10, living with the family at house 3 in Ballynure, Carnamoney, County Londonderry. John Henry was a farm labourer. David’s mother was not living with the family.
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry Family: John Henry, Ellen Henry, William Henry (born 28th September 1893, Doagh), Catherine Henry (born 29th September 1895, Doagh), R James Henry (born 7th August 1897, Doagh), David Henry (born 20th June 1900, Doagh), Samuel Henry (born 20th November 1904, Maghera).
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry The 1901 census lists David as a baby, living with the family at house 47 in Ballygallough, Ballyclare, County Antrim. John Henry was a labourer.
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry David Henry was born on 20th June 1900 in the Ballyclare – Doagh area. He was one of five children.
01/04/2020 Pte. David Henry David Henry was the son of John and Ellen Henry. John Henry and Ellen Barkley were married on 9th February 1892 in the Newtownabbey area.
01/04/2020 Fusilier Joseph Gibson Fusilier Joseph Gibson has no known grave and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial in Burma.
01/04/2020 Fusilier Joseph Gibson There is a J Gibson, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, on the Tobermore War Memorial. This is thought to be the best fit.
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