Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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July's Updates
Date Name Information
18/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Information has been received from the War Office that Fusilier Samuel McLean, aged 19 years (third son of Mr and Mrs Robert McLean, of Mormeal), has been wounded in France on the Western Front and is in hospital. His mother later received a letter from the nurse attached to the hospital stating that he was recovering satisfactorily and is looking forward to seeing them all at home as soon as possible. His brother, Fusilier Robert McLean, was killed in action about two months ago.
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18/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 21st December 1944: Tobermore Soldier Wounded (Fusilier Samuel McLean – brother of Fusilier Robert McLean)
18/07/2020 A/Sub Lieut Thomas Roderick J Clark Thomas Clark was educated at Shrewsbury.
18/07/2020 A/Sub Lieut Thomas Roderick J Clark Major T Clark and Mrs Clark of Upperlands have received official notification that their eldest son, Sub-lieutenant T R J Clark, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, has been reported missing, presumed killed on active service. Educated at Shrewsbury, he volunteered in July 1943 and was commissioned this year. He was a grandson of Mr H J Clark, D.L., of Upperlands, and of the late Colonel A J Campbell, D.S.O., of Ballycastle. Major Clark served in the 1914-18 war and re-joined the Army on the outbreak of war.
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18/07/2020 A/Sub Lieut Thomas Roderick J Clark From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd December 1944:
17/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann Prior to enlisting, William had been in the Home Guard, in which he rose to the rank of lieutenant in ‘C’ Company, South Londonderry Battalion.
17/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann William Mann was a member of L.O.L. No. 92.
17/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann A promising footballer, William played for Hillhead Rovers F.C. and Victoria Rangers F.C.
17/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann A promising footballer, en enthusiast for the soccer code, the deceased played for Hillhead Rovers F.C. and Victoria Rangers F.C. At a meeting of the Rovers, held on Friday evening at Hillhead, tribute was paid to the deceased’s services and association with the club and to his popularity. A resolution was passed in silence, the members standing, sympathising with Mr and Mrs Mann on the great loss they had sustained.
17/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann A great favourite with all who knew him, and they were many, Sergeant Pilot Mann, before joining the Royal Air Force, had been in the Home Guard, in which he rose to the rank of lieutenant in ‘C’ Company, South Londonderry Battalion, which corps paid tribute to his memory at the ‘Stand Down’ supper on Friday evening by observing a two minute silence. He had been a member of L.O.L. No. 92, which Lodge at their monthly meeting on Monday passed a resolution of sympathy with Bro John Mann (a member of the Lodge), Mrs Mann and family on their sad loss. The resolution was passed with the brethren standing, after which, as a tribute of respect to an esteemed comrade, the Lodge adjourned.
17/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann There was much regret expressed and sympathy extended to Mr and Mrs John Mann and family, of Hillhead, when it was learned that their elder son, Sergeant Pilot William Mann, had been killed in an accident overseas. Beyond a wire conveying the sad news, no details of the accident have come to hand.
17/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann 01556
17/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th December 1944: Castledawson
17/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Information has been received from the War Office that Fusilier Robert McLean (second son of Mr and Mrs R McLean, of Mormeal), aged 20 years, has been killed in action on North West Europe. The deceased, and his brother Samuel, joined up eleven months ago and served in the same regiment. The latter saw his younger brother struck by a grenade about fifty yards away, and when he went up to him he was dead. He saw him buried next day beside a little school at Wouw, Holland.
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17/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd December 1944: Tobermore Soldier Killed
16/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Ever remembered by his loving cousins. Knocknagin, Desertmartin.
16/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean That someone, dear Bobbie, is you.’
16/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean Whose smile was as bright as the sunshine.
16/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean ‘Today I am thinking of someone who now lies in a hero’s grave.
16/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean McClean – In ever loving remembrance of our dear cousin, who was killed in active service in France in October 1944.
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16/07/2020 Fusilier Robert McLean From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 18th November 1944:
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter The Women’s Section of the British Legion met on Wednesday in the Legion Hall. Apologies were received from Mrs Hastings, Mrs Reynolds, Mrs Bell and Miss Finlay for their non-attendance. The annual election of officers resulted in all the officers being re-elected. On the proposal of Mrs McGuckin, seconded by Mrs Galway, two new members, Mrs Avril and Mrs Finn, were admitted. A vote of sympathy was paased on the motion of Mrs Keatley to Mrs Porter and family on the death of Lance Corporal J Porter, who was killed in North West Europe.
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter 01553
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th November 1944:
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter Private John Porter joined the King's Own Scottish Borderers in 1944.
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter Private John Porter was injured in the summer of 1942.
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereave family of Lance Corporal John Porter of Union Road, who has been reported by the Infantry Record Office to have been killed in the service of his country. He joined the Inniskilling Fusiliers at the age of 17 years, and was transferred to the King’s Own Scottish Borderers a few months ago, and at the age of 26 years, his death occurred somewhere in North West Europe.
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter 01552
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 28th October 1944: Magherafelt
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter PORTER – Lance Corporal John Porter, King’s Own Scottish Borderers (K.O.S.B.), second son of Mr and Mrs John Porter of Union Road, Magherafelt. Reported killed in action in North West Europe. Inserted by his sorrowing sister and brother-in-law, K and H Hudson, also his little nephews, King Street, Magherafelt.
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16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 28th October 1944:
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter PORTER – Lance Corporal John Porter, King’s Own Scottish Borderers (K.O.S.B.), second son of Mr and Mrs John Porter of Union Road, Magherafelt. Reported killed in action in North West Europe. Inserted by his sorrowing sister and brother-in-law, V and H McKay, Moneymore.
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter 01550
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 28th October 1944:
16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter PORTER – Lance Corporal, King’s Own Scottish Borderers (K.O.S.B.), second son of Mr and Mrs John Porter of Union Road, Magherafelt. Reported killed in action in North West Europe. Inserted by his sorrowing father and mother.
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16/07/2020 Pte. John Porter From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 28th October 1944:
16/07/2020 Pte. John Flanagan Private Flanagan was later transferred to the Leceistershire Regiment when he was drafted on foreign service.
16/07/2020 Pte. John Flanagan John Flanagan joined about 1940, enlisting in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
16/07/2020 Pte. John Flanagan Prior to enlisting, John was employed in the firm of Messrs J C McKinney and Son, merchants, Maghera, and was very popular and much respected in civil life.
16/07/2020 Pte. John Flanagan At the time of his death, John’s parents lived at Market Square, Maghera.
16/07/2020 Pte. John Flanagan Information has been received from the War Office by Mr P Flanagan, of Market Square, Maghera, that his son, Private John Flanagan, has been killed in action in Italy. Private Flanagan joined the Army four years past in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was later transferred to an English regiment when he was drafted on foreign service. The deceased young soldier was 22 years of age. Prior to joining up, he was employed in the firm of Messrs J C McKinney and Son, merchants, Maghera, and was very popular and much respected in civil life. Much sympathy is felt for his sorrowing mother, father and other members of the family on the great loss they have sustained.
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16/07/2020 Pte. John Flanagan From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 28th October 1944: Maghera
13/07/2020 Mr John Cairns Each recipient duly replied. Indoor games and dancing followed up to a late hour, the music being supplied my Messrs W Brady and T Gregg. Miss V Overend and Petty Officer G Rankin contributed solos. Letters of apology for absence were received from Messrs F J Lynam (who was ill), T Norwell and John Leonard.
13/07/2020 Mr John Cairns Mr James McGall, whose son William, a gunner, died while on active service in the Middle East.
13/07/2020 Mr John Cairns Mrs J Cairns, whose son John was killed while on active service with the Royal Navy
13/07/2020 Mr John Cairns Petty Officer G Rankin of the Merchant Navy
13/07/2020 Mr John Cairns Gunners W Tombe, J Lorimer, H Meharg and H Lynn of the A A Regiment.
13/07/2020 Mr John Cairns A Welcome Home party, at which there were about sixty guests, was held on Monday evening in Bellaghy Presbyterian Church Hall. Amongst those present was the Hon. Mrs Mulholland, of Ballyscullion House. After supper, served up by the W.V.S. collectors and ladies of the Hospitality Committee, the Rev J Boyle, M.A., on behalf of the Bellaghy people, welcomed the men who had been serving overseas in the Londonderry A.A. Regiment. Mr James Burnside, J.P., C. Clr., Chairman of the Magherafelt Branch of the British Legion, extended a hearty welcome to the gunners, on behalf of the British Legion, the activities of which he gave a broad outline. He hoped all of them would come back safe and sound, and on their return join the Legion (applause). A two minute silence as a remark of respect to the men who had fallen on active service was observed. Mrs Mulholland congratulated the men on their return, and hoped they would have a speedy return from warfare. The people at home had proudly followed their journey through the desert, and were very proud of their great Irish leader, Field Marshall Montgomery. She had learned three precepts about speech-making when young; first, stand up and be seen; second, speak clearly and be heard; third, sit down and be liked. So she was making her speech short (applause). Mrs Mulholland, amid applause, presented tokens of esteem on behalf of the Bellaghy people to:
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13/07/2020 Mr John Cairns From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 7th October 1944: Bellaghy – Welcome to A.A. Men
13/07/2020 Gnr William James McGall Each recipient duly replied. Indoor games and dancing followed up to a late hour, the music being supplied my Messrs W Brady and T Gregg. Miss V Overend and Petty Officer G Rankin contributed solos. Letters of apology for absence were received from Messrs F J Lynam (who was ill), T Norwell and John Leonard.
13/07/2020 Gnr William James McGall Mr James McGall, whose son William, a gunner, died while on active service in the Middle East.
13/07/2020 Gnr William James McGall Mrs J Cairns, whose son John was killed while on active service with the Royal Navy
13/07/2020 Gnr William James McGall Petty Officer G Rankin of the Merchant Navy
13/07/2020 Gnr William James McGall Gunners W Tombe, J Lorimer, H Meharg and H Lynn of the A A Regiment.
13/07/2020 Gnr William James McGall A Welcome Home party, at which there were about sixty guests, was held on Monday evening in Bellaghy Presbyterian Church Hall. Amongst those present was the Hon. Mrs Mulholland, of Ballyscullion House. After supper, served up by the W.V.S. collectors and ladies of the Hospitality Committee, the Rev J Boyle, M.A., on behalf of the Bellaghy people, welcomed the men who had been serving overseas in the Londonderry A.A. Regiment. Mr James Burnside, J.P., C. Clr., Chairman of the Magherafelt Branch of the British Legion, extended a hearty welcome to the gunners, on behalf of the British Legion, the activities of which he gave a broad outline. He hoped all of them would come back safe and sound, and on their return join the Legion (applause). A two minute silence as a remark of respect to the men who had fallen on active service was observed. Mrs Mulholland congratulated the men on their return, and hoped they would have a speedy return from warfare. The people at home had proudly followed their journey through the desert, and were very proud of their great Irish leader, Field Marshall Montgomery. She had learned three precepts about speech-making when young; first, stand up and be seen; second, speak clearly and be heard; third, sit down and be liked. So she was making her speech short (applause). Mrs Mulholland, amid applause, presented tokens of esteem on behalf of the Bellaghy people to:
13/07/2020 Gnr William James McGall 01547
13/07/2020 Gnr William James McGall From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 7th October 1944: Bellaghy – Welcome to A.A. Men
12/07/2020 Pte. John Johnstone Mr Andrew Harte, presenting the token of esteem, complimented Stoker Johnston on his gallantry in re-joining the Navy after his experiences in the 1914-1918 war. Stoker Johnston expressed his appreciation of the gift, and thanked the donors for their generosity.
12/07/2020 Pte. John Johnstone His brother John, enlisting in the Cameronians (the Scottish Rifles) in 1915, was early on the battlefield. After being in two engagements near Neuve Chappelle, he was killed in the Battle of Arras when he was only 20 years old. He had gained two decorations.
12/07/2020 Pte. John Johnstone Stoker W Johnston, whose home address is Belishill, Castledawson, was the gusest of the evening at a social on Wednesday evening in the War Memorial Hall (in Castledawson). He joined the Royal Navy about four years ago and was posted to a minesweeper. After a spell in the North Sea, he did duty in ‘E-boat Alley’. Later he was posted to an examination boat based on a port in Northern Ireland. After another spell in a Naval Barracks, he was posted to a gunboat which originally belonged to the Netherlands Royal Navy, and from December 1943 up to May 1944, was on service in the English Channel. This gunboat was one of the fleet which took part in the invasion of Normandy, and was the first to land Royal Marines, which corps, fighting one of the most brilliant actions in their history against overwhelming odds, battled their way to a grand finale, capturing one post after another, and re-arming themselves with German weapons. The gunboat was about six weeks in the port, during which the crew, getting shore leave, made good use of their time in seeing something of the country further inland. Stoker Johnston says the country is something like Northern Ireland; food is plentiful- eggs, bacon and ham can be got for the asking. One town he visited was Bayeux, famous for its tapestry and a gothic cathedral of great antiquity. Stoker Johnston served in the last war in the Royal Navy until 1919, when he was demobilised. During that time he served in two cruisers which were sunk by submarines, but the crews escaped.
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12/07/2020 Pte. John Johnstone From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 19th August 1944: Serviceman’s Welcome (Stoker William Johnston – brother of John Johnston)
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles (John Masefield)
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles Of these shall my songs be fashioned, my tales be told.
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles But the lads who carried the koppie and cannot be known,
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles Riding cock horse to parade when the bugles are blown,
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles ‘Not the be-medalled commander, beloved of the throne,
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles The lesson of the sacrifice of this young life is - this is the price of peace. His memory will inflame us with inspiration and encouragement as we try to do our duty, and haunt us with derision if we neglect it. Let us never forget him. He was one of the lads of our village. He died for you and me, doing his duty.
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles In simpleness and gentleness and honour and clean mirth.’
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles Even as he trod that day to God so walked he from this birth
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles ‘He scarce has need to doff his pride, or slough the dress of earth.
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles He knew well the risk he was taking. I had a conversation with him some time ago about his new duties, and he was well aware of the danger that lay ahead; as a good soldier he braved all he knew, and all the unknown, with a good heart. He was a good lad and a ready lad. I will borrow a tribute from one of Kipling’s jingles to describe him.
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles Tonight we salute the memory of Sergeant Allen Charles, of the Airborne Division, who fell in the Battle of Normandy. Allen Charles heard the call of duty to his country and responded to it, first of all in the service of the Ulster Home Guard. He served with distinction in this platoon. We all remember his comradeship, his bright clean, life, while he was with us, and he remained unspoiled. Then, impatient to be amongst those who also serve who only stand and wait, he wanted to serve his country in a greater way. He joined the Royal Ulster Rifles and attained the rank of corporal. Then he joined the more daring service of the Airborne Division and later gained the rank of sergeant.
11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles At the weekly parade of the Desertmartin Platoon of the Ulster Home Guard, Lieutenant T C Chestnutt paid a tribute in the memory of Sergeant Allen Charles when, before joining up, was a member of the platoon and was recently killed in action on the Normandy front. Lieutenant Chestnutt said:-
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11/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th July 1944: Desertmartin
10/07/2020 R/man Arthur Desmond Bradley At the morning service in the Presbyterian Church on Sabbath last, the Rev W Gaston, B.A., paid a tribute to the late Private A D Bradley, of the Royal Ulster Rifles, whose death was announced in last week’s issue. He had heard the call three years ago, and at the age of 16 had joined the Army, and when visiting friends in another company, he heard another call which he accepted – the call of the Eternal King. They extended to the father, brother and sisters of the deceased their sincere sympathy in their bereavement. The congregation stood during a two minutes silence.
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10/07/2020 R/man Arthur Desmond Bradley From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th July 1944: Castledawson Presbyterian Church
09/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles He slumbers now in a hero’s grave.’
09/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles His fresh young life he gladly gave
09/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles His victory won, though dearly bought.
09/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles ‘His warfare is over, his battle fought
09/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles CHARLES – Killed in action in France in June 1944,Sergeant Allen Charles, Airborne Division, fourth son of Robert Charles and Mrs Charles of Desertmartin, and loving brother of Robert Charles of Motalee; Harry and William Charles of Desertmartin, and Andy Charles, Inniskilling Fusiliers.
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09/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th July 1944: Roll of Honour
09/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles Relatives of Sergeant Allen Charles, of Desertmartin, have been notified of his death in Normandy. He was one of the airborne troops and was killed in action. His wife is living in England.
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09/07/2020 L/Sgt Allen Charles From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 1st July 1944: Magherafelt
05/07/2020 Pte. Frederick Houston 01541
05/07/2020 Pte. Frederick Houston The 1911 census does not list Fred as living with the family at house 20 in Tamniarn, Castledawson.
05/07/2020 Pte. Frederick Houston Fred’s mother, Martha Houston, died on 2nd May 1905 in Castledawson, aged 43. Records show that a baby called Margaret Houston died a few days prior on 28th April 1905. It is not known if the two things are connected.
05/07/2020 Pte. Frederick Houston The 1901 census lists Fred G as age 10, living with the family at house 25 in Tamniarn, Castledawson, County Londonderry. John Houston was a millwright.
05/07/2020 Pte. Frederick Houston Known family: John Houston, Martha Houston, Martha J Houston (born 20th February 1881), William Houston (born 8th October 1883), Thomas J Houston (born 24th January 1886), Mary Houston (born 14th June 1888, died 3rd July 1889, age 1), Frederick G Houston (born 14th June 1890), Agnes E Houston (born 26th June 1892), John A Houston (born about 1895), Mary Houston (born 23rd April 1896), Caroline Annie ‘Carrie’ Houston (born 4th March 1898), Augustus S Houston (born 25th April 1900), Albert / Robert E Houston (born 24th June 1902).
05/07/2020 Pte. Frederick Houston Frederick G Houston was born on 14th June 1890. He was one of at least eleven children, all born in the Castledawson area.
05/07/2020 Pte. Frederick Houston Frederick Houston was the son of John and Martha Houston. John Houston and Martha Smith were married on 22nd April 1880 in the district of Magherafelt.
05/07/2020 Pte. Frederick Houston The family name is spelt variously Heuston and Houston throughout the various official records. For simplicity, Houston is used.
05/07/2020 R/man William Ellis There were two men called William Ellis from the Castledawson area who died in World War One. Corporal William L Ellis (4612) and Rifleman William Ellis (15/11924). The Castledawson L.O.L. No. 97 World War One Roll of Honour includes a picture of a ‘Corporal’ William Ellis. For this reason it has been decided to allocate the image to Corporal William Ellis (4612) - not this William Ellis. However, it cannot be cannot be confirmed that this is correct.
05/07/2020 Corp William L Ellis There were two men called William Ellis from the Castledawson area who died in World War One. Corporal William L Ellis (4612) and Rifleman William Ellis (15/11924). The Castledawson L.O.L. No. 97 World War One Roll of Honour includes a picture of a ‘Corporal’ William Ellis. For this reason it has been decided to allocate the image to Corporal William Ellis (4612). However, it cannot be cannot be confirmed that this is correct.
05/07/2020 Corp William L Ellis 01540
03/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann William Mann joined the Royal Air Force in 1940.
03/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann Flight Sergeant W C Mann (elder son of Mr and Mrs Mann of Hillhead), who joined the Royal Air Force in 1940 and was promoted a warrant officer in March last, has been selected for a commission by being promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer.
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03/07/2020 Fly Off William Church Mann From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 20th May 1944: Castledawson
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