18-20 Donegall Square East

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The Grade B1 listed Georgian 1830 private residences at 18-20 Donegall Square East have recently been restored. Our researcher, Richard Graham writes:

I was also fortunate to visit the interior of these listed buildings just a few days after they opened. I too was very impressed with what the new owners have created. They already had Margot as a basement bar in the adjoining ‘house’ but the new ground floor relocation will give them much more presence on the Square, and much better entrance facilities for the ‘NEW’ Margot – they intend to refurbish the original as a nightclub facility.

The same basement was the venue for The Clarence Restaurant owned by the Higgins family (who also owned The Four WInds at Newtownbreda) in the 1980s! The owners then looked after that part of the building well, but I cant really say the same for the upper floors when they were used as a canteen by Belfast Corporation Transport Dept (now CItybus / Translink) for the bus drivers coming and going out of Donegall Square! They certainly had no appreciation of the historic nature and value of the property (why would they!) as they supped their tea in between journeys.

As a result, its remarkable that these two former residences survived at all. One of them operated as The Union Hotel in the 1880s when they were no longer required as private residences, so the original interior fittings also survived that occupation! This style of house extended around most of the Square when it was almost exclusively residential in the early 1800s.

These two were built in 1830, for John Workman, a ship owner operating out of the port of Belfast, who lived here from 1830 to 1859. When the Victorian’s decided that this style of Georgian architecture was getting In their way of their grandiose plans to develop the town centre, they mercilessly demolished most of them, but of course gave us amazingly impressive linen warehouses (Richardson, Sons & Owden & Robinson & Cleaver being only two) to gaze up at instead! The original 6 pane window sashes of the Georgian houses were once again removed by the Victorians who favoured single Pane glass windows, although a couple have survived on the May Street frontage, as have the original cast iron railings on that façade – unlike the Lanyon Building at Queen’s!! Jaffe Brothers, the owners of what is now 10 Square Hotel also had offices here as linen merchants.

All in all an amazing transformation and rebirth of our original street scenes and the owners should be congratulated for putting up such an enormous investment to save these beautiful remnants of Georgian Belfast.

History Hub Ulster Researcher, Richard Graham

Photo courtesy of Judith Skelton, Friar’s Bush Graveyard Belfast

Foyle Street Second World War Memorial Tablet

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On 9th July 1945 the Belfast Telegraph published a photograph taken at the unveiling of a memorial tablet to commemorate twelve servicemen from Foyle Street who had died during the Second World War. The names are grouped under three headings – NAVY (five), ARMY (six), and ROYAL AIR FORCE (one).

The memorial tablet was unveiled by Sir Alexander Wilson Hungerford, Member of the Northern Ireland Parliament for Belfast Oldpark (1925-1945), in a ceremony conducted by the Reverend John W Strutt of the North Belfast Mission.

Foyle Street was one of a number of streets, all named after rivers in Ireland, that lay between the Oldpark Road and Clifton Park Avenue. There were 63 houses in the street in 1939. The area has been redeveloped and the fate of the memorial tablet is unknown. 

NAVY

Stoker William Stewart of 35 Foyle Street died when HMS Prince of Wales was sunk by land-based bombers of the Imperial Japanese Navy in the South China Sea on 10th December 1941. He was 35 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. He was born on 14th September 1906 at Weir Street to Annie Stewart and married Jane Ross. They had five young children when he died. His death was officially confirmed in May 1942. William was working for Belfast Corporation and was a member of the Colonel Eager Band when he joined the Royal Navy. 

Seaman William Robert Steele was killed when a Luftwaffe Heinkel HE111 bombed SS Stanleigh in Liverpool Bay on the night 13th/14th March 1941. William was 26 years old and is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial. He was born on 2nd October 1914 at Shannon Street to Hugh Steele and Elizabeth Steele (nee Adair) and was a member of Apprentice Boys’ Memorial Lodge LOL1317.

William Cranston was born on 19th February 1917 at Crimea Street to David Ross Cranston and Rachel Cranston (nee Montgomery), who had married at St Anne’s Parish Church on 28th October 1906. David Ross Cranston served during the Great War with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, the Royal Irish Fusiliers, and Northumberland Fusiliers. William had married Eleanor Shaw on 4th November 1939 at St Anne’s Cathedral, and they had two children. William had worked for Milford Clothing for eleven years when he joined the Royal Navy in 1941. He was serving on HMS Bramble as an Assistant Steward when he lost his life at the age of 25. HMS Bramble was an escort ship for convoy JW-51B to Russia when she was sunk by the German destroyer Friedrich Eckoldt in the Barents Sea on 31st December 1942, with the loss of 121 lives. William and his shipmates are commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. Eleanor Cranston was living at Moscow Street when her husband died and was recorded as the occupant at 31 Foyle Street in the 1947 Belfast Street Directory.

Petty Officer Thomas Leighton of 58 Foyle Street was serving as a DEMS Gunner on SS Rosenborg when he died on 24th April 1943, aged 28, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. The ship was hit north of Rockall by two torpedoes fired by German submarine U-386 and sank with the loss of the master, 21 crew members, four gunners, and two passengers. His death was confirmed by the Admiralty in December 1943. Thomas was born on 17th February 1915 at Mountcollyer Street to John Leighton and Mary Elizabeth Leighton (nee Adams) and he had married Emily Steele on 4th September 1939 at Cliftonville Presbyterian Church. They had a son and a daughter when Thomas died.

Leading Seaman William White of 13 Foyle Street was serving as a DEMS gunner on MV Otina when she was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-621 on 20th December 1942 whilst sailing from Belfast to New York. William was 35 years old when he died and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. William was born in Ayrshire on 28th August 1908 and was survived by his widow, Margaret.

ARMY

Lance-Corporal Thomas Faulkner of 50 Foyle Street enlisted with the Royal Irish Fusiliers (Army Number 6974882) around 1924 and was serving with the Royal Corps of Signals when he died in an accidental bomb explosion on 29th August 1942. He was 36 years old and is buried in the Heliopolis War Cemetery in Egypt. He had been in the army for 18 years when he died and had had held the Army bantamweight championship of all India for three years. Thomas John Faulkner was born on 26th September 1905 at the Belfast Maternity Hospital to David Faulkner and Ellen Faulkner (nee Beattie) of Crimea Street. David had served on the Home Front with the Royal Irish Rifles between September 1914 and June 1916, and David and Ellen were living at 42 Foyle Street when their son died. Thomas had married Margaret Berry on 24th December 1934 at St Anne’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, and they had two daughters and a son. Margaret Faulkner died at 50 Foyle Street on 6th April 1961, aged 59.

Rifleman William John Rice was serving with 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles (Army Number 7011646) when he died on 9th June 1944 and is buried in the Cambes-en-Plaine War Cemetery in France. William was born on 24th October 1915 at Broom Street to Joseph Rice and Mary Rice (nee McIlroy). He was in the army and his home address was 56 Foyle Street when he married Jane Brownlee, a rover from Raleigh Street, on 19th December 1942 at St Mary’s Church of Ireland, Crumlin Road. Jane and their daughter, Kathleen, were living at 31 Arkwright Street when William died.

Corporal Frederick Murdock enlisted with the Royal Ulster Rifles (Army Number 7010813) was serving with 2nd Battalion when he was awarded the General Service Medal with “Palestine” clasp in June 1940. He was serving as a Signalman with 6th Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers when he was Killed in Action on 25th September 1944, aged 33, and is buried in the Reusel Roman Catholic Cemetery in The Netherlands. Frederick was born on 4th January 1911 at Foyle Street to Robert Murdock and Margaret Murdock (nee Patterson) who were living at 60 Foyle Street when their son died. Frederick had married Violet Young on 21st December 1936 at St Mary’s Church of Ireland, Crumlin Road. She was living at 23 Woodford Street with three young sons (Jim, Fred, and Billy) when her husband died.

The fourth name under “Army” is Private Hill but, as the initial is unclear, it has not been possible to definitively identify the associated fatality details. Miss Hill was the occupant at 38 Foyle Street in the 1939 and 1943 street directories.

Rifleman Albert Conn Shaw was serving with 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles when he was Killed in Action on 13th April 1945, aged 22, and is buried in the Becklingen War Cemetery in Germany. Albert Shaw was born on 4th January 1923 to John Shaw and Sophia Shaw (nee Stewart) who were living at 25 Foyle Street when their son died. He had married Grace Caldwell on 3rd November 1941 at St Anne’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, and she was living at 31 Mersey Street with their son, Alan, when her husband died.

Robert John Frazer was living in Surrey when he enlisted with the Welsh Guards (Army Number 2738288) and was serving with 3rd Battalion when he died on 22nd May 1945 and is buried in the Rome War Cemetery. Robert was born on 9th January 1921 at Fortingale Street to Thomas Frazer and Jane Frazer (nee Nevin) who lived at 46 Foyle Street from the mid-1920s until at least 1939. Five of their children died in infancy between February 1925 and November 1936.

ROYAL AIR FORCE

Francis Dermott Byrne enlisted with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Number 1123766) around 1940 and was a Flight Sergeant with 1654 Heavy Conversion Unit when he died on 5th February 1945, aged 23. He was the Wireless Operator on an Avro Lancaster aircraft from RAF Wigsley, which crashed in unknown circumstances during a cross-country navigation exercise. The eight-man crew were all killed and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey. Francis was born on 4th April 1921 at the Belfast Maternity Unit to Patrick Byrne, a storeman, and Mary Agnes Byrne (nee Matthews), whose home address was 6 Foyle Street. Mary Agnes Byrne had died at 6 Foyle Street on 11th April 1941.

Nigel Henderson, History Hub Ulster Researcher

The Biography of Dr. Hubert James Lawson from Larne

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History Hub Ulster is currently working with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in researching men who may qualify for inclusion on the Larne War Memorial. One case has greatly interested our researcher, Nigel Henderson, that of Larne Grammar School pupil, Hubert Lawson.

Hubert James Lawson was born on 6th November 1897 at Main Street in Larne to William Lawson, Company Secretary for the Shamrock Shipping Company, and Isabella Lawson (nee Norritt). The family lived at Bonavista Terrace in 1901, at Old Glenarm Road in 1911, and later at “Elsinore” on Chaine Memorial Road. Hubert was educated at Larne Grammar School and enlisted with the Royal Irish Fusiliers on 24th February 1916 (Regimental Number 24010).

Private Lawson served on the Western Front with 9th Battalion and was discharged as “No longer physically fit for war service” due to illness on 27th June 1917, with Silver War Badge Number 198321. The medal card, medal rolls, and pension cards record his name as Herbert James Lawson, but one document includes an annotation that Hubert is the correct name. He was boarding at 11 Fountainville Avenue, the home of Miss E Livingstone, when he was awarded a 20% Disability Pension in respect of a collapsed lung at the rate of eight shillings per week.

Hubert graduated from Queen’s University as a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in July 1924. He was a surgeon when he sailed from Shanghai onboard SS Yangtse, arriving at New York on 1st March 1927, before continuing his journey to the United Kingdom. He married Marjorie Brockbank at Ulverston in Lancashire, the marriage being registered in Quarter 1 1928. The UK and Ireland Medical Register of 1930 records that Hubert was working for the Malayan Medical Service and they were living in Penang Province when their first son was born. Hubert was Medical Officer at Seremban before being appointed as Chief Medical Officer for Kelantan.

During the Japanese advance, Hubert arranged for Marjorie and their three sons – John (14), Billy (12), and Dennis (9) – to be evacuated to Australia. Hubert remained at his post at the Teloh Anson Hospital in Perak and was interned by the Japanese after the Fall of Singapore in February 1942. On 29th October 1944, he was allowed to send a message card from Singapore to his family in Sydney. The message included the following line, “Trust will not be long before we are all united”.

Dr. Hubert James Lawson died of a stomach tumour at the Sime Road Civilian Internment Camp on 2nd December 1944, aged 47, and is buried in Choa Chu Kang Cemetery in Singapore.

The camp occupied a 470-acre site and had been the Combined Operations Headquarters of the British Army and Air Force from December 1941 until the Fall of Singapore. Hubert left effects of £1137 fourteen shillings and nine pence (approximately £43,487 in current terms) to Marjorie, who had returned to Northern Ireland with their sons to live at “Elsinore” in Larne.

Dr Lawson is commemorated on the UK Civilian Roll of Honour for the Second World War and his name was recently added to the war memorial plaque at Larne Grammar School. He is also commemorated on a side-panel at the Lawson family plot in Larne’s Greenland Cemetery.

William Norritt Stewart Lawson, the second son of Hubert and Marjorie, served in the Korean War as a Lance-Corporal with 55th Independent Squadron Royal Engineers, part of the 1st Commonwealth Division. In addition to being awarded the United Nations Korea Medal, he was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) in “recognition of services in Korea during the period 1 August 1954 to 31 January 1955”.

After leaving the army, William pursued a career as a marine engineer in the Merchant Navy and was an engineer officer on SS Ramore Head when he was presented with the British Empire Medal at Thiepval Barracks on Friday 17th August 1956 by Lieutenant-General Sir Brian Kimmins, GOC Northern Ireland District.

William and Isabella Lawson lived at “Elsinore” until their deaths. Isabella died on 18th March 1944, aged 72, and William Lawson died on 2nd April 1947, aged 81. They are buried in the Greenland Cemetery in Larne. Marjorie Lawson died in Belfast on 5th October 1954, aged 50, but her place of burial is not known. William Christie Lawson, Hubert’s older brother, was the Managing Director of the Shamrock Shipping Company in 1947.

Nigel Henderson, History Hub Ulster Researcher

—————————–

Acknowledgements:

Photograph in Malayan Medical Service uniform provided by John Hoy

Lawson family plot photograph Jenny Brennan

Cemetery commemoration image is from the Singapore Tombstones Epigraphic Materials website 

Newspaper photograph of William Norritt Stewart Lawson from Belfast News-Letter (18th August 1956)

The War Memorial Window of St John’s Church of Ireland, Laganbank

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On Sunday 27th July 1919, the Right Reverend Doctor Charles Frederick D’Arcy, Lord Bishop of Down and Connor and Dromore, dedicated the memorials to the men from the congregation of St. John’s Church of Ireland, who had served in the Great War.

One of the lessons in the service was made by Mr Henry Seaver, whose son had died in the Great War. The memorial to the fatalities was a two-light stained-glass window produced by Ward & Partners of May Street. 

It featured two angels with heads bowed in prayer and the scripture, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The names of twenty men who made the supreme sacrifice are recorded on two panes and the dedication at the base of the window reads,

“To the glory of God, and in cherished memory of the above-named members of this Church, who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War, 1914-1918. These two windows are erected by the parishioners of St John’s Church, Laganbank.”

The memorial to those who served and returned took the form of a tablet contained 86 names and the inscription plate read,

“This tablet commemorates the gallant services of those members of this church who fought in the Great War, 1914-1918”.

When St John’s Church closed in the 1940s, the congregation re-located to Orangefield, where a new St John’s Church was built. The Roll of Honour tablet was moved to the new church but the stained glass windows were not. They were packed in a wooden case and moved to storage in the crypt in St Anne’s Cathedral.

When I started searching for the memorial window, I was told that there was no storage crate in St Anne’s and I was later told that memorial windows from St John’s had been installed in St Andrew’s Church, Glencairn. However, the windows in St Andrew’s Church did not include the war memorial window. In late April of this year, Alistair McCartney advised me that the storage crate from St John’s Church had been in St Mary’s Church on the Crumlin Road for the last twenty years.

John McCormick and I visited St Mary’s Church to photograph the war memorial window, which was in four sections.

The Fallen of St John’s Church, Laganbank

William John Beggs was born in Larne and enlisted with the Royal Engineers. He was serving with 7th Depot Company when he died of pneumonia at Victoria Barracks Military Hospital on 3rd December 1915, aged 42, and is buried in Belfast City Cemetery.

Alexander Bingham was born on 17th September 1890 at Lindsay Street to Thomas Bingham and Julia Bingham (nee Goudy) who later lived at Erin Street. Brigade Quartermaster Sergeant Bingham died of suffocation in the trenches on 27th November 1915, aged 25, and is buried in Forceville Communal Cemetery and Extension in France.

Robert Henry Black was born on 20th November 1883 at Annette Street to William John Black, a brad finisher, and Eliza Black (nee Hobson). Riflemen Robert Henry Black was Killed in Action on 1st July 1916, aged 32, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France. He is also commemorated on the memorial for May Street Presbyterian Church.

Two sons of James Clulow, a long-time Sexton at St John’s Church, and Jane Clulow (nee Smith) are commemorated on the window.

Edward Clulow was born on 23rd January 1882 at Charles Street South and he served with 1st King’s Dragoon Guards in the Second Anglo-Boer War, being awarded the King’s South Africa Medal with the South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902 clasps. He was serving with “C” Squadron 5th Dragoon Guards when he died of Wounds on 27th March 1918, aged 36, and is buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension at Rouen in France.

Thomas Clulow was born on 8th October 1883 at Charles Street South and he enlisted with the South Lancashire Regiment on 20th January 1903 and was stationed in India from November 1904 to March 1906. He was mobilised on 5th August 1914 and was deployed to France with 2nd Battalion eight days later. He sustained shrapnel wounds to the leg on 20th September 1914 during the Battle of the Aisne and spent ten months at the 1st Scottish General Hospital in Aberdeen before being discharged at Warrington on 6th August 1915. Thomas Clulow of Renfrew Street died of myelitis (nervous exhaustion) at the Union Workhouse Infirmary on 19th September 1916, aged 30, and is buried in Belfast City Cemetery.

William Connell was born on 13th Aug 1897 at Schull in County Cork to John Connell, HM Coastguard, and Mary Jane Connell (nee Shipsey) and he joined the Royal Navy on 14th March 1913 from the Greenwich Naval College. He was serving as a Boy (1st Class) on HMS Monmouth when she was sunk in the Battle of Coronel off the coast of Chile on 1st November 1914. He was 17 years old and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Edward Collins was born on 15th July 1889 at Catherine Street to John Collins, a coachman, and Sarah Ann Collins (nee Bailey) and he enlisted with the Royal Irish Rifles on 9th November 1908. He was serving in India with 1st Battalion at the outbreak of the Great War and was deployed to France with on 6th November 1914. Rifleman Edward Collins Died of Wounds on 11th March 1915, aged 27, and is buried in the Merville Communal Cemetery in France.

Charles Robert Cooney was born on 13th March 1894 at Moneymore to James Lamont Cooney, a clerk, and Margaret Alice Cooney (nee Lillie) and he was educated at Moneymore National School and Cookstown Academy. He received his commission with 7th Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers in October 1915 and was posted to France on attachment to 10th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles on 20th July 1916. Second Lieutenant Cooney was attached to 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles when he was Killed in Action on 9th October 1916, aged 22, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

There is insufficient information to positively identify James Foster.

John James Greenlee was born on 21st February 1881 at Elizabeth Street to Robert Greenlee, a carpenter, and Martha Greenlee (nee Clendinning). He enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 5th February 1916 and was serving with 43rd Battery (8th Brigade) Canadian Field Artillery when he was Killed in Action on 23rd November 1917, aged 38, and is buried in Brandhoek New Military Cemetery No 3 in Belgium.

Samuel Halliday was born on 1st October 1877 at Norton Street to Samuel Halliday and Elizabeth Halliday (nee Lunn). Samuel was 34 years old when he enlisted with the Royal Engineers at Old Town Hall on 16th February 1915 and was deployed to France with 150th Field Company on 5th October 1915. Samuel collapsed in a trench and died of syncope on 9th February 1917, aged 39, and is buried in the Berks Cemetery Extension in Belgium.

William Henry Hamilton was born on 13th June 1882 at Reilly’s Place to William Henry Hamilton, a cattle dealer, and Lucy Hamilton (nee Killen). He enlisted with 17th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles and was deployed to France with 8th Battalion on 5th October 1915. William was Killed in Action on 23rd November 1917, aged 35,and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval in France.

William Grainger Hanna was born on 29th September 1894 at Arkwright Street to William Hanna and Mary Hanna (nee Lyons), who were living at Glenwherry Street when their son died. William enlisted with the Royal Irish Rifles and was posted to France with 14th Battalion in October 1915. He was Killed in Action on 1st July 1916, aged 21, and is buried in the Mill Road Cemetery at Thiepval in France. His death was confirmed in the War Office Daily List dated 4th October 1917.

John Kells was born on 23rd June 1887 at Douglas Street to James Kells, a coachman, and Mary Kells (nee Yarr) and he enlisted with the Royal Irish Rifles. He was posted to France with 8th Battalion in October 1915 and was Killed in Action on 2nd July 1916, aged 29, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

Alexander Morrison was born on 12th July 1895 at Stirling to James Morrison and Emily Morrison and the family was living at Garfield Terrace on My Lady’s Road when he enlisted with the Royal Marine Light Infantry in Belfast on 13th August 1912. Alexander was serving with 1st Royal Marines Battalion (Royal Naval Division) when he was awarded the Military Medal for his actions at Logeast Wood on 21st August 1918. Acting Corporal Morrison was Killed in Action on 6th October 1918, aged 23, and is buried in Hermies Hill British Cemetery in France.

James McCracken was born on 14th December 1891 at Market Street to William John McCracken and Jane Julia McCracken (nee McLean) and he enlisted with 4th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles and was posted overseas after 1915. James was serving with 6th Battalion Machine Gun Corps when he died of pneumonia on 6th November 1918, aged 29, and is buried in the St Sever Cemetery Extension in Rouen.

Edward Lawson McDonald was born on 24th June 1882 at Botanic Avenue to James Thompson McDonald, a stockbroker, and Fanny Anne McDonald (nee Seaver). Edward was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Irish Rifles with effect from 6th January 1916 and held the rank of Lieutenant when he was posted to 12th Battalion on the Western Front on 20th July 1916. Edward was Killed in Action on 22nd November 1917, aged 35, and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval in France.

James Henry Robinson was born on 3rd April 1898 at the Fire Station HQ on Chichester Street to William John Robinson and Sarah Robinson (nee Johnston). James enlisted with the Royal Irish Rifles and landed at ANZAC Cove with 6th Battalion on 5th August 1915. Lance-Corporal Robinson was Killed in Action five days later at the age of 17 and is commemorated on the Helles Memorial in Turkey.

David Harden Scott was born on 24th November 1895 at Abbey Street in Bangor to Matthew Scott, a station master, and Elizabeth Scott (nee Lemon) and they were living at Dufferin Avenue when their son died. David was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Irish Rifles with effect from 28th January 1915 and was deployed to France with 16th Battalion in October 1915. He served with the 36th Divisional Cyclist Corps before being transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and he was awarded the Military Cross. Lieutenant Scott was serving with 65 Squadron Royal Flying Corps when he was Killed in Action on 12th November 1917, aged 21, and is buried in Pont-Du-Hem Military Cemetery at La Gorgue in France.

Charles Seaver was born on 1st July 1894 at Easton Terrace, Cliftonville, to Henry Seaver, a civil engineer, and Norah Seaver (nee Lepper) and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 8th September 1914. He held the rank of Captain when he was posted to the Western Front in January 1916 and he sustained shrapnel wounds to the arm in late July. He was serving with 8th Battalion when he was wounded in the head on 9th September during the Battle of Ginchy and died at No 2 General Hospital on 3rd October 1916. He was 22 years of age and is buried in St. Sever Cemetery at Rouen in France.

Nigel Henderson, History Hub Ulster Researcher

On This Day 80 Years Ago: The Bombing of Dresden

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The Bombing of Dresden city in Germany took place in the final months of the Second World War.  In four raids between 13 and 15 February 1945, 722 heavy bombers of the RAF and 527 of the USAAF dropped over 3,900 tons of high-explosive bombs and incendiary devices on the city. The bombing and the resulting firestorm destroyed 8 square miles of the city centre. It is estimated between 22,700 and 25,000 people were killed.

 

Three more USAAF air raids followed, two occurring on 2 March and 17 April aimed at the city’s railroad marshalling yard and one small raid on 17 April aimed at industrial areas. Post-war discussion of whether or not the attacks were justified has led to the bombing becoming a moral controversy of the war.

A 1953 UnitFotothek_df_ps_0000010_Blick_vom_Rathausturmed States Air Force report defended the operation as the justified bombing of a military and industrial target, which was a major rail transport and communication centre, housing 110 factories and 50,000 workers in support of the German war effort. Several researchers have claimed that not all of the communications infrastructure, such as the bridges, were targeted, nor were the extensive industrial areas outside the city centre.

Critics of the bombing argue that Dresden was a cultural landmark of little or no military significance, and that the attacks were indiscriminate area bombing and not proportionate to the commensurate military gains

Large variations in the claimed death toll have fuelled the controversy.
In March 1945, the German government ordered its press to publish a falsified casualty figure of 200,000 for the Dresden raids, and death toll estimates as high as 500,000 have been given. Although Dresden authorities at the time estimated no more than 25,000 victims, a figure which subsequent investigations as recently as 2010 support.

 

Captain Alexander Joseph Molloy MC

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The Great War Roll of Honour for Belfast Royal Academy includes a section listing distinctions gained by former pupils and includes the award of the Portuguese Military Order of Aviz to one person. This is the first time that I have seen a reference to an Ulsterman receiving this award or, indeed, any award from the Republic of Portugal. Although he is recorded on the Roll of Honour as “J A Molloy”, his name was Alexander Joseph Molloy.

Photograph courtesy of John McCormick

Alexander Joseph Molloy was born at Poona in India on 5th September 1872 to Assistant Surgeon Oscar Fredrick Molloy, Royal Army Medical Corps, and Jane Molloy (nee Douglass). His father held the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel when he retired from the RAMC and was living in Holywood when he died of pneumonia and cardiac failure on 27th March 1902, aged 58. His mother later lived at Malone Road.

Alexander was educated at Royal Belfast Academical Institution and Belfast Royal Academy. He enlisted with the Royal Irish Regiment on 1st April 1892 and served in India until November 1895. He held the rank of Corporal when he was transferred to the Class B Army Reserve on 11th June 1897. Corporal A J Molloy joined the Cape Colony Police in September 1897 and served in the Second Anglo-Boer War, being awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal (Cape Colony, Orange Free State, and South Africa 1901 clasps)*. He transferred to the Cape Rural Police on 20th November 1901 and was discharged from the Royal Irish Regiment on 30th September 1902 when he was promoted to Chief Constable.

At the outbreak of the Great War, he enlisted as a Gunner with the South African Field Artillery for service in the German South-West Africa campaign. On being released from service in 1915, he enlisted as a Private with the South African Infantry for service in the German East Africa campaign. He held the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major when he received a field commission in June 1916. He was serving with an Askari force in East Africa when he resigned his commission in May 1918. He then enlisted as a Private for service in Europe and later received a commission with the Royal Army Service Corps. He was serving on the Western Front when he was hospitalised with influenza on 23rd November 1918 and was evacuated to England on 15th December.

After the Armistice, he was stationed at Victoria Barracks in Belfast and held the rank of Captain when he relinquished his commission. He returned to South Africa and lived at Tennyson Street in East London.

During the Great War, he was:

  • awarded the Silver Medal for Valour by the King of Italy (London Gazette, 31st August 1917),
  • Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, 7th March 1918),
  • awarded the Military Cross (Edinburgh Gazette, 25th March 1919), and
  • made an Officer of the Military Order of Aviz by the Republic of Portugal (London Gazette, 6th April 1920).

Although he served in combat zones 1914 and 1915, he was not entitled to receive the 1914/15 Star as he had not served in a qualifying campaign. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

* According to local newspaper reports, Alexander served with the Cape Mounted Rifles in the Second Anglo-Boer War, being wounded at Stormberg in December 1899. The newspaper reports record that he was Mentioned in Despatches and was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal (four clasps) and the King’s South Africa Medal (two clasps). The author has not been able to locate a matching reference in the British Army medal rolls for that conflict.

Nigel Henderson, History Hub Ulster

Gallaher and Company Second World War Memorial

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Gallaher and Company, Belfast 

The tablet commemorating fatalities and those who served from the firm was unveiled on 2nd June 1948 by Captain John Hugo Russell CBE, 3rd Baron Ampthill. John Russell, who had served with the Royal Navy in both world wars, was the Production Director at the Gallaher factory and is the first name in the “Served” section. Although there is a civilian air raid fatality commemorated on the memorial tablet, there should perhaps be two fatalities commemorated. Benjamin Kennedy of 33 Earl Street, adjacent to the Gallaher factory, was recorded as being a tobacco worker when he died at York Street on 16th April 1941, aged 19, and was buried in Carnmoney Main Cemetery on 20th April 1941.

The ten fatalities are listed by service:

Royal Navy (2), Army (4), Royal Air Force (3), Air Raid Fatality (1).

The names of the 335 employees who served and survived are also recorded by service:

Royal Navy (36), Army (145), Royal Air Force (45), Royal Marines (3), Merchant Navy (7), Women’s Royal Naval Service (14), Auxiliary Territorial Service (7), Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (44), Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (1), Voluntary Aid Detachment (2), Women’s Voluntary Service (2), Nursing (20), National Fire Service (6).

Signalman Wallace Boyd McCappin (P/UD/X 1362, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Esk)

Whilst laying mines off the Dutch coast, HMS Esk struck a German mine, and a subsequent explosion amidships caused the ship to break in two. Signalman McCappin was 22 years old and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. He is also commemorated on a family memorial in Carnmoney Cemetery. He was born on 3rd January 1918 at Upper Mervue Street to Robert McCappin, a riveter, and Jane McCappin (nee McClean).

Petty Officer Alexander McIlwaine (D/M 35507, Royal Navy, HMS Caroline)

Alexander McIlwaine died at 26 Jellicoe Avenue on 25th June 1946, aged 54, and is buried in Carnmoney Cemetery East. He was living in one of fifty houses built by the Irish Sailors and Soldiers Land Trust at Jellicoe Avenue for veterans of the Great War. Alexander McIlwaine was born on 15th June 1892 at Dunfane near Kirkinriola to Robert McIlwaine, a baker, and Jane McIlwaine (nee Anderson). He was a flax bundler when he enlisted with the Royal Navy (Number J.5236) as a “Boy” on 4th August 1909 and was established as an Ordinary Seaman (Number M.35507) on 15th June 1910.

He attained the rank of Regulating Petty Officer and served on HMS Bellerophon at the Battle of Jutland. The last ship on which he served was King George V and he was invalided from the service due to pulmonary tuberculosis on 2nd September 1925, having served for over 15 years. His service in the Great War is recognised on the memorial tablet for First Ballymena Presbyterian Church. Alexander married Elizabeth Dundas on 12th February 1925 at First Ballymena Presbyterian Church. He returned to naval service on 20th April 1940, serving on HMS Caroline until 6th January 1943. 

Alexander McIlwaine died at his Jellicoe Avenue home on 25th June 1946, aged 54. He was a member of the Postmen Ex-Servicemen’s Association, the Three Brothers Masonic Lodge 775 and Royal Arch Chapter 755 in Ballymena. Alexander left effects totalling £810 (approximately £27,900 in current terms) to his widow, Elizabeth. Elizabeth McIlwaine was living at Jellicoe Avenue when she died at Belfast City Hospital on 17th April 1962, aged 63. Alexander and Elizabeth McIlwaine are buried in Carnmoney Cemetery East. Also buried in the plot is their son, Ernest, who was living at Jellicoe Avenue when he died on 11th September 1970.

Gunner Leonard Edgar (1475599, 23 Battery, 8 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery)

Leonard Edgar was Killed in Action on 23rd May 1940, aged 24, and is buried in Wimereux Communal Cemetery in France. His death was confirmed in September 1942, and he is commemorated on a family memorial in Belfast City Cemetery.

Leonard Edgar was born on 24th March 1916 at 58 Brookmount Street to Leonard Edgar, a joiner, and Sarah Ann Edgar (nee McIlroy). He married Norah Goward on 25th August 1937 at St Matthew’s Church of Ireland, Woodvale, and they were living at 71 Brookmount Street in 1939. He was survived by Norah and their two-year-old daughter, Leonora.

Serjeant Thomas Bullock (3593582, 94 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery)

Thomas Bullock died on 8th April 1945, aged 38, and is buried in Sage War Cemetery in Germany. Thomas Bullock was born on 28th May 1906 at Teutonic Street to William Bullock and Charlotte Bullock (nee Mahon). Thomas Bullock married Edna May Beattie on 22nd August 1936 at Great Victoria Street Presbyterian Church.  Edna and their infant son were living at 32 Britannic Street when Thomas died.

Gunner Albert Kinnon (1459544, 8th (Belfast) Heavy Artillery Regiment, Royal Artillery

Albert Kinnon was Killed in Action on 8th February 1944, aged 37, during the Battle of Admin Box. He is buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery in Myanmar/Burma and is commemorated on a family memorial in Carnmoney Cemetery East. Albert Kinnon was born on 14th September 1906 at Shannon Street to Thomas Kinnon and Georgina Kinnon (nee Brown) and the family lived at 81 Unity Street in 1911. Albert married Agnes Gould on 9th July 1928 at St Michael’s Church of Ireland, Craven Street, and they lived at 77 York Park, Belfast.

Captain James Charles Skelly (265920, 82 Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers)

James Charles Skelly was Killed in Action on 1st November 1944, aged 25, when his tracked landing vehicle was hit whilst coming ashore at Westkappele during the Battle of the Scheldt. He is commemorated on the Groesbeek Memorial in The Netherlands. James Charles Skelly was born on 1st March 1919 at 119 Limestone Road to Samuel Skelly, a window cleaner, and Louisa Skelly (nee Whyte), who were living at 154 Limestone Road when their son died.

Flight Sergeant Thomas Colquhoun Edmonds Berkeley (754377, 85 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve)

Thomas Berkeley Died on 14th June 1941, aged 24, when his Boston Havoc aircraft failed to return from an operational flight, and he is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial in England. He is also commemorated on is commemorated locally on Cookstown War Memorial and on the Roll of Honour for Molesworth Street Presbyterian Church.

Thomas Colqhoun Edmonds Berkeley was born on 2nd October 1916 to James Lowry Berkeley and Eleanor Berkeley (nee Paden) of Poplar Hill, Tullyhogue, Tyrone. One of his brothers, Lowry Berkeley, a manager at the Gallaher factory, was in the Ulster Home Guard whilst two sisters, Miss Eleanor Veronica Berkeley and Miss Gladys Berkeley, served with the Women’s Royal Naval Service.

Sergeant Herbert Reginald Megarry (745111, No. 6 Service Flying Training School, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve)

Herbert Reginald Megarry was undergoing pilot training when he died in a flying accident in Oxfordshire on 18th May 1940, aged 20, and is buried in Bangor Cemetery. His Harvard aircraft spun to the ground after the engine stalled following a steep turn. He is also commemorated on the Bangor and District War Memorial and at St. Comgall’s Church of Ireland in Bangor.

Herbert Reginald Megarry was born on 4th May 1920 at Ravenhill Avenue to James Herbert Megarry, a warehouseman, and Harriett Megarry (nee Bailie). Herbert worked in the Engineering Department at the Gallagher factory before joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Sergeant George Albert McGarvey (969452, 455 (Royal Australian Air Force) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve)

George Albert McGarvey died on 7th November 1941, aged 20, and is buried in Heverlee War Cemetery in Belgium. Sergeant McGarvey was the Wireless Operator and Air Gunner on a Hampden aircraft from RAF Swinderby failed to return from an armed reconnaissance flight towards Cologne. The three other members of the crew also died. George Albert McGarvey was born on 16th December 1920 in Dublin to George Edward McGarvey and Ellen McGarvey (nee Cossar). His father had served with the Royal Engineers and was a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Irish Rifles at Victoria Barracks when he married Ellen Cossar on 18th April 1918 at the United Free Church of Scotland in Lower Abbey Street, Dublin.

William John Lancaster

William John Lancaster was a son of William Raynard Lancaster and Eliza Jane Lancaster (nee Duncan) who had married in Belfast in 1909. William Reynard Lancaster served with the Royal Sussex Regiment from November 1893 to July 1909. He served in India for eleven years, being awarded the India Medal 1895, with Punjab Frontier and Tirah 1897-98 clasps. William was a boilermaker when Eliza Jane gave birth to a daughter, Margaret Sophia Mary, at Little Corporation Street in June 1912.

William John Lancaster was a tobacco worker when he married Margaret Gordon (Nellie) Dornan, a smoother, on 22nd December 1934 at Ulsterville Presbyterian Church. They were living at 27 Lisburn Avenue when William was injured at the Gallaher tobacco factory and died at the Mater Infirmorum Hospital on 5th May 1941. He was 30 years old and was buried in Belfast City Cemetery on 7th May 1941, but there is no memorial at the plot. The description on the tablet implies that he died in the factory. William left effects of £120 7s. 6d. to his widow Maggie Gordon Lancaster. His parents were living at 17 Greenmount Street in 1939, and they were living at 67 Downview Bungalows when they died. William Reynard Lancaster died on 26th February 1951, aged 74, and Eliza Jane Lancaster died on 14th February 1960, aged 85.

Acknowledgements

The photograph of the Gallaher Limited War Memorial Tablet is from a history of the firm called “Smoke Signals” (available to access at the Linen Hall Library).

The photographs of the CWGC headstones in overseas graveyards are from www.findagrave.com

The photograph of Thomas Berkeley is from the Cookstown War Dead website (www.cookstownwardead.co.uk)

The photograph of Albert Kinnon is from www.findagrave.com

Research by Nigel Henderson.

Cliftonville Golf Club – Victory Prize

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Cliftonville Golf Club – Victory Prize by Nigel Henderson

Whilst researching Arthur Moore Cinnamond, a victim of the 1941 German air raids, I came across an obituary in the Belfast Telegraph that recorded that he was a member of Cliftonville Golf Club. Hugh Daly from Cliftonville Golf Club informed me that Arthur had been a member of the club’s council in 1911 and was club Captain in 1925. At the Annual Meeting of the club in March 1919, Arthur Cinnamond intimated his intention to provide a special victory prize to commemorate club members who had served in the Great War.
The trophy was made by R McDowell Company (Watchmakers, Jewellers, Gold Silversmiths, and Opticians) of 14 High Street and the inscription reads:

1919
Cliftonville Golf Club
Victory Prize
Presented by A.M. Cinnamond
In memory of
Our fallen Heroes
And as a token of
Thanksgiving
For the Safe Return
Of our Comrades

To the sides of the dedication are the names of four fatalities and thirty-one members who served (including Miss M Lockhart). The first winner of the trophy was W Shaw in 1919, and the trophy is still played for each year.

Great War Fatalities

Sergeant William Henry Calvert

William Henry Calvert was born on 7th June 1892 at Oldpark Road to William Henry Calvert, a draper, and Margaret Calvert (nee McKay). The family was living at Cliftonville Street in 1911 when William junior was an apprentice jeweller with Gibson and Company of Donegall Place and Castle Place. William Henry Calvert senior was a member of Cliftonville Golf Club Council in 1911 and served on the committee for 18 years.

The family home was later at Old Change on Knutsford Drive. He was a company commander in the Cliftonville Battalion of the North Belfast Regiment Ulster Volunteer Force when he enlisted with the Royal Irish Rifles (Regimental Number 14/14264) in September 1914. He was deployed to France with 14th Battalion in October 1915. On 7th February 1916, he was giving bomb-throwing instructions to a number of soldiers when a live bomb exploded. Sergeant Calvert was 23 years old and is buried in Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet for Cliftonville Presbyterian Church. William Calvert captained Cliftonville Shamrock Football Club for two years and was a member of Cliftonville Football Club.

2nd Lieutenant John Dobson

John Dobson was born on 21st December 1889 at Connor in County Antrim to William
Dobson and Jane Dobson (nee Cooper) and the family was living at Glenfarne Street in
1901. In 1911, the family was living at Roe Street when William was a van driver and John
was a commercial clerk. John was working for Messrs Pratt Montgomery (tea and sugar merchants and family grocers of York Street and Victoria Street) when he was commissioned into the Royal Irish Fusiliers. He married Mary Georgina Hopper on 10th May 1916 at Fortwilliam Park Presbyterian Church and she lived at Oaklands, Chichester Park.

2nd Lieutenant John Dobson was serving with 1st Battalion when he was wounded on 3rd May 1917 and died the following day. He was 27 years old and is buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, France. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet for Agnes Street Presbyterian Church.

2nd Lieutenant Edwin Samuel Frizelle

Edwin Samuel Frizelle was born on 26th January 1894 at Ballysaggart near Dungannon to
William George Frizelle, a linen factory manager, and Mary Jane Frizelle (nee Broomfield).
The family was living at Oldpark Road in 1901 and at Alliance Avenue in 1911, when Edwin
was an undergraduate at Queen’s University. He graduated as a Bachelor of Arts in 1913
and was awarded a Master of Arts degree in 1914. Edwin moved to Bury, intended to study for the medical profession, but upon the outbreak of war he volunteered for war service and received his commission in the Bury Pals Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers in August 1914. He was posted to the Gallipoli Peninsula with 5th Battalion and sustained gunshot wounds to the right arm on 4th June 1915. He was evacuated to a base hospital at Alexandria, but returned to the Gallipoli where he was killed in action on 3rd August 1915.

Edwin was 21 years old and is buried in the Lancashire Landing Cemetery on the Gallipoli
Peninsula. In the census returns, the Frizelle family is recorded as being Baptist. 2nd
Lieutenant Edwin Samuel Frizelle is also commemorated on the Queen’s University War
Memorial.

Captain Frederick William Girvan

Frederick William Girvan was born on 23rd May 1893 at Kilbride near Doagh to Robert
Girvan, a clerk in a mill, and Isabella Girvan (nee Millar). The family was living at Duncairn
Gardens by 1901 and Robert was a cashier at a spinning mill in 1911. Frederick was a
teacher at Lynn Memorial School on Baden Powell Street at the outbreak of the war and the
family was living at Easton Crescent during the war.

Frederick was commissioned into the
Devonshire Regiment from Queen’s University Officers Training Corps in June 1915. He held the rank of Lieutenant when he was posted to 8th Battalion in France on 10th September 1916. Captain Girvan was Killed in Action on 26th October 1917, aged 24, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. He is commemorated on the memorial tablet for St Enoch’s Presbyterian Church, on the Roll of Honour tablet for Queen’s University OTC, and on a family memorial in Carnmoney Church of Ireland Graveyard.

The Trophy Donor

Arthur Moore Cinnamond was born on 8th October 1872 at University Street to Arthur Cinnamond, a wine merchant, and Eliza Cinnamond (nee Barber). He was educated at Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Queen’s College in Belfast, and Christ Church in Oxford. After completing his education, Arthur joined the family firm and he married Harriett Mary Molyneux Rogers of Princethorpe, Cliftonville Road, on 22nd November 1898 at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Donegall Street. In 1901, they were living at Glenisheen on Cliftonville Road and Arthur was a director in Cinnamond Moore Limited (Distillers and Wholesale Wine and Spirit Merchants) of Church Lane. In 1911, Arthur was an auctioneer and valuer, and he became the sole proprietor of Clarke Sons (Auctioneers) of Rosemary Street in 1913. He joined Civic Masonic Lodge No 425 on 13th December 1916 and remained as a member until his death. Harriet Cinnamond died at their Glenisheen home on 3rd October 1938, aged 68.

Arthur Moore Cinnamond was well known in sporting circles, particularly rugby and golf, and he was a prominent figure with Cliftonville Golf Club, having been part of the council when the club was formed in 1911 and he was Club Captain in 1925.

In the aftermath of the Great War, Arthur Cinnamond presented a trophy – the Victory Cup – to the club in memory of the members of the club who had died in the war and those who had served and returned home. He was killed by falling masonry at 11 Ben Madigan Park on 16th April 1941, aged 68, and he left effects of £733 3s to his daughter, Mrs Mary Molyneux Kean.

Nigel Henderson.

Operation Overlord: Northern Ireland Connection

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Operation Overlord: Northern Ireland Connection by Nigel Henderson

From reviewing the information held on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the British Army Roll of Honour (1939-1945) sources, five men associated with Northern Ireland lost their lives on 6th June 1944 during, or as a result, of operations associated with the D-Day Landing at Normandy. One of the fatalities was from Belfast, but the other four were all from the west of Northern Ireland. The fathers of two of the fatalities had died in the Great War whilst serving in the army.

Lance Corporal Joseph Thompson Larkin (Service Number PLY/X 104620) was serving with 48 Royal Marine Commando when he died on Active Service in France on 6th June 1944, aged 22, and is buried in the Southampton (Hollybrook) Cemetery in Hampshire. Joseph Thompson Larkin was born on 21st December 1921 to Joseph Larkin, a holder-up, and Matilda Larkin (nee Mullan). Matilda Larkin of Lisavon Street died on 11st August 1932, aged 33, and Joseph Larken senior married Maud Winters on 24th July 1937. Joseph and Maud Larkin were living at Sandbrook Park in 1944.

Private Michael John McGee DCM (Army Number 14216814) was serving with 7th Battalion Parachute Regiment (Army Air Corps) when he died of wounds on 6th June 1944, aged 21, and is buried in Benouville Churchyard. The London Gazette (Supplement: 36994) dated 20th March 1945 reported that Private McGee had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. As the DCM award was for the same act of gallantry for which Private McGee had been Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, 2nd January 1945), the MID award was cancelled. The DCM citation read,

“The above-named soldier was one of the parachutists who landed behind the enemy lines on 6th June 1944. His Coy. was in continual action of 21 hours during most of which time it was cut off from the bn. and attacked by superior numbers of inf. and tanks and S.P. guns. On one occasion Pte McGee by engaging a Panther tank at point blank range with his Bren gun fired from the hip, caused it to stop at a point when his comrades put it out of action with a hand bomb. This soldier’s complete disregard for his personal safety was largely responsible for the successful and gallant action fought by his Coy.”

Michael McGee was born on 30th October 1922 at Davagh in County Monaghan to Michael McGee and Bridget McGee (nee McCluskey) but the family was living at Aughnacloy in County Tyrone.

Sergeant Edward Eli Reynolds (Army Number 3907378) was serving with 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers when he was killed in action at the age of 33 and is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery. Edward Eli Reynolds was born in Monmouthshire on 1st October 1911 to Edward Eli Reynolds and Elizabeth Ann Reynolds. His mother died in 1912 and his father married Anne Jane Peebles in late 1914. His father was killed in action at Gallipoli on 9th August 1915 whilst serving with 4th Battalion South Wales Borderers. Edward married Elizabeth Ross on 30th October 1937 at Ebrington Presbyterian Church. Edward enlisted in his father’s regiment and Army Order 247 of 1939 reported that Private Reynolds had been awarded the General Service Medal with “Palestine” clasp. Elizabeth Reynolds was living at Waterside in Londonderry when her husband died.

Private William John Rowe (Army Number 7011445) was serving with 5/7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders when he was reported as “Missing” on 6th June 1944. The War Office Casualty List No. 1543 (5th September 1944) reported that he had been Killed in Action on that date. Private Rowe was 29 years old when he died and is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery. William Rowe was born on 21st March 1915 at Lisnaskea to Thomas Rowe and Isabella Rowe (nee Thompson), his second forename being registered as JOSEPH. His father had accidentally drowned at Clarendon Dock in Belfast on 18th January 1915, aged 40, whilst serving with 11th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Regimental Number 17258). Thomas Rowe is buried in the Roll of Honour Ground in Belfast City Cemetery and commemorated on the Screen Wall.

Sergeant James Young (Army Number 6977467) was serving with 9th Battalion Parachute Regiment (Army Air Corps) when he was reported as “Missing” on 6th June 1944. In September 1944, the War Office confirmed that he had been Killed in Action on that date. He was 28 years old and is buried in Ranville War Cemetery. James Young was a son of John Joseph Young and Mary Elizabeth Young of Omagh and he had enlisted with Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

All gravestones images are from www.findagrave.com