On This Day 80 Years Ago: The Bombing of Dresden

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

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

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

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

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

Montgomerys of Ballydrain, Dunmurry

Montgomerys of Ballydrain, Dunmurry

by Gavin Bamford

Hugh Montgomery (1743-1832) of Glenarm and Benvarden, Co. Antrim was one of the original founders or partners of the private bank, ‘H Montgomery & Company’ that was formed in Belfast in 1809. Around 1815 it became known as Northern Bank. He retired as a partner in 1822. His son, another Hugh Montgomery (1794-1867) succeeded his father in the partnership.

Montgomery’s private bank was incorporated in 1824 as the first ‘joint stock bank’ in Ireland, becoming the ‘Northern Banking Company’. Hugh Montgomery became one of its directors.

Hugh’s son, James C Montgomery was appointed as an additional Director in 1860. His health did not allow him to take up his duties and he resigned in 1862. He died abroad, in 1870 aged 34.

Another son, Thomas Montgomery (1837-1909) had joined the bank early in life and was appointed to the board on the death of his father in 1867. He served as a Senior Director until 1905 and died at Ballydrain, Dunmurry in 1907.

The Montgomery family plot is one of the principal graves situated at the back of Drumbeg Parish Church.

Close by, nearer to Belfast on the Upper Malone Road is Ballydrain House and estate. ‘Ballydrain Estate, Dunmurry’ was purchased by Montgomery in 1834 for £13,500 (2024 £1.46m) with the present house being completed a few years later. The house and estate left the Montgomery family in 1920. In 1960, Malone Golf Club purchased the entire property and greatly extended the club house together with building the golf course.

Malone Golf Club (Ballydrain House) October 2023 – Northern bank Pensioners Luncheon

Malone Golf Club (Ballydrain House) October 2023 – Northern bank Pensioners Luncheon

The Belfast Blitz: Lost Church Memorials

The Belfast Blitz: Lost Church Memorials 

Researched and written by Nigel Henderson

According to official Air Raids Situation Reports (PRONI File MPs1/2/2), 68 places of worship in Belfast were damaged during the German air raids of 1941. Five were in Belfast city centre, three were in the Shankill area, 28 were in East Belfast, and 32 were in North Belfast. Inevitably, many memorials commemorating service and sacrifice in the Great War were also lost due to the bombings.

Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church 

On Sunday 12th October 1919, the new War Memorial Organ in the church was used for the first time in public worship. In his address, Dr Park referred to the 555 men from the congregation and Sabbath School who had served in the Great war, 86 of whom had made the supreme sacrifice. The following Sunday, Mrs John Sinclair unveiled a brass tablet which had been erected by the afternoon Sabbath School in memory of the members of the congregation and school who fell in the Great War. The newspaper article on the unveiling reported that the tablet was attached to the front of the pulpit and recorded the names of the 86 fatalities. The church was not rebuilt and the congregation amalgamated with Ekenhead Memorial Presbyterian Church at its new site on the North Circular Road, adopting the name Rosemary Presbyterian Church. A history of the congregation by J W Kernahan includes a photograph of the War Memorial Organ, and the plaque on the front of the pulpit is visible. 

Clifton Street Presbyterian Church

Two white marble tablets were unveiled on Sunday 7th March 1920 – one commemorated the nineteen men of the congregation who died  and one recorded the names of those who served and survived. The tablets were unveiled by Mrs Anna Craig Picken of Antrim Road, who had a noble record of work on behalf of soldiers and sailors. The church was not rebuilt, and the congregation merged with the nearby Clifton Street United Free Presbyterian Church. The amalgamated congregation adopting the name Clifton Street United Presbyterian Church.

York Street Presbyterian Church 

On Sunday 25th April 1920, two memorials were unveiled at the church by the Right Reverend Doctor John Morrow Simms, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, who had served as Senior Chaplain to the Ulster Division during the war. One of the mural tablets was erected inside the church and commemorated fourteen men from the congregation who died during the war. The second mural tablet was erected by 33rd Company Boy Scouts and was placed on external wall of the church at the junction of York Street and Earl Street. This memorial tablet recorded the names of 132 men from Earl Street and District who served in the Great War, 36 of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice. Newspaper articles about the unveilings recorded the names of those commemorated on the two tablets, although none of the fatalities named on the congregational tablet are named on the district tablet. In essence, the external tablet probably represented service and sacrifice by people who lived in the streets between Gallaher’s Tobacco factory and the York Street Flax Spinning mill. To the best of my knowledge, no photographs of either memorial tablet have survived, although there is a newspaper photograph of the unveiling of the district memorial. The church was not rebuilt, and the congregation merged with Castleton Presbyterian Church on York Road, the amalgamated congregation adopting the name of Alexandra Presbyterian Church.

St James’ Church of Ireland, Antrim Road

On 9th May 1920, the Very Reverend Thomas Gibson George Collins, Dean of Belfast dedicated memorials commemorating the service and sacrifice by men from the parish. Choir stalls and a bronze mural tablet, on which the names of thirty fatalities were recorded, was erected by congregational subscription. Mr Andrew Alexander Clendinning, a linen merchant, gifted the Roll of Honour tablet which recorded the names of 156 men who served and survived. Mrs Mary Kathleen Watson gifted a prayer desk in memory of her husband, the Reverend John Edmund Malone Watson MC, who was a chaplain to the forces and died of wounds on 10th April 1918, aged 31. In the 1943 Belfast Street Directory, the site was recorded as “Vacant” and the church was restored by 1947.

St Silas’ Church of Ireland, Oldpark Road

This church was located on the corner of Oldpark Road and Ardoyne Avenue and was built in 1901. On Sunday 30th May 1920, the Right Reverend Doctor Charles Thornton Primrose Grierson (Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore) dedicated a new pulpit in the church as a memorial to those from the parish who had died in the Great War. The pulpit of white oak was manufactured by Purdy and Millard of Howard Street and a brass plate on the front panel named thirty fatalities, under the headings Navy and Army. On the base of the pulpit were carved the words of His Majesty King George V, “The men of Ulster have proved how nobly they fight and die.” The memorial was unveiled by Mr James Barlowe and Mr James Bustard, two former churchwardens who had both lost their only sons in the war. In his address, the Lord Bishop stated that 160 men from the church had volunteered for service in the Great War. The memorial cost £150, which equates to approximately £5,500 in current terms. Newspaper reports on the unveiling ceremony recorded the names of the fatalities and a photograph of the memorial pulpit was published in the Belfast Telegraph. The 1951 and 1955 street directories record that the site for the replacement church was located at the junction of Cliftonville Road and Cardigan Drive, and the new church was completed in 1958.

Newington Presbyterian Church, Limestone Road

On Sunday 5th September 1920, the memorial was unveiled by Mrs Samuel Jordan of Lisnagarvey and dedicated by the Reverend Thomas McGimpsey Johnstone, Minister of the congregation. In reporting the Reverend Johnstone’s address, The Witness recorded that, He could not help feeling that the names on the brass tablet did not represent all in that congregation who had died for their country. Scarcely a month went past without the death occurring of someone whose name ought to be transferred from the ordinary Roll of Honour to the tablet of the glorious dead. Reverend Johnstone went on to refer to one of the members of the Sabbath School who had gone away before he was 17 years of age, had been awarded the Military Medal, and had died just days before the memorial was unveiled. The memorial took the form of a cabinet, similar to the memorial in Shankill Parish Church in Lurgan. When opened, a brass plaque naming 66 fatalities was revealed in the body of the cabinet, whilst the names of 340 members of the congregation who served and survived were inscribed on brass plaques on the insides of the doors. The first person named on the fatalities’ plaque was VAD Nurse Margaret Cameron Young who was serving at No 2 General Hospital when she died of illness, probably influenza, on 30th July 1918, aged 25. She is buried in Terlincthun British Cemetery at Wimille in France and is commemorated on a family memorial in Shankill Graveyard. A memorial tablet was erected in the Minister’s Room in her memory in 1920. The church was rebuilt in 1951/1952 and a plaque in the foyer records that the current building replaced the 1875 building that was destroyed in 1941. A generic bronze plaque and an illuminated Book of Remembrance in an oak cabinet were dedicated as a war memorial on Remembrance Day in 1957. The memorial was unveiled by Miss Helen Cameron Young, whose sister was the only female commemorated on the original memorial.

Mervue Mission Hall

On Sunday 19th September 1920 a reading desk was dedicated as a memorial in this mission hall, which was associated with Donegall Street Congregational Church. The desk was unveiled by Captain William Reid and the names of fourteen fatalities from the congregation are recorded on the front of the desk. The newspaper coverage of the unveiling service included a photograph of the memorial and the hall had been re-opened by 1945.

St Barnabas’ Church of Ireland, Duncairn Gardens

On 13th March 1921, the Reverend Dixon Patterson, Rector of the church, unveiled and dedicated a memorial tablet and Roll of Honour to commemorate the sacrifices and services of members of the congregation in the Great War. A large chandelier with electric lights (or electrolier) for the chancel formed part of the war memorial. The memorial tablet recorded the names of 31 men who had died in the war, and the Roll of Honour recorded the names of 168 men from the congregation who had returned home. The latter, the work of William Rodman & Company of Donegall Place and Fountain Street, was seven feet long and five feet high, and featured Celtic ornamentation. Although the names of the fallen were recorded in newspaper coverage of the unveiling, no photographs appeared in the local press. It is not known whether there are any photographs of the memorial tablet or the Roll of Honour tablet. The church and the adjacent St Barnabas’ Public Elementary School were destroyed or demolished and St Barnabas’ Church Hall is recorded at the site of the church in the 1951 Belfast Street Directory. A new church was built on the site by 1960 and the congregation later merged with St Paul’s Church of Ireland on York Street.

Duncairn Gardens Methodist Church

On 7th April 1925, Sir William Turner JP, Lord Mayor of Belfast, unveiled a polished marble tablet which recorded and the names of the fourteen members of the congregation who died and the names of a further 100 people who served in the Great War. The memorial was the work of Thompson & Sons of Limestone Road and the embellishment at the top of the tablet features crossed flag and the Dove of Peace under a Crown. A photograph of the memorial was published in the Belfast Telegraph in April 1925 and a fine photograph of the memorial can be found online. The church was never rebuilt, and the congregation merged with Carlisle Memorial Methodist Church.  

 

 

Other destroyed or demolished churches where war memorials were probably lost include:

Holy Trinity Church of Ireland on Unity Street, which was not rebuilt,

York Street (Non-Subscribing) Presbyterian Church, which was not rebuilt,

Crumlin Road Presbyterian Church, which was rebuilt by 1955,

Macrory Memorial Presbyterian Church, which was rebuilt by 1955.

 

Sources of images:

Newspaper images are from the Great War Ulster Newspaper Archive.

Newington Presbyterian Church memorial courtesy of Ricky Cole

Photograph of the War Memorial Organ in Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church is from “Rosemary Street Presbyterian Church: a record of the past 200 years” by J. W. Kernohan (1923)

Sheila the Belfast Blitz Elephant

Sheila the Belfast Blitz Elephant

Researched and written by Nigel Henderson

An elephant arrived at Bellevue Zoo in 1938 and was given the name Sheila by Sheila Williamson. Also in the newspaper image is Gordon McNutt who was helping Keeper Higgins in the elephant enclosure when he was injured by Sheila in 1940.

After the German air raid on the night of 15th/16th April 1941, Antrim Road residents raised concerns that dangerous animals might escape during air raids. The account in Scott Edgar’s WartimeNI records that authorisation was given on 19th April for the killing of zoo animals.

Around the same time, Denise Weston Austin, a keeper at the zoo, started to take Sheila to her home in the evenings, returning her to the zoo in the mornings. Some accounts say that she did so to protect the elephant from being shot (which does not make much sense) and others that she was protecting the elephant from being injured/killed in the German air (which also does not make much sense as her home was not far from the zoo and Whitewell Road was bombed!).

The Zoo authorities only became aware of Sheila’s nightly forays when a neighbour of the Austin family complained that the elephant had broken a boundary fence and trampled his garden whilst chasing his dog. It is not know how often Denise took the elephant home with her – it might have been only for a few nights, it might have been for a few weeks.

So far, so good, a nice heart-warming story.

However, recent articles in newspapers and on websites (including the Belfast Zoo website) record that Sheila lived for a further 25 years. Is this true? I do not think so and here is why.

In March 1961, the Belfast News-Letter ran a full page on recollections of the Belfast Blitz, including those of Alex McClean, curator of the zoo and veterinary officer for Belfast Corporation. He is on record as saying that he and Dick Foster, head zoo keeper, decided to carry of the cull of the animals on 4th May 1941. By the time he arrived at the zoo with a .303 rifle, dusk was setting and they decided to carry out the cull the following day.

Of course, this was the night of the second big air raid on Belfast. Having shot the other dangerous animals, Alex and Dick found Sheila dead in her enclosure. Of course, it is possible that Alex McClean’s memory was playing him false, so I dug a bit deeper.

In 1948, Belfast Zoo received a new elephant which was named … Sheila!

Belfast News-Letter, 5th October 1948

On 22nd October 1965 , the Belfast News-Letter carried a report that Sheila the Elephant, who had been at the zoo for 17 years (i.e. from 1948), was ill and would be put to sleep in the winter months. 

In essence, when articles were compiled this century, the researchers knew there was an elephant called Sheila at the zoo in 1938 and that an elephant called Sheila died at the zoo in 1965. Unfortunately, they made the assumption that the elephant that died in 1965 was the elephant who had arrived in 1938.

#NeverAssume #AlwaysCheck #GoTheExtraMile

Albert Bridge, Belfast – Collapse on 15th September 1886

By Gavin Bamford, History Hub Ulster

History

A previous bridge on this site was a privately owned five span masonry bridge which was built in 1831. It was officially called Lagan Bridge, although it was known as Halfpenny Bridge due to the toll charged. It was subsequently renamed to Albert Bridge after Queen Victoria’s husband. In 1860 it was acquired by the Belfast Corporation, which abolished the toll. 

Imminent Collapse

The Belfast Corporation Improvement Committee (note 1) met on 8th September 1886:

Albert Bridge – The Surveyor reported that in consequence of the Albert Bridge having shown signs of subsidence and fracture, observations were being taken to determine whether any danger is likely to occur to the public.

The Witness (Belfast) newspaper of 10th September 1886 reported in their local and provincial news column that:

It is stated that the Albert Bridge is sinking, and that it is consequently becoming dangerous for heavy traffic. We understand that the Town Council officials are engaged in examining it.

The Belfast Corporation Improvement Committee met again on 15th September 1886: 

Albert Bridge, closing of vehicular traffic etc – The Surveyor reported that he considered the Albert Bridge to be in a dangerous state and the Mayor (note 2) who had examined the bridge with him concurred. Resolution: that the bridge be closed to vehicular but not foot traffic and the Surveyor be instructed to put for the guidance of boatmen a notice on each arch the word ‘dangerous’ and to take the necessary steps for shoring up and placing centering under the dangerous arches.

Collapse

The bridge must have collapsed shortly after the Improvement Committee meeting (mentioned above).

The Ulster Echo newspaper of 16th September 1886 reported:

The Catastrophe at the Albert Bridge, Recovery of Bodies, Later Particulars – …. The lamentable catastrophe which occurred at the Albert Bridge last night, when the central arch fell, involving the loss of a number of lives, and inflicting injury upon others. 

Thankfully, there was only one death in this horrific incident.

Death

John Matthews, 64, night-watchman, married, died on 15th September 1886 at Albert Bridge. His body had been recovered from the bed of the river at 5 o’clock on the morning of 16th September 1886.

An inquest was held later that day with R F Dill M.D., Coroner for the Borough of Belfast presiding. 

The Ulster Echo newspaper of 16th September 1886 reported:

James Callaghan, residing in George’s Court East, Lagan Village, stated that he was passing along the bridge from Ballymacarrett in the direction of the town about twenty minutes to eight along with Mrs Maguire (now in hospital). Witness saw a watchman on the bridge; and immediately after he passed him he heard a crash. Witness looked around and saw that the woman Maguire (note 3) had fallen into the chasm created by the breaking of the bridge. The watchman had also disappeared.

The cause of Matthews’ death was found to be “Homicidal injuries. Death instantaneous”. This information was included in the death registration made on 17th September 1886. 

Aftermath

The Belfast Corporation Improvement Committee met again on 17th September 1886:

Albert Bridge (Collapse) – The Surveyor reported the action he had taken from the first time his attention had been attracted to the condition of the bridge till its collapse. Moved by Alderman Dixon. Seconded by Councillor Jenkins.

Temporary Wooden Bridge – Specification for the erection of a temporary wooden bridge over the Lagan as a present substitute for the Albert Bridge until arrangements can be made, either for the repair of the old one or the erection of a new Bridge; the width of the temporary Bridge to be 30 feet including an eight foot footpath and that advertisements be published inviting tenders for doing the work before the 1st January; and that the Improvement Committee be instructed to take charge of the matter; also to report to the Council as to whether the old Bridge can or should be repaired or a new one erected.

The Belfast News Letter of 20th September 1886 reported:

There is nothing new in connection with the collapse …. no additional fatalities …. no enquiries have been made for persons missing.

 

Parliament

The bridge collapse was later raised in Parliament where Hansard records:

21st September 1886 vol 309 cc1113-4 1113 

  1. SEXTON (Belfast, W., and Sligo, S.) 

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether any lives have been lost through the collapse of the Albert Bridge, Belfast, on Wednesday evening last; whether the bridge was thronged at the time of the accident; whether it is true, as reported, that a gradual sinking of the structure had been observed for the past two or three weeks; whether the Town Council is responsible for having allowed the continuance of a thoroughfare across the bridge weeks after its collapsing condition became apparent; and, how soon an official inquiry will be held? 

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.) 

So far as is known one life was lost through this accident. Fortunately, it is not a fact that the bridge was thronged at the time. It is, I understand, true that a gradual sinking had previously been observed; but the immediate collapse of the bridge was not apprehended. I am advised that the question of responsibility is one of law, which must be decided in a Court of Justice, if raised. I am not aware that there is any obligation on the Government to institute an official inquiry; but I shall look further into this matter.”

New Bridge

This new bridge, of granite with three cast-iron arches was designed by Mr J. C. Bretland, the Borough Surveyor of Belfast at the time, and was constructed by Messrs Henry of Belfast on behalf of Belfast Corporation, at a cost of £36,500 was built in 1888/90. All of the cast iron including the decorative lampposts were made in Derby by Andrew Handyside & Co. It was opened in 1890 and the name Albert Bridge was kept, but now in honour of Queen Victoria’s grandson, Prince Albert Victor, who had laid a foundation stone in 1889.

Notes

(1) The author was given the minutes book of the Belfast Corporation Improvement Committee for the period from 20th August 1884 to 21st March 1888. It had been found in a skip.

(2) Sir Edward Harland Bt, Mayor 1885 to 1888.

(3) The Northern Whig of 23rd August 1916 reported on a court case:

An old woman, named Bridget Maguire was charged with an assault. The prosecutor advised the court that the prisoner was nearly lost in the Albert Bridge disaster in 1886, being rescued by police from the debris floating in the Lagan after much difficulty.

The Last Man to Let You Down

A unique presentation and talk by Chris Scott, Funeral Director with Kirkwoods and Wilton Funeral Directors.

Since his teenage years, Chris has always taken a keen interest in local history, and at an early age interviewed older members of the community and recorded their stories for posterity.

Over time, Chris developed his skillset and was a regular columnist with The Ulster Star, Lisburn, producing hundreds of local history stories. Over the past fifteen years Chris has been invited to speak to various groups, including local history societies and church groups. He also trained as a tour guide and led several walking tours in villages on the eastern shores of Lough Neagh, County Antrim. Chris has, in the past, touched on aspects of local and family history on both BBC and commercial radio, presented his own programme on local community radio in County Down, and now is an active podcaster and interviewer in his spare time!

Chris is a “late joiner” to the funeral profession, starting out as funeral arranger and progressing to a Funeral Director. His curiosity and passion for history doesn’t stop here! Chris recently uncovered several original Wilton Funeral Day books covering the period May 1929 to December 1933. These registers provide an invaluable insight into aspects of the funeral business and our social history almost one hundred years ago.

Chris has carried out an analysis of the books revealing some stark facts about aspects of our ancestors’ lives across Belfast and beyond in the “Hungry Thirties.” Chris also explores the early history of Wilton Funeral Service from the mid 1920’s and briefly looks at the Wilton family history.

You might well imagine it might be all doom and gloom – but we can dispel that myth. Chris will be relating some strange stories around funerals from the 1930 era, combined with some personal accounts he recorded in the past from people who lived through that era.

Find out about the court case, in 1931, focusing around falsifying the age of a person during the death registration process. Hear all about the invention of a foghorn for a vault in 1932, specifically designed for those who feared premature burial! Chris will also talk about some of the funeral customs and superstitions from that era. “Never count the cars or people at a funeral” – Apparently it would bring you bad luck!  The original Wilton Day books and other funeral related material will be available for inspection. Who knows – you might discover something to supplement your own family history research!

Chris will be more than happy to arrange for you or your group to avail of the
presentation. This can be held at your venue or at one of the branches at:

Wiltons, Ravenhill Road (Belfast)
Wiltons, Shankill Road (Belfast)
Wiltons, Shore Road (Whitehouse)
Wiltons, Holborn Road (Bangor)
Wiltons, Scotch Quarter (Carrickfergus)
Kirkwoods, King’s Road (Belfast)
Kirkwoods, Church Street (Newtownards)

Whilst there will be no charge for the presentation, any donations kindly received will be forwarded to Marie Curie Hospice, Kensington Road, Belfast.

If your group or organisation would like to arrange or attend a presentation then please get in touch with Chris at Wilton Funeral Service, 334 Ravenhill Road, Belfast, BT6 8GL.

Telephone number 02890 450723. Email: christopher.scott@dignityuk.co.uk