Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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Date Name Information
31/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom Deeply mourned by his sorrowing mother and brothers, Rev John Thom, Senior Chaplain to the Forces (S.C.F.), Triple M.C., and R M Thom, Rathgar, Dublin.
31/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom Look upwards, standing mute, salute!’
31/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom The army of the dead goes by, and still goes by…
31/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom And by that trumpet led, far up the exalted sky,
31/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom Beyond these tangles spheres, The Archangel’s trumpet calls,
31/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom ‘No longer on their ears, the bugle’s summons falls;
31/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom THOM – In loving memory of Corporal W Nat Thom, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed in action 1st July 1916.
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31/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th June 1918:
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin Ever remembered by his sorrowing uncles and cousins, Sergeant William Harold Purvis, Sergeant Willie Dool, Corporal Victor Purvis, Gunner Ewman Purvis, Private Eddie McGookin, Private George Dool, Private Bob Purvis, Private Bob Wylie, 95 Bloomhill Street, Brigtown, Scotland.
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin The bivouac of the dead.’
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin And glory guards with honour round,
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin Their silent tents are spread;
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin ‘On fame’s eternal camping ground,
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin McGOOKIN – In loving memory of our dear nephew, Private Willie McGookin, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Fusiliers, who was killed in action on 1st July 1916 at Thiepval, in the glorious charge of the Ulster Division.
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31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th June 1918:
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin Sadly missed by his sorrowing father and mother, brother and sister, Tullyhogue.
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin Are lit with rays from Thee.’
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin Their crowns of living glory,
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin That they might conquerors be;
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin Thou Lord didst win the battle,
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin All praises be addressed.
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin To Thee O Blessed Jesus
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin From all Thy saints at rest,
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin ‘From all Thy saints in warfare,
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord that they may rest from their labours’ Revelations XIV, 13
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin McGOOKIN – In sad and loving memory of our dear son, Private Willie McGookin, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was killed in action on 1st July 1916 at Thiepval, in the glorious charge of the Ulster Division.
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin 01803
31/01/2019 Pte. William McGookin From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th June 1918:
31/01/2019 Pte. Andrew McClintock Graham GRAHAM – 7th April, at Sydney Hospital of wounds received in France, Private A McClintock Graham, Australian Imperial Forces, second son of the late Robert Graham Esq, J.P., Claggan, Cookstown.
31/01/2019 Pte. Andrew McClintock Graham 01802
31/01/2019 Pte. Andrew McClintock Graham From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th June 1918:
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson 01801
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson As part of the Pages Of The Sea project spearheaded by Hollywood director Danny Boyle, to mark the centenary of the the end of WW1, beaches across the Uk were used as canvas to portray local casualties. Private John McCance from Dundrum and Rachel Ferguson were chosen as the two Northern Ireland representatives. At 2pm on Sunday 11th November 2018, a huge artist's impression of First World War nurse Rachel Ferguson was displayed at Downhill beach.
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson On 23rd April 1915, Rachel Ferguson qualified as a Staff Nurse.
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson In a letter received in Coagh on Thursday 27th June, she wrote that she was in the best of health and had signed on for the duration of the war. This was followed, some hours later, by a War Office telegram announcing her death from pneumonia.
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson died of pneumonia later that day on 26th June 1918 in Italy.
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson On 26th June she was admitted to the hospital as a patient, suffering from bronco-pneumonia.
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson She re-joined No. 62 General Hospital on 25th May 1918.
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson In May she was given leave for fourteen days. She returned to Coagh. It was the only holiday she got during her three years’ service abroad.
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson Staff Nurse Ferguson served in Italy until May 1918.
31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson Our obituary column today contains the announcement of the death of Nurse Rachel Ferguson, one of the noble band of women with the forces at the front, who gave their lives as literally for their country as actual combatants. Nurse Ferguson was the youngest daughter of Mr John S Ferguson, Lanebrooke House, Ballygoney. She was trained at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and shortly after the declaration of war, she volunteered for foreign service, and with a few other nurses was sent to Malta. From that station she was transferred to Salonika, and recently she had been working in hospitals in Italy. She was at home on ten days leave a couple of months ago – the only holiday she got during her three years’ service abroad, and since her return to Italy she was in her usual health. In a letter received by her friends on Thursday, she wrote that she was in the best of health and had signed on for the duration of the war. As this was followed, on the same day, by a War Office telegram announcing her death from pneumonia and expressing the sympathy of the Army Council, the shock was intensified.
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31/01/2019 Staff Nurse Rachel Ferguson From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th June 1918:
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson Ever remembered by his sorrowing parents and sisters, Carmean, Moneymore.
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson He unto death was faithful, his now the victor’s crown.’
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson Bravely he marched to battle, nobly his life laid down,
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson On Britain’s roll of honour is placed the hero’s name;
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson His King and country called him, the call was not in vain;
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson Far from his home and the land of his birth.
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson He died in the pride of his youth and high promise,
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson Only a cross over a mound of brown earth;
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson Nameless his grave in that far field of glory,
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson In the home of our Saviour who called him away.
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson But later we’ll meet him, to be with him ever,
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson And sad was the shock we received on that day;
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson ‘One year has now passed since he left us in sorrow,
30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson WATSON – In sad but loving memory of 16082, Private Jim Watson, 10th Inniskillings, who was killed in action in France on 24th June 1917, age 25.
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30/01/2019 Pte. James Watson From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 22nd June 1918:
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29/01/2019 Pte. James Mitchell Sergeant Joseph Mitchell M.M., 9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, third son of Mr John Mitchell, Coagh. He has been awarded the military medal for bravery in the field. He joined up almost three ago, when 19 years of age and has been twice wounded. He is one of a family with a splendid record for patriotism. His elder brother, Private John Mitchell, went out with the first expeditionary force and is still fighting; Private James Mitchell, who has been at the front for over two years, is posted as missing since 27th March. Another brother, Fred Mitchell, was serving but has been discharged invalided; while a younger brother, Bobbie Mitchell, is at present in training on Salisbury Plain.
29/01/2019 Pte. James Mitchell 01797
29/01/2019 Pte. James Mitchell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th June 1918: 19315 Sergeant Joseph Mitchell M.M. (brother of James Mitchell)
29/01/2019 Pte. Robert Mitchell 01796
29/01/2019 Pte. Robert Mitchell He died for his country, what more could he do?
29/01/2019 Pte. Robert Mitchell Whose son is lowly laid.
29/01/2019 Pte. Robert Mitchell But God knows what a mother feels
29/01/2019 Pte. Robert Mitchell By blood and life is paid;
29/01/2019 Pte. Robert Mitchell ‘The price of victory and peace
29/01/2019 Pte. Robert Mitchell MITCHELL – Killed in action in France on 30th May 1918, Private Robert Mitchell, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of Private Mitchell (on active service) and Mrs Mitchell, Coagh, aged 21 years.
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29/01/2019 Pte. Robert Mitchell MITCHELL – Killed in action in France on 30th May 1918, Private Robert Mitchell, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of Private Mitchell (now on active service) and Mrs Mitchell, Coagh, aged 21 years.
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey Inserted by his aunt and cousins, Millburn Street, Cookstown.
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey We will remember thee’
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey But as long as life and memory last,
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey A grave we may never see,
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey ‘In a lonely grave in a foreign land,
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey HARVEY – June 1915, killed in action with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at the Dardanelles, John Harvey, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, late of Union Street, Cookstown.
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28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th June 1918:
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey Inserted by his sorrowing wife and family, Lurgan, and formerly of Cookstown
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey For you died for your country’s sake’
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey We leave you in God’s own keeping.
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey And comfort the hearts that ache;
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey ‘May the Lord guard over you sleeping.
28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey HARVEY – In fond and loving memory of my dear husband, John Harvey, First Royal Inniskillings, killed in action at the Dardanelles on 16th June 1915
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28/01/2019 Pte. John Harvey From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th June 1918:
27/01/2019 Pioneer Frederick Dowie DOWIE – In loving memory of Pioneer Fred Dowie, 130272, Royal Engineers who died at 30th General Hospital, Calais, France, of wounds received in action on 18th June 1917. Deeply mourned.
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27/01/2019 Pioneer Frederick Dowie From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 15th June 1918:
27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney The Rev Mr Cooney then offered the dedication prayer. After the hymn ‘When the day of toil is done’ the Rev Mr McKim, taking as his text Revelation 12, 11 – ‘They loved not their lives unto the death’ delivered an appropriate address, in the course of which he said that it was inevitable that on occasion like the present, we should think of those who have given their lives for their country, their God and freedom, in this great war. For our country, strenuous resistance became a solemn duty, physical force became necessary, being in this case a moral force, a spiritual force. Our resistance to aggression was not in any real name a selfish resistance, but was deeply altruistic, philanthropic, patriotic. But we could not affect our purpose, could not carry out our high and solemn duty without involving the great principle of self-sacrifice. This generation has had to learn anew the great lesson of the Cross – that redemption can only be accomplished by sacrifice. There have been many during this great struggle who ‘loved not their lives unto death’, and we cannot help giving the higher mead of praise to those young men who, while conscription was still in the future, offered themselves willingly, and responded to the call of duty. Amongst such we are proud to reckon Charles Robert Cooney. There are many who think those fortunate to have won the prize of immortality almost before their life commenced. All knew that he, whose loss we deeply mourn, could have run the race nobly and well. His was a guileless childhood, which developed into youth, tender and stainless. All who knew Charles Cooney esteemed and loved him. As he gave his life for his country’s freedom in the spirit of .love, so we believe he dedicated his soul to God. Let us hope the memorial which has just been dedicated to the glory of god will preach for centuries, that the great law of love demands self-sacrifice to God. Who could doubt that all true heroic souls find their true home with God. Oh surely of such is the kingdom of heaven. The address was followed by the hymn ‘The day thou gavest Lord is ended’, after which the deeply solemn service concluded with the pronouncing of the Benediction by the rector.
27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney ‘I dedicate this tablet to the glory of God, and in loving memory of Charles Robert Cooney, Second Lieutenant, 7th Royal Dublin Fusiliers (attached 2nd Royal Irish Rifles), killed in action, 9th October 1916, in the Battle of the Somme, and interred near Pozieres, France, aged 22 years. Faithful unto death.’
27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney At the conclusion of this hymn the Rev S E Cooney, M.A., L.L.B., rector of St John’s Belfast (uncle of the deceased), and the rector the Rev J R McKim, M.A., advanced to where the tablet is placed, and after drawing aside the veil (the congregation reverently standing) the Rev Mr Cooney performed the dedication ceremony by repeating the following:-
27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney Lord we love him, let him stay’
27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney Yes, with streaming tears should pray,
27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney We should cry oh spare this blow!
27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney ‘Had He asked us, well we know,
27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney The service opened with the hymn ‘A few more years shall roll’, after which portion of the evening prayer was used. Psalms 15 (Lord who shall dwell in Thy tabernacle) and 23 (The Lord is my shepherd) were read, and the special lesion was Revelation 21, 1-7. The hymn ’Christ will gather in His own’ was next rendered, and an especially moving part of the service was the singing of the following verse by the choir in subdued tones benefitting the words and the occasion-
27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney An impressive service took place in St John’s Parish Church. Moneymore, on Wednesday evening week, on the occasion of the unveiling and dedication of a handsome mural tablet to the memory of the late Charles Robert Cooney, son of Me J L Cooney, Moneymore. The tablet is of brass, surrounded by black marble, and in addition to the inscription, bears the arms and motto of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers. The congregation included Mr and Mrs J L Cooney, the Rev W Reid, Rev J W Sharpe, Rev S Lindsay, and many members of the local Protestant churches, who attended to pay a mark of respect to the memory of one who was beloved by all who knew him. The late Lieutenant Cooney, who was a great favourite with everyone, died while leading his men on the field of battle.
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27/01/2019 2nd Lieut Charles Richard Cooney From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918: Moneymore
27/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom Now he dwells with thee in light’
27/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom Clothed in robes of spotless white,
27/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom Thon hast now with joy received him;
27/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom To the sunny heavenly plain,
27/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom Lord, thou wouldst no longer leave him;
27/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom In this world of care and pain,
27/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom ‘Not lost, but gone before.
27/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom THOM - In loving memory of William Thom, The Poplars, Cookstown, called to rest 3rd June 1913:
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27/01/2019 Corp William Nathaniel Thom From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918: William Thom (father of William Nat Thom)
27/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell Deeply regretted by his sorrowing father, sisters and brothers, one of the latter on active service.
27/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell Ever remembered by the ladies of Coagh Dancing Class, Coagh
27/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell MITCHELL - Killed in action in France, 7th June 1917, Private Joseph Mitchell, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, second son of Thomas Mitchell, Cough, County Tyrone.
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27/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918:
27/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell MITCHELL - Killed in action in France, 7th June 1917, Private Joseph Mitchell, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, second son of Thomas Mitchell, Cough, County Tyrone.
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27/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918:
25/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee ‘He had been on duty in the front line and had just finished his tour, when as an enemy airplane came over the trench firing his machine gun, and he was killed instantly, and buried the same evening in the British cemetery close by. He was well respected by officers and men of his company, and had been mentioned several times for his bravery, and was a very thorough soldier.’
25/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee Mrs Magee, Toberlane, Cookstown, has received a letter from a Company Sergeant Major of the Highland Light Infantry regarding her son, Corporal J G Magee, Highland Light Infantry, who was killed in action on 22nd March. It said:-
25/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee 01787
25/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918: Corporal J G Magee
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle Inserted by his sorrowing father and mother, his sister Annie, and brothers Archie and James, Ballygrooby, Moneymore
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle ‘Faithful until death.’
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle LYTTLE – In sad but loving memory of Private Robert Lyttle, British Expeditionary Forces, killed in action on 2nd June 1917.
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25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918:
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle Inserted by his sorrowing sister and brother-in-law, Letitia and George Smith, Carradarragh, Moneymore
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle We will remember thee'
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle But as long as life and memory lasts
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle Your loving face we could not see;
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle We were not there to say goodbye.
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle ‘A faithful soldier of Christ
25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle LYTTLE – In sad but loving memory of Private Robert Lyttle, British Expeditionary Forces, killed in action on 2nd June 1917.
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25/01/2019 Pte. Robert Lyttle From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918:
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk Deeply regretted by his sorrowing uncle, aunt and cousins. Ballinahone, Bigbridge
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk We will remember thee’
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk But as long as life and memory last,
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk A grave we may never see,
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk A lonely grave in a foreign land,
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk Be laid in a soldier’s grave.
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk We little though how soon he would
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk He looked so strong and brave,
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk ‘When last we saw his smiling face,
24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk JUNK – 7th June 1917. Killed in action, Private S J Junk, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of Mr S Junk, Ballymaguire, Stewartstown.
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24/01/2019 Pte. Samuel Junk From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918:
24/01/2019 Pte. Robert Howe HOWE – In affectionate remembrance and ever-loving memory of Sergeant Robert Howe, 34th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force, son of the late William and Mrs Howe, Coagh, killed in action in 3rd June 1916, aged 27 years.
24/01/2019 Pte. Robert Howe 01783
24/01/2019 Pte. Robert Howe From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918:
24/01/2019 Pte. James Corbett CORBETT – In loving memory of Private James Corbett, the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, dearly beloved son of John and Eliza Corbett, Killymoon Street, Cookstown, who was killed in action in France on 7th June 1917
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24/01/2019 Pte. James Corbett From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 8th June 1918:
24/01/2019 Pte. Robert Howe The photo below shows Private John Shaw (603137) on the left. John Shaw hailed from London. Private Shaw died three weeks after Robert. Robert Howe is on the right. In handwriting, on the reverse of the photo it states:- ‘Loyal chums to the end - Pte Shaw, Sgt Howe’
24/01/2019 Pte. Robert Howe Inserted by his loving mother, brothers and sisters and brother-in-law.
23/01/2019 Pte. William McCord Private McCord was trained at Newtownards, Clandeboye and Finner, leaving the latter camp on 15th November 1917 for France, in time to take part in the Cambrai battle.
23/01/2019 Pte. William McCord The news of his death was first received through a companion from the deceased’s neighbourhood, who was wounded in the same battle. At the Easter Vestry of St John’s Parish, a vote of deep sympathy with the parents and family of Private McCord was passed. The rector, Rev J R McKim, M.A., said the deceased had been a faithful member of the church and had been regular in his attendance at Sunday School. Mr Pattleton, C.P.S., people’s church warden, said the deceased was a plucky young chap, and he deserved great credit for joining the army when he was a mere boy.
23/01/2019 Pte. William McCord ‘He whose death you mourn died in the noblest of causes. His country will be ever grateful to him for the sacrifice he has made for freedom and justice.’
23/01/2019 Pte. William McCord Deep regret is felt on all sides at the death in action of Private William McCord, Inniskillings, eldest son of Mr and Mrs William McCord, Carmean. For a time it was thought that the sad news might not be true, but the Army Records Office, Dublin, state that the young soldier met his death in the heavy fighting between the 21st and 29th March. Private McCord was only eighteen years of age when he joined up on the 15th November 1916. He was trained at Newtownards, Clandeboye and Finner, leaving the latter camp on 15th November 1917 for France, in time to take part I the Cambrai battle. Accompanying the notice of death was a message of sympathy from the King and Queen which says:-
23/01/2019 Pte. William McCord 01781
23/01/2019 Pte. William McCord From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 25th May 1918: Moneymore
23/01/2019 Lieut Francis Richard Charles Captain Richard Charles R.A.M.C., (son of Mr Richard Charles, Cookstown), has been promoted to the rank of major. He is a surgical specialist in a casualty station in France, and has been mentioned three times in despatches.
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23/01/2019 Lieut Francis Richard Charles From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 25th May 1918: Richard Charles (father of Francis Charles)
23/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell On Friday last the death took place at Ballygoney of Mr John Bell, ex-sergeant R.I.C. He had been in ailing health for some months, and his death is deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Sergeant Bell was a native of County Cavan and joined the police in 1876 and retired in 1901 after 25 years’ service. Fifteen of which were spent in charge of the Moneymore station. His eldest son, Sergeant Major William J A Bell, died in Belgium from wounds received in action while serving with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The funeral took place on Monday to Ballygoney burying ground, and was very largely attended by the people of Coagh and Moneymore districts. The remains were carried from the house and to the graveside by members of the R.I.C. from Cookstown and Coagh. The services in the house and the graveside were conducted by Revs D Maybin, W T McClelland and J W Sharpe. The coffin bore the inscription:- ‘John Bell, died 17th May 1918’. The chief mourners were Harper Bell (son), Leonard Trobear, William Trobear, Fred Hassard (nephews), Rev J W Sharpe and James Hassard (relatives). Mr Hugh R Stewart, undertaker, Coagh, had charge of the funeral arrangements.
23/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell 01779
23/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 25th May 1918: Ex-Sergeant John Bell, R.I.C., Ballygoney (father of William Bell)
23/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell BELL – 17th May, Ballygoney, Unagh, John Bell, ex-sergeant Royal Irish Constabulary (R.I.C.). Interred at Ballygoney burying ground.
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23/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 25th May 1918: John Bell (father of William Bell)
23/01/2019 Pte. William McCord William McCord enlisted in Cookstown. He was only eighteen years of age when he joined up on the 15th November 1916.
23/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell Family: John Bell, Margaret Any Bell, Margaret Bell (born about 1887), William John Albert Bell (born 20th November 1888), Laura Beatrice L E Bell (born about 1891), James Bell (born 12th July 1892), Leonard Harper Moore Bell (born 10th April 1894), Adelaide Mary Georgina Bell (born about 1897).
21/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee ‘He was caught by enemy fire just as his company had charged a position with the bayonet and beat the Turk off. It will ease you a little to know that his death was immediate and without pain. He was buried alongside some of his companions who fell in the same action. A chaplain attended the burial and your husband’s grave is marked with a cross, with his name and regiment, so that the War Office knows its whereabouts. We are very sorry indeed to send you this news, and our commanding officer and ourselves ask you to accept our deepest sympathy in your great loss. Your husband died a thorough Irishman and soldier, fighting all the time, and ended a most gallant charge with his life. May he rest in peace.’
21/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee Private Magee was shot by enemy fire just as his company had charged a position with the bayonet.
21/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee Mrs E Magee, Millburn Street, Cookstown, has received a letter from Lieutenant Geraghty giving particulars of the death in action of her husband, Private E Magee, who was killed on 10th March in Egypt:-
21/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee 01777
21/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 18th May 1918:
21/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Alexander McReynolds The chairman said that since their last meeting, three of their delegates had lost their sons at the front, and he moved that a resolution of sympathy be adopted and forwarded to Messrs John Beatty, Dungannon; Leonard Stephenson, Curr, and Thomas A McReynolds, R.D.C., Edernagh, Ardtrea. The resolution was passed in silence.
21/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Alexander McReynolds 01776
21/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Alexander McReynolds From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 18th May 1918: East Tyrone Unionist Association – The Toll of the War
21/01/2019 Capt Hon. Robert Sheffield Stuart STUART – Previously reported ‘wounded and missing’, now presumed killed in action, 2nd November 1914 at Neuve Chapelle, Captain The Honourable Robert Sheffield Stuart, 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers, dearly loved second son of the Earl and Countess of Castlestewart, and beloved husband of Nancye Stuart, aged 28 years.
21/01/2019 Capt Hon. Robert Sheffield Stuart 01774
21/01/2019 Capt Hon. Robert Sheffield Stuart From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 11th May 1918:
21/01/2019 Capt Hon. Robert Sheffield Stuart The third son, Arthur, succeeds to the title. He is a graduate of Cambridge, taking his degree with honours in the classical tripos. When war was declared he was a temporary master at Rugby, and at once volunteered. An attack of illness, due to overwork when studying at the Sorbonne, Paris, compelled him to leave the Public Schools Camp where he was training, but he again offered himself. And joined the Royal Berks. He was at Salonika as Brigade Machine Gun Officer in 1915, and in 1917 was appointed to the command of a company. He recently got a month’s leave, and has now returned to his duties.
21/01/2019 Capt Hon. Robert Sheffield Stuart Our Roll of Honour today contains the name of Captain R S Stuart, second son of the Earl of Castlestewart, who has been missing since November 1914. Hopes were entertained that he may be a prisoner of war, but for various reasons it is now believed that he has fallen in defence of his country. The deceased was gazetted to the Royal Scots in his twentieth year, and was well-known in Dublin, where his regiment was quartered ten or twelve years ago. A splendid horseman, he hunted with the Ward, Meath and Kildare Hunts, played polo, and rode at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, and at the same time did not neglect serious work, as he passed as first class interpreter in French and later on in Russian. His battalion was in South Africa in 1913. Getting back to England in March 1914, it formed part of the First Expeditionary Force which held back the Germans in their first rush for Paris and the Channel ports. Captain Stuart took part in the retreat from Mons and the battles at the Marne and the Aisne. On 2nd November he led a night attack on the enemy trench. The party had to retire, but Captain Stuart was not with them. Though hopes were entertained he might have been captured, his death is now accepted. He was married to Miss Croker, daughter of Captain Croker, of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, who is nursing in France and has no family. His elder brother, who volunteered after war was declared, having been killed in a trench at Loos from which he refused to retreat.
21/01/2019 Capt Hon. Robert Sheffield Stuart 01775
21/01/2019 Capt Hon. Robert Sheffield Stuart From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 11th May 1918: Captain R S Stuart
20/01/2019 Pte. George Usher Gunner John Usher, whose mother resides at Milburn Street, Cookstown writes from a base hospital in France that he was wounded on 25th April on Kemmel Hill. He, however, makes light of his injury. His brother George is also serving.
20/01/2019 Pte. George Usher 01773
20/01/2019 Pte. George Usher From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th May 1918: John Usher (brother of George Usher)
20/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee Lance Corporal George Magee, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (son of Alex Magee, Toberlane, Cookstown), was reported as missing on 24th March, but a post card has been received from him stating that he is a prisoner of war in Germany.
20/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee 01772
20/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th May 1918: George Magee (brother of John Magee)
19/01/2019 Ab Sea Patrick Joseph Tyre Known family: Patrick Tyre, Elizabeth Tyre, Patrick Tyre (born about 1921).
19/01/2019 Ab Sea Patrick Joseph Tyre The CWGC records Able Seaman Patrick Joseph Tyre as the son of Patrick and Elizabeth Tyre of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
19/01/2019 Ab Sea Patrick Joseph Tyre Able Seaman Tyre is also commemorated on Cookstown War Memorial.
19/01/2019 Ab Sea Patrick Joseph Tyre Able Seaman Patrick Tyre is commemorated on Plymouth Naval Memorial.
19/01/2019 Ab Sea Patrick Joseph Tyre Able Seaman Patrick Tyre was lost at sea on 2nd March 1942. He was 21 years old.
19/01/2019 Ab Sea Patrick Joseph Tyre On 2nd March 1942 a Japanese task group consisting of the heavy cruiser Maya and the destroyers Arashi and Nowaki discovered and sank HMS Stronghold as she tried to escape the south of Java for the safer waters of Northern Australia. Maya later took on board 50 survivors from HMS Stronghold.
19/01/2019 Ab Sea Patrick Joseph Tyre Able Seaman Tyre served with the Royal Navy in World War Two on board H.M.S. Stronghold.
19/01/2019 Ab Sea Patrick Joseph Tyre It seems the family lived in Cookstown for a time.
19/01/2019 Ab Sea Patrick Joseph Tyre Patrick Tyre was the son of Patrick & Elizabeth Tyre. He was born about 1921.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson 01771
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Arthur Waterson is also commemorated on Groomsport War Memorial.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson 01770
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson 01768
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson 01769
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Master Arthur Hill Coates Waterson was killed in action on 1st March 1941.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson There is a drinking fountain located at the Sunken Gardens in Bangor, which was erected by members of the Bangor Corinthians Sailing Club in memory of Mrs. Arthur Hill Coates.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson As far as is known, Arthur Waterson’s only connection with Cookstown was that he was a cousin of Arthur Killips of 78 Chapel Street, Cookstown.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson The CWGC record Master Arthur Hill Coates Waterson as the son of Robert and Annie Waterson. He is also recorded as the husband of Eileen Waterson of Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Arthur Waterson is also commemorated on the memorial on the vestry door in Groomsport Church of Ireland in Groomsport, Bangor.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Master Arthur Hill Coates Waterson has no known grave and is commemorated in Tower Hill Memorial, London.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Captain Waterson and ten crew members were lost. The fires on board the Atheltemplar were eventually brought under control and she was taken under tow to the Tyne for major repairs.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Whilst air cover had been provided by three Hurricane fighters during the daylight hours, this was withdrawn at last light. The Luftwaffe had charted the progress of both convoys during daylight hours and forty five minutes after sunset, convoy EN79 was attacked by three Heinkel III German Bombers. Their bombs hit the Atheltemplar destroying the Navigation Bridge and bridge deck house causing an immediate devastating fire.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson In March 1941, the SS Atheltemplar, as a Vice-Commodore ship, was leading the Starboard Column of the outward bound convoy EN79. EN79 departed from Methil at 0630hrs on 1st March 1941 bound for Buenos Aires. EN79 met the inbound convoy WN91 of the Aberdeenshire coast.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Arthur Hill Coates Waterson was with the Merchant Navy in World War Two, serving as Master on board the ship SS Atheltemplar.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Arthur was the husband of Eileen Waterson. They lived in the Bangor area.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson The 1911 census lists Arthur H C as age 7, living with the family at house 78 in Groomsport, Bangor, County Down. His father was a fisherman.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Proposed family: Robert Waterson, Annie Waterson, Arthur Hill Coates Waterson (born 13th May 1903), Fanny Waterson (born 22nd October 1907), John Waterson (born 1st December 1911). Ellen Waterson (born 9th November 1912).
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Arthur Hill Coates Waterson was born on 13th May 1903 in the Bangor area, probably in Groomsport. He was the eldest of four children.
19/01/2019 Civilian Arthur Hill Coates Waterson Arthur Waterson was the eldest son of Robert and Annie Waterson Robert Waterson and Annie Graham were married on 15th October 1901 in the district of North Down.
16/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Cheevers Private John Cheevers, 2nd Inniskillings, whose parents live in Millburn Street, Cookstown, has been home for a week, after sixteen months in France. He returned to the fighting line on Wednesday. He has been in many engagements and escaped serious injury. Once he was wounded in the leg, but after applying his field dressing he went on with the fight. He met the Prussian Guards in more than one bayonet encounter. He says they are fine big men and fought bravely, but met their match when they met Irish troops with the steel. Private Cheevers was in good health and spirits and went back to duty cheerfully.
16/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Cheevers 01767
16/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Cheevers From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th May 1918: Private John Cheevers (brother of Thomas Cheevers)
16/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Cheevers Two other brothers served in the war. John Cheevers was wounded in 1918, around the same time Thomas was killed. James Cheevers was incapacitated due to wounds and shell shock and was discharged.
16/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Cheevers Mr James Cheevers, Millburn Street, Cookstown, has been officially notified that his son, Private Thomas Cheevers, is missing since 23rd April. An officer writing to one of his brothers says it can only be hoped that he is a prisoner. His brother, John, has written to his parents that he was wounded two weeks ago and is in a base hospital. A third member of the family, James, has been discharged, incapacitated owing to wounds and shell shock.
16/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Cheevers 01765
16/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Cheevers From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th May 1918:
15/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Cheevers 01766
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns 01764
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns 01763
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns The report below suggests that two brothers, Thomas and John, served in World War One.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns Mr John Burns, Morgan’s Hill, Cookstown, has received a post card from his son, Private Thomas Burns, of the Ulster Division, that he is a prisoner of war in Germany. His brother John is serving also.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns 01762
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th May 1918:
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns Submitted by his family, Morgan’s Hill Road Cookstown
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns From an undated Mid-Ulster Mail
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns The CWGC record Fusiliers Joseph Burns as the son of John and Margaret Burns of Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns Fusiliers Joseph Burns is commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns Fusiliers Joseph Burns is buried at Heverlee War Cemetery, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium. The inscription on his grave reads COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOUR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns It is believed that Fusilier Joseph Burns was killed in action on Sunday 19th May 1940 when the Luftwaffe carried out a bombing and strafing attack on the 1st Battalion’s positions.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns In May 1940, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers were acting as part of the rear-guard before the retreat to Dunkirk and were holding a 5,000 yard front, North East of Ninove near the River Dendre, in Belgium.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns It seems the family lived in the Morgan’s Hill (Road) area of Cookstown.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns The 1911 census Joseph as a baby, living with the family at house 7 in Cookstown Rural, County Tyrone. John Burns was a labourer.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns All these birth dates are subject to correction. It’s speculated that the transcription was difficult, resulting in the mother’s maiden name differing from birth to birth. These are best guesses.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns Known family: John Burns, Margaret Burns, Thomas Burns (born 22nd December 1897), John Burns (born 4th April 1900), William Burns (born 1st July 1902), Emma Burns (born 11th April 1905), Margaret Burns (born 16th December 1907), Joseph Burns (born 7th July 1910).
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns Joseph was born in Cookstown on 7th July 1910 (tbc). Joseph the sixth of at least six children.
15/01/2019 Fus Joseph Burns Joseph Burns was the son of John and Margaret Burns. John Burns and Margaret Harvey were married on 13th February 1897 in the district of Cookstown.
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson William’s brothers, Thomas, John and Adam also served during the First World War.
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson Inserted by his sister, Mrs McGlade, 94 Aitchison? Street, Airdrie, Scotland
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson And in a strange and foreign land, his body now doth lie.’
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson He wandered far from where his heart, had bound its earthly tie,
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson When from his home he went away, He would never return again.
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson ‘Little we thought it his time so short, in this world to remain,
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson WILSON – In memory of Private William Wilson, 5th Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed in France, 28th April 1916.
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson 01761
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th April 1918:
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson WILSON – In affectionate remembrance of Private William Wilson, 5th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of Samuel Wilson, Church Street, Cookstown, who was killed in action in France, 28th April 1916, aged 30 years.
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson 01760
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th April 1918:
15/01/2019 Sgt. William Thomas Mitchell Remembered by her sorrowing husband and family, one of the latter on active service, Coagh, County Tyrone
15/01/2019 Sgt. William Thomas Mitchell A shadow over our life is cast, our mother gone forever.
15/01/2019 Sgt. William Thomas Mitchell ‘We often think of days gone by when we were all together;
15/01/2019 Sgt. William Thomas Mitchell A shadow over our life is cast, our mother gone forever.
15/01/2019 Sgt. William Thomas Mitchell ‘We often think of days gone by when we were all together;
15/01/2019 Sgt. William Thomas Mitchell MITCHELL – 17th April, at her husband’s residence, Coagh, County Tyrone, Hannah, beloved wife of Thomas Mitchell. Interred in Tamlaght Churchyard on Sunday afternoon.
15/01/2019 Sgt. William Thomas Mitchell 01759
15/01/2019 Sgt. William Thomas Mitchell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th April 1918: Hannah Mitchell (mother of William Thomas Mitchell)
15/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell Remembered by her sorrowing husband and family, one of the latter on active service, Coagh, County Tyrone
15/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell A shadow over our life is cast, our mother gone forever.
15/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell ‘We often think of days gone by when we were all together;
15/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell A shadow over our life is cast, our mother gone forever.
15/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell ‘We often think of days gone by when we were all together;
15/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell MITCHELL – 17th April, at her husband’s residence, Coagh, County Tyrone, Hannah, beloved wife of Thomas Mitchell. Interred in Tamlaght Churchyard on Sunday afternoon.
15/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell 01759
15/01/2019 Pte. Joseph Mitchell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th April 1918: Hannah Mitchell (mother of Joseph Mitchell)
15/01/2019 Pte. William Wilson Inserted by his father, mother brother and sisters.
14/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee Corporal John Gilmour Magee, Highland Light Infantry, son of Mr Alexander Magee, Toberlane, Cookstown, who was killed in action in France between 20th and 27th March. The deceased, who was not quite twenty years of age, was employed with his father at Wellbrook up till early in 1916, when he went to Glasgow. He joined the army soon afterwards, and went out to France of June of that year. He took part in many engagements, notably at Cambrai and Arras, getting through without a casualty until he received his fatal wound. He was home on furlough twice during his active service. He was a prominent member of the U.V.F. and a member of the L.O.L. at Orritor. He was of a kind a lovable disposition and highly respected by all who knew him. Two other brothers are serving. George, who is in the Inniskillings, being in France since soon after the Ulster Division went out. Robert is with the Labour battalion of the Royal Scots and is in France for over a year.
14/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee 01758
14/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th April 1918: Corporal John Gilmour Magee
14/01/2019 L/Corp James Creighton CREIGHTON – In fond and loving memory our dear son, Private James Creighton, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed in action, on the 27th April 1917.
14/01/2019 L/Corp James Creighton 01757
14/01/2019 L/Corp James Creighton From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th April 1918:
14/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee Mr Alexander Magee, Toberlane, Cookstown, has received official word that his son, Corporal John Gilmour Magee, Highland Light Infantry, was killed in action in France between 21st and 27th March.
14/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee 01756
14/01/2019 Corp John Gilmor Magee From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 20th April 1918:
14/01/2019 L/Corp James Creighton Ever remembered by his father, mother, brothers and sisters, Coagh, County Tyrone
13/01/2019 Sgt. Robert Henry Lewis Steele It seems very unlikely Robert Lewis ever lived or worked in the Cookstown area, but is included here because he is listed in the Cookstown War Dead book, because his grandfather was from Grange, Tullyhogue, Cookstown.
13/01/2019 Sgt. Robert Henry Lewis Steele Known family: Robert R Steele, Caroline Steele, Robert Henry Lewis Steele (born about 1883).
13/01/2019 Sgt. Robert Henry Lewis Steele STEELE – Killed in action 29th March, Robert H L Steele, Sergeant, Middlesex Regiment, eldest son of Robert R Steele, formerly of Grange, Tullyhogue, aged 35.
13/01/2019 Sgt. Robert Henry Lewis Steele 01755
13/01/2019 Sgt. Robert Henry Lewis Steele From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 13th April 1918:
12/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee Mrs Roseann Magee, Millburn Street, Cookstown, has received official intimation that her husband, Private Edward Magee, 5th Royal Irish Fusiliers, was killed in action on 10th March when serving with the Egyptian Forces. Private Magee was a native of Portadown, and was well-known, and was highly respected by his fellow workers in Wilson’s mill. He enlisted in February 1915 and was wounded in Gallipoli, and was home on leave about a year ago. He leaves behind a wife and two little children.
12/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee 01754
12/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 6th April 1918: Private Edward Magee
12/01/2019 L/Sgt George Adams Henry M.M. 01753
12/01/2019 L/Sgt George Adams Henry M.M. At the morning service in Second Cookstown Presbyterian Church on Sunday last, Rev David Maybin, B.A., made touching references to the death of Sergeant Henry, whose family have long been connected with the congregation. He is the sixth of the men from this congregation who have given their lives in defence of the country.
12/01/2019 L/Sgt George Adams Henry M.M. Sergeant George A Henry, Royal Irish Fusiliers (youngest son of Mr W J Henry, Rural District Council (R.D.C.), Cloghog, Cookstown), died at the Australian General Hospital, Rouen, on 28th March, from wounds received in action on the 14th. The deceased, who was just 24 years of age, had joined the North Irish Horse prior to the war, and as a trooper went to France soon after the outbreak of hostilities. For some months he was on the bodyguard of Sir John French, when Commander-in-Chief, and afterwards of General Smith-Dorian. Seven or eight months ago he transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, since when he took part in several engagements. His parents received official intimation that he had received a gunshot wound in the thigh on the 14th March. On the 19th, he wrote to his mother that she not fret about him as he was getting on all right. Official word of his death was the next sad message. He was a young man of exemplary character and greatly respected, and his death is greatly regretted. Much sympathy is felt with his parents and other relatives in their sore bereavement.
12/01/2019 L/Sgt George Adams Henry M.M. 01752
12/01/2019 L/Sgt George Adams Henry M.M. From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 30th March 1918:
11/01/2019 Pte. Francis O'Neill Inserted by Maggie O’Neill
11/01/2019 Pte. Francis O'Neill O’NEILL – In fond remembrance of my brother, Frank O’Neill, Royal Inniskillings, killed in action at Festubert, 30th March1915.
11/01/2019 Pte. Francis O'Neill 01751
11/01/2019 Pte. Francis O'Neill From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 30th March 1918:
11/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee MAGEE – Killed in action on 10th March 1918 with the Egyptian Forces, Private Edward Magee, 5th Royal Irish Fusiliers.
11/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee 01750
11/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 30th March 1918:
11/01/2019 Pte. Edward Magee Sadly missed by his sorrowing wife and two little sons, Rose Ann, Willie and Joseph Magee, Millburn Street, Cookstown.
10/01/2019 Maj Hubert Maxwell Lenox-Conyngham D.S.O. LENOX-CONYNGHAM – 15th March at Chester, Lieutenant Colonel H M Lenox-Conyngham, D.S.O., Army Veterinary Corps, youngest son of the late Sir William Lenox-Conyngham, of Springhill, Moneymore.
10/01/2019 Maj Hubert Maxwell Lenox-Conyngham D.S.O. 01749
10/01/2019 Maj Hubert Maxwell Lenox-Conyngham D.S.O. From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd March 1918: Deaths
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson Inserted by her sorrowing husband, daughters and sons.
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson And those who think of her tonight are those who loved her best.
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson This day brings back to memory our dear one who has gone to rest,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson Dear mother how we long for you.
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson When days are dark and friends are few,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson In life we loved you very dear, in death we do the same.
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson ‘Peaceful be thy rest, dear mother, it’s sweet to breathe your name,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson NELSON – In loving remembrance of our dear mother, Sarah Nelson, wife of William Nelson, Ballyforlea, who died on 24th March 1912.
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson 01748
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson From Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd March 1918: Sarah Nelson (mother of James Nelson)
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson Inserted by his sorrowing father, sisters and brothers.
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson We’ll hear it all for thee.’
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson But Thou O Lord, hath sent this cross,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson Must ever clouded be,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson But the sunshine of our life
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson Jesus now hath welcomed thee.
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson Jordan passed, from pain set free,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson Safe and blessed, the victory won;
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson Home at Last, thy labour done,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson To repose beside his clay.
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson Till the Commander’s voice shall call us,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson There our hearts do ever stray,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson ‘Now in the dark, cold grave he slumbers,
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson NELSON – In loving memory of our dear brother, Private James Nelson, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who died on 24th March 1915 in the Military Hospital, Belfast.
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson 01747
10/01/2019 Pte. James Nelson From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd March 1918:
09/01/2019 Maj Hubert Maxwell Lenox-Conyngham D.S.O. 01746
09/01/2019 Maj Hubert Maxwell Lenox-Conyngham D.S.O. Lieutenant Colonel Hubert Maxwell Lenox-Conyngham, D.S.O., of the Army Veterinary Corps, youngest son of the late Sir William Lenox-Conyngham, K.C.B., Springhill, Moneymore, died at Chester on Friday. The deceased was the second of the family who had passed away during the present war, his third brother, Lieutenant Colonel J S M Lenox-Conyngham, having died at the head of the Connaught Rangers at the taking of Guillemont in September 1916. Entering the Army Veterinary Corps in 1897, the deceased served in the in the East Africa campaign 1902-1903, including the Somaliland operations, being mentioned in despatches and awarded the medal with clasp. In the present war he had a splendid record, having gained a brevit lieutenant Colonelcy in June 1917, and the Distinguished Service Order. Two of his brothers are serving at the present time, Major W A Lenox-Conyngham (late Worcestershire Regiment), who is in the Royal Defence Corps; and Colonel G P Lenox-Conyngham, who is in the Royal Engineers. One of the deceased’s sisters is married to Colonel J Jackson Clark, D.L., Largantogher, Maghera. His wife, who survives him, is a daughter of Mr Edwin Sanders Darley, Fern Hill, Dublin.
09/01/2019 Maj Hubert Maxwell Lenox-Conyngham D.S.O. 01745
09/01/2019 Maj Hubert Maxwell Lenox-Conyngham D.S.O. From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd March 1918: Lieutenant Colonel Lenox-Conyngham
09/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell ‘The only consolation is that he died nobly for his country, and that he would rather have gone quickly than have lingered on disabled or an invalid. He fought bravely to the end, and then passed – a soldier and a gentleman.’
09/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell Another nurse, who had nursed him through a previous casualty, also wrote expressing sorrow, and of the esteem in which the deceased was held. She adds:-
09/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell ‘Dear Mr Bell, Before this reaches you, you will have heard the sad news of your boy’s great sacrifice. I know the clergyman here has written to you, but because your boy specially asked me to write, I want to send you this letter and express my sympathy for you in your grief, though could you have seen how splendid he was in those last hours, I am sure there could be room in your heart but pride that your son was so much of a man, and had taken his courage and his manhood home with him to his God. As you probably know, he was shot through the chest, and from the first his condition was a very critical one. Later the doctors knew it was hopeless, and he was not allowed to suffer. He too, knew towards the end that he could not live, and spoke to me of dying, and asked me if, after he had gone I would write to his father. I asked him if he had any special messages to send, and he said, just tell him ‘how and when I died’. He told me that you were in hospital in Ireland. He is buried in the cemetery here. It is called Lijssenthoek Cemetery and is about a mile from Poperinghe. The graves are carefully tended and during the last year the cemetery has become a very large one. The few personal effects your boy brought here with him will be sent to you through the War Office in England. Your son came into our ward during the night at 2.20am, on 17th February and he died at 5.00am on the morning of the 21st. He was so sweet and grateful for every little thing we did for him, and his beautiful character was so clearly marked on his face and fine physique, that my heart aches for you in the loss of such a son. I remain yours, very sincerely. Clare Gass, Nursing Sister.’
09/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell The first intimation of the wound that so sound proved fatal, was received by his father from his chaplain. This was soon followed by a letter from a nursing sister, as follows:-
09/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell William John Albert Bell, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, son of Sergeant John Bell, Ballygoney, died on No 2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station on 21st February, from a wound received in action on 17th. The deceased soldier, who was 22 years of age, was formerly on the Royal Irish Constabulary (R.I.C.) and served in Fermanagh and in Brown Square Barracks, Belfast. He resigned in 1912 and went to New Zealand, where he joined the police force, and was soon promoted to the finger print office of the detective department. He offered his services as soon as war broke out, and it was only after his third application, and when he had actually resigned his position, that he was allowed to volunteer. During his training he was promoted sergeant, and held the rank of sergeant major at the time of his arrival in England. He had passed an examination for commissioned rank, but decided not to accept it. His New Zealand comrades, before he left, presented him with a wristlet watch. He was deputed to training duty in England, but was so anxious to get to the front that he gave up his rank and went out as a private. He very soon however earned promotion in the field. He was twice previously wounded, once in the leg and again in the neck. He was a very popular and promising young man, and all who knew him will greatly regret his early death and sympathise with his relatives in their sad bereavement. He was home on a brief furlough during last summer.
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09/01/2019 L/Corp William John Albert Bell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 16th March 1918: William John Albert Bell
07/01/2019 Corp Thomas Espey Corporal Espey is not listed on the Great Northern Railway War Memorial in Central Station, Belfast.
07/01/2019 Corp Thomas Espey While in South Africa he joined the Cape Mounted Rifles.
07/01/2019 Corp Thomas Espey For several years Thomas worked as a clerk at the Greater Northern Railway (G.N.R.) station, probably in Cookstown.
06/01/2019 Corp Thomas Espey Intimation has been received by Mrs Black, Toberlane, that her brother, Thomas Espey, was killed in action in January last. Tom, as he was familiarly called, was well-known and highly respected in Cookstown, and his great many friends greatly regret to hear of his death. For several years he was a clerk at the G.N.R. Station, but emigrated to South Africa in 1909. Later he joined the Cape Mounted Rifles. At the outbreak of the present war he volunteered for service, joining a Scottish regiment. He paid a brief visit to Cookstown a few months ago.
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06/01/2019 Corp Thomas Espey From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th March 1918:
06/01/2019 Pte. Hugh Curry Private William Currie, A Company, 8th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (son of Mrs Robert Currie, Drapersfield, Cookstown), has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in Palestine whilst serving with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, commanded by General Allenby. When a soldier who was bringing up sorely needed ammunition was shot, Private Currie volunteered to take his place and succeeded in his effort, though fiercely fired upon at the time. ‘You are a brave man, Currie’ said the General when awarding the Military Medal to him. Private Currie was a reserve man and was called up when war was declared. He served in Gallipoli, France and in Palestine, and despite the fact that he received seventeen wounds (some through the centre of his body) at Festubert in May 1915, he volunteered for the front when his wounds were barely healed. We congratulate Mrs Robert Currie, Sandy Row, Drapersfield, upon her son’s gallant record in arms for King and country, and upon this distinction conferred for his bravery. His brother Hugh was in the Ulster Division, and was killed in September 1916 at the age of twenty.
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06/01/2019 Pte. Hugh Curry From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd March 1918: Drapersfield Man Wins Military Medal - Private William Currie (brother of Hugh Currie)
06/01/2019 Pte. George McCracken The following soldiers have been enjoying home leave:- Lance Corporal William Shanks, M.M.; Lance Corporal Bob Woods; Private Jack Harte, M.M.; Dan McCormack, Francis Hueston, John Anderson, Australians; George McCracken and James McKnight.
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06/01/2019 Pte. George McCracken From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd March 1918: Castledawson
05/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Alexander McReynolds Mr Thomas A McReynolds, R.D.C., Kingsmills, Cookstown, has received official intimation that his eldest son, Private T A McReynolds, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who was reported missing on the western front on 9th October, was then killed or died of wounds. The deceased, who was in his 25th year, had been on the North Irish Horse before the war, and was in a situation in Scotland. He immediately volunteered for service when war was declared and joined the Dragoon Guards, and was in France in September 1914. He was twice wounded when in the Guards. Last autumn he was transferred to the Warwickshires, and shortly afterwards he was reported missing. He was seen wounded during the advance, but as he was only a short time in the regiment, and as the survivors of the gallant attack were comparatively few, it has proved impossible to get definitive evidence of his death. His younger brother, Austin McReynolds, is in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He got through the Gallipoli campaign without a scratch, except from a spent bullet. He then served in Egypt and in France, and is at present with the guns in Italy waiting for the Austrians.
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05/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Alexander McReynolds From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd February 1918: Private T A McReynolds
05/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Alexander McReynolds Private McReynolds, son of Mr Thomas McReynolds, R.D.C., Kingsmills, who joined the 5th Dragoon Guards soon after the outbreak of war and who has been at the front in France for several months, has been home on a few days furlough. He is in excellent health and spirits.
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05/01/2019 Pte. Thomas Alexander McReynolds From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd February 1918:
03/01/2019 Pte. Wesley C McClelland W J McCausland, cycle mechanic, stated that he had overhauled McClelland’s motor cycle on the 5th September, and there was nothing then wrong with the machine to interfere with her running. The price of £42 10s 0d was reasonable. A new one such as it, would cost £80. For the defence: Thomas Ritchie, cycle mechanic, deposed he went with McReynolds to Mr McLean’s, Knockloughrim, and thought it was a good opportunity to test McClelland’s bicycle. He accompanied McClelland on the next day to Bellaghy. Mr Samuel Hamilton had a trial run on the bicycle with McClelland. Hamilton had no previous knowledge of a motor cycle. After the sale, McClelland asked the loan of the machine to take him home, saying he send same back before Monday. Hamilton, having consented, both returned the way they had gone. Coming from Bellaghy, the bicycle was not taking the hills well, and in his opinion, was not in a fit condition for delivery, and the plaintiff suggested sending it to McCausland’s to have it seen to before returning it on Monday. Being busy, he did not take the bicycle to McCausland, and he considered McClelland had a better right than he to see after it, as he (Ritchie) was making nothing out of the transaction. The bicycle was still at his shop. The defendant, Samuel Hamilton, deposed that on 22nd September, McClelland and Ritchie arrived on a motor cycle. He was going with tea for the workers, and McClelland took him on the bicycle to his farm, about a mile distant. As a result of this trial run, he bought the bicycle for £42 10s 0d, and agreed to lending the bicycle. Ritchie called on Monday, and in consequence of a conversation with Ritchie, he stopped payment of the cheque. To Mr Hastings: ‘He never asked Ritchie to buy him a bicycle. He was well pleased with the trial run and after the sale consented to lend bicycle, same to be returned Monday. His honour said he would consider the case, and on Friday morning gave a decree for the amount claimed.
03/01/2019 Pte. Wesley C McClelland Dawson McClelland, chemist’s assistant (a minor by his father, Sloan McClelland, Cookstown), sued Samuel Hamilton, Bellaghy, for £42 price of a motor cycle. A writ has been issued in the Superior Court and the case remitted. Mr Hastings for the plaintiff and Mr Brown for the defendant. The plaintiff deposed that he was joining the Royal Flying Corps, and he wished to dispose of his motor cycle and side car. He heard from a son of Thomas Ritchie’s that his father was on the lookout for a machine, and this led to Mr Ritchie getting a trial run on the machine to Knockloughrim on 21st September, and Mr Marshall Reynolds went on the trailer. In consequence of this trial run, Mr Ritchie and the plaintiff went on the machine to Bellaghy on the following day. Here another trial run took place, the defendant being on the side car. They went to Mr Hamilton’s home, where he expressed his appreciation of the motor. The plaintiff asked for £45, but eventually agreed to accept £42 10s 0d. Mr Hamilton wrote a cheque for £42 and the plaintiff, refusing to take it, added a 10s Treasury note. The plaintiff wished to go to Cookstown that night, and asked the defendant for the loan of the bicycle, promising to return it by Monday at the latest. On the way home the engine was not working satisfactorily, and the witness explained to Ritchie that that he believed the sparking plug had become carbonised by the use, on a former occasion, of inferior motor spirit. He left the cycle with Ritchie to have it put right before returning it to Mr Hamilton. The cheque for £42 was stopped and he sued for it. To Mr Brown: ‘He had not seen the bicycle since. He had not given any warranty on it. Marshall Reynolds deposed to going on a trial run to Knockloughrim. When they topped the steep hill entering Knockloughrim, Ritchie said ‘the bike will do.’ The witness had several runs on the bicycle himself and it was a reliable machine.’
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03/01/2019 Pte. Wesley C McClelland From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th February 1918: A Motor Bicycle Deal (Dawson McClelland – brother of Wesley McClelland)
03/01/2019 Lieut William John McVeagh ‘I regret very much your son was killed in action near Abu Dineen on the 28th, while gallantly leading his platoon over the walls into Alay in the face of heavy rifle and machine gun fire. Your son’s loss is deeply felt by us all. He was such a fine officer, especially keen on machine gun work, and we cannot spare him. May I offer you, in your great sorrow, on behalf of myself and the officers of the battalion, our sincere regret in your own great loss.’
03/01/2019 Lieut William John McVeagh The officer commanding the 6th Royal Munsters, writing from Palestine to Mrs McVeagh on 31st December 1917 says:-
03/01/2019 Lieut William John McVeagh Mr James McVeagh, Loy Hill, Cookstown, has received the following telegram of sympathy on the death of his son:- ‘The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the army have sustained by the death of your son in the service of his country. Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow. Keeper of the Privy Purse.’
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03/01/2019 Lieut William John McVeagh From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd February 1918: The late Lieutenant W J McVeagh
03/01/2019 Lieut William John McVeagh Lieutenant William John McVeigh was killed in action in Palestine whilst leading his platoon over the walls into Alay in the face of heavy rifle and machine gun fire on 28th December 1917. He was 24 years old.
02/01/2019 L/Sgt George Adams Henry M.M. Lance Corporal G A Henry, North Irish Horse, who has just returned to the front after a brief visit home at Cloghog, Cookstown. Lance Corporal Henry looks in the pink of condition, and when he left his comrades, they were also in the best of health.
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02/01/2019 L/Sgt George Adams Henry M.M. From an unknown newspaper dated about 1916-1917: Lance Corporal G A Henry
02/01/2019 L/Sgt George Adams Henry M.M. The Military Medal has been awarded to Sergeant George A Henry, Royal Irish Fusiliers, and formerly of the North Irish Horse. Sergeant Henry is a son of Mr W J Henry, R.D.C., Cloghog, Cookstown, and has been at the front since hostilities commenced.
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02/01/2019 L/Sgt George Adams Henry M.M. From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd February 1918:
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