Death
REDMOND -- July 4, 1916, at her residence, 78 Bridge Street, Lisburn, Fanny, the dearly-beloved wife of John Redmond; and was interred in the Lisburn Cemetery on Thursday, at 3 p.m. Deeply regretted. Inserted by her loving Husband and Daughters.
Killed in Action
LEATHEM -- Killed in action, June 24th, 18077, Rifleman William Leathem, R. I. Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), eldest and dearly-beloved son of Henry and Barbara Leathem, 22 Young Street, Lisburn. Deeply regretted.
LAVERY -- Killed in action, on June 24, 1916, 18048, Sergeant William Lavery, R.I.R., South Antrim Volunteers. Deeply regretted by his Brother-in-Law and family. WESLEY GRAHAM. 60 Melrose Street, Belfast.
LEATHEM -- Killed in action, on June 24th, No. 18077, Rifleman William Leathem, R.I.R. (South Antrim Volunteers).
His life for his country,
What more could he do?
Deeply regretted by his Aunt and Cousin, ANNIE and FRED THOMPSON, 40 Bridge Street, Lisburn.
LISBURN MECHANICS L.O.L.
LEATHEM -- The Members of above Lodge regret the death of our beloved brother, Rifleman William Leathem, R. I. Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), who was killed in action on the 24th June.
THOMAS CREGAN, W.M.; WILLIAM IRVINE, Sec.
Clippings
Sad Yet Proud Day For Lisburn
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South Antrims' Penetrate Fifth Line Trenches
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"Nothing Finer Has Been Done In The War."
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Heavy Casualties in Officers and Men.
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MAJOR A. P. JENKINS KILLED IN ACTION.
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To-day the war has been brought home to us all more forcibly than ever, and while we have very heavy casualties to chronicle, we have also the glorious news that the Ulster Division had brought fresh honour and glory to our loyal province and additional lustre to the traditions of the British Army.
In the great offensive operations commenced on the 1st July no battalion bore a braver or better part than the South Antrim Volunteers, the gallant fellows who volunteered from our own town and neighbourhood. Unfortunately the losses were very heavy, which can easily be guessed from the fact that they penetrated to the fifth line of the German defence.
With much pain and sorrow, mingled with infinite pride, we publish to-day a heavy casualty list, headed unfortunately by our good friend Major A. P. Jenkins, whose brother just as we write (at 11-30) personally called to confirm the sad news that Major Jenkins has been killed in action. The list unfortunately is far from complete, as relatives of the men in all parts of the town are continuing to receive intimation that their dear ones have been either killed or wounded.
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South Antrim Volunteer Casualties.
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OFFICERS.
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KILLED.
Major A. P. JENKINS.
Captain O. B. WEBB.
Lieutenant E. VANCE.
WOUNDED--BELIEVED PRISONER.
Captain C. C. CRAIG, M.P.
WOUNDED AND MISSING.
Captain Cecil F. K. EWART.
WOUNDED.
Captain A. P. I. SAMUELS.
Sec.-Lieutenant J. C. CARSON.
Sec.-Lieutenant C. H. H. ORR.
SUFFERING FROM GAS POISON.
Lieutenant GUY O. L. YOUNG.
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RANK AND FILE.
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KILLED IN ACTION.
Sergeant William Lavery, Lisburn.
Rifleman William Leathern, Lisburn.
Corporal David Tate, Lisburn.
Rifleman David Boyd, Lisburn.
Rifleman John Harvey, Lisburn.
Rifleman John Brown, Lisburn.
19290, Rifleman J. Waring, Dunmurry.
WOUNDED.
Rifleman Isaac Keery, Lisburn.
Co. Sergt.-Major S. Breathwaite, Lisburn.
Sergt. J. Abbott, Lisburn.
Bugler W. Bingham, Lisburn.
Rifleman A. E. Hull, Lisburn.
18156, Rifleman Roger M'Ilroy, Dunmurry.
17928, Rifleman J. Irvine, Dunmurry.
6337, Rifleman R. Hall, Dunmurry.
18232, Rifleman J. M'Comb, Dunmurry.
7263, Rifleman O. Wallace, Dunmurry.
7260, Rifleman P. Dunbar, Broomhedge.
Sergeant Cowan, Lisburn.
Sergeant J. O. Chambers, Lisburn.
Rifleman T. Lynas, Lisburn.
Rifleman W. H. Nelson, Lisburn.
Rifleman John Shaw, Lisburn.
Rifleman Watson Lynch, Lisburn.
Rifleman Jama M'Neice, Lisburn.
Rifleman Samuel Allen, Lisburn.
Rifleman John Murdoch, Lisburn.
Rifleman James Hawthorne, Lisburn.
Rifleman Charlas Rodgers, Lisburn.
Rifleman Edward M'Neice, Lisburn.
Rifleman Joan Fulton, Lisburn.
L.-Corporal William Corken, Lisburn.
L.-Corporal James Neagle, Lisburn.
Rifleman John Clarke, Lisburn.
Rifleman Ed. M'Cann, Lisburn.
Rifleman Robert Hunter, Lisburn.
Rifleman Hugh Smith, Lisburn.
Rifleman James Chapman, Lisburn.
Rifleman William Chapman, Lisburn.
Rifleman Joseph Chapman, Lisburn.
Rifleman Alex. M'Watters, Lisburn.
Rifleman Victor Beattie, Lisburn.
Rifleman John Connolly, Lisburn.
Rifleman W. J. Orr, Lisburn.
Sergeant James Mercer, Lisburn.
Rifleman Janice Lavery, Lisburn.
Rifleman John Lavery, Lisburn.
Bugler Samuel Ward, Lisburn.
MISSING.
Rifleman Henry Brown, Lisburn.
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PERSONAL NOTES.
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OFFICERS.
Major A. P. JENKINS.
Unfortunately we have to confirm the sad news that has been so persistently circulating through the town that Major A. P. Jenkins has been killed in action. Up till well in the forenoon the news was not confirmed, and everyone was hoping for the best, but just a few minutes ago Major Jenkins' brother called with us to say that official confirmation of the dreaded news had arrived. For the comparatively short time Major Jenkins lived here there was no man so well-known nor more highly respected. He took a very active part in forming the 1st Lisburn Battn. U.V.F., and was unanimously appointed commander of that body of men, the majority of whom when the war broke out followed their plucky commander's lead and joined the army, the 1st Lisburn Battalion U.V.F. being formed in a battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles, known as the South Antrim Volunteers. Major Jenkins was a member of the Lisburn Urban Council, the other members of which will learn with very deep regret of the death of their colleague. The flag on the Town Hall is flying at half-mast out of respect for Major Jenkins and those other brave men who fought and fell that we might live. To Mrs. Jenkins, as indeed to the wives and mothers of all those who have fallen, the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to-day.
Captain C. C. CRAIG.
Captain Charles Curtis Craig is the fifth son of the late Mr. James Craig J.P., of Craigavon, Strandtown, and Tyrella, County Down, and M.P. for South Antrim. Born on 18th February, 1869, he was educated at Clifton College, and entered the House of Commons in 1903 as Conservative member for South Antrim, in succession to the Right Honourable Sir W. G. Ellison-Macartney, K.C.M.G., the distinguished Ulsterman, who resigned the seat on his appointment to the position of Deputy Master of the Mint, and who is new Governor of Tasmania. Captain Craig took a leading part in the anti-Home Rule fight, which was approaching its culmination on the outbreak of the present war. He was an enthusiastic member of the Ulster Volunteer Force, and was one of the first to respond to the call to the colours, obtaining a captain's commission in the South Antrim Battalion, which was formed entirely in his own constituency, on 14th September, 1914. He served with his battalion at Clandeboye, at Seaford, and at Bordon, and accompanied it to the front in October, 1915. A prominent member of the Ulster Unionist Council, Captain Craig was one of several members of that body serving at the front who obtained special leave to attend the momentous meetings held in Belfast early last month for the purpose of discussing and coming to a decision on the Home Rule settlement proposals. He was then looking remarkably well, and spoke in the highest terms of the spirit, and fitness of the men of the Ulster Division.
The London Correspondent of the "Northern Whig" has telegraphed that Colonel James Craig has received a letter from a friend at the front which fully confirms the tidings previously received of the magnificent keenness and gallantry shown by the Ulster Division in the British advance, the letter, it is pleasant to say, also suggests the possibility of a more hopeful view of the case of Captain Chas. Craig. It seems that he was wounded in the knee when the Division had gone far forward, yet continued to direct and encourage his men with as much coolness as if at manoeuvres. He refused to withdraw from the fighting line, and it appears to be thought that in the rush of desperate battle he may chance to have fallen alive into the hands of the enemy. It is of course no agreeable fate to be a prisoner of war in Germany, but it leaves the friends of the prisoner with hope that they may see him again.
Captain Craig, is one of four brothers who volunteered for service at the outbreak of war, the others being LieutenantI Colonel James Craig, M.P., who was Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General of the Ulster Division, until his health broke down last year; Major Clarence Craig, of Tyrella, who is serving with the Royal Engineers of the Ulster Division and Lieutenant E. E. Craig, Army Service Corps.
Captain C. F. K. EWART.
Captain Cecil F. K. Ewart, reported wounded and missing, is a son of Mr. F. W. Ewart, Derryvolgie, Lisburn, of the firm of William Ewart and Son, Limited Bedford Street, Belfast, and a nephew of Sir William Quartus Ewart, Bart., D.L. He was a member of the 1st Lisburn Battalion Ulster Volunteer Force, and commanded I Company. He was exceedingly popular with the men of his company whom he not only allowed to practice shooting on his own private range; but supplied the rifles and ammunition. He was given a commission in the South Antrim Regiment on 1st February, 1915, and his promotion some months ago to the rank of captain was hailed with delight by both officers and men. The news was first communicated to the family by his brother, Captain Gerald Ewart, Army Service Corps. Another brother, Major W. Basil Ewart, is serving with the 15th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (North Belfast Volunteers).
Sec-Lieut. J. C. CARSON.
Second-Lieutenant James Coburn Carson, only son of Mr. James Carson, Parkmount, Lisburn, has been wounded in action and is now in hospital in France. He was gazetted to the 11th Royal Irish Rifles in May, 1915, and has been with the battalion in France since the beginning of February. The report, which up to the present is unofficial, gives rise to the hope that the wounds are not serious. He was prior to enlisting a medical student at Queen's University. He was well-known in hockey and golfing circles, and was Captain at Lisnagarvey (1st XI.) Hockey Club when war was declared. The official intimation intimation from the war Office to the injured officer's father states that Second-Lieutenant Carson is suffering from a gunshot wound in the knee, and that he has arrived at an hospital in Manchester.
OSWALD B. WEBB.
Captain Oswald B. Webb, Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), killed in action, was a son of the late Mr. Chas. J. Webb, J.P., founder and for many years principal of the Old Bleach Linen Company, Randalstown. He was a brother of Mr. W. H. Webb, J.P., a well-known member of the Ulster Unionist Council, and of Lieutenant F. R. Webb, Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), who was wounded recently. The late Captain Webb was a prominent member of the Ulster Volunteer Force. His cousin, Captain G. W. Webb, Royal Flying Corps, is reported missing. Writing to a Lisburn woman the week before last, consoling her on the death of her son, Captn. Webb said there was no more glorious death than dying for one's country.
Lieutenant EZEKIEL VANCE.
Lieutenant Ezekiel Vance, Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), killed in action, was a son of the late Mr. Wm. Vance, merchant, Antrim, and Mrs. Vance, Riverside, Antrim, a son-in-law of the Right Rev. Dr. West, Antrim (Moderator of the General Assembly), and a brother-in-law of the late Dr. Gorman, Bangor, County Down. Lieut. Vance was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, and before the war was in the estate agency business with Mr. H. D. M, Barton, of The Bush. He was prominently identified with the Ulster Volunteer movement, and was a company commander of the Antrim contingent.
Captain A. P. I. SAMUELS.
Captain Arthur Purefoy Irwin Samuels, Royal Irish Rifles, who has been wounded in the back by shrapnel, is the only son of Mr. Arthur W. Samuels, K.C., 80 Merrion Square, Dublin, Chancellor of the United Diocese of Down and Connor and Dromore, and a grandson of the late Rev. James Irwin, M.A., Sharon, County Donegal. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he graduated in 1905, and was called to the Bar in Trinity term, 1910, going the North-West circuit. He proceded to the M.A. degree in 1912. Captain Samuels, who formerly held a commission in the Territorial Force, was gazetted a lieutenant in the South Antrim Battalion on 4th November, 1914, and was promoted to the rank of captain on 1st February, 1915. He married Dorothy Gage, daughter of Mr. George L. Young, J.P., of Millmount, Randalstown, and Culdaff House, South Donegal.
Lieut. GUY O. L. YOUNG.
Lieutenant Guy Owen Lawrence Young, Royal Irish Rifles, who is suffering from the effects of gas poisoning, is the youngest son of Mr. George L. Young. J.P., Millmount, Randalstown, and Culdaff House, County Donegall, and a grandson of Lieutenant-Colonel Gardiner Harvey, of Islandnahoe, County Antrim. He was born on 1st January, 1896, and was educated at Dover College, and Trinity College, Dublin. He received his commission in the South Antrim Volunteer Battalion on 25th September, 1914, and got his step on 14th December, 1915. His elder brother, Lieutenant George N. P. Young, 2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment, who was, awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the field, died of wounds received in action on 26th July, 1815.
Sec.-Lieut. C. H. H. ORR.
Second-Lieutenant C. H. H. Orr, of the Royal Irish Rifles, attached to a trench-mortar battery, was wounded in the face on Monday, and is suffering from shell shock. The War Office notify that he is in No. 3 General Hospital, Le Treport. The elder son of Mr. J. C. Orr, editor of the "Londonderry Sentinel," Londonderry, he was on the Eastern staff of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, and joined the Universities and Public Schools Corps of the Royal Fusiliers, afterwards obtaining a commission in the Ulster Division. Last month he was gazetted to a trench-mortar battery. His brother, J. C. Orr, is a second-lieutenant in the Rifles, and is also at the front.
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RANK AND FILE.
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Rifleman Isaac Keery resided in Longstone Street, Lisburn, and was a bricklayer to trade.
Sergeant William Lavery resided at Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn. He served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in the South African War, for which he held both the King's and Queen's medals. After leaving the army he became a postman in the Lisburn Post Office. He was an ardent Unionist, and was one of the original eight who founded the 1st Lisburn Battalion of the Ulster Volunteer Force. His military experience stood him in good stead in raising and drilling that battalion, in which he held the rank of sergeant instructor. On the formation of the South Antrim Volunteers he was one of the first to enrol. He was a member of L.O.L. 141, Lisburn. He leaves a wife and family of five little children to mourn his loss. Deceased's three other brothers also responded to the call of King and country.
Corporal Dick Lavery, Royal Inniskillings, was severely wounded on the retreat front Mons, and on recovery was sent out to and took part in the fighting at the Dardanelles.
Rifleman Jack and James Lavery joined the South Antrim Volunteers and went to the front in October last, and were both in the platoon of which their deceased brother was sergeant The former unfortunately is at present in hospital suffering from shell shock.
Rifleman William Leathem was the eldest son of Mr. William Leathem, 22 Young Street, Lisburn, a prominent Unionist in the district. He served his apprenticeship to the plastering with the late Mr. David M'Henry, Lisburn, and for a time worked in the Queen's Island, Belfast. He was a member of the 1st Lisburn Battalion U.V.F., and was one of the 900 of that battalion who joined en masse the South Antrim Volunteers. He was a member of L.O.L. 557, and was a candidate for admission to the Royal Black Preceptory when he went to the front in October last year. Had he been spared for two more days he would have reached his 22nd birthday. His brother, L.-Corporal John Leathem, who was an apprentice in the "Lisburn Standard" Office, also joined, the 11th Royal Irish Rifles and accompanied the battalion to the front in October. He was invalided home in January. He considered being sent home "very rotten luck" then, but since thinks it was fine, as only for that he would not have got a chance in helping to quash the Irish Rebellion, in which he fought under the command of the famous Captain Colthurst. He was ono of the party who arrested Sheehy Skeffington. At present L.C. Leathem is with the 18th (R.) Battn. at Clandeboye, but hopes to get out soon with a draft to France.
Corporal David Tate, whose death we briefly reported last week, prior to volunteering resided with his parents in Young Street. A pathetic circumstance is that he was married a few days before the South Antrim Volunteers left England for the front. His young wife, with whom much sympathy is felt, resides at 97 Ballynahinch Road.
Rifleman David Boyd, killed, resided with his widowed mother at Millbrook, Lisburn. He was organ blower in Lisburn Cathedral and worked at Glenmore.
Rifleman John Harvey, killed, was an employee of the Island Spinning Co. His wife and four little children live in Island Row.
Rifleman John Brown, succumbed to wounds, is the youngest son of Mr. John Brown, Low Road. Prior to enlisting he worked in Hilden Dye Works. His brother, Henry Brown, is missing.
The death from wounds took place on 30th ult. of Rifleman James Waring, of Dunmurry.
Company Sergt.-Major Samuel Breathwaite, wounded, is a son of Mr. Samuel Breathwaite, Millbrook Street, Lisburn. He served in the South African War, for which he holds both the King's and Queen's medals. He was a sergeant instructor in the 1st Lisburn Battalion U.V.F. prior to the war. Three other brothers are in the army.
Sergeant J. Abbott was also a member of the 1st Lisburn Company U.V.F., and naturally joined the South Antrim Volunteers. He belongs to M'Keown Street, and has two brothers serving.
Bugler William Bingham was an apprentice in the "Lisburn Standard," since joining which he resided with his uncle, Mr. Samuel Welsh, Antrim Street, Lisburn. His father is a signalman on the Great Northern Railway at Rush and Link Station, fourteen miles on this side of Dublin. Bugler Bingham is an Orangemen, a keen Unionist, and, needless to say, was a member of the local battalion of the U.V.F. He is a musician of no mean order, and played a solo cornet in the old Lisburn Temperance Silver Band. Keen regret was felt in the "Lisburn Standard" Office when the news came through that "Billy" had been wounded.
Rifleman Roger M'Ilroy, R.T.R. (South Antrim Regiment), wounded, resided with his wife at 3 Hill Street, Dunmurry. Before enlisting he was employed by Messrs. Riddell and Co., Donegall Place, Belfast. He is a member of the Macartney Flute Band, Dunmurry, most of the members of which are also serving in the South Antrim Regiment.
Rifleman John Shaw, reported wounded, is the only son of Mr. John Shaw, 24 Young Street, Lisburn. He was serving his apprenticeship as a fitter in Belfast when the war broke out. He was a member of the 1st Lisburn Battlion U.V.F. Rev. John T. Bird, chaplain to the forces, writing from No. 10 General Hospital, France, to Rifleman Shaw's mother says -- "Your son asks me to write you a line to say he is in hospital, wounded in the left hand. He is doing well, and hopes to recover soon."
Rifleman Watson Lynch, is the second son of Mr. George Lynch, Navigation House, Lisburn. Rifleman Lynch has arrived in England. He is wounded in the face and neck, but his wounds are not of a serious nature.
Rifleman James M'Niece, son of Mr. James M'Neice, Bridge Street, was wounded on Tuesday week in the chest and ankles. He is at present in the Lord Derby Hospital, Warrington. In a letter to his mother yesterday he asked to have a copy pf last week's and a copy of the previous week's "Lisburn Standard" forwarded to him.
Rifleman Samuel Allen, son of Mr. Geo. Allen, Bridge Street, has been wounded and is in hospital in Oxford.
Rifleman John Murdock, wounded, resided with his wife and three children in Gregg Street. He was employed in Messrs. Pedlow's prior to volunteering.
Rifleman James Hawthorne, wounded, resided with his mother and sister in Sloan Street. He was a breadserver in Mr. M'Keown's.
Rifleman Charles Rodgers, wounded, resided with his parents in Gregg Street, and worked in the firm of Messrs. William Barbour and Sons.
Rifleman Edward M'Neice, wounded, resided with his parents in Sloan Street. He was employed in Messrs. Millar and Stevensons.
Rifleman John Fulton, wounded, was employed in the Island Mill prior to the war. His wife resides at Hillhall Road.
L.-Corpl. William Corken, wounded is a son of Mr. Henry Corken, Gregg Street. Another brother, Sergeant Henry Corken, was drowned at the front a few weeks ago. Rifleman Corken was a member of the Lisburn Temperance Silver Band.
L.-Corpl. James Neagle, wounded, was another employee of the Island Spinning Company. His wife and two children reside at the Island Cottage. L.-Corporal Neagle's brother, Rifleman Fras. Neagle, was killed in action a few weeks ago.
Rifleman John Clarke, wounded, was in the Island Factory prior to the war. He is an only son, and resided with his mother in Young Street.
Rifleman Edward M'Cann, Old Hillsborough Road, wounded, is a son of Mr. David M'Cann, of Messrs. Robt. Stewart and Sons.
Rifleman Robert Hunter, wounded, resided with his sister, Mrs. Morrow, Hillhall Road. Rifleman Hunter is a brother-in-law of Mr. James Foyle, the Linfield football player.
Rifleman Hugh Smith resided with his aunt. Miss Smith, Plantation. He worked in Messrs. Connor's, Bridge Street. He is at present in hospital in England.
Rifleman James Chapman and Rifleman William Chapman, wounded, are brothers. James lives with his widowed mother in Longstone Street, and William was married since he volunteered for active service.
Rifleman Joseph Chapman, Smithfield, reported wounded, is a cousin.
Rifleman Alex. M'Watters, wounded, resided with his parents in Antrim Street. He was serving his apprenticeship with Mr. Joseph Scott to the painting he joined the South Antrim Volunteers.
Rifleman Victor Beattie, wounded, Bachelors' Walk, was a cabinetmaker before volunteering. His people live in Bachelors' Walk.
Rifleman John Connolly, wounded, resided with his wife at 127 Gregg Street. He was a painter to trade.
Rifleman W. J. Orr, wounded, belongs to Lisburn, but his parents have recently gone to reside in Belfast.
Sergeant James Mercer, wounded, is the well-known Ashmount footballer. He worked in the Island Mill.
Bugler S. Ward resides at No.8 Sandymead, Lisburn. His brothers, Sergeant James and Rifleman Thomas Ward, are also serving.
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OTHER LOCAL ULSTER DIVISION CASUALTIES.
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WOUNDED.
Corporal James Cherry, Lisburn. Rifleman E. Ashe (Y.C.V.'s) Lisburn. Rifleman Robert Harding (Y.C.V.'s), Lisburn.
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PERSONAL NOTES.
Corporal James Cherry, wounded, is the only surviving son of Mr. James Cherry, Violet Vale, Lisburn. Corporal Cherry is in an hospital near Birmingham. He was employed as a chemist's assistant in Enniskillen, and on the outbreak of war, joined the 11th (Service) Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Donegal and Fermanagh Volunteers).
Rifleman Ernest Ashe (Y.C.V.'s), youngest son of Mr. J. R. Ashe, 18 Bow Street, Lisburn, has been wounded, but it is believed not seriously, at the following letter, received by his father this morning would seem to show:-- "Dear Mr. Ashe -- I am glad to be able to write that Ernie was found last night. He was wounded by a machine gun bullet in both hips, and the wound is in flesh. He made his way back to the trench, and has been in a dug-out, and this evening was brought here. After medical treatment and a deep he will be removed to base hospital, and I expect will soon be in England. He is in splendid spirits, and his constitution will soon bring him to convalescence. -- ?. J. Wright, 108th Field Ambulance.
Rifleman Rupert Harding, wounded, (Y.C.V.'s), is the seventh son of Mr. Arthur Harding, Bachelors' Walk, Lisburn, and has three brothers serving at the front.
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1st COUNTY DOWN VOLUNTEER CASUALTIES.
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KILLED.
Rifleman Jack Smith, Eglantine.
Rifleman W. J. Berry, Culcavey.
Riflemen Robert Harrison, Hillsborough.
WOUNDED.
Rifleman W. J. Johnston, Hillsborough.
Rifleman Oliver Crossey, Culcavey.
Rifleman Theodore Stewart, Maze.
Rifleman David Gibson, Hillsborough Park.
Rifleman George Acheson, Culcavey.
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PERSONAL NOTES.
Rifleman Jack Smith, R. I. Rifles (1st County Down Volunteers), is the second son of Mr. Joseph Smith, Eglantine. He has died from wounds received in the commencement of the Big Push on Saturday. He was prior to tbs war a member of the Hillsborough Company of the U.V.F.
Rifleman W. J. Berry, R. I. Rifles (1st County Down Volunteers), who has been reported "killed in action" on Saturday, was an employee of the Hillsborough Linen Company, Ltd., prior to the war. He was a member of the U.V.F., and very naturally joined the battalion of Irish Rifles raised locally for active service, He resided with his widowed mother at Culcavey.
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OTHER CASUALTIES.
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KILLED.
Private Arthur Rooney, Lisburn. Private James Rooney, Lisburn.
WOUNDED.
Lieutenant H. J. M'Connell. 8324, Corporal T. Sharkey, Lisburn.
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PERSONAL NOTES.
Private Arthur Rooney, of the Canadians, who was reported missing, is now reported killed. He served in the Boer War. Before emigrating to Canada eleven years ago he was a baker in Mr. John M'Watters, Belfast. His brother Henry who emigrated three years ago, is also reported killed with the Canadians. They are sons of Mr. Patrick Rooney, Antrim Street.
Lieutenant Harold J. M'Connell, reported wounded, was in Cox's Bank, Charing Cross, London. On the outbreak of the war he joined the Public Schools Battalion is a private, and was subsequently given a commission in the 5th R.I.R. (Royal South Downs), stationed at Palace Barracks, Holywood. He was for sometime officer in charge of Orlock Hill Detachement. He proceeded to the front to join his battalion about two months ago. Lieutenant M'Connell is a son of the late Mr. W. M'Connell, of Lisnastrain, Lisburn, and nephew of Mr. Thomas M'Connell, R.D.C., Ballinderry, and cousin of Mr. John T. M'Connell, solicitor, Lisburn.
Corporal T. Sharkey, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, wounded, is home on leave in Lisburn at present, and on Monday saw in a daily paper his name reported in a list of those killed in action. Fortunately he was able, like the late Mark Twain was on one occasion, to say his death was "very much exaggerated."
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THE SPIRIT OF ULSTER LIVES ON.
General Nugent's Special Order of the Day
Nothing Finer has been Done in the War.
A special Order of the Day issued by Major-General Nugent, Commanding Officer of the Ulster Division, contains the following:--
The General-Officer Commanding the Ulster Division desires the Division to know that in his opinion nothing finer has been done in the war than the attack by the Ulster Division on the 1st July.
The advance across the open to the German lines was carried out with the steadiness of a parade movement, under fire from front and flank, by troops of the highest quality. They did all that men could do, and in common with every battalion, all the officers and men showed most conspicuous courage and devotion. They captured 600 prisoners, and carried the advance to the limits of the objective laid down.
There is nothing in the operations carried out by the Ulster Division of the 1st July that will not be a source of pride to all Ulstermen.
The Division has been highly tried, and has emerged from the ordeal with groat honour, having fulfilled in every particular the great expectations formed of it.
Tales of individual and collective heroism on the part of both officers and men come in from every side too numerous to mention; all showing that the standard of gallantry and devotion attained is one that may be equalled but never likely to be surpassed.
The General Officer Commanding deeply regrets the heavy casualties of officers and men, but is proud beyond description, as every officer and man in the Division may very well be, of the magnificent example of sublime courage and discipline the Ulster Division has given to the army.
Though many of our gallant men have gone the spirit that animated them remains in the Division, and will never die.
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ON THE EVE OF THE BATTLE.
The following "Order of the Day" was issued by General Nugent to the Ulster Division on the 20th of June, just before the great attack on the German lines:--
On the eve of the offensive for which the Ulster Division has trained and waited for so many months I wish that every officer and man of the Division should know how absolutely confident I feel that the honour of the British army, that the honour of Ulster are in safe keeping in their hands.
It has been my privilege to command the Division in France during the past nine months, during which time I have had various opportunities of seeing that it has been steadfast in defence and gallant in minor offensives.
The time has now come to show to the world the qualities which fit it for the great offensive about to open.
Much is expected of the Ulster Division, and I am certain that the expectation will be fulfilled. Resolution, self-reliance and the spirit that knows no surrender and no defeat are present in full measure in every unit of the Division, and will bear fruit in the battlefield which will redound to the credit of our country.
Nine months ago the King after his inspection of the Division desired me to write and tell him how it bore itself in its first great encounter with the enemy.
I know that I shall be able to write and tell him that the men of the Ulster Division bore themselves like men in the day of battle, and did all that was expected of them.
To every officer and man of the Division I say -- Success and honour.
(Signed)
Major-General NUGENT,
Commanding 36th Division.
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THE LATE CAPTAIN M. S. RICHARDSON.
Captain Arthur P. Richardson, of Purton House, Wilts, has received the following letter in connection with the death of his son, Captain Mervyn Stronge Richardson, 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who fell in action at Fricourt, when inspecting the wire in front of the firing line at midnight on 19th March last:--
30th June. War Office, Whitehall -- I have it in command from his Majesty the King to inform you, as next-of-kin of the late Captain Mervyn Strange Richardson, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, that this officer was mentioned in a despatch from Sir Douglas Haig dated 30th April, 1916, and published in the second supplement to the "London Gazette" of 13th June, dated 15th June, 1916, for gallant and distinguished service in the field. I am to express to you the King's high appreciation of these services, and to add that his Majesty trusts that their public acknowledgment may be of some consolation in your bereavement. -- I have the honour to be, your obedient servant, M. D. Graham, Lieutenant-Colonel, Assistant Military Secretary.
Captain Richardson was a grandson of the late Mr. Jonathan Richardson, J.P., of Glenmore, Lisburn.
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MESSAGE FROM SIR EDWARD CARSON.
In a message to the people of Ulster Sir Edward Carson says:--
I desire to express, on my own behalf and that of my colleagues from Ulster, the pride and admiration with which we heave learnt of the unparalleled acts of heroism and bravery which were carried out by the Ulster Division in the great offensive movement on the 1st July.
From all accounts that we have received, they have made the supreme sacrifice for the Empire of which they were so proud, with a courage, coolness and determination, in the face of the most trying difficulties, which have upheld the greatest traditions of the British Army.
Our feelings are, of course, mingled with sorrow and sadness at the loss of so many men who were to us personal friends and comrades, but we believe that the spirit of their race will at a time of such grief and anxiety sustain those who mourn their loss, and set an example to others to follow in their footsteps.
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STAFF OFFICER'S TRIBUTE.
"The Most Gallant Men in the World."
A distinguished English Staff Officer writing at the Front to Lieut.-Colonel Fred. Crawford, Belfast, on 3rd July, says:--
The Division has been through an ordeal by fire, gas, and poison. It has behaved marvellously, and has got through all the German lines.
Our gallant fellows marched into a narrow alley of death, shouting "No Surrender" and "Remember the Boyne."
I wish I had been born an Ulsterman, but I am proud to have been associated with those wonderful men -- the most gallant in the world. I fully realise how you feel where you are.
Many a family in Ulster will have lost a son or a father out here. I do not belive men ever passed to another world in so glorious a light.
After the day before yesterday I hope I may be allowed the rest of my life to maintain my association with the Ulster Province.
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MEDALS WHICH SOLDIERS MAY WIN.
A desire having been expressed for the issue of information as to the medals which may be earned by soldiers for war service, the Secretary of the War Office announces that the medals in question are the following:--
(1) The Victoria Cross. -- The conditions under which this is awarded are well known. Up to the present date 86 Victoria Crosses have been awarded in the present war to warrant-officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers.
(2) The Military Cross is awarded for "distinguished services in time of war," and may bo won by warrant-officers, as well as by commissioned officers, of rank not above that of captain. 130 warrant-officers, have received the Military Cross up to date.
(3) The Distinguished Conduct Medal is awarded for individual acts of distinguished conduct and for devotion to duty in the field. This medal has been earned by about 6,150 warrant-officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers during the present war to date.
(4) The Military Medal, which was instituted some two months ago, is awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers for individual or associated acts of bravery in the field. About 1,700 of these have been conferred up to date.
(5) The General War Medal, the issue of which is not decided until peace has been concluded.
