Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch
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Cookstown Cenotaph WWI - West Panel 1927
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Casualties
No Mem Ref Service No Rank Name Regiment / Service Battalion Date Of Death
1 06-B 7871 Pte. Nixon, William Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 26/08/1914
2 16-B 11376 Pte. Steele, Thomas William Royal Irish Fusiliers 1st Battalion 16/09/1914
3 14-A 4322 Pte. McMenemy, David Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 21/10/1914
4 13-B 5867 Pte. Sloan, Joseph Royal Scots Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 02/11/1914
5 17-B 3773 Pte. Stewart, Abraham Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 05/11/1914
6 25-A 7771 Pte. Montgomery, Thomas Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 07/11/1914
7 26-A 8608 Gman Montgomery, Charles Scots Guards 1st Battalion 11/11/1914
8 04-A 4065 Pte. McCaffrey, John Joseph Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 16/11/1914
9 05-B 18089 Pte. Nelson, James Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 24/03/1915
10 08-A 13206 Pte. McGeown, Edward Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1st Battalion 28/04/1915
11 20-B 2445 Pte. Taylor, Joseph Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1st Battalion 05/05/1915
12 07-B 3620 Pte. Owens, James Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 16/05/1915
13 11-A 4304 Pte. McIlree, Alexander Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 16/05/1915
14 01-A 9584 Pte. Lyttle, William George Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1st Battalion 17/05/1915
15 03-A 9270 Pte. McBride, John Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1st Battalion 22/05/1915
16 17-A 4428 Pte. McGhee, James Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1st Battalion 28/06/1915
17 29-A 8022 Pte. Corey, Patrick Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 22/07/1915
18 03-B 4608 Pte. Murphy, Patrick Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1st Battalion 21/08/1915
19 02-B S/3848 C.S.M. Murdock, William Black Watch 9th Battalion 25/09/1915
20 24-B 11030 Pte. Whann, William John Scots Guards 1st Battalion 27/09/1915
21 27-A 5240 Pte. Montgomery, Robert Welsh Regiment 1st / 5th Battalion 01/12/1915
22 12-A M16047 Carp Crew McKeown, Thomas Royal Navy HMS Natal 30/12/1915
23 28-B 7980 Pte. Woodburn, Thomas Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 12/02/1916
24 27-B 27041 Pte. Wilson, William Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 7th Battalion 28/04/1916
25 19-B 27688 Pte. Taylor, Hugh Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 01/07/1916
26 20-A 19123 R/man Mayne, John Royal Irish Rifles 13th Battalion 01/07/1916
27 25-B 13585 Corp Wilkinson, Jacob Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 01/07/1916
28 10-A 17806 Pte. McGookin, William Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 01/07/1916
29 24-A 13322 L/Sgt Millar, Robert James Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 01/07/1916
30 14-B 16318 Pte. Smyth, James Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 01/07/1916
31 21-B 16320 Corp Thom, William Nathaniel Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 01/07/1916
32 13-A 19304 Pte. McLernon, Alexander Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 01/07/1916
33 06-A 24085 Pte. McCord, Andrew Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 10/07/1916
34 02-A S/13837 Pte. McAllister, Archibald Gordon Highlanders 1st Battalion 21/07/1916
35 01-B 23851 Pte. Mulholland, Charles Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry 5th Battalion 28/07/1916
36 28-A 2nd Lieut Morrison, Albert Victor Royal Scots Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 30/07/1916
37 07-A 24762 Pte. McCaughey, James Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 8th Battalion 02/08/1916
38 09-B 17565 Pte. Parke, John Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 09/09/1916
39 08-B 22086 Pte. Owens, Patrick Royal Dublin Fusiliers 1st Battalion 23/10/1916
40 15-B 17827 Pte. Spiers, Samuel Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 07/11/1916
41 26-B 268272 Pte. Wilson, Joseph Black Watch 1st / 6th Battalion 01/04/1917
42 10-B 17354 Corp Rush, John Joseph Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 8th Battalion 07/06/1917
43 19-A 24217 Pte. Mallon, Peter Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 7th Battalion 08/10/1917
44 16-A Lieut McVeagh, William John Royal Munster Fusiliers 7th Battalion 28/12/1917
45 21-A 4583 Pte. Mayne, Joseph Connaught Rangers 6th Battalion 10/01/1918
46 11-B 20439 Pte. Slevin, John Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1st Battalion 21/03/1918
47 22-A 27687 Corp Mayne, William (Billy) Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 21/03/1918
48 23-A 27687 Corp Mayne, William (Billy) Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 9th Battalion 21/03/1918
49 18-B 9958 Pte. Stewart, Joseph Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 7th Battalion 21/03/1918
50 18-A 29112 Corp Magee, John Gilmor Highland Light Infantry 14th Battalion 22/03/1918
51 15-A 21890 Pte. McNicol M.M., Robert Royal Dublin Fusiliers 1st Battalion 30/03/1918
52 04-B 126191 Gnr Neill, Joseph Wylie Royal Field Artillery 17/04/1918
53 05-A 71062 Pte. McClelland, Wesley C North Irish Horse 5th Cyclist Battalion 16/08/1918
54 23-B 31184 Pte. Usher, George Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 2nd Battalion 16/10/1918
55 12-B 4325 Pte. Sloan, John Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 5th Battalion 17/10/1918
56 22-B 306732 Pte. Tomb, William Hamilton Royal Air Force 02/11/1918
57 09-A 30902 Pte. McGeown, Mervyn Jack Royal Irish Fusiliers 12th Battalion 21/11/1918
Location
Town : Cookstown
Latitude : 54.647652
Lontitude : -6.745295
Date Unveiled : 18/04/1927
Cookstown Cenotaph is located in the centre of the retail area of the town in William Street, between Orritor Street / Coagh Street crossroads and the Burn Road junction.

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Memorial History
The panel was on the WEST side of the Cookstown War Memorial, on the Faulkner’s side of the main street.
This panel remains beneath the new updated panel which was attached in November 2018.
This panel of the Cenotaph recorded 57 names from World War 1.
1919
In 1919, a committee was set up in Cookstown to decide a way to honour the fallen of the First World War. The members of the committee were divided as to the form the Memorial would take. It was proposed that the cost of the Memorial would be provided by public subscription.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 20th May 1944: (25 Years Ago – From 20th May 1919)
At a meeting in Cookstown to consider the erection of a War Memorial, Mr J B Gunning-Moore presided. On the motion of Mr J D Anderson, seconded by Mrs Adair, it was unanimously decided to erect some memorial. As regards its form, a recreation room and children’s playground was suggested by Mr W J Venables; a hospital by Mrs Adair and Rev J Entrican; a statue by Mr Byers, Mr W J Lavery and Mr S Kennedy; while something to benefit the soldiers and dependents was advocated by Mr Leeper. The Rev R Hyndman thought the relatives of the men should be consulted and ultimately a strong committee was appointed.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th May 1944: (25 Years Ago – From 31st May 1919)
At a further meeting to decide if a war memorial should be erected in Cookstown, and if so, in what form, it was stated that returned soldiers and relatives of the fallen were largely in favour of a statue. Mr John Adair proposed the erection of some kind, and Mr Leeper seconded, with the addition that a fund be raised for assisting soldiers and sailors. This was agreed to, and the cost was fixed at between £1,000 and £2,000. The chairman, Mr J D Anderson, Mr Leeper and Dr Graves were appointed to choose the site.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 1st July 1944: 25 Years Ago (from 1919)
Mr F W Pomeroy, Associate Member of the Royal Academy (A.R.A.), who was in Belfast in connection to the McMordie statue at the City Hall, paid a surprise visit to Cookstown to advise regarding the proposed war memorial. Of three sites, Loy Hill, opposite Molesworth Street, or on the rising ground in William Street, with Slievegallion as a background, he advised the latter from an artist’s point of view. As to the form, he advised a bronze figure of a soldier facing south, and ona granite pedestal. He was asked to submit drawings and estimate.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 28th October 1944: Twenty Five Years Ago (1st November 1919)
The first list of subscribers for Cookstown War Memorial totalled £567, headed with £100 from Messrs Thomas Adair Ltd.
1920
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 10th March 1945: Twenty Five Years Ago (28th February 1920)
It was reported to Cookstown War Memorial Committee that only about £1,000 had been subscribed for the proposed statue and it was decided to summon a public meeting to reconsider the scheme.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 6th October 1945: 25 Years Ago (October 1920)
At a meeting of subscribers to Cookstown War Memorial, it was reported that only £1150 had been subscribed and at least £2,000 was required for the statue. It was proposed to abandon the project and return the money subscribed, but an amendment to delay a few months was carried by a small majority.
Over the next few years, public monies were collected by the members of the committee. By the mid 1920’s the funds proved to be insufficient and were either given back to those who subscribed or allowed to be in abeyance until such times as a decision was made.
1926
In 1926 the matter was taken up by the local branch of the Royal British Legion. It was thought that those who survived the war and returned may be best able to judge, what would be an appropriate way to honour their fallen comrades. It was suggested, that the Cenotaph in London presented as good as any form of Memorial. The proposal was carried and public subscriptions were again collected by members of the committee under the supervision of Mr. J.D. Anderson, Cookstown.
1927
The Cookstown War Memorial is a replica of the Cenotaph in London, and is built of Silver grey granite from the Moore quarry in Newry, County Down. It stands 17 feet high on a granite base 9 feet, 9 inches by 7 feet 3 inches. It is surrounded by a concrete step, 14 feet by 12 feet.
The names of the ‘Fallen’ are inscribed in Castleduff limestone on the east and west facing panels headed by the inscription, “In grateful memory of the men from Cookstown and district who in the Great War gave their lives for freedom”. Both panels were at one time electrically lit by two flambeaux on either face. The south side of the Memorial bears the inscription, “Our Glorious Dead”. The north and south sides also show two wreaths with the dates of commencement and conclusion of the First World War. The Memorial was supplied and erected by Purdy and Millard of Belfast.
The inscription above the list of names reads
"In grateful memory of the men from Cookstown and District who in the Great War gave their lives for freedom"
On the morning of Easter Monday, 18th April 1927, ex-servicemen assembled outside the Post Office in Cookstown, and marched in slow time, headed by Cookstown Pipe Band led by Pipe-Major McCormack.
In the front rank of the procession were Lieutenant Colonel Lewis of Tullylagan, President of the Royal British Legion; Captain J. Leeper, Chairman of the Legion; Captain J.B. Knox, Commander and Lieutenant Hopper. The men marched to the Memorial, where they formed a square, kept by the Royal Ulster Constabulary under the supervision of District-Inspector Hall, M.B.E.
On the steps of the memorial stood, a Sergeant, a Corporal, a Lance Corporal and a Fusilier of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers acting as escort, one standing at each corner of the Memorial, with two buglers standing at the south side of the Memorial, under the supervision of Major Alexander, D.S.O. Around the square, the area was crowded the relatives and members of the local council.
At 11.00am, all stood to attention as Mr. Thomas Gibson, Chairman, Urban District Council, gave a short address and paid tribute to those who gave their lives in the war and then introduced Mrs. Ambrose Ricardo, widow of the late Colonel Ambrose Ricardo who commanded the 36th Ulster Division. Mrs. Ricardo thanked the committee and cut the cord unveiling the east and west faces of the Memorial.
As the Memorial was unveiled, the escort presented arms and the Buglers sounded the “Last Post” followed, after minute’s silence, by Reveille.
Mr. J.W. Fleming, secretary of the memorial committee read aloud the names. Lieutenant Colonel Gregg D.S.O., Officer Commanding the Depot, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, gave a short address. Mr. J.D. Anderson, on behalf of the War Memorial committee, asked Mr. Thomas Gibson to accept the monument on behalf of the Cookstown Urban District Council.
The Pipe Band played, “The Flowers of the Forest” as relatives of the Fallen placed wreaths on the Cenotaph. The proceedings closed with the playing of the National Anthem.
No special invitations were issued. All ex servicemen and their friends, and all subscribers were invited to be present on the occasion.
1944
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 6th May 1944: The War Memorial 1914-1918
The Chairman said that he had been contacted by Mrs Leeper on behalf of the British Legion for permission to clean the Cenotaph. The Council raised no objection. Mr Allen again complained about cars parking around the Cenotaph. He thought the police should be notified about the matter.
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 18th November 1944: Remembrance Day in Cookstown
As in previous years since the outbreak of the war, there was no ceremony at Cookstown Cenotaph, but a number of wreaths were placed there. Shortly before 11 o’clock, a few groups, with a fairly good attendance of the general public, congregated near the War Memorial, and precisely at 11 o’clock the first wreath was placed on the Cenotaph on behalf of the members of Cookstown Branch of the British Legion. The other wreaths were as follows:
bullet Cookstown Nursing Division
bullet St John Ambulance Brigade
bullet Chairman and members of Cookstown Urban Council
bullet The Freeburn family, Church Street, Cookstown
bullet Cookstown Civil Defence Services
bullet The Greer family, Cookstown, Tamlaght and Belfast
bullet Relatives of Private William McGookin
bullet The Curran family, Drapersfield
bullet 3rd Battalion (Tyrone) Ulster Home Guard
bullet Wife and son of Lance Corporal G Stirrup
bullet Brother James and family of Lance Corporal G Stirrup
bullet Betty Wilkinson, niece of Private Gordon Reid
bullet Mother, brother and sisters of Private Gordon Reid
bullet Cookstown Girl Guides
bullet Loy Troop Boy Scouts
bullet Cookstown High School
bullet Wife and family of Sergeant Thomas Gildea
bullet Staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Loughry House, Cookstown
bullet Relatives of Lance Corporal Frederick Stewart
1945
From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 17th November 1945: Remembrance Day in Cookstown
In common with the rest of the province, Cookstown observed Remembrance Day on Sunday with a parade of members of the British Legion and other local organisations to the cenotaph, where a brief service was held, in silent reverence to the fallen heroes of two world wars. All the dignified ceremonial of pre-war years attended the ceremony and for the first time in six years, the Last Post was sounded.
Before 11 o’clock a large crowd assembled around the cenotaph, where the women’s section of the British Legion, the B Special Constabulary, the St John’s Nursing Brigade, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides had also taken up their positions. The men’s section of the Legion, in charge of Mr John Reid. Followed by members of the Army Cadet Force and headed by Tullylagan Pipe Band playing the Death March, marched to the cenotaph. The Last Post having been sounded, a two minute silence was observed in commemoration of the fallen, which was followed by the sounding of Reveille, also by the bugler, Mr Edward Dunn, recently demobilised from a Highland regiment. During the laying of wreaths at the base of the cenotaph, the band played a lament. The service closed with the National Anthem. Over twenty wreathes were placed at the cenotaph by relatives of the fallen in both wars, in addition to the following:
bullet Cookstown British Legion
bullet Cookstown Urban Council
bullet Cookstown Civil Defence
bullet Cookstown High School
bullet First Cookstown Girl Guides
bullet British Legion (Women’s Section)
bullet Cookstown Nursing Division and St John’s Ambulance Brigade
bullet D Company, Second Cadet Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
bullet Cookstown Sub-District R.U.S.C.
See World War Two Panel for Cenotaph History from 1948 onwards
Memorial References and Links
No Link Reference Doc
1 Cookstown Cenotaph WWI - East (1927) Full information on the old East WWI Panel
2 Cookstown Cenotaph WWI - West (2018) The updated WWI panel on the west side
3 Cookstown Cenotaph WWII panel History of Cookstown Cenotaph 1947 - 2018
4 Ulster War Memorials - Cookstown Cookstown Cenotaph 1920