| William James Harkness was the second son of William Harkness and Susan Harkness. William Harkness and Susan Harrison were married on 17th February 1910 in the district of Cookstown.
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| The 1911 census lists the Harkness family at house 1 in Loughry Demesne, Tullaghogue. William’s father was a gardener, presumably at Loughry. The only other person living and working in the Loughry Demesne was a cattle farmer.
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| William Harkness was born on 5th October 1916 in the Cookstown area.
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| Known family: William Harkness, Susan Harkness, Robert Harkness (born 25th November 1912), Mary Harkness (born 29th July 1914), William J Harkness (born 5th October 1916).
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| The family went on to live at Killycolp, a mile or so away.
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| By the time of 2nd World War, William was the husband of Mary J Harkness,
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| Fusilier William Harkness served with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in the war.
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| The campaign in Sicily came to an end on 17th August when the two allied forces came together at Messina, but failed to cut off the retreating Axis lines.
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| 1943
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| On 10 July 1943, following the successful conclusion of the North African campaign in mid May, a combined allied force of 160,000 Commonwealth and American troops invaded Sicily as a prelude to the assault on mainland Italy.
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| The Italians, who would shortly make peace with the Allies and re-enter the war on their side, offered little determined resistance but German opposition was vigorous and stubborn.
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| Fusilier William Harkness was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in Sicily when he was killed in action at the Battle of Lemon Bridge on 19th July 1943.
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| Fusilier Robert Gildea was killed in the same battle.
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 28th August 1943: Roll of Honour
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| HARKNESS – July 1943, in the Middle East, Private William Harkness, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed in action.
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‘No mother’s care did him attend
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Nor over him did a father bend
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No sister near to shed a tear
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Or brother by his words to hear.
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Sick, dying in a foreign land
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No loved one by to take his hand
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A faithful comrade closed his eyes,
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Far from his native land he lies.’
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| Deeply regretted by his father, mother, brothers and sisters. Donaghrisk, Tullyhogue.
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| 1944
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 22nd July 1944:
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| HARKNESS – In loving memory of William John Harkness, killed in action in Sicily, 10th July 1943.
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‘We never knew what pain he had, we did not see him die.
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We only knew he passed away, and never said goodbye.’
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| Will always be remembered by father, mother, brothers and sisters. Donaghrisk, Tullyhogue.
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| 1945
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| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 14th July 1945: Roll of Honour - In Memorial
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| HARKNESS – 19th July 1943 in the Middle East, Private William John Harkness, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed in action
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‘He sleeps far away in a foreign land
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In a hallowed grave unknown
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But his name is written in letters of gold
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On the hearts he left at home.’
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| Ever remembered by father, mother, brothers and sisters. Donaghrisk, Tullyhogue.
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| Post War
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| The following verse appeared in the Mid Ulster Mail on his anniversary in 1950:
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"When Last I saw your smiling face,
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You looked so bright and well
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I little thought dear son,
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It was our last farewell"
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| Fusilier William Harkness is buried Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy. His inscription reads: ASLEEP IN JESUS. EVER REMEMBERED BY HIS LOVING WIFE MARY.
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| The CWGC record Fusilier William J Harkness as the son of William Harkness, and of Susan Harkness (nee Harrison). He is also recorded as the husband of Mary J Harkness of Coalisland, County Tyrone.
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