| William McCormick was the son of Alexander and Annie McCormick. He was born about 1919.
|
| His parents lived at Conyngham Street, Moneymore. His sister, Mrs Watterson, went on to live at Urbal Road in Coagh.
|
| William McCormick enlisted about 1940.
|
| He served throughout the North African campaign.
|
| Fusilier William McCormick was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action in Italy on 29th May 1944, aged 25.
|
| The British Army in Italy at this time where given the erroneous title of the ‘D-Day Dodgers’, an unfair description given that they encountered some of the fiercest fighting of the Italian Campaign in and around Cassino.
|
| The 2nd Battalion and 6th Battalions of the Inniskillings were later heavily involved in the invasion of Italy and in the hard fighting as the Allied armies advanced slowly up the peninsula in the face of the determined German resistance. By early 1944 the Germans were putting up a stubborn defence particularly around the famous abbey of Monte Cassino. General Montgomery, commanding the 8th Army decided to launch an attack at the west end of the enemy line at the mouth of the Garigliano River, while at the same time landing a force on the coast behind the enemy's rear at Anzio. The 2nd Inniskillings were part of a force to cross the river and advance over a plain commanded by enemy positions. The battalion succeeded in crossing the river and advancing under heavy fire and a German-held farm was taken at the point of the bayonet. Casualties were so heavy that only a Lance-Sergeant was left to take command, all officers or N.C.O.s having been killed or wounded. Under very heavy fire more Inniskillings managed to cross the river and the main objective was soon captured. Unfortunately the rest of the Corps attack had been a failure and the Inniskilling soon found their flanks dangerously exposed, but held their positions in the face of heavy enemy counter attacks until relieved.
|
|
| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 17th June 1944:
|
|
| McCORMICK – May 1944, killed in action in Italy, Fusilier William McCormick, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, beloved son of Mr Alex McCormick, and the late Mrs McCormick, Conyngham Street, Moneymore. ‘He has fought the good fight.’ Deeply regretted by his sorrowing father and sister.
|
| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 17th June 1944: Moneymore
|
|
| Intimation has been received by Mr Alex McCormick of Conyngham Street, Moneymore, of the death of his son, Fusilier William McCormick, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, in action ion the Italian campaign. Fusilier McCormick joined up four years ago and was on active service throughout the North African campaign. Later he was in the conflict in Italy and was engaged in the big push for Rome which started on 11th May. The sympathy of all is extended to the relatives of this gallant young soldier, who gave his life for King and country. His brother George is also serving in the army.
|
| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 24th June 1944: Roll of Honour
|
|
| McCORMICK – May 1944, killed in action in Italy, Fusilier William McCormick, beloved son of Mr Alexander McCormick, and the late Mrs McCormick, Conyngham Street, Moneymore.
|
|
With his Saviour he is waiting
|
|
In that upper garden fair;
|
|
He is watching for our coming
|
|
There will be no parting there.
|
|
Faithful to the last.’
|
| From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 26th May 1945:
|
|
| MCCORMICK – May 1944, killed in action in Italy, Fusilier William McCormick, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, beloved son of Alexander McCormick, and the late Mrs McCormick, Conyngham Street, Moneymore.
|
|
‘We were not there at the time of death
|
|
To hear that last faint sigh
|
|
To whisper just one loving word
|
|
Not yet to say goodbye.’
|
| Ever remembered by his loving sister, brother-in-law and family. Watterson, Urbal Road, Coagh.
|
| From the Mid Ulster Mail, date unknown:
|
|
'I often speak your name, dear brother,
|
|
And wonder how you died;
|
|
It was sad we could not say goodbye
|
|
Before you closed your eyes'
|
| Submitted by his sister Mrs Watterson on the anniversary of his death:
|
| Fusilier William McCormick has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 6 of the Cassino Memorial, which is located in the Cassino War Cemetery.
|
| William’s brother, George McCormick, served with th army in World War Two. He survived the war.
|
| The CWGC record Fusilier William McCormick as the son of Alexander and Annie McCormick of Moneymore, County Londonderry.
|
|
