Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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January's Updates
Date Name Information
23/01/2020 Civilian Gwellyn Lewis Williams Gwellyn Lewis Williams is not listed on the CWGC. It is unknown where he is buried.
23/01/2020 Civilian Gwellyn Lewis Williams He was moved to Omagh County hospital where he died on Wednesday 28th October 1942. He was 38 years old.
23/01/2020 Civilian Gwellyn Lewis Williams He was struck by a military lorry coming from the direction of Drum Manor.
23/01/2020 Civilian Gwellyn Lewis Williams At around 9:45pm on the Tuesday night of 27th October 1942, he was walking along the Drum Road, just past the turn off onto the Pomeroy Road.
23/01/2020 Civilian Gwellyn Lewis Williams In 1942, Gwellyn Lewis Williams was a civilian working in Northern Ireland for Messrs John Howard & Co, a building contractor. The newspaper report records that he was from Tygwyn Street, Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
23/01/2020 Civilian Gwellyn Lewis Williams Gwellyn Lewis Williams was born about 1904, presumably in Wales.
23/01/2020 Civilian Gwellyn Lewis Williams A fatal accident occurred on the Drum Road at Drumard, Cookstown on Tuesday night about 9.45pm, when a man named Gwellyn Lewis Williams, of 4 Tygwyn Street, Penydarren, Merthyr Tydfil, was knocked down by a military vehicle coming from the direction of Drum. He was taken to Dr Mulligan’s surgery in an unconscious condition and later removed to the County Hospital at Omagh, where he died on Wednesday morning. The deceased, who was 38 years of age, was employed by Messrs John Howard & Co, contractors.
23/01/2020 Civilian Gwellyn Lewis Williams 02024
23/01/2020 Civilian Gwellyn Lewis Williams From the Mid Ulster Mail dated Saturday 31st October 1942: Fatal Lorry Accident Near Cookstown
20/01/2020 Pte. Alexander McIlree Mrs J McIlree, of Vale Road, Culwick, Nottingham, who recently received intimation that her husband, Sergeant John Burns McIlree, was missing in the Middle East, has now been informed that he is a prisoner of war. Sergeant McIlree is a native of County Tyrone and his family are all well-known in Cookstown. His seven uncles served in the Great War and those who were able signed up again.
20/01/2020 Pte. Alexander McIlree 02023
20/01/2020 Pte. Alexander McIlree From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 5th September 1942: Tyrone Man Captive - John McIlree (nephew of Alexander McIlree)
19/01/2020 Fus William Thomas Campbell CAMPBELL – April 1942, William Thomas Campbell, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of the late William Campbell and Mrs Glendinning, Ballyronan, Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, step-father, sisters and brother-in-law.
19/01/2020 Fus William Thomas Campbell 02022
19/01/2020 Fus William Thomas Campbell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th August 1942:
19/01/2020 Fus William Thomas Campbell CAMPBELL – April 1942, William Thomas Campbell, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of the late William Campbell and Mrs Glendinning, Ballyronan, Deeply regretted by his sorrowing brother and sister-in-law, Duneane, Randalstown.
19/01/2020 Fus William Thomas Campbell 02021
19/01/2020 Fus William Thomas Campbell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th August 1942:
19/01/2020 Flt. Sgt Thomas Colqhoun Edmonds Berkeley The engagement is announced between Captain Jack Everson Davis, of the Northamptonshire Regiment (only son of Mr and Mrs E Davis, of Pinner, Middlesex), and Eleanor Veronica Berkeley, W.R.N.S. (second daughter of the late J L Berkeley and of Mrs Berkeley of Poplar Hill, Cookstown, County Tyrone.
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19/01/2020 Flt. Sgt Thomas Colqhoun Edmonds Berkeley From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 29th August 1942: (Eleanor Berkeley - sister of Thomas Berkeley)
17/01/2020 Pte. Alexander McIlree Official notification has been received by Mrs J McIlree, of Colwick, Nottingham, that her husband, Sergeant John Burns McIlree, is missing in the Middle East. Sergeant McIlree and his family are all well-known soldiers in Cookstown. His seven uncles served in the Great War, and those who were able to have joined up again. He belonged to the Apprentice Boys, and in letters to his wife, he mentioned how some Ulster boys has held a Twelfth of their own in Egypt last year. He was serving with a battery of the Royal Artillery, and was overseas for eighteen months.
17/01/2020 Pte. Alexander McIlree 02019
17/01/2020 Pte. Alexander McIlree From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 1st August 1942: Sergeant McIlree Missing - John McIlree (nephew of Alexander McIlree)
17/01/2020 A/man Frederick Stewart From father, mother, brothers and sisters. 6 Louisville, Cookstown.
17/01/2020 A/man Frederick Stewart And longing our loved one for you.’
17/01/2020 A/man Frederick Stewart No wonder our hearts are aching.
17/01/2020 A/man Frederick Stewart A likeness so loving and true.
17/01/2020 A/man Frederick Stewart ‘Today we look at your picture,
17/01/2020 A/man Frederick Stewart STEWART – In ever loving memory of our darling Freddie, who was killed in action 27th July 1940.
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17/01/2020 A/man Frederick Stewart From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 25th July 1942:
17/01/2020 Sgt. John Samuel Orr Sergeant Pilot Jackie Orr, Royal Air Force (son of Constable Samuel Orr, R.U.C, of Pomeroy), has the distinction of being Pomeroy’s first pilot. Having joined the Royal Air Force some two and a half years ago, he received his wings recently and is now a fully-fledged pilot.
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17/01/2020 Sgt. John Samuel Orr From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 18 July 1942: Pomeroy
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks BLEEKS – Mr and Mrs R Bleeks and family wish to thank all the kind friends and neighbours who sympathised with them in their great sorrow; to all who sent letters, telegrams and wreaths; to Rev F B Worrall for his untiring attention; Rev J W Appelbe of Portadown; Constable McKeown of Stewartstown; Mr H Newell of Tamneylennon; the Constabulary of Portadown Barracks; Adjutant and Mrs Deacon. Portmore Street; the Adjutant, Lieutenant and all ranks R.A.F. stationed at Kilcomain Castle; also his pall-bearers and officer in command, and his chum, Sergeant F Grahame, who accompanied his remains from Skesbrae; also Fred Pearson. They hope this will be accepted by all. Hawthorne cottage, Stewartstown.
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks 02016
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th July 1942: Leading Aircraftman W J Bleeks
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘With deepest sympathy and deep regret, from members of the British Legion, Portadown Branch.’
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘With deepest sympathy, from the neighbours.’
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘In loving remembrance of Billy, from Lila.’
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘In affectionate remembrance, from aunt Margaret, uncle Edward and children.’
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘With deepest sympathy, from all the Directors of the Imperial Hotel Ltd.’
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘A token of respect and sympathy, from the Officer Commanding and all ranks, R.A.F. Station.’
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘With deepest sympathy, from all his colleagues on the Motor Transport Section.’
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘In loving remembrance of our darling Willie, from his sorrowing mother, father, sister and brother.’
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks In loving memory of my darling husband, from his sorrowing wife and child.’
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Beautiful wreaths laid on the grave were:-
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Divine services in the home, in the church and at the graveyard were conducted by Rev J W Applebe, M.A. of Seagoe and Rev F B Worrall of Stewartstown. The chief mourners were:- Robert Bleeks (father), Winthrope Elliott Bleeks (brother), Hamilton Wright and Edward Dickson (uncles), Sergeant J McCann (father-in-law), J McCann, T McCann and G McCann (brothers-in-law), George Bleeks, Jim Bleeks, Harry O’Neill and Jim O’Neill (cousins); J Hayes and other relatives.
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks His remains were brought to Portadown station from Scotland on Thursday, accompanied by his chum, swathed in the ensign, and brought to his own home where his loved ones had the satisfaction of having him one night, and was laid to rest in Seagoe Cemetery on Friday 28th June. Six pall0bearers and a Commanding Officer carried him to his resting place, and the concourse of friends and neighbours following the hearse bore simple testimony to the esteem enjoyed by the deceased, who was loved by everyone who knew him, and his loved ones have the consolation of knowing that he gave his life for his country, just as if he had fallen on the battlefield, that we, behind, might enjoy freedom of speech, religion and liberty. He di his bit – what more could he do? He was just another innocent victim of this cruel war.
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Much sympathy is felt for the relatives and young widow of Mr William J Bleeks, Leading Aircraftman, Royal Air Force (eldest son of Mr and Mrs Robert Bleeks, of Hawthorne cottage, Stewartstown), who was killed in Scotland on 30th June. His death cast a gloom over Stewartstown and Portadown, where he has resided with his wife and baby before joining up shortly after the outbreak of war. He was on tnhe staff of the Imperial Hotel for six years, where he was well liked by his employers and colleagues alike, and his demise has left a blank in those who loved him best.
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks 02015
16/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 4th July 1942: Leading Aircraftman W J Bleeks
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Mrs Robert Bleeks, of Hawthorne Cottage, Stewartstown, has received notification that her eldest son, William James Bleeks, of the Royal Air Force, has been killed in a bomber crash in Scotland. Young Bleeks, who was 24 years of age, was six years on the staff at the Imperial Hotel, Portadown. He joined the Royal Air Force shortly after the outbreak of war. He leaves a widow and one child.
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks 02014
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th June 1942: Stewartstown
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Deeply regretted by his uncles and friends. North Street, Stewartstown.
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Unto us bliss.’
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Breathing in strains of love,
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Look down to this,
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Off from that world above,
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Heavenward hath gone.
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks All that we cherish dear,
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Why should we mourn,
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘You are not buried here,
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks BLEEKS – 20th June 1942, in Scotland, as the result of an accident, William James Bleeks, of the Royal Air Force, eldest son Mr and Mrs Robert Bleeks, Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown.
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks 02013
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th June 1942:
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks Christ shall join each broken link.’
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks ‘At the river’s crystal brink,
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks BLEEKS – 20th June (as the result of an accident), Leading Aircraftman William James Bleeks, in his 24th year, eldest son of Robert and Anna Bleeks, Hawthorn Cottage, Stewartstown. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, father, sister and brother.
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks 02012
15/01/2020 Lead Airc William James Bleeks From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th June 1942:
15/01/2020 Flt. Sgt Thomas Colqhoun Edmonds Berkeley BERKELEY – Killed in action 14th June 1941, Flight Sergeant Thomas Colqhoun Edmonds, second son of the late James L Berkeley, and of Mrs Berkeley, Poplar Hill, Cookstown.
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15/01/2020 Flt. Sgt Thomas Colqhoun Edmonds Berkeley From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 27th June 1942: Roll of Honour
15/01/2020 Pte. William Nelson NELSON – In loving memory of my dear beloved husband, Private W Nelson, Pioneer Corps, killed in action on 17th June 1940. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife and son. Elizabeth and Victor, Fountain Road, Cookstown.
15/01/2020 Pte. William Nelson 02010
15/01/2020 Pte. William Nelson From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 20th June 1942: Roll of Honour – In Memorial
15/01/2020 Fus Victor George Purvis PURVIS - 3rd July 1942 (as the result of an accident), Private Victor George Purvis, in his 18th year, fourth son of the late William Purvis and of Mrs Purvis, Kingsbridge, Cookstown. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, brothers and sister.
15/01/2020 Fus Victor George Purvis 02009
15/01/2020 Fus Victor George Purvis From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 20th June 1942: Roll of Honour - Death
15/01/2020 A/man William Charles Irvine Ever remembered by his mother, brothers and sisters, Doorless, Tullyhogue, Cookstown
15/01/2020 A/man William Charles Irvine Bringing many a silent tear.’
15/01/2020 A/man William Charles Irvine Loved, remembered, longed for always,
15/01/2020 A/man William Charles Irvine In our hearts he is always near;
15/01/2020 A/man William Charles Irvine ‘Not a day do we forget him,
15/01/2020 A/man William Charles Irvine IRVINE - In loving memory of my dear son Billy, Royal Air Force, killed in action 11th June 1940.
15/01/2020 A/man William Charles Irvine 02008
15/01/2020 A/man William Charles Irvine From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 13th June 1942:
15/01/2020 L/Sgt Robert James Millar Constable W C Miller (only son of the late Sergeant R J Miller of Millburn Street, Cookstown, who was killed in action at the Somme in 1916), has been promoted Sergeant and transferred to Londonderry City, after a period of three and a half years at Newtownards. The new Sergeant has been prominently identified with Ards and R.U.C. Rugby Clubs. He is a nephew of Mrs Hill of Millburn Street, Cookstown.
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15/01/2020 L/Sgt Robert James Millar From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 6th June 1942: W C Miller (son of Lance Sergeant Robert James Millar)
15/01/2020 Flt. Sgt John Newell Ever in the thoughts of his loving father, mother and brothers. Drumcairne, Stewartstown.
15/01/2020 Flt. Sgt John Newell For us, just memories.’
15/01/2020 Flt. Sgt John Newell ‘For you son, peace;
15/01/2020 Flt. Sgt John Newell NEWELL – In loving memory of Flight Sergeant John Newell, aged 21, killed in a bomber crash in the Middle East on 23rd May 1941.
15/01/2020 Flt. Sgt John Newell 02006
15/01/2020 Flt. Sgt John Newell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd May 1942:
15/01/2020 Fus Joseph Burns Ever remembered by his mother, sisters and brothers. Morgan’s Hill, Cookstown.
15/01/2020 Fus Joseph Burns He died as he lived, everyone’s friend.’
15/01/2020 Fus Joseph Burns To a beautiful life came a sudden end,
15/01/2020 Fus Joseph Burns Respected and loved by all he knew;
15/01/2020 Fus Joseph Burns ‘Good was his heart, his friendship true,
15/01/2020 Fus Joseph Burns BURNS – In loving memory of my dear son, Joseph Burns, Royal Irish Fusiliers, killed in action May 1940.
15/01/2020 Fus Joseph Burns 02005
15/01/2020 Fus Joseph Burns From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 23rd May 1942:
15/01/2020 A/man Stephen George Kirkham Stephen Kirkham joined the Air Force at the outbreak of war and saw service in Iceland.
15/01/2020 A/man Stephen George Kirkham Mrs Kirkham, of Hammond Street, Moneymore, has received intimation that her husband, First-Class Air Gunner Stephen George Kirkham, has been killed by enemy action in the Middle East. Air Gunner Kirkham, a native of London, joined the Air Force at the outbreak of war and saw service in Iceland. He was home on leave as lately as January last. He is survived by his wife and one boy. The sympathy of the district goes out to Mrs Kirkham and her son in their sad loss.
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15/01/2020 A/man Stephen George Kirkham From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th May 1942:
15/01/2020 Fus Samuel John Purvis Samuel’s younger brother, George Purvis, was also with the Royal Irish Fusiliers. He survived the war.
15/01/2020 Fus Samuel John Purvis Notification has been received by Mr George Purvis, of Church Street. Cookstown, that his eldest son, Fusilier Samuel John Purvis, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has died in the Middle East from wounds caused by enemy action. His other son, George, is serving with the same regiment.
15/01/2020 Fus Samuel John Purvis 02003
15/01/2020 Fus Samuel John Purvis From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th May 1942: Killed on Active Service
15/01/2020 Fus Samuel John Purvis PURVIS – April 1942, in the Middle East, Fusilier Samuel John Purvis, Royal Irish Fusiliers, eldest son of Mr George Purvis, of Church Street. Cookstown. Died of wounds from enemy action.
15/01/2020 Fus Samuel John Purvis 02002
15/01/2020 Fus Samuel John Purvis From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th May 1942: Killed on Active Service
15/01/2020 A/man Stephen George Kirkham KIRKHAM – Killed in action in the Middle East, First-class Air Gunner Stephen George Kirkham, Royal Air Force, beloved husband of Agnes Kirkham, Hammond Street, Moneymore. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife and son.
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15/01/2020 A/man Stephen George Kirkham From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th May 1942: Killed on Active Service
15/01/2020 A/man Stephen George Kirkham Stephen Kirkham was born about 1908. He was a native of London.
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart Lord and Lady Castlestewart now spend a lot of their time at Old Lodge, Nutley, which is also in Sussex. There Lady Castlestewart, who by the way is a daughter of Mr S R Guggenheim, of New York, one of the American copper kings, engages in good works, and even before the war she adopted a number of refugee children from Germany, undertaking to provide for their education and keep until they were old enough to emigrate overseas.’
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart Lord Stewart has been in the Army practically ever since he left Eton and has known his future wife for a long time, since the two families are near neighbours.
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart Lord Stewart, who is a subaltern in the Royal Army Corps, came of age only a few months ago, and Miss Pigott, who is a daughter of Major Sir Berkeley of the Lancers, and Lady Pigott, of Lewes, Sussex, is a year younger, so that they will be a very young couple even in these days of early war marriages.
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart ‘News of the forthcoming marriage which, I am told, will take place shortly between Viscount Stewart, eldest son of the Earl and Countess of Castlestewart. Of Stuart Hall, to Miss Mary Veronica Perpetua Pigott will naturally interest many readers.
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart The Northern Whig London correspondent writes:-
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13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 9th May 1942: Viscount Stuart’s Engagement
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart The following report does not mention David by name, but he was the Viscount at that time. He did not marry Mary Veronica Perpetua Pigott.
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart The Earl of Castlestewart served in the Great War, winning the Military Cross. He succeeded to the title on the deaths of his two elder brothers, both of whom were killed on active service. The family seat is Stewart Hall, Stewartstown, which was lent, with the gardens and home farm, by his Lordship to the Ministry of Home Affairs as an evacuee colony. Before joining the Army, the Earl was a master at Rugby; he was educated at Charterhouse, Cambridge University and Paris University. He was president of the Board of Cookstown College, now Cookstown High School. The Earl of Castlestewart served in the Great War, winning the Military Cross. He succeeded to the title on the deaths of his two elder brothers, both of whom were killed on active service. The family seat is Stewart Hall, Stewartstown, which was lent, with the gardens and home farm, by his Lordship to the Ministry of Home Affairs as an evacuee colony. Before joining the Army, the Earl was a master at Rugby; he was educated at Charterhouse, Cambridge University and Paris University. He was president of the Board of Cookstown College, now Cookstown High School.
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart The engagement is announced of Viscount Stewart (eldest son of the Earl and Countess of Castlestewart) and Miss Mary Veronica Perpetua Pigott (youngest daughter of Sir Berkeley and Lady Pigott, of Lowes, Sussex). Each of the young people is 20 years old, and he is a second lieutenant in the Army.
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart 01999
13/01/2020 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd May 1942:
13/01/2020 Sgt. Alan John Tait TAIT – SWENARTON – 17th April 1942 at Woods Church, Magherafelt, by the Rev D Mayes, B.A., Allen John (Royal Air Force), younger son of Mr and Mrs R Tait, Augher, County Tyrone, to Joy Olivia, second daughter of Mr and Mrs J C Swenarton, Lisnamorrow House, Magherafelt, County Derry.
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13/01/2020 Sgt. Alan John Tait From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd May 1942: Marriages
13/01/2020 L/Corp George Stirrup The names of local (Urban) prisoners of war, known to the local committee are: Corporal James Creggan, Fusilier John Joseph Darragh, Lance Corporal Robert Larmour, Private Albert Long, Fusilier George McPartland and Lance Corporal George Stirrup, who are all known to be prisoners of war in Germany, and Private David Hodgett, who is interred in Switzerland.
13/01/2020 L/Corp George Stirrup ‘Just a few lines to let you know that I received a letter from the British Red Cross, informing me that the Cookstown Branch of the Ulster Gift Fund are contributing towards the parcels I receive. Kindly convey my very best thanks to the members. I have previously acknowledged receipt of cigarette parcels. Yours sincerely, G McPartland.’
13/01/2020 L/Corp George Stirrup The Cookstown Branch of the Ulster Gift Fund gratefully acknowledge receipt of £41 7s 5d for the Red Cross Prisoners of War Fund, the proceeds of the children’s concert organised by Miss Hutchinson. Parcels are regularly sent by that Fund to prisoners of war through the Red Cross arrangements, and postcards have been received from some of them, one of which, delivered a short time ago and dated 2nd March 1942 is as follows:-
13/01/2020 L/Corp George Stirrup 01997
13/01/2020 L/Corp George Stirrup From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 2nd May 1942:
13/01/2020 Ab Sea Andrew Curran At a meeting of the Coronation Branch Walker Club, Apprentice Boys of Derry – Brother A Bates (vice-president) in the chair – votes of condolence were passed with Brothers Samuel Hartley (President) and Francis Curran, both of whom had sons reported missing whilst on active service. Other votes of condolence were passed, all business was adjourned as a tribute to the President and other bereaved brethren.
13/01/2020 Ab Sea Andrew Curran 01996
13/01/2020 Ab Sea Andrew Curran From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 18th April 1942: Moneymore
13/01/2020 Ab Sea John (Jack) Hartley At a meeting of the Coronation Branch Walker Club, Apprentice Boys of Derry – Brother A Bates (vice-president) in the chair – votes of condolence were passed with Brothers Samuel Hartley (President) and Francis Curran, both of whom had sons reported missing whilst on active service. Other votes of condolence were passed, all business was adjourned as a tribute to the President and other bereaved brethren.
13/01/2020 Ab Sea John (Jack) Hartley 01996
13/01/2020 Ab Sea John (Jack) Hartley From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 18th April 1942: Moneymore
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. 01995
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. For a period in the present war he served at sea, but on account of his health he was posted to a shore position in charge of a large military hospital in England. He was preceded several years ago by his wife, and is survived by an only son, Lieutenant Peter Todd, who holds his commission in a Scottish regiment; by his mother, who is at present residing at Dundrum with her married daughter, Mrs F Fitzpatrick, whose husband, a well-known Dublin barrister, formerly practised in County Donegal.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Major Todd, who was 49, took his medical degree at Trinity College, Dublin, and for a time practised at Moneymore. He was afterwards in the Merchant Service, and during the last war served at sea, when he was awarded the M.C. At the end of hostilities he practised in Dorset.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. The death has taken place at a military hospital in England of pneumonia of Major Drew Todd, M.C., Royal Army Medical Corps, only son of the late Judge Andrew Todd, Recorder of Derry.
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11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 28th March 1942: Major Drew Todd, R.A.M.C. - Formerly of Moneymore
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. The CWGC record Major Andrew William Palethorpe Todd, M.C. as the son of Andrew Todd, Recorder of Londonderry, and if Ellen Todd, of Londonderry, Northern Ireland. M.B.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Andrew’s son, Richard Todd, joined the Parachute Regiment at the onset of World War Two. He was one of the first to parachute into France in 1944 and helped lead an assault on the strategically vital Pegasus Bridge near Caen.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Major Andrew William Palethorpe Todd, M.C., was buried at the Brookwood Military Cemetery near London.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Major Andrew William Palethorpe Todd, M.C. was serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps when he became ill and died aged of pneumonia on 15th March 1942 in England.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. On the outbreak of World War Two he was recalled for service as captain in the R.A.M.C. For a period he served at sea, but on account of his health he was posted to a shore position in charge of a large military hospital in England.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. In 1934 he was appointed part-time medical officer of health for the Wimborne Urban District.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. In 1930, Andrew accepted took a post as a ship surgeon in the Merchant Service.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. In 1928, Andrew’s wife walked out of her house in Toome the middle of the night. Her frozen body was found by the river the following day. It is believed she committed suicide.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. In his memoirs, Andrew’s son recalled his father was a domineering man who drove his wife away and insisted his son call him ‘Sir’ at all times. Richard was raised with his mother’s family, the Hunters of Brecart Lodge (Toome), until the age of nine.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. In 1926 he moved to Holsworthy in Devonshire, where he stayed for three years.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. In 1922 he went to pursue a career in medicine becoming a GP in Moneymore, County Londonderry.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. He took his family to India briefly but returned home.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. He remained in the Royal Army Medical Corps as Captain until 1922.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Andrew Todd (senior) died on 16th June 1920 at the age of 66.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. On 11th June 1919 his son was born. Richard Andrew Palethorpe Todd was born in Dublin. Richard went on to become a famous actor who starred in the ‘Dambusters’ film.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. It is believed Andrew’s wife was called Marvill/Marvilla Rose Agar-Daly, although this has yet to be confirmed.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. ‘During an attack this officer, who was stationed at the advanced collecting post, behaved with great gallantry under the heavy artillery fire to which his post was subjected at frequent intervals during the day. He dressed and attended to large numbers of wounded men with unremitting devotion to duty, and also went forward under heavy fire with stretcher-bearers to the aid posts, and by his able leadership rendered valuable service in evacuating the wounded.’
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. He was awarded the Military Cross for services described in the London Gazette as follows:
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Andrew served in the war of 1914-18 with the Royal Army Medical Corps.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Andrew was educated at the Trinity College in Dublin, where he graduated M.B., B. Ch., B.A.O. in 1915.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. While still a medical student Andrew played fullback in three consecutive Rugby Union Tests for Ireland – against Wales and France in 1913 and against France on New Year’s Day , 1914.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. The 1911 census lists Andrew W Palethorpe as age 18, living with the family at house 17 in Simmonscourt, Donnybrook, Dublin. His father was not present.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. The 1901 census lists Andrew W P as age 8, living with the family at house 21 in Hatch Street Lower, Fitzwilliam, Dublin. His father was a barrister in Actual Practice.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Family: Andrew Todd, Ellen Todd, Andrew William Palethorpe Todd (born about 1893, Dublin City), Eileen Margaret Todd (born about 1893, Dublin City).
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Andrew Todd was born about 1893 in Dublin City. He was the older of two children.
11/01/2020 Maj Andrew William P Todd M.C. Andrew William Palethorpe Todd was the only son of Andrew and Ellen Todd. They were married about 1881 in Nottingham. Andrew Todd (senior) was a native of Castlederg, County Tyrone and practised at the Irish bar before becoming a county court judge and later recorder for Londonderry.
10/01/2020 Sig/man Richard David Millar He was a well-known athlete, was famous as a boxer, high diver, and in long distance swimming.
10/01/2020 Sig/man Richard David Millar Mrs M Miller, of North Street, Stewartstown, has received notification that her son, Richard David Miller, serving in the Royal Corps of Signals at Singapore, is posted as missing. He was a well-known athlete, was famous as a boxer, high diver, and in long distance swimming. He had considerable service in Palestine and the Far East. He has two brothers serving in the Army and a cousin with the Royal Navy.
10/01/2020 Sig/man Richard David Millar 01993
10/01/2020 Sig/man Richard David Millar From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 21st March 1942:
08/01/2020 Marine Samuel George Duncan Mrs Duncan, of Soran Cottage, Stewartstown, has been officially notified that her second son, George, Royal Marines, is amongst the survivors from H.M.S. Repulse, which was sunk off Malaya. His elder brother Jim is also in the Royal Navy.
08/01/2020 Marine Samuel George Duncan 01992
08/01/2020 Marine Samuel George Duncan From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 7th February 1942:
08/01/2020 Sgt. Thomas Crane Mr Thomas Crane (son of Mr Thomas Crane, Magdola Street, Belfast, and formerly of Cookstown), who was on the Royal Air Force Reserve, has been called up for training as a pilot. He was an apprentice plater in the shipyards, and got a hearty send-off by his chums and workmates.
08/01/2020 Sgt. Thomas Crane 01991
08/01/2020 Sgt. Thomas Crane From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 7th February 1942:
06/01/2020 Sgt. Thomas James Gildea Mrs Gildea, of Union Street, Cookstown, has received a letter of sympathy from the King and Queen on the death of her husband, Sergeant T Gildea, killed in action May 1940.
06/01/2020 Sgt. Thomas James Gildea 01990
06/01/2020 Sgt. Thomas James Gildea From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 24th January 1942:
06/01/2020 Pte. Walter Thomas Duff DUFF – December 1941, killed in action in the Middle East, Private Walter C Duff, second New Zealand Expeditionary Force, eldest and dearly loved son of Mrs S J Duff and the late W J Duff, The Square, Coagh, and beloved husband of Ellen Duff. Deeply regretted.
06/01/2020 Pte. Walter Thomas Duff 01989
06/01/2020 Pte. Walter Thomas Duff From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 17th January 1942: Roll of Honour
06/01/2020 Ab Sea John (Jack) Hartley The sad news that Able Seaman Jack Hartley (eldest son of Mr and Mrs Samuel Hartley, of Crossnarea), was missing and presumed killed was received on Friday last. Seaman Hartley, although only 20 years of age, had over four years’ experience on the Navy, which he joined immediately he left school, where he was known as a bright lad and a favourite among his schoolmates. Since the outbreak of war he had seen service in many kinds of craft, on all the oceans of the world, and in his too short like had compressed exciting experiences denied to the majority. His father was wounded in the Great War, while his younger brother George is also serving in the present war. To this loyal family who have suffered so grievously, the heartfelt sympathy of the community is given.
06/01/2020 Ab Sea John (Jack) Hartley 01988
06/01/2020 Ab Sea John (Jack) Hartley From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 10th January 1942: Moneymore
06/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles Francis Charles passed through Sandhurst.
06/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles Francis was a fine all-round sportsman. At Uppingham he was in the cricket XI, and got his colours for hockey and was also an acknowledged tennis player.
06/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles Francis Charles was educated at and Aldeburgh Lodge and then at Uppingham.
06/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles He received a commission with the 8th Royal Irish Hussars on 1st July 1939. He captained the regimental cricket team.
05/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles The Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury of last week gives a portrait of Lieutenant Francis R Charles, of the King’s Royal Hussars, who has been killed in action. The deceased, who was only 22 years of age, was the only son of Dr Richard Charles of Ipswich (who was the son of the late Mr Richard Charles of Cookstown). Educated and Aldeburgh Lodge and Uppingham, he passed through Sandhurst and received his commission in July 1939. A fine all-round sportsman, he carried everything before him in athletics. At Uppingham he was in the Cricket XI, and got his colours for hockey and was also an acknowledged tennis player. Those sporting qualities, and his warm of manner, made him especially popular in his regiment, where he captained the regimental cricket team. It will be noticed that in our “25 years ago”, by a coincidence his father, Captain Richard Charles, F.R.C.S.I., was serving with the RA.M.C. in France a quarter of a century ago, and was mentioned in despatches by Sir Douglas Haig.
05/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles 01987
05/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 10th January 1942:
05/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles Among those mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatches from the Western Front was Captain Richard Charles, F.R.C.S.I., son of Mr Richard Charles of Cookstown. He was serving with the RA.M.C. in France.
05/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles 01986
05/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 10th January 1942: (From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 13th January 1917 - Richard Charles - father of Francis Charles)
05/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles CHARLES – Killed in action in the Middle East, Lieutenant Francis Richard Charles, of the King’s Royal Hussars, only son of Dr Richard and Mrs Charles of Ipswich, Suffolk, and grandson of Mrs Eleanor Charles and the later Mr Richard Charles, Loy Hill, Cookstown.
05/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles 01985
05/01/2020 Lieut Francis Richard Charles From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 10th January 1942: Roll of Honour
05/01/2020 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon There was a James Gorman from Stewartstown who served with the Royal Air Force in World War Two, enlisting late in 1940. Gorman was a famed boxer and goalkeeper.
05/01/2020 Pte. William Nelson Mrs Nelson, of Fountain Road, Cookstown, received official intimation during the week that her husband, Private William Nelson (Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps), is missing. He was with the British Expeditionary Force in France, and no communication has been received from him since June. Private Nelson served with the Royal Inniskillings in the Great War.
05/01/2020 Pte. William Nelson 01984
05/01/2020 Pte. William Nelson From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 16th November 1940:
05/01/2020 Ord Sig Richard Curry The epic story of how the Jervis Bay, 14,164-ton British merchant cruiser, tackled an enemy surface raider (possibly a pocket battleship) in mid-Atlantic and went down in flames with her guns still roaring defiance was told on Tuesday night in an Admiralty communique which revealed that it is now certain that all except nine of the 38 ships in the convoy escaped when attacked on the night of 5th November. Twenty four of the vessels reached port and the Admiralty say that some of the ships still missing may be safe. The German High Command claimed recently that the whole of the convoy had been annihilated.
05/01/2020 Ord Sig Richard Curry 01983
05/01/2020 Ord Sig Richard Curry From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 16th November 1940:
05/01/2020 Ord Sig Richard Curry Mr Thomas Curry, of Coagh, received a telegram from the Admiralty on Friday morning that his son, Richard Curry. Who as a seaman on the Jervis Bay, is missing.
05/01/2020 Ord Sig Richard Curry 01982
05/01/2020 Ord Sig Richard Curry From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 16th November 1940: Coagh Man on Jervis Bay
05/01/2020 Pte. William Nelson Private William Nelson served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in World War 1.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall NUTTALL – London, September, as a result of enemy action, Samuel Nuttall and his wife Maud Gossard, daughter of Mr and Mrs William Ashcroft, Carryhill, Coagh.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall 01981
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 19th October 1940: Deaths
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall The CWGC record Maud Gossard Nuttall as living at 31 Lee Park, London. She is recorded also as the wife of Samuel Nuttall. She died at 31 Lee Park.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall She and her husband are listed in the Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour at St George’s Chapel at Westminster Abbey in London.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall Maud Gossard Nuttall is buried in a shared grave in Hither Green Civilian Cemetery in Lewisham. Maud Gossard Nuttall is commemorated on Panel 3 of the World War Two Civilian Memorial.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall Samuel and Maud Nuttall were civilians living at 31 Lee Park, Lewisham, London. They were killed at home on 17th September 1940, presumably by bombs dropped during the ‘Blitz’. She was killed the day after her 30th birthday.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall Maud Ashcroft went on to marry Samuel Nuttall.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall We know that by 1914, the family had moved to Coagh, because they’re fourth child Roland was born there.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall Known family: William Ashcroft, Martha Ashcroft, Estelle Bronte Ashcroft (born 26th February 1907, Limavady), Maud Gossard Ashcroft (born 16th December 1908, Limavady), William Thomas Stead Ashcroft (born 21st March 1911, Limavady), Roland Ashcroft (born 24th September 1914, Coagh).
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall The 1911 census lists Lists Maud Gossard Ashcroft as age 2, living with the family at house 33 in Catherine Street, Limavady, County Londonderry. Her father was a Co Operative Stores Manager.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall Maud Ashcroft was born on 16th December 1908 in Limavady. She was the second of four children.
03/01/2020 Civilian Maud Gossard Nuttall Maud Gossard Ashcroft was the daughter of William and Martha Ashcroft. William Ashcroft and Martha McCurdy were married on 20th September 1906 in the district of Coleraine.
03/01/2020 Flt. Sgt Thomas Colqhoun Edmonds Berkeley While there has not been any apparent rush in our area to join H.M. Forces, many families are showing a good example. For instance, though Mr J L Berkeley, R.D.C., of Poplar Hill, is too old for active service (except on the land where he is doing good work raising food), his eldest son, Lowry, who is managing the cigarette department of Messrs Gallagher’s of Belfast, is adjutant in the Home Guards. He wanted to join the regular army, but his employers preferred that he remain with them. His younger brother however joined the Royal Air Force a year ago, and is a Sergeant Pilot in England, while Mr Berkeley’s youngest daughter is doing Women’s Reserve Nursing Work in Londonderry.
03/01/2020 Flt. Sgt Thomas Colqhoun Edmonds Berkeley 01980
03/01/2020 Flt. Sgt Thomas Colqhoun Edmonds Berkeley From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 12th October 1940:
02/01/2020 Pte. James Mitchell A cousin, Private David Mitchell, is at present home on leave. He had two brothers who made the supreme sacrifice in the last war, which he came through being twice wounded. He was awarded the Military Medal in 1917. Interviewed by our correspondent, he described his miraculous escape from Dunkirk during the evacuation, and some heartrending scenes in Belgium which he saw of people leaving their homes without food or much clothing.
02/01/2020 Pte. James Mitchell Privates Johnny and Robert Mitchell, of the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps (A.M.P.C.), have been home on leave from France last week. Another brother, Charles, while not officially reported missing, has not been heard of for several weeks. Johnny came through the last war without a scratch, while his brother Robert, having been accepted at the close, later saw Service in India. Another brother, James, was killed in the last war.
02/01/2020 Pte. James Mitchell 01979
02/01/2020 Pte. James Mitchell From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 6th July 1940: Coagh – Mitchell Family
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