Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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August's Updates
Date Name Information
30/08/2019 A/man Stephen George Kirkham The CWGC record Aircraftman 1st Class Stephen George Kirkham as the son of Mr and Mrs T Kirkham. He is also recorded as the husband of Mary Agnes Kirkham of Moneymore, County Londonderry.
30/08/2019 A/man Stephen George Kirkham The cemetery at Heliopolis was opened in October 1941 for burials from the many hospitals in the area coping with sick and wounded, mainly from the Western Desert campaigns.
30/08/2019 A/man Stephen George Kirkham Aircraftman Stephen Kirkham is buried in Heliopolis War Cemetery in Cairo, Egypt. His inscription reads ‘LOVINGLY REMEMBERED BY HIS WIFE AND SON. SWEET JESUS, HAVE MERCY’
30/08/2019 A/man Stephen George Kirkham Aircraftman Stephen Kirkham appears to have died from wounds received in action.
30/08/2019 A/man Stephen George Kirkham The North African campaign covered a vast front, and as expected, many areas lacked sufficient Air defences. Balloons provided protection at several important ports and coastal landing areas, effectively enhancing the existing anti-aircraft defences and preventing low level attacks by enemy aircraft.
30/08/2019 A/man Stephen George Kirkham Aircraftman 1st Class Stephen George Kirkham served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 976 Balloon Squadron in Egypt. The 900 series number was allocated to Barrage Balloon units of the Auxiliary Air Force.
30/08/2019 A/man Stephen George Kirkham Stephen Kirkham was the husband of Mary Agnes Kirkham. They had one son.
30/08/2019 A/man Stephen George Kirkham Stephen George Kirkham was the son of Mr and Mrs T Kirkham.
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford John Crawford is commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph.
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford Fusilier John Crawford is buried at le Grand-Luce War Cemetery in Sarthe, France. His inscription reads ‘IN LOVING MEMORY. ON HIS SOUL, SWEET JESUS, HAVE MERCY. R.I.P. MOTHER, SISTER, RELATIVES.’
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford During World War II and for a number of years afterwards, the Château du Grand-Luce served as a military hospital.
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford During this time Fusilier John Crawford is thought to have taken ill with hypothermia and was taken to a in a General Hospital in France where he died later. He was 26 years old.
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford The 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were patrolling the front line between Comines and Deulemont in late December 1939.
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford John was the son of Mrs McMahon, Orritor Street, Cookstown.
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford John Crawford was born on 19th May 1913 in Cookstown.
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford 01891
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford CRAWFORD – 30th December 1939, John Crawford, died in a General Hospital in France while on active service. Son of Mrs McMahon of Orritor Street, Cookstown. RIP. Sadly missed by his mother, sister, aunts and uncle.
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford 01890
30/08/2019 Fus John Crawford From the Mid Ulster Mail dated 13th January 1940:
27/08/2019 Sgt. William John Heron The CWGC record Sergeant William John Heron as the son of John and Annie Heron of Coagh, County Tyrone.
27/08/2019 Sgt. William John Heron Guardsman Thomas James Megaw of Moneyhaw, Moneymore was killed on the same day and is buried in the cemetery in which the memorial is located. Also in this cemetery is Fusilier Isaac Henry of Moneyglass, Cookstown, who was killed twelve days earlier.
27/08/2019 Sgt. William John Heron Sergeant William John Heron has no known grave and is commemorated on panel 19 of the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial in Tunisia.
27/08/2019 Sgt. William John Heron Sergeant Heron was 21 years old.
27/08/2019 Sgt. William John Heron In an attempt to seize high ground in the Gollcah Gully in Tunisia, advancing troops came under very heavy and accurate machine gun and mortar fire as they assaulted crest after crest. The battalion suffered significant casualties in this action.
27/08/2019 Sgt. William John Heron Sergeant William John Heron was killed in an action involving A and C Company’s of the 6th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 27th April 1943.
27/08/2019 Sgt. William John Heron The 38th (Irish Brigade) was formed in 1942 and included the 6th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers and 2nd London Irish Rifles. They served in North Africa and later in Sicily and on the Italian mainland.
27/08/2019 Sgt. William John Heron William John Heron was the son of John and Annie Heron. He was born about 1922.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon The CWGC records Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) James Hamilton Gordon as the son of James and Matilda Gordon. He is also recorded as the husband of Virtue O Gordon of Holywood, County Down.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon James Hamilton Gordon is commemorated locally on Stewartstown Cenotaph and on the Stewartstown Church of Ireland Roll Of Honour for WW2.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) James Hamilton Gordon and his two comrades are buried in a communal grave in St Inglevert Churchyard. They are the only three CWGC casualties in this cemetery. His inscription reads ‘HE HELPED TO MAKE THE ROAD FOR US TO FIND THE PATH OF PEACE’
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon The two other crew members were 43157 Pilot Officer Douglas Sidney Reeve Harriman and 580567 Sergeant Peter Bloomer, both from London.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon Pilot Officer Gordon’s aircraft was shot down near St Inglevert on the main road to Calais between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Marquise, with the loss of all three crew.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon Their aircraft had the serial no. serial number P6913.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon On 25th May 1940, his aircraft, a Blenheim Mark IV with three crew set off from Wyton as art of a 24 aircraft daytime sortie to seek out targets in the Rety-Fiennes-Guines triangle. They were detailed to bomb troops, vehicles and vital bridges just behind the German front line, which was closing in on the main body of the British Expeditionary Force.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) James Hamilton Gordon served with 15 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, based at R.A.F Wyton.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon James Gordon went on to be the husband of Virtue Gordon of Holywood, County Down.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon The 1911 census lists James Hamilton as a baby living at house 19 in Donaghey, Stewartstown. His father was a bookkeeper.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon Known family: James Gordon. Matilda Gordon, James Hamilton Gordon (born 16th September 1909).
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon James Gordon was born on 16th September 1909 in the Stewartstown area.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon James Hamilton Gordon was the son of James and Matilda Gordon. James Gordon and Matilda Hardy were married on 2nd October 1901 in the district of Cookstown.
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon 01889
27/08/2019 Pilot Off James Hamilton Gordon 00128
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway The CWGC record Fusilier John Galloway as the son of John and Kathleen Galloway. He is also recorded as the husband of Mary Galloway of Stewartstown, County Tyrone.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway Fusilier John Galloway is commemorated locally on Stewartstown Cenotaph.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway John was survived by his wife Mary (Minnie), who later married Joe Quinn, who was a P.O.W. during the Second World War.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway Fusilier Galloway is buried at Dickebusch Old Military Cemetery near Ypres in Belgium.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway It is believed that Fusilier John Galloway and two others were killed in action on 28th May 1940.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway At dawn on the 28th May 1940, B Company of 2nd Inniskillings were ordered to patrol forward to the St Elo area and came under heavy German artillery and small arms fire.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway Fusilier John Galloway served with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway John Galloway enlisted 13th January 1930 in Omagh.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway Prior to enlistment John Galloway worked as a labourer.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway John was the husband of Mary Galloway of Stewartstown.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway John Galloway was apparently born on 3rd April 1908 in County Tyrone. However, no record can be found either on GRONI or in the 1911 census.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway John Galloway was the son of John and Kathleen Galloway.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn 01888
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn 01887
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn The CWGC record Corporal James Dunn as the grandson of Mr and Mrs Robert Dunn of Cookstown, County Tyrone.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn James Dunne was survived by his brother William Dunn, Cookstown.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn Corporal Dunn is commemorated locally on Cookstown Cenotaph.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn Corporal James Dunn has no known grave and is commemorated on Groesbeek Memorial in Gelderland, Holland. The Groesbeek Memorial stands within Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn Corporal James Dunn was serving with the 5th Battalion of Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry when he was killed in action near Nijmegen on 23rd November 1944. He was 25 years old.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn The 5th Battalion, the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry served at Arnhem as part of 214 Brigade, 43rd Wessex Division and had seen action from the 17th–27th September.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn In 1942 he transferred to the Military Police and after a year returned to his old regiment, attached to the 1st Airborne in 1944.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn He then joined the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn James joined the army as a boy soldier in the 1930s.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn When he was 10 years old his mother passed away and he was then looked after by his grandparents, Robert and Lucinda Dunn.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn Known family: Robert Dunn, Margaret Dunn (nee McKeown), James Dunn (born about 1919), William Dunn.
26/08/2019 Corp James Dunn James Dunn was the son of Robert & Margaret Dunn (nee McKeown). He was born about 1919.
26/08/2019 Fus John Galloway 00176
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin 01886
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin 01885
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin The CWGC record Sergeant (Flight Engineer) Robert Garth Loughrin as the son of Joseph G Loughrin and Maude E Loughrin of Cookstown, County Tyrone.
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin Sergeant Loughrin is also commemorated on the family headstone in Cookstown Cemetery.
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin Sergeant Loughrin is commemorated locally on Cookstown Cenotaph and on Orritor Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour, Cookstown.
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin Sergeant (Flight Engineer) Robert Garth Loughrin is buried at Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery in Yorkshire.
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin All eight crew members were killed. The full crew were as follows:-
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin It is thought that the aircraft developed rudder stall and the pilot was unable to gain control.
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin On 29th February 1944 during a training exercise on (Serial No JD386) in a Halifax II bomber, the aircraft did a spiral dive to 800 feet. The pilot tried to recover the aircraft from the dive and lost control. The aircraft crashed at Bridge Farm near Broughton, between Brigg and Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire at 18:20 and caught fire.
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin He joined the Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve as a flight engineer. He was attached to the Royal Canadian Air Force.
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin Prior to the war Robert Garth Loughrin was an engineer.
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin Robert Garth Loughrin was born on 25th July 1923 and was the son of Joseph Geddes Loughrin and Maud Evelyn Loughrin (nee Sharpe), of Mackney Road, Cookstown.
25/08/2019 Sgt. Robert Thomas Garth Loughrin 1813155 Sgt Philip Leslie Emms – Air Gunner
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry The CWGC record Fusilier Isaac Henry as the son of Robert and Annie Henry of Cookstown, County Tyrone. He is also records as the husband of Margaret Henry of Cookstown.
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry Fusilier Isaac Henry is commemorated locally on Cookstown Cenotaph and at Kildress Parish Church.
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry Fusilier Isaac Henry is buried at Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery in Tunisia. The inscription reads ‘HE DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE. SADLY MISSED BY WIFE AND FAMILY, COOKSTOWN. N. I.’
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry Fusilier Isaac Henry was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers when he was killed in action on 16th April 1943. He was 32 years old.
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry On 15th-16th April 1943, his battalion was tasked with capturing the Djebelang, one at a series of barren rocky hills north of Medjez in Tunisia. Whilst the Battalion made good progress in capturing what was a hill fortress subsequent artillery fire and mortaring and sniping killed two officers and three other ranks. It is believed Fusilier Isaac Henry was one of these casualties.
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry The 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers were part of the 38th (Irish Brigade) who fought in North Africa.
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry Isaac Henry was conscripted in 1940.
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry Prior to joining the army he was a steel erector. He went to live in Coventry with his wife, Margaret.
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry Known family: Robert Henry, Annie Henry, John Henry (born 24th August 1897), Mary Jane Henry (born 12th November 1899), Archibald Henry (born 7th November 1900), Annie Henry (born 17th November 1901), Robert A Henry (born 8th January 1905), Thomas G Henry (born 18th November 1907), Isaac Henry (born 5th July 1910), Arthur Henry (born 4th September 1914), Eliza Henry (born 3rd August 1917).
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry Isaac Henry was born on 5th July 1910 at Magheraglass, Cookstown. He was one of at least nine children.
25/08/2019 Fus Isaac Henry Isaac Henry was the son of Robert Henry and Anne Henry. Robert Henry and Annie McGaughey were married on 5th June 1897 in the district of Cookstown.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 01884
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr The CWGC record Sergeant (Pilot) John Orr as the son of Samuel and Evelyn May Orr of Armagh.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr On 30th December 1994, a memorial plaque was unveiled on Reaghan Hill by Evelyn McGuckin (of Pomeroy), sister of Sergeant John Orr.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr Sergeant (Pilot) John Orr is commemorated on the Dungannon War Memorial.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr Sergeant (Pilot) John Orr is buried at Irvinestown Church of Ireland Churchyard, County Fermanagh. His inscription reads ‘THOSE WHO LOVED HIM WILL NEVER FORGET’.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 1137149 Air/Gnr: LAC Leslie Greenhalgh RAFVR Age 22
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 1058083 Air/Gnr: Sgt Daniel Ward Yates RAFVR Age 21
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 49003 Air/Gnr: F/O. Matthew James Hall Newman RAF Age 25
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 1198310 W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt Charles Bernard Ridge RAFVR
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 1132720 W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt Arthur Horton Perkins RAFVR Age 28
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 1026077 W/Op/Air/Gnr: Sgt William Nichol RAFVR Age 21
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 1233795 Flight Mech/Air/Gnr: Sgt. John Edward Slade RAFVR Age 20
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr J/11950 Nav: F/O. Robert Mercer Adams RCAF Age 20
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr AUS/6240 Fl/Eng: Sgt George Wilson Lowther Age 25
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 1222870 Pilot: Sgt Frederick Herbert Hilling RAF Age 22
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 978191 Pilot: Sgt John Samuel Orr RAFVR Age 21
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr All on board the aircraft were killed. The eleven crew were:
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr The crew became lost in bad weather, and at 5:15pm, crashed 17 miles north-west of Omagh. It flew into Reaghan Hill in greatly reduced visibility.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr However as the cloud base at ETA was forecast at 600 feet, with visibility 5-6 miles, a diversion was not ordered. The aircraft obtained homing bearings from the local H/F D/F station and continued on course.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr On 30th December, 1942, the aircraft Catalina Mark 1B, serial number FP239 of 131 Operational Training Unit as part of Coastal Command took off from Killadeas RAF Station on a non-operational training flight. The weather conditions deteriorated earlier and more severely than was forecast.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr John Orr was based with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve at Castle Archdale, County Fermanagh, which was the largest flying boat base during the Second World War. Situated on Lower Lough Erne the base was used by the flying boats to patrol the Western Atlantic waters and the sea approaches of the United Kingdom.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr He had links to Pomeroy, County Tyrone.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr John Orr was the son of Samuel and Evelyn May Orr. He was born about 1921.
25/08/2019 Sgt. John Samuel Orr 01883
25/08/2019 Ord Sig Richard Curry The CWGC record Ordinary Signalman Richard Curry as the son of Thomas and Mary Curry of Coagh, County Tyrone.
25/08/2019 Ord Sig Richard Curry Signalman Richard Curry has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 37 of the Chatham Naval Memorial in Kent.
25/08/2019 Ord Sig Richard Curry Ordinary Signalman Richard Curry was 19 years old.
25/08/2019 Ord Sig Richard Curry The Captain of the Jervis Bay, Edward Fegen was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
25/08/2019 Ord Sig Richard Curry Their sacrifice however was not in vain as 32 freighters from the convoy escaped into the closing darkness. Richard Curry was posted missing, presumed killed.
25/08/2019 Ord Sig Richard Curry In an effort to protect the convoy, HMS Jervis Bay ordered the convoy to scatter and attacked the Admiral Scheer alone. This gallant but unequal action, which lasted for 24 minutes, resulted in the loss of HMS Jervis Bay and the deaths of her Captain and 198 of her crew including Signalman Richard Curry.
25/08/2019 Ord Sig Richard Curry On 5th November 1940 HMS Jervis Bay was acting as sole escort for the thirty-seven freighter Convoy HX84, when the convoy was located and engaged by the German pocket battleship ‘Admiral Scheer’.
25/08/2019 Ord Sig Richard Curry Signalman Richard Curry served with the Royal Navy on board HMS Jervis Bay, a converted passenger ship which was taken over by the Admiralty in 1939. The Jervis Bay was equipped with seven 6-inch guns and re-designated as an armed merchant cruiser.
25/08/2019 Ord Sig Richard Curry Richard Curry was the son of Thomas and Mary Curry. He was born about 1921.
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson The CWGC record Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson as the son of William J and Olive V M Carson, of Ballyronan, County Londonderry.
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson In June 2019, HMS Usurper was sonar-located off Tabarka, Tunisia.
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson Telegraphist Edward Carson has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 81 of Plymouth Naval Memorial.
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson Telegraphist Edward H S Carson was 20 years old.
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson However it is now believed that it was sunk by a mine. Uboat.net have surmised that this was the most likely explanation based on their research. Recent news that the wreck of HMS Usurper has been found along with six other submarines seems to support this explanation.
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson It was believed for many years that the submarine had been sunk by depth charges after being attacked by the German anti-submarine vessel, UJ-2208/Alfred.
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson HMS Usurper was posted missing, presumed lost, with all hands on 12th October 1943.
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson On 3rd October 1943 HMS Usurper, a ‘U’ class submarine, was in the gulf of Genoa off the coast of Algeria when all contact with it was lost.
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson Known family: William J Carson, Olive V M Carson, Edward Henry Sidney Carson (born about 1923).
25/08/2019 Telegraphist Edward Henry Sidney Carson Edward Henry Sidney Carson was the son of William J and Olive V M Carson. He was born about 1923.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon 01882
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon 01881
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon Fusilier Joseph Conlon is also commemorated on the Coagh Soldiers and Sailors War Memorial, unveiled in 2013.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon Fusilier Joseph Conlon is commemorated on the family headstone in Moortown graveyard.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon Fusilier Joseph Conlon is buried at Gavrelle Communal Cemetery in Pas de Calais, France.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon The 2nd Battalion Inniskillings fought in many rear guard actions as part of the withdrawal to Dunkirk. For this reason it is not known when he died.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon Fusilier Joseph Conlon was serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he was killed in action sometime between 18th May and 8th June 1940.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon The family name was spelt Conlan up until his military records begin.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon On 4th August 1939 the marriage of Joe and Sarah Ryan of Annaghmore took place in Ardboe parish.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon Prior to service Joe worked as a labourer.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon The 1911 census lists Joseph as a baby at house 1 in Anneeter More, Munterevlin, Tyrone. His father was a fisherman.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon Known family: Francis Conlan, Bridget Biddy Conlan, Patrick Conlan (born about 1902, Catherine Kate Conlan (born 1st June 1905), Malachy Francis Conlan (3rd November 1906, twin), Joseph Conlan (3rd November 1906, died 3rd November 1906, twin), James Conlan (born James Conlan (born about 1909), Joseph Conlan (born 6th September 1910), Thomas Conlan (born 16th June 1912), Alice Conlan (born 12th January 1914), Francis Conlan (born 13th December 1915).
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon Joseph Conlan was born on 6th September 1910 at Anneetermore, Ardboe, Cookstown. He was on of eleven children, four girls and seven boys.
24/08/2019 Fus Joseph Conlon Joseph Conlan was the son of Francis and Bridget Conlan. Joseph Conlan and Bridget Doyle were married on 9th January 1900 in the district of Magherafelt.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane 01880
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane 01879
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane 01878
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane 01877
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Sergeant Thomas Crane is also commemorated on a plaque in Rebrechien.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane 01875
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane 01874
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane The CWGC record Sergeant Thomas Crane as the son of Thomas and Maud Crane of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Sergeant Thomas Crane is also commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Rebrechien is a village and commune some 9 miles (14 kilometres) north-east of Orleans. The cemetery is situated east of the village on the road to Loury.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Sergeant Thomas Crane is buried in a communal grave in Rebrechien Communal Cemetery, France along with the rest of his crew. The inscription reads ‘LOVING MEMORIES WE SHALL ALWAYS KEEP. FATHER, MOTHER, BROTHERS AND SISTERS’
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane ‘I remember when Thomas came home on leave and I used to have to wait in a long queue of family members to kiss him goodbye when he had to go back. My mother made sure his memory never faded and I remember how heartbroken she was when we were told he was missing in action. She kept a huge photograph of him on the wall which we surrounded with poppies every year. When we all left home she made sure we all had a photo of him to keep his memory alive.’
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Thomas Crane’s sister, Mrs. Marina Ferguson recalled:
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane The villagers recovered all the bodies and buried them at Notre Dame de Rebrechien Cemetery. They have maintained the graves ever since. Two pieces of propeller are placed either side of the headstone as a memorial to the men they refer to as, ‘Liberators of France’.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane ‘The explosion scattered parts all around us. As I got to the crash site I saw the whole area on fire. I can remember the sheaves of wheat burning in the fields. The next morning I went back to see the wreckage and I found an identification picture 50 metres from the crash site. It was a photograph of a young, brown haired, beardless man and one could read the name Smith written on the back.’
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane One of the villagers, Gaston Jahier, who was 23 years old at the time recalled:
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Pilot Officer (Air Bomber) Albert William Turri
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Flight Sergeant (Navigator) Clifford Ernest Smith
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Sergeant (W. Op. Air) John Thomas Victor Moore
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Pilot Officer Peter Joseph Hyland
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Sergeant (Flight Engineer) John Hodgson
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Sergeant (W. Op. Air) Wolf Herman Engelhardt
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Sergeant (Air Gunner) Eric Ronald Brown
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane All eight members of the crew were killed. Sergeant Crane’s fellow crew members were:
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane On the night of 28th July 1944, while on a bombing raid to Stuttgart, Germany, the Lancaster Bomber (Serial Number LM462) was attacked by Luftwaffe fighter planes over France. The plane burst into flames before crashing into a crop field near the village of Rebrechien.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Sergeant (Air Bomber) Thomas Crane returned to Europe and served with the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a bomb aimer and front gunner with 101 Squadron.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Thomas eventually passed training as a Spitfire pilot.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Thomas was always very interested in flying and aircraft. Shortly after his promotion, and unknown to our parents, Thomas volunteered for the Royal Air Force and was accepted. He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve when he was under the age of enlistment, by forging his father’s signature.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane He joined the Harland and Wolf shipyard as an apprentice plater. At nineteen Thomas became the youngest foreman plater ever known at the shipyard.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane When Thomas was fourteen, around 1936, the whole family moved to Belfast and along with his father.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Known family: Thomas Crane, Maud Crane, John Crane, James Crane, Richard Crane, Madge Crane, Ethel Crane, Violet Crane, Marina Crane, Elizabeth Crane, George Crane, Maureen Crane, Doreen Crane, Noel Crane, Thomas Crane (born 8th July 1922, Cookstown).
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Thomas was born on 8th July 1922 in Cookstown. He was one of 13 children.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane Thomas Crane was the son of Thomas and Maud Crane.
24/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Crane 01876
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran The CWGC record Able Seaman Andrew Curran as the son of Francis and Minnie Curran of Cookstown, County Tyrone.
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran Able Seaman Curran is commemorated locally on Cookstown Cenotaph.
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran Submitted by his sister Evelyn Millar
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran Be his in that Heaven of rest’
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran ‘May the sunshine he missed on life’s highway
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran From the Mid Ulster Mail, unknown date:
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran Able Seaman Andrew Curran has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 37 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial,
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran Able Seaman Andrew Curran was killed in action on 9th June 1940. He was 22 years old.
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran On 9th June HMS Glorious and its escorting destroyers HMS Acasia and HMS Ardent were attacked in the Norwegian Sea by the German Battle Cruisers, Gneisenau and Scharnhorst and were sunk in little over two hours with the loss of over 1500 men, including Andrew Curran.
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran HMS Glorious was returning from Norway on route to Scapa having assisted in the evacuation of British and allied forces from the 5th–8th June 1940.
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran Able Seaman Andrew CURRAN served with the Royal Navy on board the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Glorious.
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran Known family: Francis Curran, Minnie Curran, Andrew Curran (born about 1918), Evelyn Curran.
23/08/2019 Ab Sea Andrew Curran Andrew Curran was the son of Francis & Minnie Curran. He was born about 1918.
23/08/2019 Pte. Thomas George Doris 01876
23/08/2019 Pte. Thomas George Doris 01875
23/08/2019 Pte. Thomas George Doris 01874
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry 01866
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry 01873
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry 01872
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry 01871
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry The private papers of Pilot Officer J H Mason, who may well have been Alec’s pilot throughout, are with the Imperial War Museum. They have not been digitised as yet.
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry The CWGC record Flying Officer Andrew Alexander Henry as the son of Robert James Henry and of Elizabeth Ewing Henry (nee Tennant) of Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry The cross was later replaced by a CWGC headstone. The inscription reads ‘CALLED TO HIGHER SERVICE’
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry Initially marked with a wooden cross, Flying Officer Andrew Alexander Henry was buried at Forest-Sur-Marque Communal Cemetery in France.
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry ‘Dear Mr Henry, It is with deep regret that I have to confirm that your son, Flying Officer A A Henry has been reported missing from operations carried out on the night of 10/11th May 1944. He was the air bomber of a Lancaster aircraft captained by Warrant Office J H Mason, which was detailed to attack Lille, and, unfortunately nothing further has been heard of the aircraft since take off. This was your son’s 4th sortee of his second operational tour (34 in all) and he was one of our most experienced air bombers. He carried out his duties with the up most accuracy and precision. He was popular with his crew and his absence will be sadly felt in the Officers’ Mess. With regard to his personal belongings, these are being collected and listed and will be forwarded to the R.A.F. Central Depository, Slough, Bucks as soon as possible, in accordance with regulations. You will receive a letter from that unit asking your wishes as to the disposal of these personal effects and any enquiry regarding them should be direct to the Officer Commanding, R.A.F. Central Depository.’
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry In a letter to his father dated, 13th May 1944 from Wing Commander A W Heward expresses:
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry 1450790 WOOD, W G (Sgt)
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry 1561612 WATERS, J J (F/S)
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry 1216353 MASON, J H (P/O)
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry 650776 HARRIS, T (F/S)
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry 641825 BULL, W C (W/O)
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry The bomber crashed and exploded at Forest-sur-Marque killing all six crew members on board. His fellow servicemen were:
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry Flying Officer Andrew Alexander Henry was flying his 34th sortee on the night of the 10th May 1944 (Serial No. NN694) when his Lancaster bomber was shot down over the east of the city of Lille in France whilst attacking the rail yards.
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry Flying Officer (Air Bomber) Alec Henry served with the 50th Squadron of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry ‘Dear Mother, I don’t think I have written since I was in Glasgow and that seems quite a time ago. Even so, there is not a great deal to say except that I won’t be able to get home until the travel ban is lifted, and that won’t be until everything has gone up in smoke. As you see by my new address I am on the move again. I came here last Sunday week but it is only temporary and I expect to be off again somewhere else next week. I have done a few hours in the air around here, the first time I have been off the ground since the end of last November. I have been pretty lucky getting a move like this as I managed to get with my old pilot, navigator, and our engineer again. Our rear gunner hasn’t done any, but the mid-upper has done 44 trips. Our wireless operator is new. He’s a very amusing bloke and comes from Mauritius. He can speak English fairly well and seems good at his work. Well I don’t think there is much else to say at the present time so I will stop and go out in the sun for a while. Alec’
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry Whilst training in Nottinghamshire with the R.A.F. he wrote home to his mother:-
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry Alec joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a Flying Officer.
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry Prior to the Second World War Alec worked as a Petroleum Officer in the Civil Service.
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry Known family: Robert James Henry, Elizabeth Ewing Henry (nee Tennant), Andrew Alexander Henry (born 22nd April 1922).
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry Andrew Alexander Henry was born on 22nd April 1922. He became known as Alec Henry.
23/08/2019 Fly Off Andrew Alexander Henry Andrew Alexander Henry was the son of Robert James and Elizabeth Ewing Henry (nee Tennant).
22/08/2019 Pte. William John Henry The CWGC record Private William John Henry as the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Henry, of Stewartstown.
22/08/2019 Pte. William John Henry Private William John Henry is commemorated on Stewartstown Cenotaph.
22/08/2019 Pte. William John Henry Private William John Henry is buried in the Roman Catholic Churchyard, West Street, Stewartstown. It is believed this is a family memorial and no CWGC headstone is at the location.
22/08/2019 Pte. William John Henry The Corps became part of the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) in 1944.
22/08/2019 Pte. William John Henry Private William John Henry was serving with the Reconnaissance Corps when he died on 7th September 1941. The circumstances of his death were not identified.
22/08/2019 Pte. William John Henry William John Henry was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Henry.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart Afterwards, he served for a time in the Nutley Home Guard. His father, a major in the Home Guard provided a hut in the grounds of Old Lodge for their use.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart The CWGC record Lieutenant Viscount Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart as the son of Arthur Stuart, M.C., 7th Earl of Castle Stewart, and Eleanor, the Countess of Castle Stewart, of Nutley, Sussex. The CWGC also records that his brother, Viscount David Andrew Noel, also died in service.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart Viscount Robert Stewart is commemorated locally on Stewartstown Cenotaph and on the Memorial Plaque in Donaghendry Church of Ireland, Stewartstown.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart Lieutenant Viscount Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart is buried at Ancona War Cemetery, in Italy.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart Lieutenant Viscount Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart was serving with ‘B Squadron’ with the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers, part of the Royal Armoured Corps, when he was severely wounded by a piece of shrapnel and died of his wounds at Loreto, Italy on 17th September 1944. He was 20 years old.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart After David’s death, Robert became Viscount Stuart.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart His elder brother, Viscount David Andrew Noel Stuart also served with the Royal Armoured Corps. David was killed in action on 10th November 1942 in North Africa.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart received his education at Eton College.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart Family: Arthur Stuart, M.C., 7th Earl of Castle Stewart, Eleanor Stuart, David Andrew Noel Stuart (born 7th October 1921, England), Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart (born 12 December 1923, England), Arthur Patrick Avondale Stuart, (born 18th Aug 1928), Simon Walter Erskine Stuart (born 22nd Aug 1930).
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart Robert Stuart was born on 12 December 1923 in England. He was the second of four sons.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart was the son of Arthur Stuart, M.C., 7th Earl Castle Stewart, and Eleanor the Countess of Castle Stewart, of Nutley, Sussex, and Stewartstown, County Tyrone.
21/08/2019 Lieut Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart 01870
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart 01869
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart The CWGC record Lieutenant Viscount David Andrew Noel Stuart as the son of Arthur Stuart, M.C., 7th Earl of Castle Stewart, and Eleanor, the Countess of Castle Stewart, of Nutley, Sussex. The CWGC also records that his brother, Viscount Robert John Ochiltrie, also died in service.
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart Viscount David Stewart is commemorated locally on Stewartstown Cenotaph and on the Memorial Plaque in Donaghendry Church of Ireland, Stewartstown.
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart His brother, Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart, became Viscount after David’s death. He also served with the Royal Armoured Corps. In 1944, he too was killed in action.
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart Lieutenant David Andrew Noel Stuart has no known grave and is commemorated on Column 19 of the Alamein Memorial in Egypt.
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart The diaries go on to say that Lieutenant Stuart will be greatly missed by his squadron and that he was buried near Bir Bibni 376354 by Major Wainman and Captain Wright (Doctor).
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart Lieutenant David Andrew Noel Stuart was serving with the 11th Hussars, part of the Royal Armoured Corps, when he was killed in action on 10th November 1942. He was 21 years old.
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart The war diaries for the 11th Hussars state that: Enemy Aircraft, including ME-109s and CR-42s, attacked them at 1300 hours on the 10th November 1942. They came under a further attack at 1500 hrs, by seven ME 109’s. The attack lasted for twenty-five minutes, the enemy bombing with bouncing bombs and machine gunning from low-level. Lieutenant D A N Stuart was killed in this action and his driver – operator, Trooper Cahill was severely wounded. Three lorries were also destroyed in the attack.
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart He joined the squadron of 11th Hussars on 15th July 1942 and was described as a fine and extremely promising troop leader, much liked by his men.
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart Viscount David A N Stuart received his education at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge where he studied languages prior to joining the services.
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart Family: Arthur Stuart, M.C., 7th Earl of Castle Stewart, Eleanor Stuart, David Andrew Noel Stuart (born 7th October 1921, England), Robert John Ochiltrie Stuart (born 12 December 1923, England), Arthur Patrick Avondale Stuart, (born 18th Aug 1928), Simon Walter Erskine Stuart (born 22nd Aug 1930).
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart David Stuart was born on 7th October 1921 in Rowfant, England. He was the eldest of four sons and as such held the title of Viscount and heir to the title of Earl of Castle Stewart
21/08/2019 Lieut David Andrew Noel Stuart David Andrew Noel Stuart was the son of Arthur Stuart, M.C., 7th Earl Castle Stewart, and Eleanor the Countess of Castle Stewart, of Nutley, Sussex, and Stewartstown, County Tyrone.
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell 01868
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell Submitted by his family, Ballyronan and Duneane, Randalstown.
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell From the Mid-Ulster Mail, unknown date in 1946.
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell The CWGC record Fusilier William Campbell as the son of William and Rachel Campbell.
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell Fusilier William Campbell has no known grave and is commemorated on face 11 on the Rangoon Memorial in Myanmar.
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell The following letter, dated 8th August 1939, gives an indication to his sense of humour:
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell William Campbell enlisted in Omagh on 29th January 1934.
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell Known family: William Campbell, Rachel Campbell, Margaret Campbell (born 19th March 1908, died 19th April 1908), Mary Ann Campbell 2 (born 4th January 1909), Dawson Campbell (born 21st September 1910), Agnes Campbell (born 12th July 1914), William Thomas Campbell (17th January 1917, Ballyronan).
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell William Thomas Campbell was born near Ballyronan, on 17th January 1917. He was one of at least five children.
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell The 1911 census has a possible listing of the family living at house 33 in Drumenagh, Ballyronan. His father was a farm labourer.
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell William Campbell was the son of William and Rachel Campbell. William Campbell and Rachel Speer were married on 13th February 1906 in the district of Magherafelt.
21/08/2019 Fus William Thomas Campbell Fusilier William Campbell was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers when he died on active service on 10th April 1942.
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan 01867
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan The CWGC record Sergeant William Callaghan as the son of Edward and Evelyn Callaghan of Portadown, County Armagh.
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan Sergeant William Callaghan is also commemorated on the St Eval Book of Remembrance. The book commemorates those who lost their lives whilst serving at RAF St Eval.
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan Sergeant William Callaghan was 19 years old. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey, England.
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan Squadron Leader (Pilot) A E Rogenhagen fractured an arm and a leg during the bale-out and Sergeant J Lane survived the jump. Sergeant Jack Lawrence Rees (751429) and Sergeant William Callaghan were thought to have been lost at sea.
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan During a night patrol on the evening of 27th December 1940 (Ser No T9373), the aircraft overstayed its prudent limit of endurance and ran out of fuel on the return to base. The crew abandoned the aircraft by parachute two to three miles south-east of Trevose Head. The Hudson finally crashed at 9.29pm near Towan Head, Newquay, Cornwall.
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan William Callaghan was serving with 220 Squadron of R.A.F Coastal Command as a member of the aircrew onboard a Hudson II. He was along with Sergeant J L Rees, Sergeant J Lane and Squadron Leader (Pilot) A E Rogenhagen.
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan William was a member of Ballindrum Pipe Band, Moneymore.
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan William Callaghan was born about 1921.
21/08/2019 Sgt. William Edward Callaghan William Edward Callaghan was the son of Edward and Evelyn Callaghan.
21/08/2019 Sgt. Edward Brown The CWGC record Sergeant Edward Brown as the son of Edward and Sarah J Brown of Cookstown, County Tyrone.
21/08/2019 Sgt. Edward Brown Sergeant Edward Brown is commemorated locally on Cookstown Cenotaph and Molesworth Presbyterian Roll of Honour.
21/08/2019 Sgt. Edward Brown Sergeant Edward Brown is also commemorated on the St Eval Book of Remembrance. The book commemorates those who lost their lives whilst serving at RAF St. Eval.
21/08/2019 Sgt. Edward Brown Sergeant Edward Brown has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 79 of the Runnymede Memorial.
21/08/2019 Sgt. Edward Brown Sergeant Edward Brown was on board the Hudson aircraft AM692 during a night patrol on 6th February 1942 along with four other crew.
21/08/2019 Sgt. Edward Brown Sergeant Brown served as a Wireless Operator / Air Gunner with 224 Squadron, R.A.F Coastal Command. They operated out of RAF St. Eval.
21/08/2019 Sgt. Edward Brown Edward Brown was born on 27th August 1918 in the Stewartstown - Coalisland area.
21/08/2019 Sgt. Edward Brown Edward Brown was the first son of Edward (Ned) and Sarah Jane Brown. Edward Brown and Sarah Jane Bradford were married on 3rd October 1916 in the district of Cookstown.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait 01866
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait The CWGC record Sergeant Alan John Tait as the son of Robert and Margaret Tait. He is also recorded as the husband of Joy Olivia Tait of Portstewart.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait Sergeant Tait’s remains were returned home and he was buried in the family plot at St Johns Church of Ireland, Woods, Ballyronan.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait The Lancaster Museum record has crash site as Turnpike Farm, Lincolnshire. The plane suffered an engine failure on take-off and crashed just beyond the airfield boundary at Turnpike Farm and burst into flames. The rear gunner was pulled alive from the wreckage although he was very badly injured. The remaining crew members perished in the blazing aircraft.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait Those listed as killed in the crash were Sgt E J Andrews, Sgt T H Clapp, Sgt A J Tait, Sgt W G Parker, Sgt H Featherstone and Sgt S Otty. In addition to the six men who perished in the crash, Sgt John Jones was the sole survivor. He was badly injured, but recovered to be posted to other duties.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait Sergeant Andrews’ crew had recently arrived at the squadron. It was recorded as a test flight. The aircraft was a new machine and had flown no operations.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait While serving as a navigator on board a heavy bomber Lancaster Mark III, serial number JB436, the aircraft crashed shortly after take off at Elsham Wolds, England.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait Sergeant Alan John Tait was serving with 103 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve when he was killed in accident on 3rd October 1943. He was 28 years old.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait Alan Tait was the husband of Joyce Olivia Tait (nee Swenerton). A family tree suggests they were married in Essex on 17th April 1942.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait He was born about 1915.
20/08/2019 Sgt. Alan John Tait Alan John Tait was the son of Robert and Margaret Tait.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar The CWGC record Signalman Richard David Millar as the son of Robert and Margaret J Millar of Stewartstown, County Tyrone.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar Signalman David Millar is also commemorated locally on Stewartstown Presbyterian Church Memorial Window and on Stewartstown Cenotaph.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar Signalman Richard David Millar has no known grave and is commemorated on Singapore Memorial, column 44.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar ‘Dear Sir, Ref: a letter written to me on 6th January 1976. What a surprise! – What memories revived! A lot of water has gone under the bridge my friend but I will try and do what you ask of me. I first met David who was known to all his friends as ‘Paddy’ at a place called Trimoqevy, Southern India in 1938 when the war clouds in England were gathering. A number of us were told do parade and being good soldiers David and I fell in the rear rank. The last rank they called Force Heron! And sent them too North Africa. The rear rank, called Force Emu! And were sent to Singapore and made up the signal unit for the 11th Indian Division which were sent to Penang on the outbreak of the Japanese war. Our life at Singapore until the Far Eastern war, was one of plenty, not a lot of work and plenty of time for sport, etc. Prices in the canteens were very cheap. Players No. 3 were 40 cents, (one Singapore dollar was 2/4d). Whisky 6 dollars, beer 20 cents. Fresh food was very cheap, we all paid one dollar a week and lived like fighting cocks. Then came the day of reckoning and off to Penang, and as you know we came down through Malaya like a dose of salts. Our 11th Division was cut off at a place in the jungle called ‘Slim River’ and after wandering around for weeks we eventually went in the bag and sent to Singapore. Things were not too bad to start with, it was a novelty and we did not until late realise what we were in for. Geneva Convention, and Red Cross, etc. We thought we would see that we were looked after, how wrong we were and it wasn’t long before we were sent out on working parties pinching food from anywhere we could and being beaten up for doing so! But doing the same the next chance because we were hungry. They then came around for volunteers – army style, “you, you, you, you, you !!!!” etc., to make an air strip in the jungle of Sarawak (part of Borneo). So off we went in the tank of a dirty little old oil tanker. Thank God that trip wasn’t too long, about a week and so to Kutching. From this base we were sent as a party of 150 men and 12 ‘Nips’. The work was hard but the Jap Officer in charge was really different. He had been forced back from America to fight under duress because of his family and relations in Japan, you know the sort of set up? Beatings were not allowed and a slapping party organised, etc, and life wasn’t too bad. Then of course trouble - malaria, tropical ulcers, and sceptic scabies, the lot and no medication. The Jap O.C. could not give us what he didn’t have. When we were down to about 20 men we went back to Kutching. Everything there was in a sorry state, skeletons walking around and then out of the blue we were sent to Labuan, a little island of the coast of Borneo. The Australians were advancing a bit and unknown to us Labuan was going to be their objective for a base camp. As they landed we were hounded down to the sea on the other side of the island and then the guards opened up with their machine guns. I was not in the near vicinity of David at this period. We were scattering everywhere trying to hide, etc. When they had finished with us they turned to go into the little jungle that there was but they could not hide either and were killed by the Aussies. David was among the ones I saw buried by the Australian Burial Party. A brave and fine man, a pal to me, we shared even our snails when we were fast enough to catch them and I am proud to have known him. Under the conditions we lived under everything was different but believe me, it did sort the men from the boys. Thank you for writing – God what memories you have stirred up. Sincerely Yours, F .G. Lee.’
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar In 1976, David’s brother William found the above letter. Wanting to find out more about his brother’s experiences he replied back to Mr. Lee. The following letter is Mr. Lee’s reply, dated Monday 16th February 1976:-
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar ‘Dear Mrs Millar, Forgive me for opening which may be old wounds but I am fulfilling a sacred promise made to your son Signalman R.D. Millar – Royal Signals. We have been buddies for years and were taken prisoners at Singapore in 1942. Up until approximately May 1944 we were together – but we were parted and he was sent to Labuan. Nothing was heard until we were relieved by the Australians in August 1945 when I was sent to their hospital at Labuan. After very extensive inquiries from every possible source it can be considered definitely that none was left as those who did not die were shot by the Japanese when the Australians arrived. Your son was very brave – took everything with a smile, and may God help you in your sorrow.’
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar After the war, the following letter was written by F G Lee, Okehampton, Devon. F G Lee was a comrade in the Royal Corps of Signals and served with David in Malaya prior to them becoming prisoners of war.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar When the Japanese had finished shooting, they fled into the small area of jungle on the island but they could not hide and were killed by the Australians.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar Signalman Richard David Millar was serving with the Royal Corps of Signals, attached to the 12th Indian Infantry Brigade when he was killed as a prisoner of war on 5th January 1945. He was 27 years old.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar When they landed the surviving prisoners were hounded down to the sea on the other side of the island and then the guards opened up with their machine guns.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar The prisoners were sent to Labuan, a little island of the coast of Borneo. The Australians advanced quickly.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar When the prisoner numbers were down to about 20 men, they were moved to Kutching. ‘Everything there was in a sorry state, skeletons walking around.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar It wasn’t long before the prisoners were sent out on working parties and subjected to extremely poor treatment.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar In early 1942 (tbc) his unit set off to Penang, and came down through the Malayan jungle swiftly. His 11th Division was cut off at a place in the jungle called ‘Slim River’ and after some weeks he was captured by the Japanese and sent to Singapore.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar He was sent to Singapore and made up the signal unit for the 11th Indian Division which were sent to Penang on the outbreak of the Japanese war.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar Dear Mother, Just a few lines to let you know, that I am still getting along quite well. I hope that everyone is keeping well at home now. I have been rather worried just lately as it is ages since I last had a letter from you. It takes the mail a terrible while getting here now since the regular airmail was stopped. To send a letter to England by airmail now, it costs over two dollars which is about five shillings and I am afraid that that is rather expensive for me. There has been quite a lot of changes in the war since the last time I wrote what with France signing an armistice with Germany and Italy declaring war. Still, there is no use getting down hearted as they shall never beat Britain. I have been rather worried lately about Bobby and Willie as I still have not had a letter from either of them. I don’t know their address otherwise I would write to them. How did you get the 12th of July over you, I suppose it was a lot quieter this year due to the war. I expect that most of my chums around Stewartstown have joined the army now since war was declared. How did Johnny Ferguson get on, did he join up at all, he was always very keen to join the Signals. Have you still got Iris and Pat living with you, I bet they are just about fed up with Stewartstown by now. Still, they will be a lot safer there than they would be in Scarborough. By the time that I get home Margaret and Pat will have grown so big that I won’t know either of them. I suppose they will have both forgotten all about me. Do you realise it is scarcely two years since I was home on leave but it does not seem half that time. Before I know where I am I will have finished my 8th and I hope that the war will be over by then. Still, I shall probably sign on in the army anyway as I don’t think I could settle down to civilian life now. Well, this is all I have to say just now, don’t forget to write by notion. With all my love, Davy.'
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar In July 1940 he wrote the following letter to his mother dated 21st July 1940:-
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar He was posted to India in June 1939.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar David had been in service for a number of years prior to the war. He joined up as a boy soldier at about 15 years old, and was later posted to Palestine, in May 1937 – February 1938.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar Known family: Robert Millar, Margaret J Millar, Robert Millar (born 25th August 1910), William Millar (born 22nd July 1914), Richard David Millar (born 28th February 1917).
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar David was born on 28th February 1917. He was one of at least three children, all born in the Stewartstown area.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar The 1911 census shows a possible listing of the family living in Fermanagh. His father’s occupation is given as land steward.
20/08/2019 Sig/man Richard David Millar David Millar was the third son of Robert and Margaret J Millar. Robert Millar and Margaret Morgan were married on 27th October 1909 in the district of Cookstown.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson The CWGC record Sergeant Thomas Nelson as the son of Thomas J and Sarah Nelson of Larne, County Antrim. He is also recorded as the husband of Mary Nelson.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson Thomas was the nephew of Mrs E Scott, who lived at Moneymore Road, Cookstown.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson Sergeant (Air Gunner) Thomas Nelson is commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson Sergeant Thomas Nelson is buried at Hanover War Cemetery. The inscription on his grave reads ‘WORTHY OF EVERLASTING REMEMBRANCE’
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson Sergeant Nelson’s Halifax was shot down on 20th February 1944 by a night-fighter and crashed near Beedenbostel, NNE of Lachendorf, Germany. Only George Barrett survived. He became a prisoner of war.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson The Kiel mine laying diversion was successful in drawing off fighters, but the German controllers only sent half of the available aircraft. As soon as the bomber stream crossed the Dutch coast they were confronted by the remaining half of the fighters and, moreover, the ones sent to Kiel were returned to join the fray. As a consequence, the fighters steadily picked off bombers all the way to this distant target. The winds were strongly than had been predicted and many bombers arrived early and had to orbit the target awaiting the Pathfinders, further increasing the likelihood of being picked off, either by flak or fighters. Leipzig was cloud covered and sky-marking had to be used. Early bombing appeared to be concentrated but later bombing less so. 823 aircraft were involved, with 78 losses.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson Sergeant Nelson was part of a seven man crew on board a Halifax bomber on a night raid of Leipzig. His fellow crewmen were FILBY JA (KIA), HOLMES SW (KIA), HORTON LA (KIA), ROGERSON A (KIA), WAKEFIELD W (KIA) BARRETT GJ (POW). They took off from RAF Lissett in Yorkshire.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson Sergeant (Air Gunner) Thomas Nelson was serving with the 158 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve when he was killed in action on 20th February 1944, aged 23.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson Thomas was the husband of Mary Nelson.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson According to the 158 Squadron website, Thomas had honours in boxing, cricket and rugby football. He came from Athlone, County Meath, Ireland.
19/08/2019 Sgt. Thomas Nelson Thomas Nelson was the elder son of Thomas J and Sarah Nelson. He was born about 1921.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson There is speculation that Private James Nelson, who served with the 9th Inniskillings and died at home in 1915, was his William’s brother. However. ABSOLUTELY no evidence can be found to substantiate this. James had a brother called William, but he was born on 2nd July 1880, which meant he would have been 60 years old by 1940.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson The CWGC record Private William Nelson as the husband of Elizabeth Nelson of Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson William’s son Victor lived at Fountain Road, Cookstown.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson Private William Nelson is commemorated on Cookstown Cenotaph.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson Of the 252 Commonwealth Burials from the 1939-45 war in Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery the majority come from this troop train, including Private Nelson.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson Private Nelson is buried at Section 18, Plot 1, Row A, Grave 61, Rennes Eastern Communal Cemetery, Ille-et-Vilaine, France. The inscription reads: LEST WE FORGET.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson Private Nelson was serving with Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps on board one of these trains and was killed in action on that day.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson More than 800 recorded British and French, both military and civilians, died following the Luftwaffe’s bombing attack on the railway complex at Rennes in Brittany, France on Monday 17th June 1940.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson on a train (222 artillery A.L.C.D.) in which were recruits for the most part from the south.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson on the train of British soldiers, the majority Indians, who were leaving Rennes to return to England.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson on a train (212 and 203 Artillery) in which were recruits mostly from Paris, the north and from Alsace.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson on a refugee train from Paris and Liseaux
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson on the munitions train
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson An unfortunate situation developed on the 17th June in the number of trains that were held in the bottleneck at Rennes awaiting a track to be freed. A munitions train was among the trains held. This train contained a deadly cargo of high explosives, artillery shells and cartridges. Shortly before 10am planes approached the railway and dropped a number of 500kg bombs:
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson On Monday 17th June 1940, the Germans bombed Rennes Train Station, causing many casualties.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson William Nelson served with the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps in World War Two.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson William was the husband of Elizabeth Nelson. They had a least on son, Victor Nelson.
19/08/2019 Pte. William Nelson William Nelson was born about 1898.
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