THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Rewards for gallantry of Ulstermen, but more deaths and prisoners reported

On this day in 1918 the News Letter published a lengthy list of military awards which had been given to Ulster soldiers who were fighting in the Great War which was drawing to its end.

The News Letter reported: “It is officially announced that His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Military Cross to the undermentioned officers in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty.”

Major G N C Martin, Royal Artillery, son of Dr J C Martin, JP, Ducreggan, Portrush. It detailed: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in command of his battery, when his dispositions greatly minimised casualties at a time of persistent heavy shelling. On one occasion a direct hit was obtained on a dug-out, killing and wounding its occupants and setting fire to the camouflage and ammunition in a gun pit. His prompt efforts were most successful in getting away the wounded and putting out the fire. Throughout the operation he set a fine example of cheerfulness and determination under very trying conditions.”

Captain Thomas Dawson Morrison, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of Mr James Morrison, principal of the Londonderry Schools, Newtownards. The report detailed: “ During heavy enemy attack he led an assaulting party with great dash, and retook position Throughout operations his untiring energy and cheerfulness were of the greatest assistance.”

Second-Lieutenant Norman Barry Munn, Royal Irish Rifles, son of Dr R J Munn, Ingleside, Woodstock Road, Belfast. Of this award the News Letter reported: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion when In command a night reconnaissance. The patrol was heavily bombed by the enemy, one officer being killed, whilst the remainder all were wounded except one. Although wounded himself in twelve places, he carried a wounded officer to a place safety, and then went to the support line, returning with stretcher party, all the while being under heavy machine and rifle fire. It was mainly due to his courage and resource that the whole patrol returned without leaving any identification the hands of the enemy.”

Captain William O’Meara, Middlesex Regiment, Victoria Terrace, Enniskillen. The report read: “While roads were being heavily shelled by the enemy during withdrawal he got all transport under his charge away without casualty. By his great determination and clever organisation he straightened out a dangerous situation.”

Lieutenant D Lavery, Royal Irish Rifles, had received an immediate award of the Military Cross, he was the only son of Mr Davison Lavery, Victoria Avenue, Newtownards, and a nephew of Mr T R Lavery, JP, chairman of the Newtownards Urban Council. In civil life Lieutenant Lavery was employed by Messrs Henry Matier and Company Ltd, Belfast.

There was also a lengthy list of casualties, these included, Rifleman T M Henderson, Royal Irish Rifles, No 40874, who was killed in action on 8th September, he was the youngest son of the late Mr George Henderson, Killynumber House, Tobermore. Rifleman Henderson had formerly served in the North Irish Horse.

Rifleman Samuel Neilly, Royal Irish Rifles, son of Mr Matthew Neilly, Ballyclose, Ballymena, had been killed in action.

Rifleman William Smyth, Royal Irish Rifles, had been killed in action on 2nd September, he was a nephew of Mr and Mrs Thomas Irvine, 48 Regent Street, Newtownards. Rifleman Smyth had been a member of LOL No 872, Newtownards.

Private J J Trainor, King’s Own Scottish Borders, son of Mrs J Trainor, Banford, Gilford, has been reported a prisoner of war and in the hands of the Germans.