Ballyclare World War 1 commemoration

The event marked 100 years since the World War 1 recruitment for the Ulster Division, which opened in Ballyclare town hall on September 16 1914.

In 1914, over 100 men joined up on the first day. Two days later, they marched to the railway station, led by a brass band.

All works closed and crowds gathered on Ballyclare’s main street, singing: ‘Will ye no come back again?’ The first contingent then left for training at Clandeboye Camp. Very few returned.

Last Thursday, the centenary was marked by Old Comrades and Six Mile Valley Association, accompanied by MP Dr William McCrea, MLAs Danny Kinahan and Paul Girvan, Mayor Thomas Hogg and UUP Councillors Fraser Agnew and Jim Bingham.

Chairman of OCSMVA George Logan, who arranged the tribute, said: ‘I am delighted that we have been able to bring together our local elected representatives to draw attention to the part played by the men of Ballyclare in the war effort.

“I am particularly pleased that our Mayor–Alderman Thomas Hogg who serves with the Army Reserve (The Royal Irish Regiment) and Danny Kinahan– Honorary Colonel of the North Irish Horse where available to be here to mark just one anniversary among many during this momentous year.”

The Royal British Legion’s ‘Every Man Remembered’ initiative aims to remember everyone who fell during the 1914-18 conflict by placing a digital poppy against their name. Visit www.everymanremembered.org. Ballyclare UUP will assist those wishing to track down a relative.