Cullybackey War project

With the centenary of the terrible conflict rapidly approaching, the Cullybackey and District Historical Society and the local branch of the Royal British Legion are endeavouring to trace all the people who left Cullybackey and the surrounding townlands and went off to the First World War with a view to a publication next year.

And now they are appealing to people from the area who may have family history details of the role played by their ancestors in the 1914-1918 war.

Secretary Liz Hoy explained: “We would appeal for information on anyone who came from the area. We are especially keen to see photographs, letters home, medals and other memorabilia.

“Anyone with any information can either contact myself on 07929782866 or through our Facebook page at [email protected]”

Ballymena Times Editor, Des Blackadder, who has been researching the role played by men from the Ballymena Borough for more than 10 years, said: “The village of Cullybackey and its hinterland suffered a very high proportion of fatal casualties during the war - around 55 men lost their lives. A significantly larger number served and suffered wounds. The Cullybackey area definitely does have a very grim story to tell.”