Flute band looking for war hero’s relatives

Band members have taken a special interest in the story of Captain Walter Boomer, who was from the Knockmore area of Lisburn, as part of their First World War Commemoration efforts.

He was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery and his story is of great interest to the band.

The band is also planning a special Act of Remembrance parade as part of its efforts to mark the First World War and remember the local men who gave their lives during the conflict

Pride of Knockmore has also had replicas made of its special standard to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the 11th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), which included men drawn from the Lisburn area.

Many of these men from Lisburn and the surrounding areas enlisted in this regiment with many never returning having made the ultimate sacrifice.

A number of years ago the flute band had a standard dedicated in memory of these brave men and have carried it with pride each time they have paraded.

This November the band along with the Orange Order plan to hold an Act of Remembrance parade in the city.

The band have a keen interest in the history of the battalion.

A spokesperson for the flute band said: “Every soldier deserves to be remembered but the band took an interest in a Captain Walter C. Boomer who came from the Knockmore area and was awarded the Military Cross - the second highest British military honour and was wounded three times at the front.

“The former Friends’ pupil was to die of his wounds on October 1 1918 aged 27 years old just over a month before the end of the war.

“If Captain Boomer still has relatives in the Lisburn area we would be interested to hear from them and can be cotacted on 07821756888.”