Alicia Hamilton was the daughter of James and Susan Maria Edwards Hamilton. She was born in Dungannon on 23rd October 1887. Alicia was one of eleven children. By 1901 the family had moved to Belfast. Her father was a machinist & engineer. By 1911 Alica was working as a linen clerk. Lily as she was known, joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) on 8th January 1918 and served as a cook at Catterick Military Hospital in England. Alicia Lily Hamilton died on 28th November 1918 from pneumonia / influenza at Catterick Military Hospital in Yorkshire.
Further Information
Alicia Hamilton was the daughter of James and Susan Maria Edwards Hamilton. James Hamilton and Susan Maria Edwards were married about 1875.
Both parents were English and no GRONI marriage can be found so it is assumed they were married in England.
Alicia Hamilton was born in Dungannon on 23rd October 1887. Alicia was one of eleven children. She was the second youngest in a long string of daughters,
Known family: James Hamilton (born England), Susan Maria Hamilton (born England), Grace Brooke Hamilton (born 20th October 1876, Newry), Albert Hamilton (born 17th March 1878, Newry), Sophia Elizabeth Hamilton (born 5th September 1879, Belfast), Susan Maria Hamilton (born 11th March 1882, Dungannon), Frances G Hamilton (born 29th July 1883, Dungannon), Charlotte Jane Hamilton J (born 1st April 1885), Margaret Hamilton (born 26th August 1886, Dungannon), Alicia Hamilton (born 23rd October 1887, Dungannon), Mabel Emily Hamilton (born 1st December 1888, Dungannon), Albert Charles Hamilton (born about 1893, Dungannon).
The 1901 census lists Alicia as age 13, living with the family at house 14 in Regent Street, Belfast. James Hamilton was a machinist at a mill. Alicia was still at school.
The 1911 Census lists Alicia as age 23 living with the family at house 37 in Ponsonby Avenue, Belfast. Alicia was a linen clerk. James was a ship engineer. Her sister, Susan, was a hospital nurse. Interestingly, only six of the eleven children were still living.
Lily as she was known, joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) on 8th January 1918 and served as a cook at Catterick Military Hospital in England.
Alicia Lily Hamilton died on 28th November 1918 from pneumonia / influenza at Catterick Military Hospital in Yorkshire.
Alicia Hamilton remains were brought home to Belfast and she received a Military Funeral to Carnmoney Cemetery with the coffin being mounted on a gun-carriage and draped with the Union Flag. At the grave side the “Last Post” was sounded and three volleys fired over the grave.
From an unknown newspaper of unknown date: MILITARY FUNERAL FOR V.A.D.
Full military honours were accorded to the funeral of Miss Lily Hamilton. V.A.D., which took place a few days ago to Carnmoney Cemetery. The deceased, who joined up a year ago, was employed at Catterick Camp Hospital (Yorks) and died from double pneumonia. The remains were conveyed to Belfast via Larne and Stranraer. The coffin which was mounted on a gun-carriage, was draped with the Union Jack. Many beautiful floral tributes were placed on the grave including wreaths from deceased’s comrades, and the officers of the camp. The burial service was conducted by the Rev S J Greer, B.A. and Rev H J Clarke, Carnmoney. At the graveside the ‘Last Post’ was sounded and three volleys fired over the grave. A brother of the deceased is at present serving with the R.A.M.C. and another sister, who served in France for a time, is nurse under the tuberculosis department of the Belfast Corporation.
Alicia (Lily) Hamilton lay in an unmarked grave for many years before the grave details where discovered and passed to ‘In From The Cold’. Alicia Lily was listed with the CWGC on 17th September 2016.
Alicia (Lily) Hamilton is commemorated on the ‘Women of the Empire’ Voluntary Aid Detachments memorial panel in York Minster.
Alicia’s sister, Susan Edwards Hamilton was recorded as being born in “Milltown Cottage, Dungannon and served as a Nursing Sister at the UVF Hospital at Lescar in France. She then became a nurse under the tuberculosis department of the Belfast Corporation. Susan is commemorated on the Belfast Corporation Staff Roll of Honour in Belfast, County Antrim.
Many thanks to Kenny Farquhar, whose research was instrumental to this information.
