Friends of the Somme - Mid Ulster Branch  
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November's Updates
Date Name Information
30/11/2016 Pte. Henry Cowan In the event of my death, I leave the whole of my property, money and effects to Miss Augnes Watt, Cavey?, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, Ireland.
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30/11/2016 Pte. Henry Cowan Last Will and Testament of Private Henry Cowan dated 27th October 1915:
30/11/2016 Pte. Henry Cowan Private H Cowan, 10895, killed by a sniper on 19th March. Cousin of Mrs Mary McClean, Ballynasaggart, Tyrone, and formerly a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force.
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30/11/2016 Pte. Henry Cowan From the Belfast Newsletter dated 3rd April 1916:
28/11/2016 Trooper Harry (ww1) Hamilton Trooper Harry Hamilton, 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons, Service Squadron, a native of Dungannon, recently met with a severe riding accident in France, and is now in hospital suffering from severe injuries to the head and legs.
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28/11/2016 Trooper Harry (ww1) Hamilton From the Belfast Newsletter dated 28th March 1916:
27/11/2016 Lt Col Eric Beresford Greer M.C. Last night�s London Gazette announced the promotion of Captain Eric Beresford Greer, 2nd Battalion Irish Guards, to the temporary rank of Major, dating from 16th December last. Major Greer is the eldest son of Captain Joseph H Greer, of the Grange, Moy, County Tyrone., who formerly served in the Highland Light Infantry. He is a grandson of the late General Henry H Greer, C.B., and of the late Major George de la Poer Beresford.
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27/11/2016 Lt Col Eric Beresford Greer M.C. From the Belfast Newsletter dated 24th March 1916:
27/11/2016 Pte. Edwin Charles Johnston Mr David Johnston, Altnavannog, Dungannon, has received official intimation that his second son, Private Edward Johnston, 7th Battalion Royal Inniskillings Fusiliers, is in hospital in France, suffering from a serious fracture of the skull, caused by an accidental fall in the trenches. He was a member of Derrycreevy section, Dungannon Battalion U.V.F., and his elder brother, Fred Johnston, an old Dungannon Royal School boy, is in France with the Ulster Division.
27/11/2016 Pte. Edwin Charles Johnston 01553
27/11/2016 Pte. Edwin Charles Johnston From the Belfast Newsletter dated 21st March 1916:
27/11/2016 Capt Thomas Uchter Caulfeild Knox (Northland) Yesterday was the anniversary of the death of Viscount Northland, captain, Coldstream Guards, who was killed in the trenches at Cuinchy, near La Bassee, on 1st February 1915. He was the only son of the Earl and Countess of Ranfurly, and was a prominent member of the Ulster Volunteer Force.
27/11/2016 Capt Thomas Uchter Caulfeild Knox (Northland) 01552
27/11/2016 Capt Thomas Uchter Caulfeild Knox (Northland) From the Belfast Newsletter dated 2nd February 1916: Anniversary of Viscount Northland�s Death
26/11/2016 Pte. David Sands Private David Sandes, 6th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has arrived home at Mullaghanagh, Dungannon, to recover from an attack of dysentery contracted at the Dardanelles.
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26/11/2016 Pte. David Sands From the Belfast Newsletter dated 17th February 1916:
26/11/2016 Drummer Gilbert Alexander Howard Drummer Gilbert Alexander Howard is buried in Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial Cemetery in Greece.
26/11/2016 Drummer Gilbert Alexander Howard Drummer G A Howard, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who has been killed in action, was a son of the late Mr John Howard, Eskermore, Augher.
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26/11/2016 Drummer Gilbert Alexander Howard From the Belfast Newsletter dated 15th February 1916:
26/11/2016 Chap Rev Richard Ussher Greer The tablet was the work of Messrs Purdy and Millard, sculptors, of Howard Street, Belfast.
26/11/2016 Chap Rev Richard Ussher Greer The Lord Bishop preached an impressive sermon from the text, �To the wise the way of life goeth upwards� (15th chapter of Proverbs, 24th verse). He pointed out that there was a great distinction between intellectual power in the worldly sense and wisdom in the spiritual sense. In the latter it meant the discernment which sees those things which are most worth living for, which are most worth doing in the highest sense, the wisdom to see that God is first, and must be first in every life. In the Rev Ussher Greer they had one who was surely wise in the highest sense. His life was dedicated to the service of god, and he was the maker of that church under God. He built up that parish, and by his proclamation of the Gospel of Christ gathered together a congregation in which a splendid spirit of faith and devotion manifested itself. It was nice to think of such a life as his. While he was still in the full vigour of life, God called him away upwards from this stricken world with its tremendous sorrows.�
26/11/2016 Chap Rev Richard Ussher Greer �In memorial, Rev Richard Ussher Greer, M.A., first rector of this parish, 1893-1902, by whose energetic efforts this parish was established and church erected. He died 23rd June 1915, while serving as army chaplain, Ulster Division. Warm-hearted and zealous in ministry, he turned many to righteousness. Erected by John Nelson to his esteemed friend.�
26/11/2016 Chap Rev Richard Ussher Greer There was a large congregation at the evening service at St Michael�s Church, Craven Street, Shankhill Road, yesterday, when the Lord Bishop of the diocese (Right Rev Dr D�Arcy) unveiled a memorial tablet to the late Rev. R Ussher Greer, M.A., and performed the solemn dedication ceremony. The tablet bears the following inscription:-
26/11/2016 Chap Rev Richard Ussher Greer 01549
26/11/2016 Chap Rev Richard Ussher Greer From the Belfast Newsletter dated 14th February 1916: The Late Rev. R Ussher Greer � Memorial Tablet Unveiled
24/11/2016 Capt William Henry David Bennett Mr W H D Bennett, who has been gazetted as lieutenant in the 13th Canadian Infantry (Royal Highlanders of Canada), is the elder son of Mr W S Bennett, Primrose Hill, Castlecaulfield. He was married a few days ago in Bangor to Miss Ira Kathleen, youngest daughter of the late Mr Thomas Millen, Ballywildrick, Macosquin.
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24/11/2016 Capt William Henry David Bennett From the Belfast Newsletter dated 4th February 1916:
24/11/2016 Pte. James (aka Jack) Daly (aka Hart) Some reports suggest Private James Daly's name is on the Moy War Memorial as 'J. Hart'. This is NOT CORRECT.
22/11/2016 Pte. Hugh Caulfield Intimation has been received by Mrs Caulfield of Cranbrook, Fivemiletown that her son, Private Hugh Caulfield, of the 6th Dublin Fusiliers, has died of wounds in action on 22nd December last. The deceased volunteered about 18 months ago, and has two brothers, Privates John and James, with the Royal Field Artillery.
22/11/2016 Pte. Hugh Caulfield 01547
22/11/2016 Pte. Hugh Caulfield From the Belfast Newsletter dated 27th January 1916:
21/11/2016 Pte. Robert Somerville Lance Corporal R Somerville, 10th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Derry Volunteers), is at present in No. 9 Stationary Hospital, Le Harve. He is not suffering from a shrapnel wound, as was previously stated.
21/11/2016 Pte. Robert Somerville 01546
21/11/2016 Pte. Robert Somerville From the Belfast Newsletter dated 13th January 1916:
18/11/2016 Pte. Robert Somerville Lance Corporal Robert Somerville, 10th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Derry Volunteers), has intimated to his brother, Mr J Somerville, Dungannon, that he is in No. 9 Stationary Hospital, Le Harve, suffering from a shrapnel wound. Prior to the outbreak of war, he was employed by Miss Lyle, Laurel Hill, Coleraine. He was a member of the local unit of the U.V.F. He is a son of Mr R Somerville, formerly of Messrs. T D McCready and Co., Bridge Street. Coleraine.
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18/11/2016 Pte. Robert Somerville From the Belfast Newsletter dated 8th January 1916:
15/11/2016 Pte. Robert Somerville Lance Corporal R Somerville, of the 10th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Londonderry U.V.F.), has intimated to his brother, Mr J Somerville, Dungannon, that he is in No. 9 Stationary Hospital, Le Harve, suffering from a shrapnel wound to the right knee. Prior to the outbreak of war, he was employed by Miss Lyle, Laurel Hill, Coleraine.
15/11/2016 Pte. Robert Somerville 01544
15/11/2016 Pte. Robert Somerville From the Belfast Newsletter dated 3rd January 1916:
15/11/2016 Pte. Robert George Lawson Mr William Lawson, Milltown, Dungannon, has received intimation from his son, Private William Lawson, 10th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (South Belfast Volunteers), that he is in hospital suffering from rheumatism contracted in the trenches. He states that the Germans in front of their line had to evacuate their first line of trenches owing to flooding, and that in flying back to the reserve trenches a number of the enemy were killed.
15/11/2016 Pte. Robert George Lawson 01543
15/11/2016 Pte. Robert George Lawson From the Belfast Newsletter dated 14th December 1915: Private William Lawson (brother of George Lawson)
14/11/2016 L/Corp William John Rainey Intimation has just come to hand of the death of Private Robert Rainey, of Garvaghey, County Tyrone, who succumbed to pneumonia after an illness of only a few days duration. Private Rainey was amongst the first to volunteer for active service after the war broke out, joining the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers). He was with his regiment in France when his death occurred. The deceased, who was a son of Mr and Mrs George Rainey, has an older brother, Private John Rainey, previously a member of the R.I.C., undergoing training with the Irish Guards.
14/11/2016 L/Corp William John Rainey 01542
14/11/2016 L/Corp William John Rainey From the Belfast Newsletter dated 1st December 1915: Private Robert Rainey (brother of William Rainey)
14/11/2016 Pte. Robert Rainey Private Robert Rainey is buried in Beauval Communal Cemetery, France. Beauval is a village on the main road (N25) between Amiens and Doullens, about 24 kilometres north of Amiens. His inscription reads: IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR BOB SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS
14/11/2016 Pte. Robert Rainey Intimation has just come to hand of the death of Private Robert Rainey, of Garvaghey, County Tyrone, who succumbed to pneumonia after an illness of only a few days duration. Private Rainey was amongst the first to volunteer for active service after the war broke out, joining the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers). He was with his regiment in France when his death occurred. The deceased, who was a son of Mr and Mrs George Rainey, has an older brother, Private John Rainey, previously a member of the R.I.C., undergoing training with the Irish Guards.
14/11/2016 Pte. Robert Rainey 01542
14/11/2016 Pte. Robert Rainey From the Belfast Newsletter dated 1st December 1915:
13/11/2016 Capt William Henry David Bennett Sergeant Harry Bennett, Royal Highlanders of Canada, who was severely wounded some time ago at Ypres, has again resumed active service and, writing to his father, Mr W S Bennett, Primrose Hill, Castlecaulfield, County Tyrone, says:-
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13/11/2016 Capt William Henry David Bennett From the Belfast Newsletter dated 30th November 1915: Attractions of Active Service � Tyrone Soldier�s Interesting Letter
13/11/2016 Capt William Henry David Bennett �About recruiting, most of us out here fail to understand the attitude of the young men at home with regard to enlistment. Only last week we read hundreds of young men being refused a passage to the United States because they were running away from serving their country. To those poor fellows, and all like them, we in the trenches extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathy, because they are branding themselves and their descendants as cowards for all time by running away from imaginary dangers. When we look at the sun the shadow is behind us; so with danger it is only when we turn away from it that it is to be feared. I feel certain that the boys at home do not know what life is like out here. They overrate the dangers and hardships; else we would have such a stream of recruits as would tax Lord Kitchener�s powers to handle. If you happen to meet with any of these people who are hanging back, just let them know what our opinions are on the subject. If those poor weak-hearted creatures could only realise it, they are missing the time of their lives. Plenty of good warm clothes, lots to eat and to drink, with just sufficient danger thrown in to make life interesting. This soldiering has become the greatest game in the world, and work is provided for every man according to his inclination. The man who is fond of horses can join the artillery, cavalry of battalion transport; the man for a taste for mechanics can find a place in the mechanical support; the R.A.M.C. opens up a way for the man with medical inclinations, and so on. But a far more interesting work can be found for a man who loves excitement � I mean the man who is fond of attending football meetings, race meetings etc. If he wants excitement in its highest form, all he has got to do is volunteer for patrol work between the two lines of trenches. There it is that a man feels he is doing a man�s work. He knows that the Germans are engaged in the same work and that it is up to him to prove the superiority of the Lion over the Eagle.�
13/11/2016 Capt Charles Newell Mr Joseph Newell, Dungannon, has received intimation that his second son, Trooper Harry Newell, North Irish Horse, who has been in France since the outbreak of war, is on hospital at Cassel, France, suffering from the effects of recent trying experiences. By coincidence he is being medically attended by another Dungannon man, Lieutenant Harold Sugars, R.A.M.C. Trooper Newell has two brothers, Lieutenant Charles Newell, Royal Engineers, and Sergeant John Newell, 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, also at the front.
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13/11/2016 Capt Charles Newell From the Belfast Newsletter dated 24th November 1915: Trooper Harry Newell (brother of Charles Newell)
12/11/2016 Sgt. William Arthur Roulston D.C.M. Rifleman William A Roulston, London Rifle Brigade (Territorial Force), son of a deceased Methodist minister, returned home on leave to Dungannon yesterday, having been on active service in France since October last.
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12/11/2016 Sgt. William Arthur Roulston D.C.M. From the Belfast Newsletter dated 24th November 1915 � Home from the Front
12/11/2016 Corp Robert Gallery Mr Thomas Gallery, Castlecaulfield (County Tyrone) received intimation on Saturday that his son, Corporal Richard Gallery, 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been wounded in action in France. Corporal Gallery had been a mechanic in Messrs. Stevenson�s factory at Moygashel, Dungannon, before enlisting, and had volunteered with a large contingent of U.V.F. men shortly after the outbreak of hostilities.
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12/11/2016 Corp Robert Gallery From the Belfast Newsletter dated 22 November 1915 � Richard Gallery (brother of Robert Gallery)
10/11/2016 Corp Herbert Curry Johnston Mr Herbert Johnston, youngest son of Mr David Johnston, J.P., Grace Hall, has joined the cadet corps of the 10th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers at Brownlow House, Lurgan. Two brothers, the eldest of whom came from Australia to enlist, are serving as lieutenants.
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10/11/2016 Corp Herbert Curry Johnston From the Belfast Newsletter dated 17th November 1915:
10/11/2016 R/man Robert Anderson Mrs Anderson, 26 Crimea Street, Belfast, has been notified that her husband, Private Robert Anderson, 16th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (Ulster Division), has been wounded in France, and is now in Wharncliffe War Hospital, Sheffield. The wound is not serious. Private Anderson was a sawyer in the employment of Messrs. Thomas Dickson & Sons before he enlisted.
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10/11/2016 R/man Robert Anderson From the Belfast Newsletter dated 17th November 1915:
10/11/2016 Lieut Ernest Daniel �The weather here has been terribly wet, and the mud is thick all over. It has cleared up now and is foggy at night. We have been very busy making gun pits, and go into action again tomorrow night. I think we shall be a long time in action in the new position. The little town we are behind has been blown to atoms, and we have secured quite a lot of German fuses. We are under canvas just at present, and sleep ten in a tent, and are quite warm at night. I will have a lot of news to tell you when I get home on leave. Everything we do has to be done at night, such as supplying the guns with ammunition, and it is very dark. The enemy has a hard time to find the position of our batteries, which is a good job. I am very happy. No need to worry about me. Our horses are all in good condition and fit for the winter. We got some new clothing issued to us the other day. It does not last long here. Tell father to do all he can to get the men about to join the colours; we shall need them all.�
10/11/2016 Lieut Ernest Daniel Driver Godfrey Duncan Daniel, of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, 1st Contingent, now in Belgium, sixth and youngest son of Mr Robert Daniel, J.P., of Derryvale, Dungannon, writing to his mother on 6th November, says:-
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10/11/2016 Lieut Ernest Daniel From the Belfast Telegraph dated 12th November 1915: An Ulster Canadian in Belgium: Godfrey Daniel (brother of Ernest Daniel)
10/11/2016 Capt Vincent Andrews Acheson Temporary Lieutenant Malcolm King Acheson, M.D., R.A.M.C., has been prompted to the rank of temporary captain. He is the third son of the late Mr David Acheson. J.P., linen manufacturer, Castlecaulfield, County Tyrone, and was educated at Dungannon Royal School and at Trinity College, Dublin where he obtained his degree. He was in practice in England at the outbreak of the war, and has been on active service in France for a considerable time.
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10/11/2016 Capt Vincent Andrews Acheson From the Belfast Newsletter dated 11th November 1915: Malcolm King Acheson (brother of Vincent Acheson)
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