Ballykeel LOL set to unfurl '˜Great War' bannerette
Lodge records show that a sizeable number of members served in the conflict with six of that number making the supreme sacrifice.
From old roll books of the time, the lodge has identified the following for commemoration on the new bannerette:-
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRfn. Joseph Richardson, No. 8068, killed in action 24/10/1914, 2nd R. Irish Rif. of Alfred Street, Ballymena.
Rfn. Daniel McNiece, No. 19627, killed in action 01/07/1916, 12th R. irish Rif. of Queen Street, Ballymena.
Rfn. James Lennox, No. 1925, died of wounds 22/08/1916, 12th R. Irish Rif. of Edward Street, Ballymena.
Sgt. Robert Herbison, No. 19026, killed in action 27/08/16, 12th R. Irish Rif. of Springwell Street, Ballymena.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPrivate Arthur Holmes, Military Medal, No. A/21026, killed in action 30/04/1917, 16th Btn Canadian Inf. (Manitoba Regt.) originally of Hugomont Villas, Ballymena.
Rfn. Thomas Taggart, No. 1636, killed in action 03/08/1917, 14th R. Irish Rif. of Alfred Street, Ballymena.
Lodge member, Matthew Armstrong who has been leading the research, says the bannerette is due to be dedicated and unfurled on Saturday, June 25th.
“The dedication will take place in the Protestant Hall and will include a short talk about the men’s role in the war. Afterwards there will be a short service in the Memorial Gardens.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“We would be honoured if any descendants of these men would cone along to the event. If anyone does have a connection they can contact the lodge via our facebook page or through me on 07476213956,” he added.