ILIFF, Eric

Corporal, 10th Batt., Durham Light Infantry
Service No: 42730
Died: 16/09/1916
Age: 18

Interred in AIF Burial Ground, Flers.
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor cemetery.
   
Eric Ilff was born in Cleadon, Co Durham in the later part of 1897. He was the son of Harold Iliff, a Land Agent, and his wife Edith Mary (nee Dodd). He was the second of their four children, his siblings being Muriel (c1896), Phyllis (c1900), and Constance (c1909).

He attended Bede Collegiate Boys' School in Sunderland, were he was a Durham County Council Junior Scholar, before being transferred to Ryhope Secondary School in 1911, when the County Council opened that school. The 1911 census recording that his father, Harold, had become a teacher of music by this time.

After school be became an apprentice engineer at the Scotia Engine Works in Sunderland.

Eric enlisted with 7th Reserve Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry (SN 3310) on 26th November 1914, and was appointed Lance Corporal on 15th July 1915.

He reverted to Private when posted to the Expeditionary Force on 16th July 1916 but was appointed Acting Corporal on 4th August 1916 when serving with the 10th Entrenching Battalion.

Eric was then posted to the 10th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry on 3rd September 1916 and allotted regimental number 42730 and reverted to private once again.

He was reported missing, later killed in action, on the 16th September 1916 when the 10th Battalion where involved in a major action east of Gueudecourt.

How and why his family moved to Bangor is unknown but his parents where still living in Cleadon in the late 20s.

AIF Burial Ground, Flers, France

HILL, Ernest Ludgate

Private, 26th Battalion,  Australian Infantry
Service No: 5048
Died: 14/11/1916
Age: 18

Remembered on Villers-Bretonneux Memorial
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Ernest is recorded on the
Greyabbey and District War Memorial
at Greyabbey (St Saviour’s) Parish Church

Ernest Ludgate Hill was born in Greyabbey, Co. Down, on 25th December 1897. He was the son of Marshall Hill, a teacher, and his wife Sarah Louisa Hill (nee Ludgate) and the second of their six children.

Ernest grew up in Greyabbey but emigrated to Australia around 1914-15 where he worked on a farm.

He enlisted on 2nd February 1916 in Lismore, New South Wales, lying about his age when doing so by adding three years.

Initially placed in the 11th Depot Battalion he was then posted to the 14th Depot Batt. on 26th March 1916. He then joined 13th Reinforcement, 26th Battalion, on 1st April 1916.

Ernest embarked on the "Franconia" for England on 2 August 1916 before landing in France on 24th September 1916. He left Etaples on 2 October 1916 to join his unit at the front the following day.

He was initially reported missing on 14th November 1916, but on 19th April 1917, a report received through the Red Cross recorded him as a prisoner of war in Limberg, Germany.

This later proved incorrect and on 15th October 1919 was officially reported as killed in action on 14th November.

Barry Niblock, on his website North Doan and Ards War Dead, records the following: "Sometime later his family received a few of Ernest’s personal effects from a German soldier who forwarded them after Ernest died. The German soldier whose forename was Ernst had come upon Ernest’s body on the battlefield and had recovered the items from the pockets of Ernest’s uniform."

LOVE, Charles Edwin

Ship's Steward, HMS Indefatigable, Royal Navy
Service No: 209188
Died: 31/05/1916
Age: 38

Remembered on Plymouth Naval Memorial
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Charles Edwin Love was born in Curran, Larne, on the 23rd January 1878. He was the son of John Love, a coastguard, and his wife Martha (nee Mickels) and the fifth of their eight children. Both his parents were from Cork and had married there in 1864. John was in the Royal Navy and was serving on HMS Cambridge, then in Devonport, at the time.

In 1870, when their first daughter was born, Charles' father had joined the coastguard in Malahide and by 1873, the family had moved north where John had taken up a posting to Islandmagee. Over the next decade, John took up posts in Larne, Glynn, and was Chief Boatman in the Carrickfergus station when he retired.

By 1901 the family were living in Mountcollyer Street, Belfast, before finally moving to Holborn Avenue in Bangor by 1911.

On leaving school Charles served on a number of merchant vessels before enlisting in the Royal Navy on 1st March 1900 becoming Ships Steward from leading seaman in 1906.

In 1908, he married Cecilia Amelia Annie Bastin in Devonport and the following year their son John Charles Beresford was born in Saltash, Cornwall.

On finishing his 12 years service, Charles re-enlisted on 1 March 1912.

On the outbreak of war, Charles was serving onboard HMS Indefatigable and was killed in the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. His body was never recovered and he is remembered on the Plymouth Naval War Memorial.

Plymouth Naval War Memorial © CWGC

ORR, John Francis

Rifleman, 11th Batt., Royal Irish Rifles
Service No: 18/358
Died: 01/07/1916

Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

John Francis Orr was born on 28th September 1889 in Main Street, Bangor. He was the son of John Orr, a labourer and brick moulder, and his wife Agnes Orr (nee Fowler), and was the 8th of their 11 children.

The family moved to Castle Street in Bangor where they are recorded in the 1901 census and later in 1911. However, John, now working as a labourer, was staying with his sister Sarah in Ballyree in the census of 1911.

John enlisted with the 18th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, which was formed in Holywood in April 1915 as a Reserve Battalion and which later moved to Clandeboye in July 1915.

It was while here he married Minnie McCamley on 8th October 1915 in Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church.

He was transferred to the 11th Battalion and entered France on the 8th December 1915.

John was reported missing after the first day the Battle of the Somme. His parents appealed for information in the local papers. It is reported that a soldier in a French hospital wrote and told them that he had seen John with shrapnel wounds to his legs but it was later confirmed that John must be presumed killed in action on the 1st July.

McEWAN, William Arthur

Merchant Seaman
Died: 4/08/1916
Age: 22

Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

William McEwan was born on the 20th March 1894 in Slieveban, Co Donegal. He was the third son of St.George Glencairn McEwan (known as George), a coastguard, and his wife Ann nee McNeill.

The family had moved several times as George was posted to various stations. The family had been living in Cushendun, Co Antrim when William's two older siblings, David and Margaret, where born before moving to Slieveban. It was here his brothers George and Isaac where also born. The family then moved to Helen's Bay where brother Charles was born in 1899. When his father George retired from the Coastguard the family moved to Hardcastle Street in Belfast and it was here George died in 1914.

In 1909, at the age 15, William joined the Royal Navy as a Signal Boy where he served, among other postings, on the Ganges, Impregnable, and King Alfred. William had an exemplary service record and in 1912, at age 18, fully enlisted with the rating of Ordinary Signalman.

Unfortunately, only two years later in 1914, William was dismissed as unfit for service suffering with acute rheumatism.

William did not give up the sea however, and joined the mercantile marine where he served on vessels such as Lord Antrim and Duke of Argyll.

In 1916 William came down with malaria and was being brought home by a White Star liner but only reached Liverpool. The family received a telegram from the White Star Company and his mother and a brother crossed over to Liverpool but William died later that day in the Northern Hospital.  His remains were brought home to Bangor and he was interred in Bangor Cemetery on Monday, 7th August.

Although, as a merchant seaman, the circumstances of his death preclude him as being included as a war fatality with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission William is commemorated on the Bangor and District War Memorial and the Royal British Legion (Bangor Branch) Memorial Plaque.

M'EWAN -- August 5, 1916, suddenly, at the Northern Hospital, Liverpool, William Arthur, third and dearly-beloved son of Annie and the late George M'Ewan, R.N., 28 Croft Street, Bangor.

Bangor Man's Death.
The many friends of the family in Bangor learned with deep regret of the sudden death in a Liverpool Hospital or Mr. Wm. A. M'Ewan, son of Mrs. M'Ewan and the late Mr. Geo. M'Ewan, R.N., Croft Street, Bangor. Deceased had been brought home by a White Star liner suffering from malaria fever, but he unfortunately did not survive to reach Bangor. Mrs. M'Ewan and his brother crossed on Friday on receiving the Company's wire, but found him unconscious and sinking rapidly. His remains were interred in the Bangor New Cemetery on Monday, the attendance at the funeral being very large and representative. Rev. J. R. M'Donald, M.A., conducted the funeral service.

(The Spectator, 11 August 1916.)

ANGUS, James

Private James Angus

Private, 29th Batt., Canadian Infantry
Service No: 75229
Died: 11/09/1916
Age: 29

Remembered on Vimy Memorial
Remembered on Family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

James Angus was born on 16th July 1887 in Cottown, a small townland in Co Down between Donaghadee and Bangor. He was the eldest son of Alexander Angus, a labourer, and his wife Mary (nee Murphy) and the second of their nine children.  

On leaving school James became an agricultural labourer like his father and, at some point after 1911, emigrated to Canada. It was there were he enlisted with the 29th Battalion Canadian Infantry in November 1914.

His attestation papers gave his year of birth as 1889 and occupation as Powder Maker. The  papers also recorded that he belonged to an active militia and further that he was serving with the 72nd Regiment Seaforth Highlanders in August 1914 and that he transferred to the 29th Battalion Canadian Infantry in November 1914 were he signed his attestation papers on 21st Nov 1914 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Memorial Window in Shore Street Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee

James sailed from Montreal to England on the s.s. Missambie in May 1915 and embarked for France in September 1915.

James was reported as killed in action on 11th September 1916. He was the third of three Angus brothers to be killed in action. His brother Robert was killed on 9th July 1916 at the Somme. His brother Blair was reported missing on 1st July 1916 but it took almost a year before he was official recorded as presumed killed on that date.

ANGUS, John Blair

Rifleman Blair Angus

Rifleman, 13th Batt., Royal Irish Rifles
Service No: 17155
Died: 01/07/1916
Age: 19

Remembered on Thiepval Memorial
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

John Blair Angus, known as Blair, was born on the 10th July 1896 in Cottown, a small townland in Co Down between Donaghadee and Bangor. He was the youngest son of Alexander Angus, a labourer, and his wife Mary (nee Murphy) and the sixth of their nine children.

Blair served with the 13th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. Barry Niblock on his North Down and Ards website records that his expertise as a rat catcher led to his appointment as Assistant Rat-Killer in his Platoon.

Memorial Window in Shore Street Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee

Blair was posted as missing in action after the first day of the Battle of the Somme and, although recorded as killed in the columns on the Northern Whig of 14 July 1916, it was not until June 1917 that it was officially confirmed that he must be presumed to have been killed on that date.

Two of Blair's brothers, James and Robert, also served. Robert was killed on 9th July 1916 and James on 11th September 1916.

Mr. Alexander Angus, 20, Albert Street, Bangor, has just received official news that his third son, Rifleman Blair Angus, Royal Irish Rifles, missing since 1st July, was killed on that date. This is the third and last son of the family, the others having been killed on 9th July, 1916, and 15th September, 1916, respectively.

Northern Whig, 18th June 1917

ANGUS, Robert

Lance-Corporal Robert Angus

Lance Corporal, 2nd Batt., Royal Scots Fusiliers
Service No: 20885
Died: 09/07/1916
Age: 23

Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Robert Angus was born on 6th September 1893 in Cottown, a small townland in Co Down between Donaghadee and Bangor, and was the second son of Alexander Angus, a labourer, and his wife Mary (nee Murphy) and the fifth of their nine children. Like his father and brother Robert worked as an agricultural labourer after leaving school.

Robert moved to Scotland and was working as a bricklayer's labourer when he enlisted in  December 1915 in the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He was posted  to the 3rd Batt. in February 1916 where he was appointed Lance-Corporal in March 1916. He was then posted to the 1st Batt. joining them in France in June 1916.

Memorial Window in Shore Street Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee

Posted to the 2nd Batt. on 5th July 1916 Robert was killed in action just 4 days later on 9th July 1916 on the Somme.

Two of Robert's brothers, Blair and Robert, also served. Blair was reported missing on 1st July 1916 but it took almost a year before he was official recorded as presumed killed on that date. His brother James was killed on 11th September 1916.

KILLED IN ACTION
ANGUS – Kiled in action on July 9, 1916, Lance-Corporal Robert Angus, Royal Scots Fusiliers, aged 22 years, second son of Alexander and Mary Angus, late of Cottown. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing Father, Mother, Sisters, Brothers and Uncle (on Active Service). 20 Albert Street, Bangor.

Belfast Newsletter, 1st August 1916

TAYLOR, William Edward

Sapper, 63rd Field Coy., Royal Engineers
Service No: 143626
Died: 13/10/1916
Age: 31

Remembered on Thiepval Memorial
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

William is listed on the Roll of Honour of
Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church

William Taylor was born on 14 June 1885 at Glencraig, Craigavad. He was the son of Samuel Taylor, an agricultural labourer who gave his occupation as Land Steward at that time, and his wife Margaret Taylor nee Childs, and the the youngest of their eight children.

On leaving school William became an agricultural labourer working with his father but by the time of the 1911 census he had become a carpenter.

William enlisted on the 6th December 1915 and transferred from the reserve battalion for active service on 12 February 1916. He was transferred to the BEF in July 1916 and joined the 63rd Field Company on 2 August 1916.

Sadly, his service did not last long and he was killed in Action on 13 October 1916.

William is also commemorated on the Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour and in Ballyrobert Orange Hall where he was a member of LOL No. 1920.

IRVING, Thomas James

Private, 2nd Batt., Border Regiment

Service No: 21568

Died: 01/07/1916
Age: 47

    

Remembered on Thiepval Memorial

Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Thomas was born in 1868 in Annan, Dumfrieshire, to James Irving, a joiner and his wife Isabella who hailed from Broughton in Cumbria. 

The third of their four sons, Thomas grew up in Cumbria, and on leaving school gained employment as an Iron Moulder.

He moved to Belfast in 1891 and, in November 1892, he married Martha Johnston, a widow, and they were living with Martha's daughter and sister in Upper Meadow Street, Belfast, in 1901. Sadly Martha passed away at their home in Moneyrea Street in 1906.

Thomas's brother Lester had also moved to Ireland and was working as a carpenter in Bangor when he married Annie barbour in 1898. On the death of their mother, their father James moved to live with Lester in Bingham Street, Bangor, and it was there he died in 1907.

It was Lester's address that Thomas gave when he enlisted. 

BURTON, John

Sergt. John Burton

Sergeant, 14th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles
Service No: 16282
Died: 01/07/1916
Age: 25

Remembered on the Thiepval Memorial
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

John Burton was born 6th February 1890 at 8 Cooke Street, Ormeau Road, Belfast. His parents were John Burton, a warehouseman, and his wife Agnes Amelia Burton nee Curry and was the second of their five children.

In 1901 the family had moved to Haypark Avenue and by 1911, with John's father having gained a positon as Manager, had moved to Marlborough Park in south Belfast. At this time John was working as an Embroidery Designer.

Joining the 14th Battalion (YCV) of the Royal Irish Rifles, John gained the rank of Sergeant.

He took part in the opening battle of the Somme on 1st July 1916, and on the 29th July 1916 the Northern Whig reported that: "Mr John Burton, Cranmore Park, Lisburn Road, has been notified that his son, Sergeant Burton, Y.C.V., was wounded on 1st July."

However, John was subsequently reported as missing, presumed killed on that date.

Portrait photo Imperial War Museum

SLOAN, William Andrew

Rifleman, 11th Batt., Royal Irish Rifles
Service No: 6791
Died: 01/07/1916
Age: 19

Remembered on Thiepval Memorial
Remembered on Family Memorial in Bangor Cemetery

William Andrew Sloan was born on the 5th October 1896 in Conlig. He was the son of Anthony Sloan, a Car Driver and his wife Elizabeth (Lizzie) Sloan nee McCreedy.

He enlisted on the outbreak of the war and went to France with the Royal Irish Rifles entering the war zone on 5th October 1915, his 19th birthday.

William was killed on the 1st July 1916 at the Somme.

HEWITT, William Arthur

Sec.-Lieut. William A. Hewitt

Second Lieutenant, 9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Died: 01/07/1916
Age: 23

Recorded on Thiepval Memorial
Recorded on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

William Arthur Hewitt was born in Princess Gardens, Bangor, on 23rd January 1893. He was the son of James Henry Hewitt, Manager of the Workshops for the Blind, and Jeannie Denby Hewitt nee Marshall. The family appear to move between Belfast and Bangor: William’s older brothers being born in South Parade Belfast, in 1885 and 1887; the family living in Rosetta Park, Belfast, in the 1901 census; then appearing in Altamount, Downshire Road, Bangor in the 1911 census. (The parents later living at 97 Mornington Park, Bangor).


He worked as a Clerk for the Belfast Banking Company.

Before the war, William, along with his brothers Ernest and Holt, joined the 1st Battalion North Down Regiment of the Ulster Volunteer Force, serving in ‘D’ Company, and is recorded on their Roll of Honour.

He was also a prominent member of the North of Ireland Football Club on whose memorial he is also recorded.

William received a commission as a temporary Second Lieutenant in the 9th Batt., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on the 6th April 1915.

Second-Lieutenant W. A. Hewitt.
Second-Lieutenant W. A. Hewitt, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (County Tyrone Volunteers), missing, is a son of Mr. J. H. Hewitt, Altamount, Downshire Road, Bangor, manager of the Workshops for the Blind, Royal Avenue, Belfast. Heartfelt sympathy will go out to Mr. Hewitt, who has suffered very severely through the war, two other sons having already figured in the casualty lists – Lieutenant E. H. Hewitt, of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), who was killed last year, and Lieutenant Holt M. Hewitt, Machine Gun Corps, reported missing, believed killed, last week.

Belfast News Letter, 10th July 1916

_________________________________

Second-Lieutenant W. A. Hewitt.
Mr. J. H. Hewitt, Altamont, Downshire road, Bangor, County Down, recieved a letter yesterday from the commanding officer of the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers), which leaves little doubt that he has lost a third son, Second Lieutenant W. A. Hewitt, who had previously been reported missing. Lieutenant E. H. Hewitt, the King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, and Lieutenant Holt M. Hewitt, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached Brigade Machine Gun Company, have already been killed, the former last year, and the latter a few days ago.

The Daily Express, Dublin, 12th July 1916.

_________________________________

THE ROLL OF HONOUR.
THREE BROTHERS KILLED.
Mr. J. H. Hewitt's Heavy Bereavement
Mr. J. H. Hewitt, Altamont, Downshire Road, Bangor, Manager of the Workshops for the Blind, Royal Avenue, Belfast, received a letter yesterday from the commanding officer of the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers), which leaves little doubt that he has lost a third son, Second-Lieutenant W. A. Hewitt, who had previously been reported missing. Lieutenant E. H. Hewitt, the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), and Lieutenant Holt M. Hewitt, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached Brigade Machine Gun Company, have already been killed, the former last year and the latter a few days ago. Lieutenant-Colonel Ricardo's letter regarding the third boy is as follows:–

July 6, 1916.

Dear Mr. Hewitt – I hardly know how to write. A letter is such a poor thing. Your two boys were loved by everyone in the regiment. They had such a sunny nature, together with such sterling characters that they were an example and inspiration to all. I cannot give you details of how Holt fell. Captain MacConachie, I am sure, will do that. Your little lad Willie led his platoon over our parapet, and the last I saw of him was his happy smile as I wished him luck. They got across to the German trenches, in front of which they came under an appalling machine-gun fire. Your lad was hit, and Sergeant Lally, who is now in hospital wounded, was with him when he passed over. It was a sad day for us, and I feel quite stunned and heartbroken. Your Willie was one of the nicest-minded boys I ever knew. My wife saw a letter he wrote to the widow of a man in his company, and she told me it was the most beautiful letter of sympathy she had ever read. No one but a spiritually-minded boy could have written such a letter. I made him my assistant adjutant, and of all my young lads I could spare him the least. No words can express the sympathy we all feel for yourself and Mrs. Hewitt and your family in the grievous double blow. I cannot write more.
      Lieutenant E. W. Crawford, adjutant of the Tyrone Battalion, has also written a sympathetic letter to Mr. Hewitt, and states – "The whole attack was the most heroic thing possible. The Divisional General, speaking of it, said it was the most gallant and heroic incident of the war. The pity of it was we lost our best, both officers and men."

Belfast News Letter, 12th July 1916

_________________________________

Missing
Second-Lieut. W. A. Hewitt, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (County Tyrone Volunteers), missing, is a son of Mr. J. H. Hewitt, Altamount, Downshire Road, Bangor. Two other of his sons have figured in the casualty list.

The Witness, 14th July 1916

_________________________________

THIRD BROTHER TO FALL
Mr. J. H. Hewitt, Altamont, Downshire Road, Bangor, who is the respected manager of the Workshops for the Blind, Royal Avenue, Belfast, received a letter to-day from the commanding officer of the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers), which leaves little doubt that he has lost a third son, Second-Lieutenant W. A. Hewitt, who had previously been reported missing. Lieutenant E. H. Hewitt, the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), and Lieutenant Holt M. Hewitt, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached Brigade Machine Gun Company, have already been killed, the former last year and the latter a few days ago. Lieutenant-Colonel Ricardo's letter regarding the third boy is as follows:–

July 6, 1916.

Dear Mr. Hewitt. – I hardly know how to write. A letter is such a poor thing. Your two boys were loved by everyone in the regiment. They had such a sunny nature, together with such sterling characters that they were an example and inspiration to all. I cannot give you details of how Holt fell. Captain MacConachie, I am sure, will do that.
      Your little lad Willie led his platoon over our parapet, and the last I saw of him was his happy smile as I wished him luck. They got across to the German trenches, in front of which they came under an appalling machine-gun fire. Your lad was hit, and Sergeant Lally, who is now in hospital wounded, was with him when he passed over.
      The Ulster Division achieved the impossible. Outside testimony says that our advance was probably the most wonderful thing that even this war has seen, and no other troops, I believe, would have continued to advance in the face of the fire they met. This brigade got to the objective allotted.
      It was a sad day for us, and I feel quite stunned and heartbroken. Your Willie was one of the nicest-minded boys I ever knew. My wife saw a letter he wrote to the widow of a man in his company, and she told me it was the most beautiful letter of sympathy she had ever read. No one but a spiritually-minded boy could have written such a letter.
      I made him my assistant adjutant, and of all my young lads I could spare him the least. No words can express the sympathy we all feel for yourself and Mrs. Hewitt and your family in the grievous double blow. I cannot write more.
                               A. RICARDO,
                               Lieut.-Col. 9th R. Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers).

Lieutenant E. W. Crawford, the adjutant, has written as follows:–

July 6

My Dear Mr. Hewitt,–
      I suppose vou will have heard that both Holt and Willie fell in the attack we made last Saturday. Your loss is so terrible that any words of mine are of little worth. Poor Holt, the most lovable and cheerful of souls! His sergeant says he was killed outright. He was one of my closest friends, and although he had gone to the Machine-gun Corps we, of the 9th (Inniskillings), considered him ours. Willie led his platoon fearlessly over the top. One of his men told me that he was wounded but still carried on, but had to stop — from loss of blood. After that the only thing I can gather is that Sergeant Lally of his battery, who himself was wounded, said he saw him die. He was a grand boy, one of the finest characters I have seen. He acted as assistant adjutant to me, and no more conscientious and better boy ever lived. The whole attack was the most heroic thing possible. The Divisional General, speaking of it, said it was the most gallant and heroic incident of the war. The pity of it was we lost our best, both officers and men. Nothing on this head can atone for your losses, but you have the certain knowledge that theirs was a fine and fitting finish to a fine life. Personally I cannot tell you how I feel. I have lost two of the best of friends. I am sending you on Willie's kit. If I can tell you anything more, or if I can do anything for you, please do not hesitate to let me know. With much sympathy and kindest regards, I am, yours very sincerely,
                                         E. W. Crawford, Adjutant.

Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt and family will, we feel certain, have the sincere sympathy of the community in the losses they have sustained.

Larne Times and Weekly Telegraph, 15th July 1916.

_________________________________

Ulster News in Brief
The following resolution was passed at the monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Bangor Soldiers' Club, on the motion of Mr. John Polson, seconded by Mr. D. Cheyne -- "That this meeting of the committee of the Bangor Soldiers' Club places on record its deep sympathy with the relatives of those who have fallen, and expresses its pride in the gallant bravery of the Ulster Division, which has won for itself a name of imperishable renown. That copies of this resolution be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt and those connected with the work of the Soldiers' Club who have been similarly bereaved."

The Witness, 21st July 1916

_________________________________

THREE BANGOR BROTHERS KILLED
Memorial Tablet Unveiled.
The unveiling of a memorial tablet commemorating the heroic deaths of Lieutenant E. H. Hewitt the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), and his brothers, Lieutenant Holt M. Hewitt and Second-Lieutenant. W. A. Hewitt, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, took place at the morning service in Bangor Parish Church on Sunday. There was a large congregation, and amongst those present were Mr. J. H. Hewitt, father of these gallant boys, and other relatives. Lieutenant Hewitt was killed on 15th June, 1915, and his brothers fell on that day of glorious but sad memories, the 1st July, 1916.
      The tablet was unveiled by the Lord Bishop of Derry and Raphoe (Right Rev. J. I. Peacocke), who was a former rector of Bangor, and was an intimate friend of the family. After the second lesson his Lordship, with the rector (Rev. J. A. Carey) proceeded to the west wall, where he read the dedicatory prayers. In the course of a loving tribute to their memory, his Lordship said he was proud to have known such boys. They had fallen in the service of their country, and it was but fitting that their memories should be perpetuated in the church in which they were wont to worship. Their noble lives and heroic deaths would long be remembered in the parish and far beyond its bounds. His Lordship also referred feelingly to the death of Captain Richard I. Robson, another member of the congregation, who fell in battle a few days ago. The hymn, "For all the saints who from their labours rest," was sung in place of the anthem. The memorial brass has been erected by Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt.

Belfast Newsletter, 15th August 1917

Portrait image from the RBAI Inst and the Great War website

HEWITT, Holt Montgomery

Lieut. Holt Montgomery Hewitt

Lieutenant, 109th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps
Died: 01/07/1916
Age: 29

Interred in Mill Road Cemetery, Thiepval
Recorded on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Holt Montgomery Hewitt was born in South Parade, Belfast, on 11th June 1887. He was the son of James Henry Hewitt, Manager of Workshops for the Industrious Blind, and Jeannie Denby Hewitt nee Marshall. The family appear to move between Belfast and Bangor: Ernest’s brother William being born in Princess Gardens, Bangor, in 1893; the family living in Rosetta Park, Belfast, in the 1901 census; then appearing in Altamount, Downshire Road, Bangor in the 1911 census. (The parents later living at 97 Mornington Park, Bangor).

In the 1911 census he is listed as a Commercial Traveller but by the outbreak of the War had become manager for Messrs. W. M. Barkley & Co., coal merchants.

Prior to the war, Holt, along with his brothers Ernest and William, joined the 1st Battalion North Down Regiment of the Ulster Volunteer Force, serving in ‘D’ Company, and is recorded on their Roll of Honour.

He was also a prominent member of the North of Ireland Football Club on whose memorial he is also recorded.

Holt received a commission from temporary Second Lieutenant to temporary Lieutenant in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on the 2nd September 1915. He was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps on 23rd January 1916.

LIEUTENANT HOLT M. HEWITT.
Lieutenant H. M. Hewitt, Machine Gun Corps, officially reported missing, believed killed, is a son of Mr. J. H. Hewitt, Altamont, Downshire Road, Bangor, who is well known in Belfast as Manager of the Workshops for the Blind. Before joining the Ulster Division in September, 1914, Lieutenant Hewitt was manager for Messrs. W. M. Barkley & Co., coal merchants. A member of the North Down Regiment, U.V.F., Lieutenant Hewitt served first in the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers), and in January last was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He was a prominent Rugby half-back, first for Bangor F.C., and subsequently for North of Ireland. He has another brother in the Service, and a third brother, Lieutenant E. H. Hewitt, 4th Battalion King's Own (Royal Lancaster) Regiment, who was killed in action in May, 1915.

Belfast Newsletter, 7th July 1916

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Missing -- Believed killed
LIEUT. H. M. HEWITT.
Lieut. H. M. Hewitt, officially reported missing, believed killed, joined the Ulster Division in September, 1914, serving first in the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers), and being transferred in January last to the Machine Gun Corps. He is a son of Mr. J. H. Hewitt, Altamont, Downshire Road, Bangor, who is well-known in Belfast as manager of the Workshops for the Blind. Before joining the Ulster Division Lieut. Hewitt was manager for Messrs. W. M. Barkley & Co., coal merchants.

The Witness, 7th July 1916

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Ulster News in Brief
The following resolution was passed at the monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Bangor Soldiers' Club, on the motion of Mr. John Polson, seconded by Mr. D. Cheyne -- "That this meeting of the committee of the Bangor Soldiers' Club places on record its deep sympathy with the relatives of those who have fallen, and expresses its pride in the gallant bravery of the Ulster Division, which has won for itself a name of imperishable renown. That copies of this resolution be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt and those connected with the work of the Soldiers' Club who have been similarly bereaved."

The Witness, 21 July 1916

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THE ROLL OF HONOUR.
THREE BROTHERS KILLED.
Mr. J. H. Hewitt's Heavy Bereavement
Mr J. H. Hewitt, Altamont, Downshire Road, Bangor, Manager of the Workshops for the Blind, Royal Avenue, Belfast, received a letter yesterday from the commanding officer of the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (Tyrone Volunteers), which leaves little doubt that he has lost a third son, Second-Lieutenant W. A. Hewitt, who had previously been reported missing. Lieutenant E. H. Hewitt, the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), and Lieutenant Holt M. Hewitt, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached Brigade Machine Gun Company, have already been killed, the former last year and the latter a few days ago. Lieutenant-Colonel Ricardo's letter regarding the third boy is as follows:–

July 6, 1916.

Dear Mr. Hewitt – I hardly know how to write. A letter is such a poor thing. Your two boys were loved by everyone in the regiment. They had such a sunny nature, together with such sterling characters that they were an example and inspiration to all. I cannot give you details of how Holt fell. Captain MacConachie, I am sure, will do that. Your little lad Willie led his platoon over our parapet, and the last I saw of him was his happy smile as I wished him luck. They got across to the German trenches, in front of which they came under an appalling machine-gun fire. Your lad was hit, and Sergeant Lally, who is now in hospital wounded, was with him when he passed over. It was a sad day for us, and I feel quite stunned and heartbroken. Your Willie was one of the nicest-minded boys I ever knew. My wife saw a letter he wrote to the widow of a man in his company, and she told me it was the most beautiful letter of sympathy she had ever read. No one but a spiritually-minded boy could have written such a letter. I made him my assistant adjutant, and of all my young lads I could spare him the least. No words can express the sympathy we all feel for yourself and Mrs. Hewitt and your family in the grievous double blow. I cannot write more.
      Lieutenant E. W. Crawford, adjutant of the Tyrone Battalion, has also written a sympathetic letter to Mr. Hewitt, and states – "The whole attack was the most heroic thing possible. The Divisional General, speaking of it, said it was the most gallant and heroic incident of the war. The pity of it was we lost our best, both officers and men."

Belfast Newsletter, 12th July 1916

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THREE BANGOR BROTHERS KILLED
Memorial Tablet Unveiled.
The unveiling of a memorial tablet commemorating the heroic deaths of Lieutenant E. H. Hewitt the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), and his brothers, Lieutenant Holt M. Hewitt and Second-Lieutenant. W. A. Hewitt, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, took place at the morning service in Bangor Parish Church on Sunday. There was a large congregation, and amongst those present were Mr. J. H. Hewitt, father of these gallant boys, and other relatives. Lieutenant Hewitt was killed on 15th June, 1915, and his brothers fell on that day of glorious but sad memories, the 1st July, 1916.
      The tablet was unveiled by the Lord Bishop of Derry and Raphoe (Right Rev. J. I. Peacocke), who was a former rector of Bangor, and was an intimate friend of the family. After the second lesson his Lordship, with the rector (Rev. J. A. Carey) proceeded to the west wall, where he read the dedicatory prayers. In the course of a loving tribute to their memory, his Lordship said he was proud to have known such boys. They had fallen in the service of their country, and it was but fitting that their memories should be perpetuated in the church in which they were wont to worship. Their noble lives and heroic deaths would long be remembered in the parish and far beyond its bounds. His Lordship also referred feelingly to the death of Captain Richard I. Robson, another member of the congregation, who fell in battle a few days ago. The hymn, "For all the saints who from their labours rest," was sung in place of the anthem. The memorial brass has been erected by Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt.

Belfast Newsletter, 15th August 1917

Portrait image from the RBAI Inst and the Great War website

CARSON, Robert

Major, 139th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery
Died: 24/08/1916
Age: 37

Interred in Martinsart British Cemetery
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Robert was born in Craigavad on 6th April 1879. He was the second son of William Carson, a solicitor (later a clerk of the peace for the city of Belfast) and his wife Isabella Carson (nee Major).

Educated at Campbell College, Belfast (1894-1896) and Trinity College, Dublin, Robert went to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, from were he went to the Royal Regiment of Artillery with the rank of Second Lieutenant on 26th May 1900.

He was a member of the Royal Ulster Yacht Club, and also played for the 2nd XV. of the North of Ireland Football Club.

Robert spent eight years serving in India and on 24th January 1902, he married Helen Beatrice Heyworth, of Liverpool, in St. Thomas' parish church, Bombay.

He was promoted to Lieutenant on 11th February 1902, and then Captain on 26th May 1913.

Robert was at a home station on the outbreak of the war and went to France almost immediately. He was mentioned in despatches in late 1915 and promoted Major on 30th December 1915.

He died after having left his dugout during a heavy bombardment, on 24th August 1916, to check that the men of his company were safely under cover.

CARSON – August 24, killed in action, Robert Carson, Major, Royal Garrison Artillery, the dearly-loved husband of Helen Beatrice Carson, Bredon, near Tewkesbury.

Liverpool Echo, 7th September 1916

MOHAN, Henry Deacon

Captain, 10th Batt., King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Died: 11/04/1916

    

Remembered on Basra Memorial 

Remembered on family memorial in Bangor cemetery

Henry (Harry) Mohan was born on the 2nd January 1889 at Haywood Avenue, Ballynafeigh. He was the son of George Mohan, a Clerk in a linen warehouse, and his wife Isabella Mohan (nee Hempton).

A few years later his father had become manager of a hemstitching factory and in 1900 the family moved to Ashley Avenue in Belfast.

Educated at Queen's University, where he was a member of the OTC, Harry took up the linen business and was a clerk in the Managers Dept. and by 1911 the family had moved to Cromwell Road in Bangor.

In 1913, Harry sailed from Glasgow in the ss Cameronia to go the the United States to his uncle, William Wishaw, in Brooklyn were he took up a position in the linen trade there.

When war broke out, Harry left his employment and travelled to France with a mule transport before returning to Belfast. After preliminary training with the 10th (Reserve) Battalion he was gazetted as temporary Second-Lieutenant in February 1915 and was then posted to the 6th Service Battalion.

Soldiers of the 10th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, resting during route march
at Swanage with officers: Captain Charles Clarence Brachi, Harry Deacon Mohan, Walter McFarlane. www.kingsownmuseum.com KO2928/05-126

Harry then saw service in the Gallipoli campaign from 6th October 1915. His battalion were evacuated from Gallipoli due to heavy losses and illness and sailed for Port Said in February 1916 before travelling onto the Persian Gulf, disembarking at Basra on 27th February for service in the Mesopotamian campaign. During the voyage, on 24th February 1916, he was appointed to Temporary Captain and given command of a company.

Harry was slightly wounded on 5th April 1916 whilst in the trenches at Hannah during the first attack on Turkish positions at the Orah canal. He was then reported as missing in action on 9th April 1916 at Sannaujat. In December 1917 the War Office officially declared him as killed in action (or died of wounds) on the 11th April 1916.

Henry Deacon Mohan is also commemorated on the Queen’s University War Memorial and in their Book of Remembrance.

MOHAN -- Reported wounded and missing April 11, 1916, now presumed by War Office killed in action (or died of wounds) on that date, Captain H. D. Mohan, King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, dearly-loved and eldest son of George Mohan, Cromwell Road, Belfast. GEORGE MOHAN.

Belfast Newsletter, 6th December 1917

MOFFETT, Samuel

Rifleman, 11th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles
Service No: 18/97
Died: 15/03/1916
Age: 29

Interred in Forceville Communal Cemetery and Extension
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Samuel is recorded on the Memorial
in Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church

Samuel McWha Moffett was born 19th March 1886 in Ballyleidy (Clandeboye), Bangor. He was the son of Thomas Moffett, a labourer, and his wife Elizabeth Moffett (nee Russell) and was the youngest of their nine children. The family moved shortly after to Ballymullen, Crawfordsburn where they are recorded as living in both the 1901 and 1911 census.

In the 1911 census Samuel's occupation is recorded as clerk. He was also a member of Bangor Commercial L.O.L. 477.

Rifleman Samuel Moffatt, 11th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), has died in hospital of wounds received in France. Deceased was a son of Mr. Thomas Moffatt. Clandeboye, County Down, and a member of Bangor Commercial L.O.L. No. 447.

Northern Whig, 25th March 1916

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KILLED IN ACTION

MOFFETT -- March 15, 1916, killed in action, Rifleman Samuel Moffett, 11th Batt. Royal Irish Rifles, youngest son of Thomas Moffett, Clandeboye.

BANGOR COMMERCIAL L.O.L. 447
MOFFETT -- Died in hospital, on 15th March, 1916, from wounds received in action on same date, Rifleman Samuel Moffett, number 18/97 C Company 11th Batt. R.I.R., son of Thomas Moffett, Clandeboye. Deeply regretted by members of above. M. GIBSON, W.M.; R. D. MONTGOMERY, Secretary.

Belfast Newsletter, 25th March 1916

HOLLYWOOD, James

Sec.-Lieutenant James Hollywood

Sec.-Lieutenant, 18th Batt. (att. 12th Batt.), Royal Irish Rifles
Died: 01/07/1916
Age: 23

Recorded on Thiepval Memorial
Recorded on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

James was born on 16th April 1893, in 139 Albert Bridge Road, Belfast. He was the son of James Hollywood, a house agent and Elizabeth Hollywood nee Carson. The family moved to Bangor in the late 1890s and lived in Ballyholme Road before moving to Ballygrot (Helen’s Bay).

He attended Friend's School, Lisburn from  September 1904 to July 1906 then going to the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Belfast.

Employed at Ross Brothers Linen Merchants in Linenhall Street, Belfast, James also spent some time in the Young Citizen Volunteers before joining the Ulster Volunteer Force and is recorded on the Roll  of Honour for the 1st Batt. North Down Regt. as serving in ‘F’ Company alongside his brother Arthur.

The family attended First Bangor Presbyterian Church and both James and brother Arthur are recorded on the church’s war memorial.

He joined the 18th Royal Irish Rifles on 14th September 1914 as  a Corporal, being appointed Company Quartermaster Sergeant on 14th  October 1914 and received a commission in the 18th (R.) Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Clandeboye, 5th May, 1915, before being sent to the Central Antrim Regiment.

He was killed during the Ulster Division attack at Thiepval Woods. His body was reportedly found later in the year by men of the 2nd Hants Regiment but subsequently lost.

Killed
Second-Lieutenant James Hollywood, Royal Irish Rifles, killed in action, was a son of Mr. James Hollywood, J.P., Red Gorton, Helen's Bay, and 130, Albertbridge Road, Belfast.

The Witness, 14th July 1916

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Second-Lieutenant James Hollywood

Second-Lieutenant James Hollywood, Royal Irish Rifles, killed in action, was a son of Mr. James Hollywood, J.P., Red Gorton, Helen's Bay, and 130, Albertbridge Road, Belfast. He was in the service of Ross Bros., Linenhall Street, before he received a commission in the 18th (R.) Battalion Royal Irish Rifles at Clandeboye, 5th May, 1915, being sent recently to the Central Antrim Regiment. His brother, Lieutenant A. C. Hollwood, Royal Irish Fusiliers, was wounded some months ago.                                                      

Belfast Newsletter, 7th July 1916

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Mr. James Hollywood's Heavy Loss

Belfast Water Commissioners' Sympathy

At the fortnightly meeting of the Belfast City and District Water Commissioners, held yesterday at the Water Offices, Royal Avenue, the chairman said he wished, before they proceeded with the ordinary business of the meeting, to call their attention to the calamity that had overtaken the family of one of their members, He referred to Mr. James Hollywood, J.P., two of whose sons – boys of whom any father might be justly proud – had been killed in action in France. He was sure their hearts went out to Mr. Hollywood and his family in that terrible bereavement, and he moved – "That he deep and heartfelt sympathy of the members of the Board be respectfully tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood in the great sorrow that has fallen upon them by the death in action in France of their two sons, who, in response to their country's call, entered his Majesty's Army, and have yeilded up their lives in defence of the Empire."

Mr. E. W. Pim, J.P., in seconding the resolution, said he felt deeply for Mr. Hollywood and his wife in the great bereavement which had overtaken them, and, indeed, he could not help thinking of many families in Belfast which had also suffered great loss. Their soldiers at the front were undergoing very severe trials, and were nobly doing their duty to their King and country. (Hear, hear.)

The resolution was passed in silence, the members standing.

Belfast Newsletter, 14th July 1916

Portrait image from the RBAI Inst and the Great War website  www.instgreatwar.com

HOLLYWOOD, Arthur Carson

Lieutenant Arthur Hollywood

Lieutenant, 9th Batt., Royal Irish Fusiliers
Died: 01/07/1916
Age: 24

Recorded on the Thiepval Memorial
Recorded on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Arthur was born on 29th December 1891 in 139 Albert Bridge Road, Belfast. He was the son of James Hollywood, a house and rent agent and Elizabeth Hollywood nee Carson. The family moved to Bangor in the late 1890s and lived in Ballyholme Road before moving to Ballygrot (Helen’s Bay).

He attended Friend's School, Lisburn, from September 1903 to July 1906 before going to Royal Belfast Academical Institute in Belfast and thence to the Royal University of  Ireland in September 1909.

He is recorded on the Roll  of Honour for the 1st Batt. North Down Regt. as serving in F Company alongside his brother James.

The family attended First Bangor Presbyterian Church and both James and brother Arthur are recorded on the church’s war memorial.

Arthur was working as a rent agent in his father's business on the Albertbridge Road, Belfast, when he joined the 108th Field Ambulance, part of the 36th  (Ulster) Division, on 12th September 1914, as a Staff Sergeant. The London Gazette of 2nd July 1915 records his commission as Temporary Second Lieutenant  in the 12th (Reserve) Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 19th April 1915, and joined the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers in  January 1916, being posted to A Company. He was subsequently appointed  Lieutenant on 29th February 1916.

The web site for Inst and the Great War records that:–
“He was killed on 1st July 1916 . . . during the Ulster  Division attack on the west bank of the River Ancre. Sgt Whitsell  stated: ‘The first wave of men left the British trenches followed by the second wave to which Lt Hollywood belonged. I followed them with the 3rd wave of men. I saw Lt Hollywood jump into the German trench. I was then wounded and saw no more. Before this attack, Lt Hollywood showed me the rips in his steel helmet where he had been hit, but seemed to be all right then.’

“Private Stewart and Private Coppleton both stated that they saw Arthur  being killed at Hamel, just after leaving the 1st line German trench  about 13.00. Private Cobain wrote that he saw Arthur being ‘hit by a  machine gun bullet during the advance’.

“It was reported that Private Nelson, who was wounded in the attack, lay beside his body for a night.

“Sgt Slater reported that he saw the body being brought in, and that it was buried in the Hamel village graveyard, but Arthur now has no known  grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (pier and face 15 A),  Somme, France. He is also commemorated on the Bangor War Memorial.” (No source is given for the above information.)

Killed

Second-Lieut. Arthur C. Hollywood, killed, is a son of Mr. James Hollywood, J.P, Helen's Bay and Albertbridge Road, Belfast, who thus lost two boys in the one day.

The Witness, 14th July 1916

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Lieutenant Arthur C. Hollywood

Lieutenant Arthur C. Hollywood, Royal Irish Fusiliers (County Armagh Volunteers), killed in action, was a son of Mr. James Hollywood, J.P., Red Gorton, Helen's Bay, and Albertbridge Road, Belfast. The death in action of this officer's brother, Second-Lieutenant James Hollywood, Royal Irish Rifles, attached Central Antrim Battalion, was announced in yesterday's issue. The late Lieutenant A. C. Hollywood was wounded some months ago, and had been recommended for conspicuous gallantry in recovering the body of a brother officer. Before he obtained his commission he was in business with his father.

Belfast Newsletter, 8th July 1916

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Mr. James Hollywood's Heavy Loss

Belfast Water Commissioners' Sympathy

At the fortnightly meeting of the Belfast City and District Water Commissioners, held yesterday at the Water Offices, Royal Avenue, the chairman said he wished, before they proceeded with the ordinary business of the meeting, to call their attention to the calamity that had overtaken the family of one of their members, He referred to Mr. James Hollywood, J.P., two of whose sons – boys of whom any father might be justly proud – had been killed in action in France. He was sure their hearts went out to Mr. Hollywood and his family in that terrible bereavement, and he moved – "That he deep and heartfelt sympathy of the members of the Board be respectfully tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood in the great sorrow that has fallen upon them by the death in action in France of their two sons, who, in response to their country's call, entered his Majesty's Army, and have yeilded up their lives in defence of the Empire."

Mr. E. W. Pim, J.P., in seconding the resolution, said he felt deeply for Mr. Hollywood and his wife in the great bereavement which had overtaken them, and, indeed, he could not help thinking of many families in Belfast which had also suffered great loss. Their soldiers at the front were undergoing very severe trials, and were nobly doing their duty to their King and country. (Hear, hear.)

The resolution was passed in silence, the members standing.

Belfast Newsletter, 14th July 1916

Portrait image from the RBAI Inst and the Great War website www.instgreatwar.com.