RUTHERFORD, Robert Henry

Flying Officer (Navigator), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service No: 133718
Died: 22/07/1943
Age: 20

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Robert Henry Rutherford was born in 1923.

His father was from Co Cork and had been a member of the Dublin Metropolitan Police before becoming a detective sergeant in the Royal Irish Constabulary. He married his wife Pauline, a native of Co Longford, in Dublin in 1910.

On the disbandment of the RIC in 1922 Samuel, Pauline and their children moved to Bangor where Robert was born.

The following transcription taken from the Co Down Spectator of 31 July 1943 gives a biography of his life.

BANGOR AIRMAN’S DEATH

FLYING-OFFICER ROBERT H. RUTHERFORD

ANOTHER NAME has been inscribed on the roll of gallant young Bangor men who have made the supreme sacrifice in the present war — that of Flying-Officer Robert H. Rutherford, the intimation of whose death on Active Service was received with profound regret by his many friends.

Only a few weeks ago we mentioned in our columns that Flying-Officer Rutherford had paid us a visit at our Bangor office while on leave from his unit. Extremely modest when speaking of his own work as navigator of a big bomber, he was enthusiastic in his praise of the skill, daring and good comradeship of his crew. Younger son of the late Mr. Samuel Rutherford, and of Mrs. Rutherford, the young airman was educated at Main Street P.E. School, Bangor Grammar School, and Ardmore College, Belfast. As a schoolboy he had an outstanding athletic record, particularly in flat events, and had the distinction of winning both the 100 and 220 yards Northern Ireland boys’ championships. He played in one of the Grammar School rugby sides, and was the winner of many prizes at the annual athletic sports.

After leaving school he entered the costing office of Messrs. Short & Harland, Belfast; but the Air Force called him, and, enlisting some two years ago, he trained in Canada under the Empire Training Scheme, qualifying for his commission as Pilot-Officer last December. He continued his training in England, and was promoted Flying-Officer only last month. In the Air Force, as at school, his manly qualities and modest bearing made him extremely popular.

A gifted amateur actor, he was a member of Bangor Drama Club, in whose productions he figured in principal parts with great success. He was a fine vocalist, and was a member of First Bangor Presbyterian Church choir. The deep sympathy of the community goes out to his bereaved mother; his sister, Mrs. H. Ballagh, Holywood, and his brother, Mr. Samuel W. Rutherford, in their irreparable loss.

THE FUNERAL

The great regard in which the deceased airman was held expressed itself in a very large attendance at the funeral, which was to Bangor New Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.

On its way from Belfast to Bangor the funeral stopped at Holywood for a few minutes where the Rev. W. G. Wimperis, an old friend of the family, conducted a short family service.

The interment was preceded by a short service in First Bangor Presbyterian Church, conducted by Rev. Dr. Currie. Mr. Frank A. Parsons, F.R.C.O.. was at the organ, and the choir led the large congregation in the singing of “Rock of Ages” and “The Lord’s My Shepherd.”

Rev. Dr. Currie's Tribute

Robert is commemorated on the Memorial Window
for those who died in the Second World War
in First Bangor Presbyterian Church
(Image courtesy Nigel Henderson)

The mystery of the unfinished life, said Dr. Currie — or what seems to us an unfinished life — is as old as grief itself. The war has intensified it, but it did not create the problem. We on this side of the Great Divide cannot expect to solve the problem, but something may be said about it which may help in some degree to reconcile us to it. We are reminded of the fact that the death On Calvary was that of a young man. What more natural than that Mary His mother — Joseph, her husband, being dead — should have expected to have Jesus with her to the end. But instead, she was a pathetic and helpless witness of His crucifixion. And so, the sorrow which so many hearts are enduring at the present time, was Mary’s sorrow in Jerusalem nineteen hundred years ago. “We trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel,” said His friends. They had loved Him deeply, and moreover, they had hoped great things of Him, but death, like a killing frost, had touched the tender bloom, and it was gone.

We do not suggest that the death of Jesus is the solution of our problem. Rather, it is the aggravation, the supreme example of it. But death was not the end of Him. He did redeem Israel. He is doing it still. And furthermore, He is doing it by that very cross by which men thought they had disposed of Him for ever. If God could do that by the Son of Mary Who died at the age of thirty-three, we can believe that He will also do much by the broken, unfinished lives — as they seem to us — which we mourn to-day. Yea, we believe that the life of the future is one in which the whole nature springs into a new vividness of activity; that the training received in this life is not wasted, but is part of the preparation for the fuller life and nobler service of eternity. “His servants shall serve Him,” — there as well as here. What sweeter description of death could there be than that which is given it in the New Testament — falling asleep. “He fell asleep by the will of God.” Sleep is i a gentle thing. It is associated with peace and serenity. Moreover, it implies a waking again. We fall asleep to wake again, and to wake, the better for sleeps — refreshed by its quiet and strengthened by its rest for the new duties of the new day.

“Finest and Most Gallant”

Flying-Officer R. H. Rutherford, whose sudden death we all greatly deplore was one of our finest and most gallant young men. From every standpoint he was worthy of great praise. Physically, mentally and morally, he was all one could wish a young man to be. A most devoted and thoughtful son, a loyal and kindly brother and friend, deeply interested in his church — which he faithfully served as a member of the choir — and beloved by all who were privileged to know him, he will be sadly missed and lamented.

       “His life was gentle; and the elements
        So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up.
        And say to all the world, this was a man!”

He has passed away at the age of twenty. At the summons of his Great Commander-in-Chief, his Spirit has flown to the Heavenly Base, where he has been commissioned for service of a higher kind than belongs to mortals here below.

Our sympathy goes out in full measure to the bereaved mother and all the members of the family. We pray that God may abundantly fulfil unto them His gracious promise: “As one whom his mother comforteth so will I comfort you.”

The chief mourners were Messrs. S. W. Rutherford (brother); Henry Ballagh (brother-in-law); Alex. Robb, G. Humphries, and J. Bryant (uncles), and T. G. H. Bennett.

The beautiful wreaths were from His sorrowing Mother; Sam and Eleanor, Lorna and Wendy; Henry and Pauline; Uncle Alec and Aunt Daisy, Phyllis and Charlie; Uncle George and Aunt Emily; Uncle Jim and Aunt Vic; The Ballagh Family; Mr. and Mrs. Lynas, Holywood; Dr. and Mrs. Currie; Mr. and Mrs. Parsons; Mrs. Glass and family; His friends in High Street; First Bangor Choir; Bangor Drama Club; Jack Leadbetter (Dublin); Officer-Commanding and Fellow Officers at a R.A.F. Station; Senior N.C.O.’s, R.A.F. Station; Corporals, R.A.F. Station; Mr. and Mrs. Hare, High Street; First Bangor Youth Fellowship; Staff Junior Boys’ School, Bangor; Miss M’Millan; Dorothy, John and Sally; Mrs. Patterson, Iris and Cora; George Patrick — his old friend; First Bangor Presbyterian Church; Wm. and Nan Sinclair, Joyce and David.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Jacob O’Neill, undertaken, Dufferin Avenue, Bangor.

TRIBUTE BY MR. M. WILKINS, M.A.

It was with deep regret and a sense of grievous loss that we heard of the sudden death on active service of Flying-Officer Robert Henry Rutherford, the twenty-third Old Boy of Bangor Grammar School to make the supreme sacrifice in this war. He was with us for just three years, coming with an Entrance Scholarship in 1935 and passing the Junior Certificate in 1938 with two distinctions and two credits. From the first one picked him out among the crowd of boys, conspicuous with his tall form and athletic build, his lithe carriage and graceful head with grey expressive eyes under the waving dark hair. It was impossible not to note and remember him, so full of restless eager interest in life, born for leadership in word and action. One felt that with his gifts of mind and understanding he should have achieved greater things in examinations perhaps he was too full of imagination and the love of action and adventure for close study. He shone in drama: there he found scope for his gift of words, his craving for action, his wide sympathy, his love of fun, his intense interest in human existence. In our little school dramatic society he was a foremost member, full of energy, talent, enthusiasm: he filled many parts with ability and distinction.

On the running track he was supreme. His giant form moved with a speed that was irresistible and a wonder to watch. He easily carried off our Junior Victor Ludorum (Wilson) Cup. At the Ulster Schools Sports in 1937 he was the central star of our team that won the Junior Championship: he won the Junior 100, 220 and 330 yards, setting up records for the 100 (11 1/5 secs.) and 220 yards (24 2/5 secs.) which are still unbeaten. In that year, too, he had played as a three-quarter on our Rugby Medallion team. He appears in the photographs taken of these two groups which hang in the School.

I remember my intense disappointment when this lad of high promise left us after passing Junior Certificate. I felt it to be a loss to the School that he should not go forward to the final year of his course and gain a place among our leading boys. Perhaps it was characteristic of him to break loose and go out into the wider world before his time, to follow paths of glory and peril that have led him to death in the service of a great ideal. It is our best, our loveliest and bravest that fall. We should all of us feel a deep humility, a sense of the unworthiness of our common lives, that these young men, so guiltless of the sins that have led to this war, should sacrifice the promise of noble lives for the redemption of humanity. Their heroism and goodness strengthens our belief in a God Who is better than anything we can conceive and in Whose Eternal Hands they are safe. And may He in His Infinite Mercy bring comfort and hope to the bereaved.

Northern Whig, Saturday, 24 July 1943

Killed on Active Service

RUTHERFORD -- July, 1943, Robert Henry Rutherford, Flying-Officer, R.A.F.V.R., killed on active service, younger son of the late Samuel Rutherford and Mrs. Pauline Rutherford, Bangor, Co. Down. Funeral arrangements later. Deeply mourned by his sorrowing Mother.

RUTHERFORD -- July 1943, Robert Henry Rutherford, Flying-Officer, R.A.F.V.R., killed on active service, younger son of the late Samuel Rutherford and Mrs. Pauline Rutherford, Bangor, Co. Down. Deeply mourned by his sorrowing Brother, Sam, Sister-in-law, Eleanor, and little Nieces, Lorna and Wendy. 4. Sandringham Gardens, Bangor, Co. Down.

RUTHERFORD -- July, 1943, Robert, Henry Rutherford, Flying Officer, R.A.F.V.R., killed on active service, younger son of the late Samuel Rutherford and Mrs. Pauline Rutherford, Bangor, Co. Down. Deeply mourned by his sorrowing Sister, Pauline, and Brother-in-law, Henry. “Cul-na-Greine,” Belfast Road, Holywood, Co. Down.

MAHAFFY, Henry Irwin

Second Lieutenant, Royal Flying Corps
Date of Death: 22/10/1917
Age: 23

 Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Henry Irwin Mahaffy was born in Ward Villa West, Bangor, on 7 September 1894. He was the son of William Irwin Mahaffy, a solicitor, and his wife Jane (nee Machett) a native of Australia where they married in 1893. He was the eldest of their six children.

He attended Bangor Grammar School and September 1911 became apprenticed to his father who had offices in Calendar Street, Belfast, and had been appointed as Town Solicitor of Bangor in 1901.

Henry, who also played rugby for Bangor, enlisted on the formation of the Ulster Division and served in France with the 13th Battlion, Royal Irish Rifles.

In February 1917, he returned home and qualified for a commission in the Royal Flying Corps and was gazetted as 2nd Lieutenant in May and was stationed at Salisbury Plain.

However, just five months later, in October 1917, Henry was to tragically lose his life in a training flight.

His father travelled to England and returned Henry's body to Bangor for interment.

His younger brother William, was later killed in the Second World War while serving with the Royal Air Force.

MURRAY, Francis Patrick

Lance Corporal, Royal Dublin Fusiliers
transferred to (228110) Labour Corps
Service No: 26545
Died: 27/12/1917
Age: 28
   
Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Francis Patrick Murray was born in Bramley, Leeds, in 1889 (possibly 1st January). He was the son of Richard Murray, an Excise officer and Elizabeth Murray nee Trevor, and the second of their four sons.

His father's position saw the family, including his older brother Richard, move to Ireland where his brother William was born in Dublin in 1894 and then Monasterevin, Co Kildare, where brother Eugene was born in 1897.

In the census of 1901, Francis, now aged 12, and his three brothers were living with their aunt Maria Carroll, in Richmond Terrace, Bray

In 1911, Francis was working as a Chemists Assistant and living in a Hotel in Harcourt Street.

Francis was working as a Chief Dispensing Chemist and was a licentiate of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland when he enlisted in the 10th (Commercial) Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers in Dublin on 24 March 1916.

His father Richard, now a retired Surveyor of Customs and Taxes, died in Dublin in October 1916.

Little is known of exact service but in March 1917 Francis was admitted to Huddersfield War Hospital with Valvular Disease of the Heart, the record stating that it was present at enlistment.

He was posted to the 11th Battalion on 9th April 1917 before being transferred to the Labour Corps in July 1917.

Francis was stationed in Clandeboye South Camp when he was admitted to the Camp Hospital on 13th December suffering from tonsillitis and was discharged to "Light Duty" on the 18th December having recovered.
A surviving medical note records that on the morning of 27th December 1917: "He was found dead near a latrine close to his Barrack Room, the Police were notified and an inquest was not considered necessary... I am informed the night previously joined in Xmas festivities with some of his comrades at Bangor. This man's condition was in my opinion aggravated by his military service."

BLOCKLEY, John Alfred

Petty Officer 1st Class, HMS Viknor, Royal Navy
Service No: 132052
Died: 13/01/1915
Age: 45

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

On Wednesday, 27 January 1915, the Northern Whig reported the following

Found in Belfast Lough
In Bangor yesterday afternoon Dr. Samuel Wallace conducted an inquiry into the circumstances under which J. E. Blockley, said to be a first-class petty officer on board H.M.S. Vicknor, whose body was discovered on Monday, had met his death. When taken from the water the body was encircled by a lifebelt, and round the neck of the deceased was an inflated rubber collar. Where the deceased came from is as yet unknown, but his official number is given as 132052.
     Sergeant J. Johnston gave evidence of identification. The deceased was J. E. Blockley, said to be a first-class petty officer on H.M.S. Viknor, and appeared to be about forty-six years of age. Whether he was married or where he came from was not yet known. The body had been picked up off Black Head on Monday, and identified by a disc attached to it.
     Dr. J. F. Mitchell expressed the opinion that he body had been in the water for about a week, and death in his opinion was due to asphyxia caused by drowning.
     A verdict of "Found drowned in Belfast Lough" was returned.

John Alfred Blockley was born on 14th February 1870 in Hinckley, Leicestershire. He was the son of Zinor Blockley, a carpenter, and his wife Agnes, and the second of their six children.

John was working as an errand boy when on 14th February 1888, his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Royal Navy.

He served on numerous vessels and shore establishments and in 1904 was serving on Excellent when he married Mary Margaret Foster in Portsmouth. They had two children: John Alfred born 1905 and George Edmund born 1910.

John completed his 12 years service in February 1910 and the following year was working as a "beer retailer" in the Lord Palmerston in Arundel Street, Portsmouth although he transferred his licence to another in July 1913.

In August 1914, John was recalled for service joining the crew of the Dolphin as Petty Officer. He then served at Victory 1 and on the Excellent before joining the Vicknor in December 1914.

The following on the loss of the Viknor is extracted from the Dawlish Chronicles

     ... One such loss with all hands was of the armed merchant cruiser HMS Viknor.  She had been built as long before as 1888 as a passenger liner, the Atrato, for use on routes between Britain and the West Indies. Capable of carrying 279 passengers, and 421 ft long and 5,347 tons, she was distinctly yacht-like in appearance due to her clipper bow and smartly raked masts and funnels. Sadly underpowered at 1000 hp, her single screw driving her at no more than 14 knots, she must nevertheless have looked a splendid sight on the blue waters of the Caribbean. In 1912 she was renamed as the Viking by new owners and was used for cruising, an activity for which speed was not an essential.
     Thoroughly obsolete in 1914, not to mention slow, it is therefore surprising that she should have been requisitioned by the British Admiralty service on the outbreak of war in 1914. Now named HMS Viknor, she was armed as a “merchant cruiser” and allocated to the Royal Navy’s 10th Cruiser Squadron which was tasked with patrolling between Iceland and Northern Scotland. Minimally armed, these merchant cruisers were not expected to meet enemy warships and their main purpose was to intercept neutral shipping for inspection to detect war contraband destined for Germany. Considering that during the winter months the ships on this station were likely to encounter some of the worst sea conditions in the world, it is surprising that an old underpowered vessel like the Viknor was ever chosen for such duty.
     During the first weeks of 1915 the Viknor was on patrol off the North West coast of Ireland. She appears to have been in radio contact but she was to disappear in heavy weather on January 13th, close to Tory Island, off the coast of Donegal, without sending a distress signal. She took with her the entire 291-man crew, as well as a German national who had been taken off a ship the neutral Norwegian vessel Bergensfjord, under suspicion of being a secret agent, as well as six other men who have been cryptically referred to as “stowaways”. Some wreckage and many corpses were subsequently washed up on the Irish and Scottish coasts.
     Though the exact cause of the Viknor’s loss cannot be established with certainty, it is possible that she struck a German mine. This could possibly have been one of the 200 laid in the same general area by the German auxiliary cruiser Berlin, one of which had sunk the British super-dreadnought HMS Audacious on October 27th 1914...
     The Viknor’s wreck was found by the Irish survey vessel Celtic Explorer in 2006 but the reason for her loss could still not be identified with absolute certainty.

The liner Atrato, later the Viking and lastly HMS Viknor

Killed in Action

BLOCKLEY – In loving memory of John Alfred Blockley, Warwick House, Kimbolton-road, Copnor, of H.M.S. Viknor, drowned off the Irish coast, January, 1915. – From his sorrowing wife and boys. R.I.P. Portsmouth Evening News, 29th January 1915.

TODD, James

Lance Corporal, Depot, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Service No: 17745
Died: 10/06/1919
Age: 29

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

I have not been able to ascertain the date and place of James' birth which was not helped by the various ages recorded for him giving a possible date of birth of between 1886 and 1890. A possible entry for him in the 1911 census is that of James Todd working as a farm servant for Samuel and Anna Shaw in Ballykillaire (wrongly recorded as Ballykillaine in the census). The age recorded in the census is 21 which corresponds to the age on his death certificate of 29 – which I prefer to go with as the more accurate – with the CWGC giving an age of 33.

The first definite record for James is in 1912 when he married Elizabeth Jackson in Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church on the 4th November 1912. Here he gives his fathers name as James Todd, a labourer.

At this time James was living in Ballywooley (near Crawfordsburn).

Their first child, Agnes, was born on the 15th April 1913 in Ballybundon which is a townland near Killinchy.

James had been working for Mr. William M'Bride, a general merchant in Central Avenue, Bangor, when he enlisted on the 18th August 1914.

He joined the 6th Service Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and was stationed in Portobello Barracks in Dublin when his second child, Elizabeth, was born just two months later on the 4th October 1914. The family were living in Railway View Street, Bangor, at this time.

The battalion moved to England in April 1915 before embarking for the Dardanelles landing in Gallipoli on the 7th August 1915.

An obituary for James in the Herald and Co Down Independent records that he "... was wounded at Achi Baba on 9th August, 1915. After recovery at home he joined the 29th Division in France, where he was wounded in January, 1918. He was discharged as unfit for further service through wounds in September, 1918, and on returning home was employed by Mr. R. J. Woods, Princetown Lodge, Bangor."

James never recovered from his injuries and took seriously ill in June 1919 being admitted to Bangor Hospital where he died on the 10 June 1919, the cause of death recorded as "Chronic Nephritis 2 years and Uraemic convulsions 2 days".

His obituary further records that James was "... laid to rest on Thursday afternoon, with military honours, in the New Cemetery. The firing party was composed of men of the Somerset Regiment, and behind the coffin, which was draped with a Union Jack and floral tributes, there marched the brethren of L.O.L. 1091, Crawfordsburn and members of the Bangor Branch, Comrades of the Great War. Despite the fact that a thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy rain, prevailed, there was a large muster of the general public."

McCONNELL, Robert

Rifleman Robert McConnell

Rifleman, Depot Batt., Royal Irish Rifles
Service No: 2313
Died: 05/03/1918
Age: 20

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Robert McConnell was born on the 26th February 1898 in Herdstown, Donaghadee. Known as Bertie, he was the son of David McConnell, a labourer, and his wife Mary Ellen (nee Strain) and was the fifth of their 11 children.
 
The family lived in Herdstown before moving to Portavo (c1907) and thence to Bangor where they were living in Corporation by the time of the 1911 census and where Robert attended Bangor Grammar School.

When the war broke out Robert, his father David, and older brother David junior enlisted in the 13th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. While there is no record to indicate when David junior enlisted, part of his father's Service Record survived which gives a date of 14th September 1914 and the entry for Robert's Silver War Badge gives his date as 20th November 1914. David seniors record also indicated that he had previously served seven years in the Royal Garrison Artillery.


Tragedy hit the family shortly afterwards however when, in October, his mother Mary died of ovarian cancer. The Newtownards Chronicle of 23rd October 1914 reported:

"... Deceased was the wife of David M'Connell, one of the Bangor U.V.F. at present in camp at Clandeboye. The case is a peculiarly sad one, as deceased leaves a family of ten children, six of whom are totally unfit to provide for themselves. Mrs. M'Connell has been ailing for several weeks, and it is much to be feared that a woman in humble circumstances could not, with the delay in the Government remittances, have received nourishment requisite to her delicate condition. Mr. M'Connell is well-known in Bangor having, before he enlisted, been in the employment of Mr. Hugh Morrow as driver of a dust cart for the Urban Council."

His father was discharged in November to look after the young family.

On the 1st July 1916, Robert's brother David was reported as killed at the Somme.

In December 1916 Robert's brother George, now living in Donaghadee, married Bridie Coughlin. They later moved into the family home in Church Street.

Robert and his brother David are remembered on the
memorial in St Comgall's parish church

In September 1917 his father David re-enlisted in Belfast with the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was later transferred to the Labour Corps before being compulsorily transferred to the Durham Light Infantry (28th Batt.) in June 1918. He was demobilised in February 1919 and was finally discharged in March 1920.

Robert became ill and developed pulmonary tuberculosis and in April 1917 was discharged from the Army going to live in the family home in Church Street.

On the 5th March 1918, Robert McConnell died in Forster Green Hospital of Pulmonary Haemorrhage aged 20.

DORNAN, Matthew

Private, 1st Batt., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Service No: 8956
Died: 13/02/1919
Age: 30

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Matthew was born in Beech Street, Belfast, on the 11th September 1889. He was the son of  Joseph Dornan, a brick burner, and his wife Mary Dornan (nee McGreavey) and was the third of their four children.

The family lived at various addresses in Belfast: Taggarts Houses, Lower Ballysillan, where sibling Agnes was born in 1895; Lawnview Street in the 1901 census; and Mayo Street in the 1911 census and later.

Matthew worked in the Blackstaff Flax Spinning and Weaving Co. on the Springfield Road.

On the 7th February 1907 Matthew, then aged 18, enlisted for full-time service in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers having previously served in the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion.

He served in Malta, China and India where he spent part of his service working as a hospital orderly and in June 1914, he re-enlisted for another 2 years.

Matthew went to Gallipoli with the 1st Battalion in March 1915 and in August 1915 was sent to hospital with dysentery from which he suffered with continually off and on over the next year.

In 1916 the Battalion went to France but Matthew continued to suffer bouts of ill health.

In November 1917 he was finally discharged due to his health, his discharge papers recording that his discharge was due to "Disability caused by military service... attributable to... climate, stress of campaign, dysentery enteric and trench foot; Disability melancholia."

He is recorded as a Lance-Corporal on his discharge papers.

Matthew on being discharged went to live with his aunt Mrs Brown who lived in Ruby Street, Bangor.

It was there that Matthew died on the 13th February 1919 aged 28 of septic pneumonia and cardiac failure.

CROZIER, Walter Henry

Walter and William Crozier*

Sergeant, 5th Royal Irish Rifles.

Interred in Bangor Cemetery.

Walter Henry Crozier was born on the 15 October 1881 in Carrickblacker, Co Armagh.

He was the son of William James Crozier, a coachman, and his wife Henrietta Crozier (nee Neill) and the third of their six children.

The family moved to Bangor in the late 1890s after the birth of the youngest child Elizabeth (known as May) who was born 1895 and where living in 72 Castle Street at the time of the 1901 census. Walter at this time is recorded as being a coach carpenter.

In 1902 Walter, now living in Bellevue Street, Belfast, married Annie Nelson in St Anne's Parish Church, Belfast.

They moved back to the Bangor area and it was here they had six children – William James (1903, Bangor); Hugh Nelson (1905, Groomsport); Walter Henry (1907, Groomsport); Archibald (1909, Bangor); Frederick (1912, Bangor. Walter now working as a Van Man); and Samuel, (1914, Bangor.)

Their second child, Hugh, died at only 8 months old.

When war broke out Walter and his brother William enlisted. Walter quickly progressed and was recorded as Pioneer Sergeant with the 5th Royal Irish Rifles stationed at Victoria Barracks, Belfast when their son Samuel was born.

Sadly Walter's wife Annie died on 11 December 1914 in Newtownards Workhouse. The cause of death was recorded as "general debility following childbirth – 1 month – pleurisy and cardiac failure 1 day certified." It has been stated that Samuel was later adopted.

While family lore said Walter stayed on Home Service training troops at Clandeboye, the Medal Roll for the Victory Medal shows that while Walter did spend most of his service with the 5th Reserve Battalion he may have enlisted with the 7th Reserve in Belfast before transferring to the 5th and also did brief stints with other battalions overseas.

Entry for Walter on the Roll for the Victory Medal.

Walter later married Mary Finlay on 11 February 1919 in St. Anne's Parish Church, Belfast.

William, Walter's younger brother, enlisted in the Royal Irish Rifles, and served with the 13th Battalion. He was killed in May 1917 at Kemmel Hill.

Walter's later life was beset with problems as some of his sons became involved in a life which brought them in constant contact with the courts.

In 1933 Walter's son Archibald married Alice Rice.

With the onset of the Second World War Walter's four sons – William, Walter, Archibald and Frederick – enlisted in the Army: William is reported as having been drowned in the Nile while on R&R; Walter in the RASC with the 8th Army; and Archibald is reported as being at Dunkirk and suffering later as a result.

Archibald died at the family home in Hazelbrooke Avenue in 1941.

Walter passed away there 10 years later on the 9th May 1951.

CROZIER – May 9, 1951, at his residence, 11 Hazelbrooke Avenue, Bangor, Walter, dearly-loved husband of Mary Crozier. House and funeral private. – Deeply regretted by the Family Circle.

Belfast Telegraph, 9 May 1951.

* This image is belived to be of Walter and William Crozier  although it is not confirmed or known who is who.

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.)

MURPHY, John

Rifleman, 3rd Batt., Royal Irish Rifles
Service No: 7446
Died: 14/12/1918
Age: 29

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

John Murphy was born on 23rd January 1889 in 22 College Street West, the fourth child of James Murphy, a labourer, and his wife Sarah (nee Simpson).

As was common with lower working class families at the time, the family can be found living at a number of addresses and where living in Eureka Street at the time of the 1901 Census. However, the family had moved once again and where living in Bentham Street when his mother Sarah died in 1904.

In June 1908, John now living in Conway Street, he enlisted in the Royal Irish Rifles (Special Reserve). As part of a restructuring of the militia regiments that year this had been the 4th Royal Irish Rifles with which John had served previously.

On the outbreak of war, John was called up and went to France in September 1914 with the Expeditionary Force. He was wounded and sent home in October 1914 with a gun shot wound to his right thigh.

Although the wound caused no permanent incapacity John was now suffering from chronic bronchitis. It was believed this had originated in 1914 when he was at camp near Belfast and had been aggravated by his service in France. He was discharged on 16th April 1915 as no longer physically fit for service.

His condition gradually worsened and in April 1917 he applied for a Total Disablement Pension.

On 7th November 1918 John married Margaret Foley in St. Matthews Church, Ballymacarrett.

Unfortunately, they weren't to have much time together, for just five weeks later, on 14 December 1918, John was to die of heart failure at the home of his sister Elizabeth in Bangor.

MORRISON, Thomas Dawson MC

Captain, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Died: 03/03/1985
Age: 92

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Thomas Dawson Morrison was born on 14th September 1893 to James Morrison, a School Teacher and Mary Ann Morrison (nee Dawson).

The eldest of their four children, Thomas and his family lived in Mountstewart before moving to Regent Street in Newtownards.

On enlisting Thomas was appointed temporary Second Lieutenant in Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers from 16th November 1915. While acting Lieutenant and adjutant he was promoted Lieutenant on 1st July 1917; and acting Captain while holding appointment of adjutant from 3rd August 1917.

Thomas was award the Military Cross on 16th September 1918: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a heavy enemy attack he led an assaulting party with great dash, and retook a position. Throughout operations his untiring energy and cheerfulness were of the greatest assistance."

He was also award the Croix de Guerre in 1918: "The President of the French Republic has awarded the Croix de Guere to Captain T. D. Morrison, M.C., 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Newtownards, and Second-Lieutenant J. M. M'Caw, M.C., 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, formerly of Portglenone. Belfast Newsletter, 16th December 1918

After the war, in 1920, Thomas enlisted in the Royal Irish Constabulary and on the formation of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1922 was District Inspector

In 1925 he married Elizabeth Stuart, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Stuart, Bank of Ireland House, Newtownards.

In November 1926, Thomas was one of six Ulstermen appointed to the Dublin Bar and in January 1927 was called the following to the Bar of Northern Ireland.

Thomas died on 3rd March 1985.

MORRISON, T. D. (Captain) — The Officers and General Council of the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council regret to learn of the death of their esteemed Life Vice-president and former Chairman and tender their deepest sympathy to his Wife and Family Circle.

Belfast Telegraph, 5th March 1985

MORRISON, THOMAS DAWSON (Captain) -— Died March 3, 1985, — Service tomorrow (Thursday), 11.30 a.m. at Ballygilbert Presbyterian Church, and then to Bangor New Cemetery. — Deeply regretted by his Wife Margaret and Sons Daryl and Peter.

Belfast Telegraph, 6th March 1985

MORRISON, T. D. (Captain) — March 3, 1985. – The Officers and Members of the Ulster Council, Irish Amateur Boxing Association deeply regret the death of their former President and tender their deepest sympathy to his Wife and Sons. – A. Uprichard, President; P. McCrory, Secretary.

Belfast Telegraph, 7th March 1985