IRWIN, William Duncan

Sergeant, 2nd Batt., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Service No: 4459560
Died: 16/03/1944

Interred in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

William Duncan Irwin was born in Belfast on 25 June 1893 at the home of his maternal grandmother 145 M'Donnell Street. He was the son of William Henry Irwin, a tailor, and his wife Annie (nee Mathers). The fifth of their eventual nine surviving children, the family had been living there since his parents marriage in 1883 but had by this time moved to Larne and where now living in Adelaide Terrace.

Between 1897 and 1900 the family returned to Belfast and where living in Upper Frank Street at the time of the 1901 census before moving again to Ulsterdale Street where their last child was born in 1905. By 1911 the family had moved to Victoria Avenue in Bangor

In November 1912, William enlisted with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Reserves (SN: 2867) where he gave his occupation as Assistant Steward. He gave the family home at this time as Somerset Avenue, Bangor. Curiously his age is recorded as 17 years and 9 months.

He was mobilised on 6 August 1914 and posted to the 4th Battalion. Appointed Lance Corporal on 1 December 1914 he was further promoted Corporal in March 1915, Lance Sergeant in November 1915 and Sergeant in May 1916.

William was then posted to the 7th Battalion in June 1916.

He was admitted to hospital Dublin with suspected TB but was diagnosed with bronchitis before being discharged on 25 February 1918.

He was then transfered to 3rd Battalion in May 1918.

In January 1919 he was transferred to No 11 Officer Cadet Battalion at Pirbright and gazetted as Temporary Second Lieutenant on 8 March 1919. However he didn't serve as an officer for long as he was then demobilised to Class Z reserve on 10 March 1919.

In September 1919 sailed for America where he became a salesman for American Mills of New York.

He worked there for a number of years. Records show him returning home in August 1923 before returning to Newark, NJ, from Liverpool on 8 September 1923.

He later returned to sea in 1932 working as a waiter until at August 1939 sailing on various vessels such as the Llanstephan Castle, Oronsay, and Grantully Castle.

He re-enlisted in the Second Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and served in the Middle East. He took ill and died in No. 64 General Hospital, Alexandria on 16 March 1944 and was buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery.

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."

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

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

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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.

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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 News Letter, 12th July 1916

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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

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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.

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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, 21st 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

SMYTH, Irvine Johnston

Second Lieutenant, 6th Batt., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Died: 03/09/1915
Age: 23

Interred in Green Hill Cemetery
Remembered on family Memorial Bangor Cemetery

Irvine Johnston Smyth was born in Hill Street, Lurgan, on the 18th December 1891. He was the eldest of three sons of William Henry Smyth, a Methodist Minister and Mary Jemima Ruskell Smyth (nee Johnston).

His parents were married on 11th September 1890 in Donaghadee Methodist Church where Mary’s father, Rev Irvine Johnston, ministered from 1890 until 1893.

He was educated at the Belfast Academy, Methodist College, Belfast (receiving a M'Arthur Scholarship in 1905) and Wesley College, Dublin. He passed the Matriculation examination of Royal University of Ireland in 1908 and went to Trinity College, Dublin.

Irvine was working in the Civil Service on the outbreak of war and enlisted in the 6th Royal Highlanders (Black Watch Territorials)  It wasn't long before he transferred to the Officers Training Corps and was commissioned as Second-Lieutenant on the 16th December 1914 and posted to the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

Irvine landed in Gallipoli with his battalion on 7th August 1915 in command of a machine gun section. On 28th August, he wrote a letter to the sister of Private David Barras Smith, the section's range finder, telling her of his death and of how David saved the life of Captain Robert Stevenson when he was wounded on the day of landing. "Its a lovely letter," says David's great nephew, "and even more moving after looking at Irvine's story too and learning of his death only weeks later."

In a letter received by his father, a fellow officer wrote – "He was in charge of the machine-guns, and he very soon became known along the line of trenches for his skill. Other officers from other regiments would come along to see how Smyth, of the Inniskillings, had placed his guns, and to check their ranges by his. For coolness under fire and disregard of danger there were few his equal. One day he and I were huddled together under a little cover, and the enemy were picking off anybody who showed himself, from a close range, when a man was hit not far from us. Smyth jumped up immediately to do what he could for the wounded man, regardless of his own danger. It was the same when any of his own men were hit. He never hesitated to expose himself. I have lost a friend, the 6th Inniskillings have lost a skilled and important officer, and the men a splendid leader."

"SMYTH OF THE INNISKILLINGS."

Tribute to a Gallant Officer.

A tribute to the memory of Second-Lieutenant Irvine J. Smyth, 6th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, whose death in the Gallipoli Peninsula was recently reported, is paid in a letter received by his father from a brother officer, who writes – "He was in charge of the machine-guns, and he very soon became known along the line of trenches for his skill. Other officers from other regiments would come along to see how Smyth, of the Inniskillings, had placed his guns, and to check their ranges by his. For coolness under fire and disregard of danger there were few his equal. One day he and I were huddled together under a little cover, and the enemy were picking off anybody who showed himself, from a close range, when a man was hit not far from us. Smyth jumped up immediately to do what he could for the wounded man, regardless of his own danger. It was the same when any of his own men were hit. He never hesitated to expose himself. I have lost a friend, the 6th Inniskillings have lost a skilled and important officer, and the men a splendid leader." 

    This gallant officer was a son of Rev. W. H. Smyth, a Newtownards man, who was formerly minister of University Road and Carlisle Memorial Methodist Churches, Belfast, and who has accepted an invitation to the latter congregation for June, 1916. Deceased, who was a grandson of Rev. Irvine Johnston, Bangor, was born in Lurgan.

Belfast Newsletter, 9th October 1915

MORROW, David

Second Lieutenant, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attd. 6th Rajputana Rifles
Service No: 190209
Died: 30/09/1942
Age: 29

Interred in Rawalpindi War Cemetery (Punjab, Pakistan).
Remembered on Family Memorial in Bangor Cemetery

David Morrow was born in Ballymagee Street, Bangor, on 28th June 1913. He was the son of Matthew Morrow, a plumber, and his wife Agnes Morrow (nee Moffatt).

He was educated at Bangor Grammar School and his Headmaster wrote on his death: "He was a quick-witted, clever, attractive youngster — a favourite with everyone — but, frankly, no scholar: I think he was too full of restless vitality and a craving for action for that. His figure was lithe and slight, but intensely athletic, and as he grew older he shot up very straight and tall. He took a very prominent part from the first in the school games: We have photographs of him in a small boys’ team, in the Medallion side of 1928, in the 1st XV rugby side of 1930, and in the 1st XV cricket team of 1931. He played in various positions in the back division: I remember him specially as the scrum-half of his year’s 1st XV under Fred McMurray’s captaincy.

“He was strikingly handsome as a boy and later as a young man, with curling fair hair over mobile and expressive features. His smile was characteristic of him; it was always there — a smile of complete friendliness and good nature entirely simple and natural. He had a capacity for mischief — and when he was punished for neglecting his work or getting into trouble he bore no resentment. He frequently exasperated his teachers, but no one could be angry with him for long. I seem to remember that he was fond of dogs and had a way with them, and that he was useful at times in taking charge of stray dogs that had found their way into our classrooms — to the immense delight of the boys."

After leaving school David began a succesful career in the world of insurance.

When he enlisted he went to the Officer Cadet Training Corp and was commissioned as Second-Lieutenant in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on the 7th June 1941.

MORROW – September (in India), Second-Lieutenant David Morrow, third and youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Morrow, Ward Avenue, Bangor.

Belfast Newsletter, 9th September 1942.