HOLLAND, Julius Charles

Sergeant Julius Holland

Sergeant/Observer, 107 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service No: 745631
Died: 23/07/1940
Age: 19
    
Interred in Tangmere (St. Andrew) Churchyard
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Julius Charles Chennell Holland was born on 17 October 1920 in Bombay India. He was the son of Julius Alfred Holland and his wife Beryl Ethel De La Hoyde Chennell. Julius, 24, who was working in the Imperial Civil Service, had married 17-year-old Beryl in Poona, Bombay, the previous January.

The family moved to England where his sister Phyllis was born in 1923, and thence to Bangor when his father joined the Northern Ireland Ministry of Finance.

On 23rd July 1940 his aircraft, a Bristol Blenheim Mark IV, was returning to RAF Wattisham in Suffolk after a night raid on an airfield near Criel in Northern France when it was lost over the channel. His body was washed ashore and he was buried in Tangmere Churchyard in Sussex. The bodies of his crew mates Sergeant William Patrick O'Heney and Pilot Officer Peter George Anthony Watson where never recovered and both are remembered on the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede.

A Bristol Blenheim Mark IV

 

BANGOR AIRMAN MAKES SUPREME SACRIFICE

SERGEANT-OBSERVER C. J. HOLLAND
BRILLIANT R.A.F. CAREER
OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOY

We regret to record the death on active service of Sergeant-Observer Charles Julius Holland Royal Air Force.

The deceased airman, who was only 19 years of age, was a member of the R.A.F. Reserve and on the outbreak of hostilities joined his unit in England as an Aircraftsman. He took a very keen interest in the Air Force and was successful in passing the rigorous examinations. On 1st July he was posted as a Sergeant/Observer and began his short career of active service. He took part in several raids over enemy territory and it would appear it was whilst returning from a raid that he lost his life.

Sergeant Holland attended the Central P.E.S. and passed to the Grammar School on an entrance Scholarship. It is probable that he is the first Old Boy to make the supreme sacrifice in the present war. During his school career he was a prominent member of the Debating Society and the Dramatic Society, and took part in a number of the public performances of the latter Society.

He entered the Northern Ireland Civil Service two years ago and was employed in the Ordnance Survey Department. Possessed of a cheerful, winsome personality, Sergeant Holland was extremely popular and highly-respected by his colleagues.

The deceased airman was gifted with a distinct literary ability and it is possible that he might have made a name for himself in literary circles if his life had not been cut short.
Sergeant Holland’s father transferred from the Imperial Civil Service to an executive post in the Ministry of Finance. He was a great admirer of the town and came to live in Bangor seven years ago. Unfortunately he succumbed to an illness shortly after his arrival.

The first news of Sergeant Holland’s mishap was the receipt of a telegram by his mother on 23rd July stating that her son was missing. On Tuesday she received a further telegram stating that the body had been washed ashore on the Sussex coast and had been buried with full military honours.

To the bereaved mother and sister, who reside at 8, Hazeldene Park, we tender our sincere sympathy and trust that they wall receive consolation by the thought that their loved one sacrificed himself willingly in a noble and righteous cause.

County Down Spectator, 3rd August 1940

Memorial in St Comgall's Parish Church, Bangor

 

DEAD BANGOR AIR HERO'S MOVING LETTERS

NOBLE SENTIMENTS FINELY EXPRESSED
“WE WILL WIN THE WAR”

We are privileged to print extracts from letters written to his mother by 19-year-old Sergeant-Observer Charles Julius Holland, R.A.F., during the weeks immediately before his death in a raid over Germany. The fine, manly, Christian spirit that breathes in every line may well give us confidence in the knowledge that our glorious Air Force, manned by Britain’s steadfast, fearless youth, cannot know defeat.

In his last letter, dated 20th July, Sergt.-Observer Holland gives, to use his own words, “a wee word of advice and comfort.” “Don’t let the situation get you down,” he writes. “There is absolutely no danger of England losing this war. This is a time of hardship for everyone, and each Briton, worthy of that name, stands shoulder to shoulder with his fellow. Every farmer, every citizen, is a soldier. There is no panic here. That Elizabethan spirit of adventure and courage is stirring this country in a way that only the beacons and lands could do in the Middle Ages. I never thought we could be so aroused  — perhaps England is like a lion wakening from sleep, a little drowsy, but in a minute ready to roar and, more effective still, ACT! Don’t listen to that foul traitor whose nickname is Lord Haw Haw; he reminds me of a viper. His subtle outpourings are really made for the ears of the credulous. Never yet has one been true. When he fades off the air suddenly, one of us is going near his little haunt at Bremen. Then he fears and trembles and tells his wireless station to close down, so terrified is he of our bombers.
“Dearest Mother — England’s stake in this war can be helped by you and the thousands of Home Front soldiers as much as by us. If I repeat myself remember “Every careless, thoughtless word spoken at home is but another bullet in my ’plane.”

“I Have Got my Flying Badge.”

The young airman’s pride when he gets his flying badge gives an exultant note to his letter of 24th June.

“To-day is the grandest day in my life,” he writes, — “it ranks with my scholarship exam, and my Civil Service Exam.; — I have got my flying badge. I am now a real observer. I look at it every minute to make sure it does not fade away — oh! I am so pleased. It has been a long time in coming but now it’s here, resting above my left hand top pocket.

“Cheer up and don’t be upset because France is out,” the letter continues. “There is no need to worry. That spirit that won Waterloo and the Grand Armada has suddenly risen up again in this slow moving country. The ghosts of the past, Nelson, Drake and Wolffe, will rejoice at the grim determination that is sweeping over the country. It has taken this to awake Englishmen and Irishmen too. What greater watchword can we have than “No Surrender,” that glorious cry which awoke fear in the attackers of Derry. We, in the 20th century, can well turn back the pages of history and find that invincible spirit of England, Britain, Youth and glory. Who can fear now — are we cowards, are we down-hearted? — No! Life is given man to enable him to accomplish things and what greater cause is there than that of right, freedom and God. Tough and terrible as we are, we still look to God for victory and the support of his angels.”

Action at Last.

“Action at last!” he writes further on. “Where I am going is a secret which I do not know. Roaring over Germany or Italy to destroy pestilence and to endeavour to hit only military objectives. I am going to be careful where I drop my bombs and I hope the German airmen will respect our hospitals even as we have pledged ourselves to respect theirs.

“Tell my friends that we are going to win, because we are (I can easily see this from a Service viewpoint). So tell them this and together we can help to smash some filthy lie or foul propaganda that is the secret weapon of Hitler. I am sending you in this letter one of my props (I won’t need it, I hope). Keep this in your hand-bag. Every time you hear someone, or feel inclined perhaps yourself, talking morbidly or downheartedly, show it to. them (do not be afraid) and say “Here is a token of an airman who may be at this time flying over. Germany; he is my son and he is not downhearted; his friends and he rely upon you not to let them down by even thinking of defeat.”

“The Sweetness of Life.”

Here is another poignant extract:—

“You have heard often that proverb: ‘One good moment is enough for any man.’ My moment will come I know and I am sure I shall be ready and do the right thing before it passes. The sweetness of life is not in merely living, the greatest thing I can think of to do will be nothing in the sight of those who have gone before me. Even although I am going to more or less “live by the second,” I am sure the Great Lord will consider us in our struggle for Christianity, Freedom and the ultimate emancipation of all nations. No man is fit to live who has not put something into life, and we Britons have the chance to make the greatest history that has ever been written. Hastings will be mild compared to our glorious stand at this present critical hour. To me, life and death are so near and are such partners of mine, that I feel if I die I shall only see a transition. Mother, I want you to remember England in her struggle every day and with your prayers and thoughts combined with the thousands of others on the Home Front, victory is already won.

“My pilot is here with me and we are going to see if we can fox the Huns as much as possible. I am working out all sorts of marvellous dodges to fool them (I hope they work). I have even started playing with toy aeroplanes trying to evolve some intricate manoeuvre that will beat ’em. There is no doubt that they are windy—  windy as anything. I would hate to fly with a Hun pilot. At any rate, I am not underestimating them — some of them are the “goods.”

“The Sustaining Power.”

“Please don’t worry about me,” Sergt Observer Holland writes elsewhere, . . . “I want you to thank personally those people who have been thinking and praying for me. . . . I have felt the sustaining power lately that comes only from God. This is another reason why I am not afraid any more. I have been near it once or twice then I have felt the protection of a Power that is higher and more powerful than we can imagine. I don’t profess to have changed much, mother. I am not a person who could. I still smoke, go to pictures and enjoy worldly pleasures, but I hope I am not irreverent when I say at the same time I enjoy thinking of God, of life after this, and I am trying to develop the qualities that Daddy had. I want to be as strong minded, as respected as he was but I am afraid I am too easily won by things that are not so good.”

The dead airman’s mother lives at 8 Hazeldene Park, Bangor. His last letter (July 20) was written three days before she received a telegram reporting him as “missing.” A week later she received a second telegram informing her that his body had been washed up on the English coast and had been buried with full military honours. He was formerly a pupil at Bangor Grammar School.

County Down Spectator, 10th August 1940

MEEK, William Johnston

Master, S.S. Hatasu (Liverpool), Merchant Navy
Date of Death: 02/10/1941
Age: 48

Remembered of Tower Hill Memorial
Remembered on family memorial Bangor Cemtery

William Johnston Meek was born on 14th January 1893, in Ballymagee Street, Bangor. He was the son of David Meek, a draper, and his wife Anna (nee Johnston) and was the second of their nine children.

His father David, was a native of Portadown and had married Anna in Belfast in 1890 where was woking as a pawnbroker. After the marriage they moved to Ballymagee Street (now High Street) in Bangor, where he took up trade as a draper. They later moved to Ardbracken Terrace before moving to Clifton Road, the home of Anna's father William, a retired Master Mariner.

After school young William took after his grandfather (who had an interesting life story) and went to sea and by 1915 was 4th Officer on board the ss Colonial sailing to South Africa.

He served in the merchant navy throughout the Great War earning his Mercantile Marine medal and by 1928 had gained the rank of 2nd officer on the ss Armarna sailing round the Mediterranean.

He married a girl called Elizabeth but I have been unable to confirm any details at this point. Elizabeth was living in Southport, Lancashire, when granted administration of his estate in 1943.

ss Hatasu

In 1941, William was serving as master of the ss Hatasu, sailing from Manchester to New York in ballast, when she was torpedoed and sunk by U431 approx 600 miles east of Cape Race. Thirty four crew and six gunners were lost. Seven survivors were picked up by the USS Charles F. Hughes after seven days in boat and landed at Reykjavik.

William is recorded on the Second World War Memorial window
in First Bangor Presbyterian Church

Ulster Names in Casualty Lists
Among a list of deaths of members of the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets is the name of William Johnston Meek, master, 71, Clifton Road, Bangor.
Northern Whig, Thursday, 7th May 1942

Master Mariners Death. -- A list of members of the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets who have been killed by enemy action includes the name of William Johnston Meek, master, of 71, Clifton Road, Bangor.
Belfast Newsletter, Thursday, 7th May 1942

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.

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.

McCANN, Thomas Andrew

Pilot Officer T. A. McCann

Pilot Officer, 134 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service No: 116980
Died: 27/07/1942
Age: 23
 
Interred in El Alamein War Cemetery
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Thomas Andrew McCann was born in Osborne Terrace, Lisburn Road, Belfast, on 9th May 1919, the son of Thomas Andrew Mitchell McCann, an Income Tax Inspector and his wife Florence A. McCann (nee Sheppard).

Thomas was educated at Bangor Grammar School, and on leaving took up a position with the Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

He joined the R.A.F.V.R. in January, 1939, and was called up on the outbreak of war, got his wings on his 21st birthday.

Thomas took part in the Battle of Britain before being posted to 134 Squadron which went to Russia in August 1941, leaving there in November.

Commissioned in February 1942, Thomas was posted with 134 Squadron, which were operating Hurricanes, to North Africa.

He had been attached to 213 Squadron and, on July 27th 1942, was scrambled from Landing Ground 154, south-west of Alexandria. The squadron was bounced by Me109s as they took off and he and two other pilots were killed.

Thomas was survived by his wife Barbara Bradshaw and an eight-month-old daughter.

Mr. M. Wilkins, M.A., Headmaster of Bangor Grammar School, writing of Thomas said:—

“It was with deep regret that we learn that hope appears to be abandoned for the safety of Pilot-Officer Thomas A. M'Cann, last week reported to have been killed on active service in the Middle East. Another young life has been added to the tragic and glorious roll of Old Boys of Bangor Grammar School who have made the supreme sacrifice in the present war. To-day we reckon their number at seventeen, while the fate of at least three more is still uncertain and two others are prisoners of war.

“Tom M'Cann joined the School in September, 1931, at the age of twelve, and was with us for three years. It seems a long time ago, but the memory of that slight active little fair-haired figure and of his blue eyes and friendly humorous smile seems as vivid as yesterday. He was not a scholar, but everyone liked him, and he joined with goodwill and enthusiasm in all the activities and rough-and-tumble of school life. He never gave any trouble that I knew of, for his heart was in the right place in boyhood as in manhood. He was just a good sample of the average boy — inconspicuous and modest, but capable of quiet heroism in response to inspiring leadership. His great day came when unexpectedly he won the Mile Race at the annual athletic sports! Aged only fifteen and looking absurdly small to be the winner, he ran with graceful action and perfect steadiness: never was there so popular a win, never do I remember such a scene of delighted excitement. His name became a household word with us, and it was no surprise to hear in later years, of his front-line service with the Royal Air Force and of his pioneer work in flying Hurricanes to the North Russian front.

“It is a great privilege and responsibility to have the care of boys like Tom M'Cann in the critical years when they are growing into men. And an even greater responsibility rests upon us all to labour that the Divine Purpose inherent in such lives and deaths may be fulfilled.”

DIED ON ACTIVE SERVICE
McCann – November, 1941, result of enemy action, Thomas, second son of Mrs. F. A. McCann, 92, Gregg Street, Bangor, and the late Mr. Thomas McCann. Deeply regretted by his sorrowing Mother, Brother and Sister.



CWGC headstone photo Colonel C. R. Romberg, R.A.
Portrait photo from the Battle of Britain Monument website.

SMYTH, John Stanley

Pilot Officer John S. Smyth

Pilot Officer (Navigator), 51 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service No: 139301
Died: 26/07/1943
Age: 29

Interred in Castricum Protestant Churchyard, Holland
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

John Stanley Smyth was born on 18th April 1914 at 16 Victoria Road, Bangor, to John Smyth, a grocer, and Sara Smyth (nee McClean).

He was educated at Main Street P.E.S. and Bangor Grammar School being a playing member of the School Rugby XV. (later playing for Bangor Rugby Club) and gained the Q.U.B. Matriculation in 1931.

On leaving school, John became an apprentice in the pharmacy business of Mr. R. M'Cutcheon, Bangor. He qualified as a Member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland and was later in the employment of Mr. R. Morrow, Conway Square, Newtownards.

In August 1941, he married Olive Perry of Londonderry, and their son was born on 9th December 1943.

He joined up in July, 1942, and on completing his training in England and the U.S.A., he received his commission as Pilot Officer in March, 1943.

His younger brother, Sergeant Bertie Smyth, R.A., was captured at Tobruk in June, 1942.

His bomber was shot down in July 1943 and his body was recovered from the sea and was buried in August in the cemetery at Castrium, North Holland.

KILLED ON ACTIVE SERVICE
SMYTH — Pilot-Officer John Stanley Smyth, R.A.F.V.R., second son of the late John Smyth and of Mrs. Smyth Finlay, 20 Hamilton Road, Bangor, and beloved husband of Olive M. Smyth, 78 Beechwood Avenue, Londonderry. Buried Castrium, N. Holland, August, 1943.

Co. Down Spectator, 29th January 1944

MacCALLUM, John Evelyn Matier

Group Captain, Royal Air Force
Date of Death: 16/10/1943
Age: 37

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

John "Lyn" MacCallum was born on the 3rd October 1906 in Longstone Street, Lisburn. He was the son of William MacCallum, a teacher, and his wife Charlotte MacCallum (nee Williams).

After his education he entered the R.A.F. in 1923. Later gaining a cadetship at Cranwell, he was commissioned as a pilot officer in December 1927.

In 1931 he married Patricia Bishop in Ismailia, Egypt.

Until 1932 he was employed on flying an air pilotage duties with Army co-operation squadrons at home and in the Middle East. After three years as a flying instructor at home training schools he was with bomber squadrons in England in 1935-36. He then joined the Far East Command, and was subsequently appointed for personnel staff duties at its head-quarters in Singapore, where he was still serving in 1939.

He was promoted squadron leader in August, 1937, and wing commander, in June, 1940.

MacCALLUM -- In October, 1943, Group-Captain John Evelyn MacCallum, R.A.F., second son of Harry and Lottie MacCallum, Castle Street, Portadown, and husband of Corporal Mollie MacCallum, W.A.A.F.

Belfast Newsletter, 20th October 1943

MAY, Harold Anthony Kidd

Flight Lieutenant, 511 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

Service No: 81372

Died: 10/08/1943

Age: 21

    

Remembered on Runnymede Memorial

Remembered on family memorial in Bangor cemetery

Known as "Tony", Harold Anthony Kidd May was born in 1922, the son of Harold Kidd May, M.C., and his wife Cicely Alice May (nee Ray)

Educated at Bangor Grammar School, Tony joined the Royal Air Force on outbreak of hostilities and was promoted to Flight Officer in September 1940 at the age of 19.

In August 1943, Flight-Lieutenant Antony Kidd May was "reported missing, presumed lost at sea on air operations."

Maurice Wilkins, former headmaster of Bangor Grammar, writing in the school's magazine in 1965, said:

"Tony Kidd-May was in our junior school for some years — a fair curly-haired attractive and handsome boy with pleasant manners and highly intelligent. He showed excellent all-round promise and took a leading part in the Dramatic Society. I have a photograph which used to hang in the old H Room (now a lab.), showing Tony gesticulating on the bow of a ship and addressing his crew of ruffianly pirates just below — prominent among them, cheering with arms upraised, George Morrison, now internationally renowned in Film Research and Documentaries of the Irish revolutionary years of 40 to 60 years ago."

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.

APPERSON, George Johnston

Major, 13th Batt., Royal Irish Rifles
Died: 13/06/1950
Age: 59

Interred in Bangor cemetery

George Johnston Apperson was born in Wellington Place, Dundalk on the 6th January 1891. He was the eldest son of Francis Apperson, then a drapers assistant and his wife Margaret nee Johnston.

Shortly after, the family moved to Belfast were they resided in Jocelyn Avenue and, as his fathers prospects improved, to Bangor where they are recorded in the 19i1 census living in Sheridan Drive.

On leaving school George became a clerk in the firm of Messrs. W. and R. Barnett, grain merchants in Belfast and played Rugby football for North of Ireland.

On the formation of the UVF, he became a member of A Company, 1st Battalion, North Down Regiment and on the outbreak of war enlisted in the 13th (1st County Down Volunteers) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in November 1914 and received his training at Clandeboye and Seaford before going to France with his battalion.

In April 1916 he was wounded in several places when a bomb exploded prematurely.

On his return to duty in August 1916 he was promoted to Lieutenant but was wounded again two months later. He received his promotion to Captain in January 1917.

In March 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He, single-handed, attacked a party of five of the enemy and shot two of them with his revolver. He has at all times set a splendid example of courage and determination."

In September 1917, he was promoted to Major.

When the 13th Battalion was disbanded, he served with the 12th (County Antrim) Battalion and was in command of the cadre of the 1st Battalion on their return to England in May 1919 and returned to Belfast in June.

After the war he returned to W. & R. Barnett, Ltd., the Belfast grain importers, and in October 1921 he married Dorothy Boyd. He became Barnett's manager in South America until 1925 and eventually became a director of the firm.

On the outbreak of the Second World War he volunteered again, and after serving at several home stations was appointed to command the Queen's University Senior Training Corps, holding that post until 1940. He was made an honorary M.A. of the University.

Major Apperson was very active in the ex-Service community. He was chairman of the Ulster Division ex-Officers’ Association and of the British Legion’s Club in Chichester Street. He was a member of the Council of the Royal Ulster Rifles Association and vice-chairman of the Belfast branch of the British Legion.

APPERSON – June 13, 1950, in Hospital, George Johnston, Major, M.C., M.A., dear husband of Dorothy Apperson, 151, Malone Road, belfast. House and funeral strictly private. No flowers, please.

Northern Whig, 14th June 1950

CORRY, George Stanley

Flying Officer (Pilot), 225 Sqdn., Royal Air Force 
Service No: 49879
Died: 26/07/1944
Age: 23

Interred in Florence War Cemetery
Recorded on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Born in 1921, George Stanley Corry was the eldest son of Herbert F. Corry and his wife Isobella (nee Kirklands).

Educated at Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Stanley was also was a member of the Queen’s O.T.C. While at Inst. he played rugby and won several prizes for swimming and life-saving.

He enlisted with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in 1940 and received a cadetship to Sandhurst in April, 1941. Later that year he was commissioned in the North Irish Horse, and transferred to the R.A.F. in 1942. After receiving his wings he was promoted Flying Officer in mid 1943.

On the morning of 29th July 1944 his parents received an airgraph from him only to recieve a telegram that evening to inform them that their son had been killed on active service in Italy.

At the evening service in Trinity Presbyterian Church on Sunday, 30th July, the minister Rev. W.G. Wimperis said:— “Flying Officer Corry... was a fine, intelligent and handsome youth. He was destined for a useful career and had an aptitude for languages. A sincere Christian lad, he would doubtless have lived a useful life and filled an honourable place in a needy world. But the need of his country was paramount; he responded to the call and has laid down his life for us at the early age of 23."

Killed in Action
CORRY – Killed in action in July 1944, Flying-Officer George Stanley Corry, R.A.F., elder son of Herbert F. Corry, 27, Bryansburn Road, Bangor. Very deeply regretted.

Northern Whig and Belfast Post, 8th August 1944

SLOSS, Francis Neville

Corporal, 83 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service No: 1544915
Died: 18/06/1943
Age: 19

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Second World War memorial in
St. Comgall's Parish Church, Bangor

Francis Neville Sloss was born on 15th July 1923, the eldest son of Francis A. Sloss and Alice M. F. V. Sloss (nee Patchell). His father was a solicitor and the family were living in Central Avenue at the time of Francis' death.

Francis was educated at Sligo Grammar School and High School.

SLOSS – June 1943, Corporal Francis Neville Sloss, R.A.F.V.R., age 19 years, elder son of Francis A. Sloss, LL.B., Solicitor, Bangor, Co. Down, and grandson of the late Joseph Sloss, M.D., Staff Surgeon, Royal Navy, and of William A. Patchell, Belfast. Service in Abbey Church to-morrow (Wednesday), at 3 o'clock. After service, funeral to Bangor New Cemetery.

Northern Whig, 22nd June 1943.

CAMPBELL, Ian Gordon

Flight Sergeant, 619 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service No: 1489683
Died: 24/03/1944

Interred in Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery
This family headstone is in Bangor Cemetery

Ian is commemorated
on the memorial in Trinity
Presbyterian Church, Bangor

John (Ian) Gordon Campbell was born in Bangor on the 7th September 1913. He was the second son of Samuel Campbell and Jane M. Campbell (nee Armstrong). His father was a draper and the family lived on Main Street in Bangor.

He attended Bangor Grammar school along with his brother William. His headmaster Mr. Maurice Wilkins in writing an obituary for Ian records that "I well remember the morning in November, 1923, when his mother brought him, a small boy of ten years, with his elder brother Billy, to join Bangor Grammar School. Billy, quickly catching sight of faces of friends he knew, pushed in through the open door, eager for new experiences, but the little fair-haired brother was shy, ran back, and would not leave his mother's side. A bargain had to be made that he should have his freedom for the day and come to-morrow. So to-morrow he came and from that day never looked back till he fell fighting in the cause of justice and the freedom of mankind. He was a bright and apt pupil, and in 1929 he passed Northern Ireland Junior Certificate with three credits. After that, to our regret, he left us."

MILEY, Frederick James

Leading Aircraftman, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service No: 1056802
Died: 26/01/1942
Age: 28

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Frederick James Miley was born in Duke Street, Athy, on 29th August 1913. He was the son of Robert Miley, a grocer, and his wife Margaret Miley (nee Mansfield).

Fred Miley is recorded on the
Bangor Parish War Memorial
in St. Comgall's Church 

The family moved to Bangor and Fred was educated at Main Street school. Both he and his younger brother William (who also served in the RAF) attended Bangor Grammar School having both won Entrance Scholarships in 1926 – "probably the only case of two brothers winning scholarships together at the same examination" according to their headmaster Maurice Wilkins.

In a biography written by Mr. Wilkins on the death of Fred he said, "They were not boys one could forget — quiet, modest and industrious, of attractive bearing and manners, quick intelligence and brilliant promise. They excelled in all subjects — boys whom it was a real pleasure to have in a class, for the sake of the example they set of good conduct and splendid proficiency."

He enlisted in the RAF shortly after the outbreak of the war and served some time in the Middle East where he contracted an illness. He returned home where he died several weeks later.

WRIGHT, Robert

Civilian Casualty
Died: 17/04/1941
Age: 41

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Robert lived at Hazeldene Gardens, Bangor with his wife Louisa (CWGC.org give the address as 32 Avenue Baylands). On the night of 15th April 1941 the German Luftwaffe carried out the second of three air raids on Belfast. Some of the bombers missed their targets and several outlying areas where hit– one being Bangor. Robert was injured in the raid and died in Bangor Hospital two days later.

 
WRIGHT — April 17, 1941, at Hospital, Robert E., dearly-beloved husband of Louisa Wright, Hazeldene Gardens, Bangor. Funeral from Central Hall, Bangor, to-morrow (Sunday), 20th inst., at 4 p.m., to New Cemetery, Bangor. At Home with the Lord. Deeply regretted.

Northern Whig, 19th May 1941

HANNAY, Herbert (Bertie)

Flight Sergeant (Pilot), 51 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Service No: 754380
Died: 12/06/1941
Age: 21

Mentioned in Despatches 

Interred in Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Holland
Remembered on family memorial in Bangor Cemetery

Hertbert Hannay is recorded on the
Second World War Memorial Window
in First Bangor Presbyterian Church

Herbert Hannay (known as Bertie) was born on 28 February 1920 at 37 Prospect Road, Bangor. He was the son of William Herbert Hannay, a farmer, and his wife Rosa Hannay (nee Curragh).

His parents were married in 1911 in First Presbyterian Church, Donaghadee and Herbert was the youngest of their four known children his siblings being: William Henry Montgomery (b1911); Sarah Montgomery (b1913); and Jenny Winifred (b1915).

Bertie attended Main Street Boys’ Public Elementary School and Bangor Grammar School (where he was a scholarship student) after which he worked for the Century Insurance Company in Belfast.

Herbert joined the RAFVR in 1939 at No. 24 Elementary & Reserve Flying Training School (E & RFTS) which was operated by Short & Harland on behalf by the Ministry of Defence at Belfast Harbour Airport (now the George Best City Airport).

The Northern Ireland RAFVR had a basic programme, which consisted of the students attending lectures, marching drills and other military exercises twice a week at the RAFVR Headquarters at Saxone House in Donegall Place, Belfast and at weekends they attended No. 24 E & RFTS at Sydenham for flying training.

Over 300 young men joined the RAFVR between the 1 January 1939 and 1 May 1940. On 3 September 1939, 140 of them, including Herbert and his brother William (who served as a Sergeant-Observer), were called into full time service and posted to various RAF stations in England for further training. 92 of them were Killed in Action. Forty-eight of them survived.

A Roll of Honour for them was unveiled at Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI) in May 2019. 

On 10 June 1940, Herbert married Thomasina Eleanor (Ena) Weir in Whitewaltham Parish Church, Maidenhead, Berks. Ena's  parents were Mr and Mrs Robert Weir of Farnham Street, Belfast.

An Armstrong Whitworth Whitley in flight c1940

At 23:06 hours on 11 June 1941, Bertie was the co-pilot and one of five crew members on board an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mark V aircraft (Z6657) that took off from Dishforth airfield in Yorkshire.  Just over four hours later they were shot down by a German night-fighter and they crashed near Noord-Brabant in Holland. The five crew members who died were:
   Sergeant John BRADSHAW (1355770) Wireless Op [RAF]
   Sergeant James Edward GITTINS (937720) Observer [RAF]
   Flight Sergeant Herbert HANNAY (754380) Pilot [RAF]
   Sergeant Cyril Gerrard HUMBLE (939951) Wireless Op [RAF]
   Pilot Officer Paul Edward SNYDER (J/3732) Pilot [RCAF]

Writing in Bangor Grammar School's Gryphon Magazine, Maurice Wilkin's, a former headmaster, wrote: "Herbert (Bertie) Hannay was also a scholarship holder, a boy of genial and attractive character, who took part with zest in every school activity and was universally beloved..."

A silver bowl bearing the inscription "Hannay Memorial Bowl" was presented to Bangor Grammar School by his parents to be awarded annually for the best performance in the Ulster Schools Sports competition.

ROLL OF HONOUR

HANNAY — In proud and loving remembrance of our dearly loved youngest son (Bertie), Flight/Sergeant/Pilot Herbert Hannay, R.A.F.V.R., killed in action over Holland, June 12, 1941,
"Ever in our thoughts.”
Always remembered by his loving Father; Mother, Brother, Willie and Sister, Sadie, 39 Prospect Road, Bangor.
HANNAY — Treasured memories of my brother (Bertie) Flight/Sergeant/Pilot Herbert Hannay, R.A.F.V.R., killed in action, June 12, 1941.
“Beautiful memories, dearer than gold.”
Ever remembered by his Sister and Brother-in-law, Jean and George Mattthews, Groomsport Road, Bangor.

Co Down Spectator, 13 June 1953

GRATTAN, Angeline

Civilian Casualty
Died: 16/04/1941
Age: 18

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Angeline Grattan was the daughter of Andrew and Matilda Grattan and lived at 40 Ashley Gardens Bangor. On the night of 15th April 1941 the German Luftwaffe carried out the second of three air raids on Belfast. Some of the bombers missed their targets and several outlying areas where hit– one being Bangor. Angeline along with her mother Matilda and her sister Shelagh were killed in the raid.

Funeral of Raid Victims

The funeral took place yesterday to Bangor New Cemetery of Mrs. Matilda Grattan and her daughters, Shelagh (20) and Angeline (18), who lost their lives as the result of enemy action. A service was held in St. Comgall’s Catholic Church, Brunswick Road.
    The chief mourners were Mr. Andrew Grattan (husband and father), his married daughter, Mrs. G. O’Connell, of Galway, and her husband; another daughter, Miss Kathleen Grattan, and Mr. B. M’Kinney.
    Three sons, Messrs. Robert, George and Andrew, are abroad.
    The Mayor, Councillor W. M. M’Millan, and the Town Clerk, Mr. R. M. Moore, represented the Council and residents of the town. The services were conducted by the Rev. T. MacGowan, P.P., and the Rev. A. R. MacNabb, B.A., C.C.
    The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Jacob O’Neill, undertaker, Dufferin Avenue, Bangor.

    Northern Whig, 19th May 1941

GRATTAN, Shelagh

Civilian Casualty
Died: 16/04/1941
Age: 20

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Shelagh Grattan was the daughter of Andrew and Matilda Grattan and lived at 40 Ashley Gardens Bangor. On the night of 15th April 1941 the German Luftwaffe carried out the second of three air raids on Belfast. Some of the bombers missed their targets and several outlying areas where hit– one being Bangor. Shelagh along with her mother Matilda and her sister Angeline were killed in the raid.

Funeral of Raid Victims

The funeral took place yesterday to Bangor New Cemetery of Mrs. Matilda Grattan and her daughters, Shelagh (20) and Angeline (18), who lost their lives as the result of enemy action. A service was held in St. Comgall’s Catholic Church, Brunswick Road.
    The chief mourners were Mr. Andrew Grattan (husband and father), his married daughter, Mrs. G. O’Connell, of Galway, and her husband; another daughter, Miss Kathleen Grattan, and Mr. B. M’Kinney.
    Three sons, Messrs. Robert, George and Andrew, are abroad.
    The Mayor, Councillor W. M. M’Millan, and the Town Clerk, Mr. R. M. Moore, represented the Council and residents of the town. The services were conducted by the Rev. T. MacGowan, P.P., and the Rev. A. R. MacNabb, B.A., C.C.
    The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Jacob O’Neill, undertaker, Dufferin Avenue, Bangor.

    Northern Whig, 19th May 1941

GRATTAN, Matilda

Civilian Casualty
Died: 16/04/1941
Age: 54

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Matilda Grattan was the wife of Andrew F. Grattan and lived at 40 Ashley Gardens Bangor. On the night of 15th April 1941 the German Luftwaffe carried out the second of three air raids on Belfast. Some of the bombers missed their targets and several outlying areas where hit– one being Bangor. Matilda and her daughters Shelagh and Angeline were killed in the raid.

Funeral of Raid Victims

The funeral took place yesterday to Bangor New Cemetery of Mrs. Matilda Grattan and her daughters, Shelagh (20) and Angeline (18), who lost their lives as the result of enemy action. A service was held in St. Comgall’s Catholic Church, Brunswick Road.
    The chief mourners were Mr. Andrew Grattan (husband and father), his married daughter, Mrs. G. O’Connell, of Galway, and her husband; another daughter, Miss Kathleen Grattan, and Mr. B. M’Kinney.
    Three sons, Messrs. Robert, George and Andrew, are abroad.
    The Mayor, Councillor W. M. M’Millan, and the Town Clerk, Mr. R. M. Moore, represented the Council and residents of the town. The services were conducted by the Rev. T. MacGowan, P.P., and the Rev. A. R. MacNabb, B.A., C.C.
    The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. Jacob O’Neill, undertaker, Dufferin Avenue, Bangor.

    Northern Whig, 19th May 1941

LEE, Edward Elliott

Captain, Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Service No: 104897
Died: 19/12/1946
Age: 53

Interred in Bangor Cemetery

Edward Elliott Arthur Axford Lee was born in Dublin on the 21st June 1893. He was the son of Edward E. Lee and Eliza Lee (nee Axford) and the eldest of their six children. His father was a tobacco merchant operating out of premises at 23 Wellington Quay in Dublin, and Edward grew up at the family home in Lower Gardiner Street.

Working as a Solicitors Clerk when war broke out, Edward joined the Officer Training Corp and went to Sandhurst. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers on 26th June 1915 and had attained the rank of Captain by the end of the war. His brother, Harold, enlisted in the 10th Battalion in December 1915.

In July 1916, he married Ida Florence Hayes with whom he had three children and after the war he returned the the law. In the early 1920s, moving first to Craigavad, he took up a position as a law searcher at a legal firm in Arthur Street, Belfast.

Edward was a Freemason and in 1923 he became a founder member of the Ardath Lodge in the Freemasons Hall in Arthur Square in Belfast. It was also at this time tragedy struck the family when in August of that year they lost their 5-year-old son Teddie when he was struck by a motor car.

On the outbreak of the Second World War, Edward was recalled and commissioned into the RAOC and in 1941 took up the position of Commanding Officer of the Returned Stores Dept. in Templemore Street which was in the Ballymacarrett district of Belfast.
Edward died suddenly at his home on the Holywood Road, Belfast on 19th December 1946.

LEE – December 19, 1946, at his residence Hayeslee, Hollywood Road, Belfast, Captain EDWARD E. LEE, R.A.O.C., to the inexpressible grief of his Wife and Family. Funeral to-morrow morning (Saturday), at 10-30, from the above address to Bangor New Cemetery.

Belfast Telegraph, 20th December 1946

                                       ___________________________________

DEATH OF CAPTAIN E. E. LEE.

Captain Edward E. Lee, officer commanding the Returned Stores Depot, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Templemore St., Belfast, has died suddenly at his residence, 208 Holywood Road.
    Captain Lee was at Sandhurst in 1914, and served in the first World War with the 3rd Royal Dublin Fusiliers, attaining the rank of captain. Between the wars he carried on business in Arthur Street as a law searcher, and was well known in Belfast legal circles.
    In October 1939, Captain Lee was re-commissioned with the R.A.O.C., and served in England for a year before taking up his position in Belfast.
    He was a founder member of Ardath Masonic Lodge.
    Captain Lee is survived by his wife, a son, Flight-Lieut. Arthur E. Lee, R.A.F., and a daughter, Mrs. William Lynn, who resides in London.

Belfast Telegraph, 20th December 1946

                                       ___________________________________

Death of Captain E. E. Lee

The death has occurred suddenly at his residence, 208 Holywood Road, of Captain Edward E. Lee, O.C., the Returned Stores Depot, Templemore Street, Belfast.
    Captain Lee served in the 1914-1918 War with the 3rd Royal Dublin Fusiliers, attaining the rank of Captain. Afterwards he carried on business in Arthur Street as a law searcher and was well-known in Belfast legal circles. He was recommissioned with the R.A.O.C. in October, 1939.
    Surviving are his wife, a son, Flight-Lieut. Arthur E. Lee, R.A.F., and a daughter, Mrs. William Lynn, who resides in London.

Northern Whig and Belfast Post, 21st December 1946

                                       ___________________________________

Funeral of Captain E. E. Lee

Captain Edward E. Lee, 108, Holywood Road, O.C., Returned Stores Department, Belfast, was on Saturday interred in Bangor Cemetery with full military honours. Chief mourners were Flight-Lieutenant Arthur E. Lee, R.A.F. (son), and Mr. H. F. Lee and Mr. Victor Lee, (brothers).
    The War Office was represented by Major-General C. Causdale, C.B.E., and among those present was Lieut.-Colonel S. H. Hall Thompson, Minister of Education, an old friend of the family.
    The funeral arrangements were carried out by Thomas Johnson & Sons, Ltd., Bedford Street, Belfast.

Northern Whig and Belfast Post, 23rd December 1946