Chapter 5: Gongs and glory ..Ballymena at war 1914-1918

And when they ask us, how dangerous it was,

Oh, we’ll never tell them, no, we’ll never tell them:

We spent our pay in some cafe,

And fought wild women night and day,

‘Twas the cushiest job we ever had.

And when they ask us, and they’re certainly going to ask us,

The reason why we didn’t win the Croix de Guerre,

Oh, we’ll never tell them, oh, we’ll never tell them

There was a front, but damned if we knew where.

Lyrics: And when they ask us ..

A song of the Great War.

THE tail end of the 1960s was the hey-day of the ‘peace generation’.

Make love not war was a slogan which dominated the politics of the time and the sight of GIs in Vietnam flashing the peace sign and adorning their helmets and flak jackets with the peace symbol was ingrained in the public consciousness.

In that atmosphere, the hugely successful musical ‘Oh What A Lovely War’ was released and its strange mixture of wartime songs, surreal scenes and outright contempt for the politicians and generals who dominated the ‘Great War’ left a seemingly indelible mark on the beliefs of a generation.

The movie can be picked apart for historical inaccuracy and simplistic presentation but few, if any, will find fault with the sweeping final scene of thousands upon thousands of white crosses filling the screen to the refrains of the song ‘And when they ask us’.

It is an epic piece of cinema and if historians can dismiss much of the movie as flower powered propaganda, no-one can doubt the producers and directors had a genuine compassion for the men who fought and fell in this horrendous conflict.

However, during the war and for some years afterwards, while grief and loss took a terrible toll, there was an overwhelming spirit of unity and when the guns fell silent in November 1918 there was a clear and proud belief that Britain and her Allies had fought the good fight and, more importantly, had secured a clear victory.

To win the war required acts of courage from ordinary men in extra-ordinary circumstances.

In those days, gallantry was a quality held in the highest esteem. The values of the time were significantly different. Medal winners were extolled for their bravery not lambasted for stupidity. The cult of the cool coward was a product of the 60s and a host of anti-war movies and books.

In a similar vein, the role played by members of the medical profession in the Great War has received an unfavourable treatment in some quarters. Movies, novels and even comics have, more often than not, portrayed the man of medicine as an uncaring, snobbish oaf, all too keen to return men to duty or treat their ailments with a catch-all remedy of dubious worth.

And, of course, there must have been a proportion of bad eggs with a taste for whiskey and a character to match but one simply cannot argue with the volume of gallantry awards received by front-line medical officers, many of whom in this vastly expanded citizen army, were facing the horrors of 20th century warfare for the first time.

So it is fitting that the first man from Ballymena and District to win the Military Cross during the conflict was a member of the medical profession.

Captain William McMeekin Chesney of the Royal Army Medical Corps was gazetted for the MC in mid-1915. Sadly, details of the action for which he received the award have proved untraceable.

But it was not to be his only citation. The Ballymena Observer of September, 29 , 1917 recounted:

Captain William McMeekin Chesney MC, MB, RAMC has been awarded a ‘bar’ to the Military Cross. He is a son of Mr. David Chesney Ahoghill. He received his first award in 1915. The London Gazette stated: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of stretcher bearers. He continually visited the forward aid posts throughout the day and supervised the evacuation of the wounded under very heavy shell and machine gun fire. Though wounded, he refused to quit his post until he had rendered a valuable report on the evacuation of the wounded. He worked with indefatigable energy and great courage throughout.”

After the war, Chesney served with the army of occupation in Germany and later in India, retiring in 1921 with the rank of Major. In 1939, he was recalled to service, and, according to his obituary in the British Medical Journal of March 24, 1979:

“Still slim and upright, he was able to wear the same uniform he had discarded in 1921.”

The volume of casualties treated by men such as Chesney depended on men of lower rank but of equal dedication to helping their fellow man.

One of the most famous photographs of World War One shows a section of stretcher bearers up to their waists in the appalling mud of the Ypres battlefield. It would not be exaggeration to credit this revealing picture which encapsulates the slime, filth and putridness of combat with iconic status. It also tells us a great deal about the nature of human compassion, a quality which was obviously a major part of the character of

a Ballymena man, serving with the Canadian forces.

Private Arthur Holmes, of the Canadian Scots, had left his job as a farm labourer for a new life in Canada in the years just before the outbreak of war. On April 9, 1917, during the epic Canadian attack on German positions at Vimy Ridge, Arthur won the Military Medal while serving as a company stretcher bearer.

The particular act of bravery which merited the award was described as follows:-

“This man went forward as a company stretcher bearer. He displayed conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in dressing wounded men under shell fire. This work was so remarkably done that the most serious cases did not require a second dressing at the aid post.”

Just a few days after his exploits, Arthur Holmes was killed in action whilst tending more wounded men.

The Holmes family later received a letter from Captain J. P. S. Cathcart, Medical Officer to the Canadian Scots:-

Dear Mr. Holmes, you have no doubt before this received notice of your son Arthur’s death. He was killed during the operations of April 28th while at his duty tending to the wounded. We had his body removed and buried along with some of his comrades in the left of a small village. His grave is marked and I think as soon as they receive the particulars the Record Office will inform you of the map location.

“Arthur was without doubt the best boy in my medical section. It may be of interest to you to know that he was recommended for a decoration for his wonderful work under heavy fire in the battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9th. Unfortunately he was killed before he received it. We all feel his loss keenly and I myself feel as if his position cannot be filled. I extend to you my heartfelt sympathy in your sad bereavement and also that of my section.”

And the Observer recorded:-

Mr. David Holmes, Hugomont, Ballymena, has received intimation that his son, Private Arthur Holmes, Canadian Scots, has been killed in action on 28th April 1917. The information came by a letter from a friend soldier stating that Private Holmes had been killed in action by shell fire.

“We did all we could for him but he only lived a few minutes. It is very sad news but it is my duty to inform you of his death. We all feel the loss of him very much and God help you to bear the sad news.”

He enlisted in Winnipeg and came over with the first Canadian Force. He had been previously wounded and on three occasions was buried in shell holes. His last leave was spent at home 12 months ago. His young brother Private David Holmes (later killed in action), is on active service at the front with the Ulster Division.

Ballymena Observer, May 11, 1917

Arthur Holmes was killed by shell fire and he would have been well aware that the vast majority of deaths and wounds during World War One were inflicted by artillery. It truly was a war dominated by high explosive as the sinister poem ‘We are the guns’ makes plain:-

We are the guns, and your masters! Saw ye our flashes?

Heard ye the scream of our shells in the night, and the shuddering crashes?

Saw ye our work by the roadside, the shrouded things lying,

Moaning to God that He made them---the maimed and the dying?

Husbands and sons,

Fathers and lovers, we break them. We are the guns!

- Gilbert Frankau

Bombardier Joseph Francey of Ballymena was a dedicated servant to the demanding guns and in mid-1916, his commitment to their cause was recognised with the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal – sometimes known as the ‘other ranks’ VC’.

A pre-war regular with the Royal Field Artillery, by the time of his award he had three and a half years service under his belt. The Observer duly reported:-

INFORMATION has been received in Ballymena to the effect that Bombardier Joseph Francey, Royal Field Artillery, son of Mr. William Francey, Queen Street, Ballymena, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.He enlisted in Scotland.

Mr. Francey has two other sons with the colours, Pte. Alex Francey in the Highland Light Infantry, who was 16 months in the trenches and is now on home service and Gunner James Francey who was through the Dardanelles Campaign and is now in France.

Supplemement to the London Gazette, 21 June 1916: 69141 Bomr.J.Francey,71st By.,36th Bde.,R.F.A. “For consistent good work since the commencement of the campaign: On one occasion,though not a signaller, he mended wires under heavy fire, and restored communications at a critical moment. He has proved himself a most reliable and fearless N.C.O., and has set a fine example.” Ballymena Observer, September 1, 1916

All ranks in the corps of artillery were left in doubt from the outset of their training about their status. The sacred gun and its welfare was to be the first and final concern of all its servants, and thousands paid a deadly toll because of this almost umbilical connection.

As the war intensified, large sections of the nation’s heavy industry were devoted to feeding the insatiable demands of the artillery.

By war’s end, the rate of production was astonishing, both in terms of shells and in numbers of guns. In fact, when thousands of artillery pieces were lost in the German offensives of 1918, they were replaced within days. It was a feat which Germany could not emulate and was one of the main factors in the eventual defeat of their armies.

But efficiency and availability of war material meant little or nothing to those who used the guns at the sharp end of war. The loss of a gun was regarded as a matter of shame and some men would go to extreme lengths to protect their deadly masters.

2nd Lt. John Patrick,Royal Field Artillery, the son of a prominent landowner who farmed the lush countryside around Glarryford, a townland in Ballymena district, provides a perfect example of this devotion to duty.

He was gazetted for the Military Cross on September 26, 1917 and his citation stated:-

“During a heavy burst of hostile fire on his battery position, the battalion were ordered to take cover, but seeing that the camouflage over the guns was in flames, he left his dug out and with the help of three sergeants, put out the fire before any further damage could be done. This prompt and gallant action was carried out under heavy fire and saved a gun and ammunition from blowing up.” Ballymena Observer, January 25. 1918

Of course, not all lived up to this Spartan discipline, but those who did earned the respect, and sometimes, the admiration of their men. There is a subtle difference in these terms for an officer who behaved recklessly in the face of mortal danger could be viewed as a liability by more pragmatic individuals.

Lt. James Vint, Royal Garrison Artillery, from Waveney Road, Ballymena, seems to have shared a devotion to both his men and the mantra of the guns.

He won his Military Cross for:-

‘.. conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of his battery under heavy shell fire. While he was getting the men under cover he was wounded but refused to go to the dressing station until his relief arrived. During the shelling he removed a box of cartridges which was ignited and threatened to set alight several others.’ April 26 1918

Again, it is arguable that there are many more examples of the officer who led from the front, shared dangers and cared for their men than there are of the stereotypical, monocle wearing, incompetents with which the literature and drama of the Great War seems to be inordinately fond.

The reasons which prompted men to act with ‘conspicuous gallantry’ can - and will be - debated forever. Some may argue that winning one medal can be attributed to ‘a sudden rush of blood to the head’, where circumstances conspire to bring out qualities of hidden bravery for a few brief, but vital seconds. This may indeed by applicable in a fair number of cases, but it is much harder to glibly explain how some men seemed to have the inner strength to commit multiple acts of bravery. Did they not know the odds were stacked against them?

For an example of cold, calculated bravery leading to multiple gallantry awards, the exploits of Sergeant John McNabney of the Royal Engineers are worth examination.

McNabney was one of those recruits to the Ulster Division enlisted at Ballymena in September of 1914.

A keen footballer, he had played for local team South End Rangers and had also tunred out for Cliftonville FC, then one of the glamour teams of Irish soccer. McNabney was employed as a shoemaker but, in his spare time he was one of many local men involved in the Ulster Volunteer movement.

In fact, he was one of the North Antrim Regiment’s top communications men – in modern terms he was an ‘I.T. wizard’. In a pre-war report of a UVF mass mobilisation exercise, McNabney’s role in maintaining the channels of command and control was highly praised.

So it is hardly surprising that his enlistment papers record show him joining the Royal Engineers Signal Company which was being established within the 36th (Ulster) Division. In fact, his papers clearly show the annotation of ‘UVF signals’, further demonstrating the close links between the pre-war paramilitary force and the Division.

He served in France with the Ulster Division from arrival in October 1915, steadily climbing the rank ladder through courses and good conduct. Bluntly, McNabney would have been regarded as an excellent soldier even if he had never won a single gallantry medal. His conduct sheet shows he was keen, efficient and well behaved.

His record of bravery commences with an entry in the London Gazette in which he was mentioned in an addendum to Sir Douglas Haig’s despatches of April 9, 1917.

Sadly, no record can be found of the action which secured the Military Medal which was subsequently awarded and gazetted on March 12, 1918, almost one year after his original ‘mention.’

Just a few months after reporting on his first Military medal, the Ballymena Observer was proud to recount that:-

‘Sergeant J. McNabney, Royal Engineers, Ulster Division, whose relatives reside at 9, Larne Street, Ballymena, has been awarded a ‘bar’ to the Military medal. Sgt. McNabney is well known in football circles and will be remembered as a popular player for South End Rangers Prior to enlisting in August 1914 he was in the employment of Mr. Thomas Kerr, boot and shoe manufacturer, Church Street, Ballymena. His brother Pte. S. McNabney is also serving with the Engineers.’ Ballymena Observer, May 31, 1918.

Once again, the London Gazette confirms the newspaper report in the official language of the time: -

Gazette Edition issue 30873 - 26th August 1918

His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of a bar to the Military Medal to the undermentioned Non-commissioned Officers and Men: 57836 Cpl. (A/Sjt.) J. McNabney M.M. R.E. (Ballymena).

Sadly, bureaucratic language does little to enlighten us beyond the undisputable fact that Sgt. McNabney was an undoubtedly brave man. Thankfully the documentation associated with his third and final award of the DCM is much more informative.

The Distinguished Conduct Medal was instituted in 1854 to recognise ‘distinguished, gallant and good conduct’ by troops in the Crimea. Just 25,000 DCMs were issued during World War I , a relatively small number in proportion to the scale of the forces involved and was regarded second only to the Victoria Cross in prestige terms.With the DCM came a gratuity of £20, no small sum in those days, and a man with a life pension who had won the medal was entitled to an extra six pence per day to this stipend.

The actions for which McNabney received the DCM took place in the ‘final 100 days’ when the rejuvenated allies – and principally the British and Empire forces – were steadily pushing the weakening Germans back on all fronts.

Looking back, we may justifiably ask why a man should continue to take mortal risks when the scent of victory was in the air. The answer is that historians have the advantage of hindsight. The men fighting in Autumn 1918 had no crystal balls, they were engaged in some of the fiercest fighting of the entire war. The patriotic innocence exhibited in the Pals battalions as they marched towards their hour of trial at the Somme had long since evaporated.

British soldiers of late 1918 were ‘sticking it’, to use a contemporary term. They were no jingoes waving flags and shouting slogans, they were men tempered in the furnace of war, they knew their duty and, in the main, they were determined to carry it through.

And so, for seven days from September 29 to Octobver 5, 1918, McNabney maintained his record of efficiency, energy and cold, calculated courage. As his citation states:-

‘In the Dadizeele sector … this NCO was constantly out repairing lines under heavy shell fire and it was chiefly due to his courage and fearlessness that communication was maintained . On 2nd October he went out accompanied by another NCO. and remained out during a very heavy barrage, maintaining communication during the enemy counter attack.’

This short citation illustrates a great truth about industrial scale warfare. The importance of maintaining communications had become as issue of prime importance. The size of the formations involved and the areas fought over had become impossible to control with the simple methods of a previous century.

The signaller – and especially men like McNabney – were vital cogs in the wheels of war.

Yet there were times when a commanding officer had to depend on the lungs and legs of a trusted man to get his message through. ‘Runners’ as they were known, had an extremely dangerous job even by the standards of the western front. Aside from the general shelling and machine gun fire, to be negotiated as they traversed the battlefield, a runner was a high priority target in the sights of snipers, dedicated to the black arts of personal killing. They were valuable prey, for a man with a message was a man of importance.

James Hughes, whose family lived at Suffolk Street, Ballymena, was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Connaught Rangers, when he earned his Military Medal as a runner.

The regiment had traditionally recruited in the far west of Ireland but in 1914 when the 6th Btn. was constituted as part of the 16th (Irish) Division of the new army, a great proportion of its rank and file had come from among the northern catholic population.

It would be fair to say that these men were unwilling to throw their lot in with their fellow protestant northerners who made up the overwhelming bulk of the 36th (Ulster) Division. Nor, in all honesty, would they have been made welcome by that formation, steeped as it was in the unionist tradition.

Young Hughes was one of those catholic volunteers. Was he fighting to secure home rule for Ireland through blood sacrifice? For the rights of small nations? Perhaps it was because he was a young man with a thirst for adventure or glory? In the absence of any other documentation we will probably never know. What we can say is that James Hughes posed proudly for a photograph before he went to war. His cap has been lovingly creased and folded into the distinctive, rumpled shape which seemed to be ‘de rigeur’ in the ranks of the 6th Connaughts during the war. The picture was later used to illustrate his medal award and, latterly, his death in action.

The Ballymena Observer reported:-

‘The Military Medal for bravery in the field has been awarded to Signaller James Hughes, Connaught Rangers, son of the late Mr. M. Hughes, manager of the stores of Messrs. James McAllister and Son, Bryan Street, Ballymena. Signaller Hughes is attached to the Field Telegraph Service and he won the coveted distinction for carrying messages through the danger zone. He was home on leave in Ballymena a few weeks ago.’ Ballymena Observer, October 19. 1917

James Hughes was killed on March 21, 1918, as the German army mounted their awesome ‘Kaiser’s Battle’ offensive on the Western Front. Bolstered by the influx of men and war material freed by the collapse of Russia, the German High Command began a series of powerful attacks aimed at breaking the British and French armies in the west before the new blood from America could be brought to bear.

While these hammer blows sent the allies reeling, they never achieved the desired effect of a knock-out punch and were, in hindsight, the beginning of the end of German military capability in the war.

Of course, that is taking the historical perspective. For James Hughes’ family, the loss of a son was all that counted. James is buried at St. Emelie Valley Cemetery, Villers Faucon, France.

The songs of soldiers in the First World War combined qualities of self-deprecation, black humour and a liberal dose of ribaldry. They range from haunting to consciously savage.

One particularly famous song recounts the answer given to men who have returned from wounds or leave to units decimated in attacks on German positions. When the puzzled arrival asks where so many of his mates from the ‘old battalion’ are, the answer given is laced with bitterness:-

‘They’re hanging on the old barbed wire’

The image of bullet riddled soldiers entangled in the fearsome wire of the Western Front has become iconic, a metaphor for the ghastly nature of the conflict and a cliché used in later years to damn the reputations of so-called ‘Donkey’ Generals and assorted ‘brass hats’.

But the entire song must be taken in context. It has a number of verses which explore themes which go well beyond the cynical first verse which, lest it be forgotten, is also imbued with a strong sense of sacrificial pride.

Other verses, sung on the march or to the accompaniment of mouth organ or melodeon in a malodourous estaminet, lambasted everyone from the lowest NCO to the commanding officer, accusing them of all manner of perfidy.

In the middle of this ranking scale of abuse we find the ‘Quarter bloke’ – or, to give him his military title, the Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant. In simple terms he was the foreman in control of stores and supply for the battalion and thus a target for all kinds of defamatory accusations. In the words of the song:-

‘If you want to find the Quarter-bloke

I know where he is, I know where he is, I know where he is.

If you want to find the Quarter-bloke, I know where he is,

He’s miles and miles behind the line.

I’ve seen him, I’ve seen him, miles and miles and miles behind the line.

I’ve seen him, I’ve seen him, miles and miles and miles behind the line.’

This assessment of the role played by the ‘Quarter bloke’, even though it is heavily dosed with sarcasm, is, in truth, merely an exaggeration of reality. By the very nature of his rank and responsibilities, the RQMS was not supposed to be a front line soldier, armed with rifle and bayonet. He was the man tasked with ensuring that the unit had adequate supplies of clothing, water, food and ammunition – not necessarily in that order. He filled in forms, organised carrying parties for the forward trenches and generally kept the battalion’s wheels oiled with the requirements of trench warfare.

From the lyrics of the song, it is fairly obvious that the average Tommy believed that the RQMS had the proverbial ‘cushy number’. It would be a sweeping and totally inaccurate generalisation to claim that all soldiers subscribed to this view in their heart of hearts. Most of these senior NCOs cared deeply about the men in the front line and in the case of ‘new army’ formations based around the concept of hometown recruited ‘Pals Battalions’, the RQMS would not have been some distant, barely known figure. In such situations he may well have been promoted from the ranks having enlisted on the same day and the same place as those who now occupied the fire-step.

This was certainly the case with RQMS Samuel Cumming, a former solicitor’s clerk from the delightfully named townland of ‘Bottom’, just outside Ballymena who would win the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the last year of the war. He had joined in September 1914 and like most local men was badged to the newly formed 12th (Service)Btn. Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers).

He seems to have taken to soldiering with enthusiasm and by the middle of December 1914, Cummings had been appointed to the rank of corporal, the first step on a steady promotion ladder.

By 1918, he had become the ‘Quarter Bloke’ for the 12th Rifles and an indication of his efficiency in that post is reflected in the award of a Meritorious Service Medal. The Ballymena Observer reported:-

‘The recipient of the honour enlisted at the outbreak of war and went to the front with the Ulster Division. Previous to enlistment he was in office of Mr. J. K. Currie, Solicitor, Ballymena.’

The following week there was even better news with the announcement that he had been awarded the DCM for:-

‘.. conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took charge of a lorry bringing up rations, and with great difficulty distributed the rations among detached parties in the front line. It was due to his efforts that these men got rations. they did not belong to his battalion, and his work was entirely voluntary.’

A Quarter Master who looks after his own troops is a gem .. one who goes to such lengths to ensure that troops of a completely different battalion were fed and watered would have been regarded as a ‘diamond’.

After the war, Cummings returned to the legal profession and eventually was elected to the Presidency of the Law Society of Ireland.

Doing God’s work

From the viewpoint of today, it is hard to appreciate the important – often central – role played by the Church in communities of the Great War era. In Ireland, where religion and politics often dove-tailed, the influence of the Church was even greater.

With the outbreak of war, the Church was faced with a moral dilemma. Expounding the Christian ethos to the faithful was, supposedly, the central aim of organised religion but the events of August 1914 changed the emphasis drastically.

There is a story of a British soldier who came across a German prisoner of war. His eyes were drawn to the motto on the prisoner’s belt buckle which read ‘Gott mit uns’ – God is with us. To the Briton, convinced he was fighting for freedom against an aggressive foe, the claim seemed incredible. How could the nation whose leader had, to the British mind, sparked such an awful conflict claim to have God on their side?

In the context of the Great War, it has to be said that every combatant nation believed that their God was on their side. And if soldiers were doing God’s work then they needed ministers and priests to be at their side as they walked through the valley of the shadow.

Ballymena has a long held reputation as the buckle of the Ulster ‘Bible Belt’, and while that may be a tired cliché given today’s falling church attendance in all denominations, such a description was fair and accurate in the Edwardian period.

In 1859, the town had been at the centre of an astonishing religious ‘revival’ with thousands being ‘saved’ during huge outdoor rallies throughout the area. This essentially Presbyterian revival established Ballymena’s church-going reputation and gave the clergy enormous clout in the succeeding years.

So it was natural for the ministers of these churches to join the national cause which their congregations were willing to fight and die for and, it must be said, it was equally natural for cynics to question the value of such actions. Cynicism is not a purely modern trait and as the Great War’s mincing machine continued to devour flesh and blood at a prodigious rate, the relevance and validity of religion itself came under fire.

At the extreme end of this criticism, Chaplains were lampooned as ineffectual nobodies at best or hypocritical cowards at worst. Of course, it is possible to find examples of clergymen who did behave in a manner which did little to enhance the Christian faith but this, once again, must be balanced against the huge number of accounts which tell a drastically different story.

The district of Ballymena, despite its already mentioned reputation, was not immune to dmagaing speculation and rumour as a letter to the Observer in December 1917 indicates:-

Sir - I read and hear of severe criticisms about those who go as Chaplains to the front. Might I ask you to publish the enclosed extract from a letter received about a young Broughshane boy who was killed in action on November 20th. Surely it discloses a fact which should silence a great deal of unfair and unfounded remarks about those who go to comfort the wounded and dying in the trenches.

Yours etc. Thomas Dowzer, Rectory, Broughshane.

Extract from letter of Rev. Captain D. A. Mitchell, CF, Minister of 1st Broughshane Presbyterian Church:-

“We have lost a lot of our bravest and best officers and men and dearest to me of all was Dan Dunbar. Strange to say, I was beside him at the time and he was fighting like a Trojan. He actually jumped up on the parapet to fire at

them and tumbled back, shot in the head, into my very arms. I don’t know how I have escaped nor why the Lord spares me. I have not had my clothes off for a long time and we are living on hard rations.”

Ballymena Observer December 7, 1917

Interestingly, the Rev. Mitchell’s reputation had been referred to some months earlier in the same newspaper:-

We have read a very interesting letter from the Rev. J. A. Wilson, son of the late Mr. W. O. Wilson, Knowehead, Broughshane. he writes: - “I have been working out here for the YMCA at the ‘back of the front’ for about three and a half months and have been having a great time which I would not have missed for a great deal.

“I go back to my church in London early next month. A friend told me that he occasionally sees the Rev. D. Mitchell of First Broughshane who has been a Chaplain at the front for two years or so. Rev. Mitchell was in the thick of some of the recent fighting and does not know what fear is and is very popular with the men.”

Ballymena Observer, September 21, 1917

One local minister who subscribed to the ‘Christian Soldier’ ethic was the Rev. W. H. Hutchinson, a minister in the village of Cullybackey in the years before the outbreak of war. He had served at the front for two years as a despatch rider before being appointed to a chaplaincy in February 1917, being attached to the 1st Btn. Royal Irish Rifles.

During the final advance in Flanders, Hutchinson’s bravery led to the award of the Military Cross. The London Gazette stated:-

“Under heavy machine gun and shellfire during the operations south of

Dadizeele on October 2, 1918, he helped to evacuate and render first aid to

the wounded with complete disregard for personal safety. He assisted to

carry two seriously wounded men from the front line to the regimental aid

post, a distance of about one kilometre. He returned to the front line and

continued dressing the wounded under heavy fire. His gallantry and conduct

during the entire operation were marked by all ranks.”

The esteem in which Church of Ireland curate, Alexander Spence was held by his fellow soldiers is marked by special memorials in Christ Church, Londonderry. He served as Chaplain with the 11th Btn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in the 36th (Ulster) Division, winning a Military Cross in 1917 for:-

‘ …conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He worked for twenty hours attending to the wounded in an aid post during, an attack. On the following day, hearing that some wounded were lying out in shell holes, he went out in daylight under machine-gun fire and brought back several wounded men to the aid post. He rendered splendid service, and showed great gallantry and contempt of danger.’

He was the son of Mr. Alexander Spence of Brookfield, Portglenone, Co. Antrim, who was present when a service to honour his son was held after the war in Christ Church.

Rev. had been appointed a curate in 1914, and during his two years’ connection with the Church he had ‘won the affection and esteem of the whole congregation, whom he faithfully served.’

Speaking at the service, the Anglican Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, said he had personally recommended Rev. Spence for a Chaplaincy.

‘I willingly did so, for I knew that he was of the stuff of which good chaplains and soldiers are made. I let him go, with the hope that he would return to work among us in this diocese again when the war was over, for I had formed a high opinion of his abilities and character. But God ordered it otherwise. After he joined up, Mr Spence was attached to our own Ulster Division, and served with them until he met his end. I cannot describe the impression he created during those two years better than by quoting the opinion of the senior chaplain of the division. Writing of him, he says – “Mr Spence is a splendid fellow, most gallant and capable, full of initiative and adaptability, and all out to do his bit in every way. He commands the admiration and respect of all who know him both as a chaplain and a man.” In the great German offensive of March, 1918, Mr Spence was with his unit at the spot where the full force of the attack was made. From what I have heard he might no doubt have escaped, but he stayed with the men, and the last time he was seen he was binding up a wounded man, with the Germans coming on close at hand. No further news of him was received for a long time, and it was hoped he might be at the worst a wounded prisoner in the enemy’s hands. This was, indeed, the case, but when at last definite information reached home we learned to our sorrow that he died in hospital of his wounds a week after he was taken prisoner. “The Good Shepherd gave His life for the sheep.”

The memorial from his colleagues in the Ulster Division took the form of a magnificent silver communion cup, while a similar memorial was presented by Mr and Mrs Benjamin Phillips. On one communion cup were engraved the words:-

“In affectionate memory of Alexander Spence, M.C., C.F., curate-assistant of this church. A prisoner and mortally wounded, he laid down his life for his friends at Ham, March 31, 1918. This chalice is given by his brother chaplains of 36th Division, by whom he was beloved. ‘Ye shall, indeed, drink of the cup that I drink of.’ ”

On the other chalice these words were engraved:-

“The gift of Benjamin and Jane Phillips. To Christ Church, Londonderry. In loving memory of Alexander Spence, M.C., C.F., who died of wounds, a prisoner of war, at Ham, 31st March, 1918. The cup which my Father hath given me shall I not drink of it. ”

The tribute from the congregation took the form of a brass tablet, on a carved oak background, beside the east window, and bore the following inscription:-

“In loving memory of Rev. Alexander Spence, M.C., C.F., curate of Christ Church, 1914-16. A chaplain to the Ulster Division in the great war, he laid down his life in gallant devotion to duty, March 31st, 1918. Buried in the British Cemetery at Ham. Grave 44. A tribute from the congregation.”

Not all acts of bravery were rewarded with a medal. Applications had to be made to higher authority and in many cases were rejected.

It is difficult to understand how bureaucrats could evaluate gallantry on a statistical basis but there is clear evidence that there was a set quota for some awards in place for most of the war.

For instance, Richard Holmes records in his sweeping volume ‘Tommy – The British Soldier on the Western Front’:-

‘On the Western Front for the year from April 1, 1917 it was 200 DSOs and 500 MCs every month. In may 1918, the limit was removed provided the ‘standard of the award’ was maintained.’

It seems there was no specified limit for other ranks’ awards such as DCMs or Military Medals. However, it did help to have a commanding officer with a talent for descriptive writing. In essence, it would seem that the better the ‘write-up’, the better chance an individual would have of securing an award.

Lt. Col Rowland Feilding, commanding officer of the 6th Connaught Rangers in the 16th (Irish) Division makes reference to these skills in his superb collection of thoughts from the front later published as ‘War Letters To A Wife’.

However, if the application was rejected, soldiers could find some solace in the receipt of a gallantry certificate, issued at Divisional level. These cards, or in some cases scrolls, recorded the name of the soldier, the thanks of the Divisional Commander and was emblazoned with illustrations relevant to the formation.

Several Ballymena men serving the 16th (Irish) Division were presented with such documents. For instance, the Observer reported how one of its former employees had been honoured in March 1917:-

‘The following order has been issued by the Commander of the 16th (Irish) Division:-

“Corporal J. McCartney, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. I have read with much pleasure the report of your regimental commander regarding your gallant conduct and constant devotion to duty in the field in 1916 and have ordered your name and deeds to be entered in the records of your division.” W.B. Hickie, Major General, 16th (Irish) Division.’

James McCartney was the third son of Mr. James McCartney, himself a machine man in the ‘Observer’ office where Cpl. McCartney had served his time at the same trade. He enlisted at the outbreak of war and took part in the landing at the Dardanelles where he remained for nine months.

The report continued:-

‘He was a prominent footballer in Ballymena and played for South End Rangers. He has two brothers with the colours, Pte. John McCartney, Seaforth Highlanders and Pte. Robert McCartney, Sherwood Foresters, both of whom are on active service. His father, who resides at Bridge Street, has received the white parchment with the General’s order printed on it.’ Ballymena Observer, March 30, 1917.

James was captured in the German offensive of March 1918 and spent the rest of the war in a POW camp.

Another recipient of the 16th Division card (as well as a Military Medal) was Private Frank Loughran, serving with Feilding’s 6th Connaught Rangers. His gallantry card is now prominently displayed in Ballymena’s Braid Museum as part of its display on the Great War.

The Observer reported on January 11, 1918:-

Private F. Loughran, Connaught Rangers, has had his name entered in the record of the Irish Division for gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field, notification to this effect having been received by his wife, who resides at Alexander Street, Ballymena.

This is the second occasion on which Private Loughran has been commended for gallantry. he joined the colours in February 1915 and has two brothers in the army, one being discharged recently owing to wounds received in action.

The date given for his act of bravery is November 20, 1917 when the 6th Connaughts took part in an attack on a German fortified position known as ‘Tunnel Trench’. This action was a diversionary operation conducted as part of the overall plan for the much more famous Tank offensive at Cambrai.

Sometimes soldiers received a foreign decoration in addition to such gallantry certificates. These medals were supposed to be an expression of Allied solidarity but, in truth, many were simply awarded to soften the blow to soldiers who might well have expected their own country to recognise their courage.

However, to receive such an award was at least an indication that a man had been deemed worthy by his peers.

John Watt, a soldier with the Royal Engineers, received the Belgian version of the famous ‘Croix De Guerre’ and the Observer noted:-

‘The following decoration by his Majesty, the King of the Belgians, was announced recently in the ‘London Gazette’-

‘Croix De Guerre to 64527 Sapper John Watt, Royal Engineers, Ballymena.’

He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Watt, Kinhilt Street, Ballymena. Spr. Watt enlisted shortly after the outbreak of hostilities and went to the front with the Ulster Division. He has seen much fighting and was awarded last year with a beautiful parchment certificate for gallantry and devotion to duty. Prior to enlisting in the army he was in the employ of Messrs. W. C Wolseley Ltd. Cullybackey Road.’ Ballymena Observer, April 19, 1918.

Sadly, but understandably, many instances of gallantry were recognised posthumously, the soldier having been killed in the act or from wounds received.

But for those who did come through their trial, a warm welcome awaited them on the home front and in Ballymena’s case there was a very special reception for VC winner, Robert Quigg.

Quigg, who hailed from Bushmills, home of the famous Irish Whiskey, had won his VC on the opening day of the bloody Somme offensive by going out into no-man’s land, time and time again, in search of his officer.

Although he failed to find McNaghten, he brought back seven wounded soldiers and had to be physically stopped from venturing out again, despite his state of exhaustion.

The Observer reported:-

Rifleman Robert Quigg VC of Carnkirk, Bushmills, of the 12th Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers) was the recipient of congratulations from the inhabitants of Ballymena on his return home for a well merited month’s additional holiday.

As the 4.20pm train steamed into Ballymena Station, carrying the gallant hero home after receiving his award at Buckingham Palace, it was met by a large contingent.

As the VC, accompanied by Capt.Thompson stepped out of the carriage he was cheered enthusiastically and congratulated on his magnificent and conspicuous bravery.

Mr. Huston Lancashire JP., on behalf of the inhabitants of the township said: “I am very proud to have the pleasure of meeting such a brave man. I heartily congratulate you on the honour you have done County Antrim and the Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles to which you belong - our own 12th Btn. in the Ulster Division (cheers).

“We in Ballymena are justly proud of this battalion as hundreds upon hundreds of our townsmen are connected with it both as officers, non-commissioned officers and privates. When we heard of your great bravery we felt still greater pride.”

Rfn. Quigg briefly thanked them all for their kindness adding that he had only done a man’s part and was prepared to do the same tomorrow (cheers). He said that men in the army were not good at speech making and what he had passed through within the past few days was to him more difficult than what he had gained his distinction over.

He declared: “I am glad to be back in the land I love so well and I know and hope that many more of my countrymen will come forward and join the colours for their assistance is much required.”

As the train steamed out, fog signals and station detonators were discharged.

Ballymena Observer, January 12, 1917

A much more intimate celebration was held for Distinguished Conduct Medallist, James McGall when he returned to his home in the sleepy Bannside village of Portglenone. McGall had been serving with the Durham Light Infantry when he had an ‘up close and personal’ confrontation with the enemy.

Once again, the Observer recorded the event with some pride.

‘A pleasant little ceremony took place at Portglenone when Pte. James McGall, Distinguished Conduct Medal, Durham Light Infantry, was presented with a handsome clock and ornaments by some friends in his native village to mark their appreciation of the gallant action which won him the medal for distinguished conduct.

The following official account of his brave deed will be read with interest.

Pte. McGall was one of a party which, when going to occupy a listening post, met with heavy rifle and grenade fire at close range.The suddenness of the attack caused confusion but he at once crawled forward with his grenades and threw them into the listening post, whence the fire proceeded, causing the enemy to retire.

We may add that Pte. McGall is one of three brothers who have all been wounded -one of them severely - in the great cause. Ballymena Observer, April 6, 1917

The 35-year-old son of Johnston and Lizzie McGall was not destined to survive the war. His wife Sarah Jane, received news that he had died on November 1, 1918, just 10 days before the end of the conflict. He is buried in Heworth Churchyard, Durham.

Further information on Ballymena medal winners

Details have emerged of the action for which the DCM was awarded to 40839 Lcpl. W. J. Robinson, Royal Irish Rifles (of Rathkeel, Broughshane) :-

“When all his company runners had become casualties, he acted as a runner all day, taking messages under

severe conditions to advanced posts in shell holes. His successful efforts in performing this extremely dangerous and most important work contributed very greatly to the repulse of two subsequent counter attacks.

Ballymena Observer, February 1, 1918

LT. Charles Gage Stuart, RN, was presented on Wednesday, by the King, at Buckingham Palace, with the Distinguished Service Cross for ‘meritorious service in connection with the sinking of the German Cruiser ‘Dresden’ on March 14th, 1915.’

Lt. Stuart is a son of Mr. William Stuart C.E. of Mount Earl, Ballymena and a brother of 2nd Lt. W. G. B. Stuart of the 12th Btn Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers), and 2nd Lt. Stuart, North Irish Horse. He is also a nephew of the late Rear Admiral Leslie Stuart CMG and served with that officer in HMS Vengeance on the China Station during the Russo-Japanese war. Lt. Stuart’s seniority as Lieutenant dates rom 1st April 1909. When the war broke out he was serving on the cruiser Glasgow, on the south-east coasts of America. He was in the action with Von Spee’s squadron on November 1 in which the ‘Good Hope’ and the ‘Monmouth’ were sunk. The ‘Glasgow’ got away damaged on that occasion but lived to fight another day and Lt. Stuart had the satisfaction of being on board his ship in the engagement in which the Dresden was sunk on March 14th.

Ballymena Observer, February 18, 1916

Amongst numerous other Ulster Division recipients of the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery in the field is Rifleman R. Letters, Royal Irish Rifles, who is a native of Cullybackey. Rifleman Letters enlisted in May 1915 and went to the front with the Ulster Division, where he was subsequently attached to a trench howitzer (mortar) battery. Prior to joining the colours he was in the employment of Messrs. Frazer and Haughton, Cullybackey. His father Pte. R. Letters Snr. is serving with the Royal Field Artillery at Salonika.

Temporary Captain George Bellis Martin, Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, is awarded the Military Cross.

“For conspicuous gallantry in action. He reorganised a captured position with great courage and skill. Later he rendered very valuable assistance during an enemy counter-attack.

Captain Martin is a Director of the Braidwater Weaving Company, Ballymena. He married in August 1915, Ethel May, elder daughter of Mr. R. R. Porter, manager of the Ulster Bank, Ballymena.

Ballymena Observer, November 17, 1916

17681 Pte. S. Bartholomew, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, another Ballymena recipient of the Military Medal, is the youngest son of Mr. George Bartholomew, Antrim Road, Ballymena. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and took part in the landing at Suvla Bay. He has two brothers with the colours, Pte. William Bartholomew ASC and Pte. Jack Bartholomew, who is serving with the Canadians.

Ballymena December 15, 1916

Private Sandy Bartholomew, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who has been made a recipient of the medal of St. George 3rd class, is the youngest son of Mr. George Bartholomew, Antrim Road, Ballymena.

Pte. Bartholomew, who was awarded the Military Medal in December last for conspicuous bravery in the field, enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and took part with his regiment in the landing at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli. He has two brothers with the colours, Pte. Wm. Bartholomew, Army Service Corps and Pte. Jack Bartholomew, serving with the Canadian Forces.

Ballymena Observer, February 23, 1917

The Military Medal has been awarded to Corporal J. Cameron, Canadian Infantry, for gallantry during a recent raid on the enemy’s trenches.

The Brigadier General of the Canadian Brigade has written on behalf of the brigade to Corporal Cameron, congratulating him most heartily on the honour which has received in recognition of his courage and gallant conduct.

Corporal Cameron was born in Ballymena and is a son of Mr. James Cameron who was for a long number of years in the employment of the Braidwater Weaving Company. He is 26 years of age and prior to emigrating to Canada about six years ago, was on the staff of the Clyde Shipping Company, Belfast. He joined the army in Canada where he was working on the Canadian Pacific Railway and has been on active service since August last.

Ballymena Observer, March 30, 1917.

Private James Campbell, Garrison Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery in the field. Private Campbell, who was wounded in France, was serving with the 12th Royal Irish Rifles when he won his distinction and is now serving in another war theatre with the Royal Irish Fusiliers. He had a brother who served in the South African War and his brother, Pte. Joseph Campbell, Royal Scots, was wounded twice in the present war.

Ballymena Observer, April 13, 1917

Lieutenant Andrew Warwick Duncan, Canadian Infantry, is awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a raiding party.

He gallantly led his men into the enemy trench in spite of heavy fire and carried out the task allotted to him with conspicuous success.

Lt. Duncan is a son of Mr. Archibald Duncan, Carnearney, Kells, Ballymena. The young officer has only just been notified as missing, believed killed since 9th April.

Lt. Duncan was on a visit home when war broke out and on returning to Canada he enlisted in the ranks. He was later given a commission and came to England in November 1916 going to the front early in December. Two of his brothers, James and Hugh, are at the front with the Canadians.

Ballymena Observer, April 27, 1917

Among the New Zealand Nurses to receive the Royal Red Cross is Sister Jean Gilmer. The only daughter of the late Dr. R. Gilmer, Ballymena.

Lieutenant J. C. McDowell, of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, attached Canadian Machine Gun service, has written home to his relatives at Kinhilt Street, Ballymena, stating that he has received shrapnel wounds in both legs and was at hospital in Boulogne.

He joined as a ranker and has been at the front for almost two years and has been wounded several times. When a Sergeant, he won the Military Medal for bravery in the field and his promotion was rapid. His brother, Drummer Hugh McDowell of the R. Innis. Fus.(Ulster Division) died of wounds in May 1915.

Ballymena Observer, May 11, 1917

Captain James Gaston RAMC who has been awarded the Military Cross from gallantry is the eldest son of Mr. Andrew Gaston of Carnbeg, Cloughmills. He received his early education at Ballymoney Internediate School and in Ballymena. He joined the RAMC in 1915 from Newcastle Upon Tyne where he was in practice. He has seen considerable service on the Western front and was wounded in September 1916.

The award for gallantry relates to 23rd April 1917 when he displayed great bravery in bringing in wounded and showing good organising powers in a very difficult situation. His brother Captain Andrew Gaston in also in the medical branch of the service.

Mr. Joseph Galloway, Bridge Street Place, Ballymena, has received information that his son L/cpl. Thomas Galloway, Royal Irish Rifles has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field in the recent battle at Messines. L/cpl. Galloway was in the regulars prior to the war and went to the front at the commencement of hostilities and has seen much fighting since that time. His brother Rfn. James Galloway, Royal Irish Rifles, was wounded on July 1st 1916.

Ballymena Observer, July 13, 1917

Company Sergt. Major S. McCrea, Royal Irish Rifles, of Ballycraigy, Ballymena, is awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for a recent act of gallantry when he went to the aid of a wounded soldier officer under fire. He was a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force.

88985 C.S.M. S. McCrea, r. ir. rif.

conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leaving our front line trench in broad daylight and proceeding to the assistance of a wounded officer. assisted by two comrades he subsequently brought him in, and that the officer’s life was saved is directly due to the prompt and heroic action of this warrant officer, under rifle and machine-gun fire. he had previously done the same thing in broad daylight.

The Military Medal has been awarded to L/cpl. William Cairns, 12th Btn Royal Irish Rifles for bravery in the field. He is the only son of Mrs. Cairns, Alison’s Hill, Kells. He has been at the front since October 1915.

The people of Rasharkin paid a fitting tribute to L/Cpl. Alex. Reid, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, a native of the district who was recently awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for an act of bravery performed on 25th February last. A committee of which Dr. S. B.B. Keers, JP was chairman, Mr. Dysart Wilson hon. secretary and Mr. Samuel McHenry JP, hon. treasurer, took the matter up and the presentation too the form of a substantial amount invested in War Loan stock.

The ceremony, which took place at Culmore House, the residence of Captain Armstrong, was performed by Mrs. Moore, wife of Mr. William Moore MP. During the afternoon, the Rasharkin Band was in attendance and discoursed lively airs.

On the same occasion, Mr. Joseph McCaughey of Rasharkin, who lost a leg during the Somme fighting was presented with a wristlet watch. At a special meeting of Rasharkin LOL No. 950, held on a previous evening, Bro. William Johnston presented L/Cpl. Reid with a handsome pocket book from the brethren.

Ballymena Observer, July 27, 1917

Private Thomas Simpson, 16th Highland Light Infantry, son of Mrs. Simpson of Pottinger Street, Cullybackey, has been awarded the Military Medal for carrying despatches under heavy shell fire. He was formerly in the employment of Messrs. McDowell, boot and shoe manufacturers, Church Street, Ballymena and has been two years in the army.

Ballymena Observer, August 10, 1917

Lt. J. F. Hodges MC, Royal Irish Fusiliers has been promoted to the rank of Captain. he is the elder son of Mr. J.F.W.Hodges of Glenravel. He was wounded at St. Eloi on March 14th 1915 and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in the field. His younger brother, 2nd Lt. H. B. Hodges King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry was killed in action on April 18, 1915.

Pte Samuel Sutter, Canadian Contingent, son of Mr. Alex. Sutter, Queen Street, Ballymena, is at present home on leave. He was wounded a few months ago and received the Military Medal for bravery.

Ballymena Observer, August 17, 1917

Temp. Captain William Bruce George Stuart , Royal Irish Rifles:- ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in commanding his company during an attack. He led them with great dash and personal gallantry, capturing many prisoners and later on doing excellent work in consolidating captured positions.

‘Throughout the action his fine example of determination and enthusiasm kept his men going at a time when they were dead beat.’

Capt. Stuart is a son of Mr. William Stuart C.E. Mount Earl, Ballymena and a nephew of the late Rear Admiral Leslie C. Stuart. He was wounded in April 1916.

Lieutenant George Lawrence Hastings, Dragoon Guards:- ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading raids on the enemy’s defences on two occasions. His ability and fine personal example have proved of the utmost value to the success of our operations.’

Lt. Hastings is a native of Ballymena, being a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Hastings, formerly of Audley Terrace and now of Hong Kong.

Ballymena Observer, September 21, 1917

Lieutenant J. Patrick, Royal Garrison Artillery, son of Captain John Patrick, D.L., J.P., Royal Irish Rifles, Dunminning, Glarryford, has been awarded the Military Cross.

Captain Patrick is the head of a well known Co. Antrim family. He is the President of the County Antrim Agricultural Association and chairman of the Executive Committee.

Ballymena Observer, October 12, 1917

Lance Corporal W. J. Robinson of the Royal Irish Rifles, Rathkeel, Broughshane has been gazetted with the award of the Distinguished Conduct medal.

Ballymena Observer, October 26, 1917

Rifleman H. Stewart, Royal Irish Rifles, son of Mrs. Stewart, Laymore, Ballymena, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He was in an advanced bombing post with instructions to hold it at all costs, and, although the Germans opened a heavy bombardment, which lasted for 65 minutes during which he was almost buried, he held on and saved his lines at a very critical time.

Captain Andrew Gaston, RAMC, who has been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the field, is the third son of Mr. Andrew Gaston, Carnbeg, Cloughmills. Captain Gaston was educated at Ballymena Academy and Queen’s University.

Ballymena Observer, November 16. 1917

The following is the deed described in the ‘London Gazette’ for which Captain Andrew Gaston RAMC, son of Mr. Andrew Gaston, Cloughmills, was awarded the Military cross:-

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. He was untiring in his efforts to attend to the wounded under heavy shell fire and personally brought in many wounded men, often dressing their wounds first in the open. His courage inspired all the wounded with confidence and provided the finest example to the stretcher bearers.’

Ballymena Observer, April 12, 1918.

Rifleman Robert Smyth, Royal Irish Rifles, who has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, is a son of Mr. Robert Smyth, Cromkill, Ballymena.

He was at one time in Australia, and prior to enlisting was working on his father’s farm at home. Rifleman Smyth was wounded on 19th July and is at present in King George V Hospital, Dublin. The distinction is awarded to him for conspicuous devotion in rescuing wounded men under shell fire.

18/1328 pte R. Smyth r. ir. rif (ballymena)

for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as stretcher-bearer,carrying stretcher-cases long distances under fire until he was severely wounded. even then he insisted on bandaging other wounded before himself receiving attention.

Ballymena Observer. November 23, 1917

The Military Cross has been awarded to Lt. James Vint R.G.A. (special reserve) for gallantry. He is a son of Mrs. Vint, Waveney Road, Ballymena. He was one of the best all-round cricketers in Ballymena.

The Military medal for bravery in the field has been awarded to Corporal Thomas Greenwood, Royal Irish Rifles, son of Mr. William Greenwood, Broughdone, Cullybackey. Prior to enlisting Cpl. Greenwood was employed in Messrs. Frazer and Haughton’s Ltd., Hillmount. He was a member of the UVF and a prominent marathon runner. His brother Pte. William Greenwood HLI was killed in action recently.

December 21, 1917

Private J. Elliott, Royal Engineers, was home last week on leave prior to going to the front. His son, Pte. J. Elliott won the DCM for bravery in the field.

Lieutenant & Quarter Master Sproule, of the Cheshire Regiment has been awarded the Military Cross. He received his early education at the Ballymena Model School and his mother was a sister of the late Mr. James Chambers, Ballymena. He is a cousin of the late Captain Kidd, Dragoon Guards, also of Ballymena.

Word has been received that Pte. William McAllister, Scots Guards, has won the Military Medal for Bravery in action while with the Machine Gun Corps. Before enlisting Pte. McAllister was a member of the Durham County Constabulary, stationed at Blackhill, and is a native of Loughconnelly, the Braid. Notice has further been received that he was wounded on December 2, at Cambrai.

Ballymena Observer, January 4, 1918

Rifleman Joseph Morrow, Royal Irish Rifles, son of Mr. Hugh Morrow, Ballymena, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Rifleman Morrow joined the colours shortly after the outbreak of war and has been wounded.

Private Hugh Porter, Royal Army Medical Corps, has been awarded the Military Medal and certificate for gallant conduct under heavy fire on July 31, 1917 at the 3rd Battle of Ypres, while employed with the Tank Corps. He was a reserve man, being called up at the commencement of the war and has served at the front ever since.

He was born in the townland of Ballybeg, near Ahoghill. They now live at Essey Street, Belfast while his wife lives at Coyle Street, Belfast.

Bar to Military Cross

Captain John F. Hodges, MC, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded a bar to the Military Cross. He is a son of Mr. J. F. W. Hodges of Glenravel House, Ballymena.

His brother 2nd Lt. Henry Hodges, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry was killed in action on April 18, 1915.

The London Gazette stated:- ‘He led his company with great courage and skill under heavy fire in an attack. His company was the first to reach the objective and owing to his good leadership was largely responsible for the success of the attack.”

Ballymena Observer, February 8, 1918

Captain Pedlow, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Cross. He is the only son of Mr. W. Pedlow, formerly of Ballymena and now senior inspector of National Schools, Dublin. He entered the army from Sandhurst and had previously been a student at Trinity College.

Details of the action for which temporary Captain William Ellis of the Royal Irish Rifles was awarded the Military Cross have been published in the ‘London Gazette’.

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his company. When many men of other units were falling back, having lost their officers, he rallied the men, reformed the line and held on to it under heavy fire until relieved.’

Ballymena Observer, March 15, 1918.

The following decoration by his Majesty, the King of the Belgians, was announced recently in the ‘London Gazette’-

‘Croix De Guerre to 64527 Sapper John Watt, Royal Engineers, Ballymena.’

He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Watt, Kinhilt Street, Ballymena. Spr. Watt enlisted shortly after the outbreak of hostilities and went to the front with the Ulster Division. He has seen much fighting and was awarded last year with a beautiful parchment certificate for gallantry and devotion to duty. Prior to enlisting in the army he was in the employ of Messrs. W. C Wolseley Ltd. Cullybackey Road.

Ballymena Observer, April 19, 1918.

Captain R. F. McKeown, General List, attached to a trench mortar battery, has been awarded the Military Cross. He is the third son of Mr. Wilson McKeown, formerly a well-known Ballymena solicitor and was educated at the Ballymena Academy and Campbell College. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and was recently wounded.

Lieut. J. Adams, RAMC, youngest son of the late Mr. J. J. Adams of Carnstroane, Broughshane, has been awarded the Military Cross. Lt. Adams was educated at the Ballymena Academy and Queen’s University. He received his commission in June 1917 and went to the front in July.

The following appeared recently in the ‘London Gazette’ :- Lt. Joseph Adams of Carnstroane, Broughshane. “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to dutyin dressing and attending to wounded in an aid post under heavy shell fire and later in organising stretcher parties and getting wounded away under heavy fire.”

Ballymena Observer, June 14, 1918

Captain H. W. Wier, RAMC (Territorial Force) attached to the British Salonika Expedition, youngest son of Mr. John Wier JP, Liscoom, Ballymena, has been mentioned in despatches for gallant conduct and distinguished service during the war from September 21, 1917 to February 28, 1918.

Mrs. McCarley, Casement Street, Ballymena, has received a letter from her son Pte. William McCarley, Royal Irish Fusiliers, formerly of the North Irish Horse, stating that he has won the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He is now serving a year with the colours and prior to joining up was employed by Messrs. Morton and Simpson.

Mrs. A. Barr, Lower Tannybrake, Kells. has received a letter from her son, Sgt. Major A. Barr, Canadian Machine Gun Corps, stating he has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for special attention to duty in the field. Sgt. Major Barr has been through almost all of the heavy fighting with the Canadians including Ypres, Vimy and Paschendaele. Prior to enlisting he was employed as a foreman planer with the Jewell Lumber Co. , Hamburg, British Columbia.

It is officially announced that the Military Cross has been awarded to Acting Major Robert Alexander Hepple of Ballygarvey, Ballymena.

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The advanced dressing station was hit by three shells simultaneously, the building was demolished and several men were killed or wounded. He at once set to work to recover the wounded from the debris and did not leave until all had been cleared in spite of the continued intense shelling of the vicinity.

Ballymena Observer, August 9, 1918

Corporal William Stevenson, North Irish Horse, son of the late Mr. Wilson Stevenson, Crankill, and brother of Mr. James Stevenson, Contractor of Gracehill, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field during the recent advance. Cpl. Stevenson joined up in November 1915 and was drafted to France in July 1916.