In honour of the men of Downpatrick
Who gave their lives for others
In the Great War 1914-1918
James Black. Corporal 23853, 7/8th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Son of James and Margaret Black, of Vianstown Road, Downpatrick. Co Down Ireland. Killed in action 16 August 1917 aged 22. Commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Bernard Blaney. Rifleman 4633, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles.
Killed in action 7 July 1916. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France
William Reginald George Breen. Appears not to be a soldier
Born 19 June 1893 at Irish Street, Downpatrick to William Reginald and Margaret McCullough Breen nee Johnston. Died 14 October 1918 aged 25 at Simmer and Jack Hospital Germiston, Gauteng, South Africa. Occupation, electrical engineer.
James Robert Buchanan Lieutenant, 11/13th Royal Irish Rifles.
Son of Thomas and Anne Buchanan, of Drumkeerne, Carrick-on-Shannon. Died at the Red Cross Hospital, Rouen 1 April 1918 aged 31. At rest in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France.
Extract from UK, De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, 1914-1919
Lieutenant 11/13th (Service) Battalion The Royal Irish Rifles, yst.s. (youngest son) of the late Thomas Buchanan of Drumkeerin, Co Leitrim by his wife Anne daughter of the late Warren Henry of Sligo, born Drumkeerin aforesaid, 1 Feb 1887; educated, Sligo School: was an Accountant of the staff of the Bank of Downpatrick; joined the Royal Irish Rifles as a Cadet in November 1915; gazetted 2nd Lieut in Oct. 1916; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the following Dec, and died at the Red Cross Hospital, Rouen. His Commanding Officer wrote: “He was in my company for the past six months and was in every way the best officer I ever had. He was magnificent throughout the whole retirement, always keen to fight and always cheerful and it was not until the last day of activity for us that he was mortally wounded. I don’t know of any officer who was more like both by brother officers and men. He was a fine fellow and a keen sportsman” and the Chaplin: “One hears on all sides expressions of admiration at the Gallantry and resource which he displayed during battle. His cheeriness and coolness was an inspiration to the men under his command. Through the most trying conditions he kept them up by his kindly considerations for their welfare. We shall all miss hem greatly. His happy lovable disposition had endured him to everyone”
James Carr. Private 6182, 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Son of the late William Carr. Husband of Annie Carr, of John Street, Downpatrick, Co. Down.
Killed in action 26 August 1914 aged 33. Commemorated on the La Ferte Sous-Jouarre Memorial France.
William Ernest Albert Clayton. 2nd Lieutenant 9th Cheshire Regiment
Younger son of the Rev. William John Clayton (Methodist Minister), of Downpatrick, Co. Down. Died 22 April 1916 aged 27.
At rest in Merville Communal Cemetery, France.
James Cleland. Company Sergeant Major 10969. 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Husband of Margaret Cleland, of Fountain Street Downpatrick, Co Down. Died of pulmonary tuberculosis 27 October 1916 aged 32. At rest in Down Cathedral New Cemetery, Downpatrick Co Down.
Joseph Clydesdale. Rifleman 17454, 13th Royal Irish Rifles.
Son of Joseph and Annie Clydesdale, of Church Street Downpatrick, Co. Down. He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 359
Killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. 1 July 1916 aged 20.
Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
His brother John also fell in the Great War
John Alexander Wilson Clydesdale. Rifleman 204, 15th Royal Irish Rifles.
Son of Joseph and Annie Clydesdale, of Church Street Downpatrick, Co. Down.. Killed in action 22 November 1977 aged 19. Commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France.
His brother James also fell in the Great War
Guy Leith Assheton Duff Captain Royal Field Artillery.
Died 23 October 1916 at London Hospital Whitechapel. At rest in St Andrews Easter Cemetery, Fifeshire Scotland.
Wills and Admin, Ancestry.
He resided Rath Keltair, Downpatrick Co Down. Captain Royal Field Artillery. Died 23 October 1916 at London Hospital Whitechapel. His effects went to Walter Garden Duff Royal Navy.
Robert John Elphick. Corporal 9719, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles.
Son of Robert John and Elizabeth Elphick, of 143, Dunluce Avenue, Belfast.
Died of wounds at 5th General Hospital Nottingham 7 November 1915 aged 22. His stepmother, Bridiget, was granted a war gratuity 12 November 1915. His father was granted a war gratuity 13 August 1919.
At rest in Nottingham General Cemetery, Nottinghamshire
Click on rjelphick in Tags box for another connection.
His father served in the army see some notes from his service record below
Colour Sergeant 986, 5th Royal Irish Rifles Special Reserve.
Joined up as Gunner 8 November 1884 aged 15 and 11 months, occupation, printer. Born at Newport, Monmouthshire Wales.
South Africa 1897-1899 India 1899-1904, back to England 1904-1913
Discharged at Downpatrick 28 February 1913 aged 44 years and 2 months.
Medal awarded. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Delhi Durbar Silver Medal 1903.Served in
Died 13 May 1941 aged 72 of Cardiac failure due to myocardial degeneration. Ex-Soldier.
William Fagan
Robert Ferguson. Rifleman 782, 13th Royal Irish Rifles
Brother of Miss Hannah Ferguson, of Irish St., Downpatrick, Co. Down. Killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. 1 July 1916
Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
Thomas Fitzpatrick. Unable to find the correct record for him listed with the CWGC.
He may have been the following. Irish 1901 and 1911 census. Resided with his father William and 17 Brdge Street, Downpatrick, and then with his father and mother, Elizabeth at 55 Bridge Street, Downpatrick.
William R Gill. There are only two W R Gill listed with the CWGC. Neither have a connection as far as can find with Downpatrick. However there may have been a soldier who was discharged due to a medical condition and died.
First, William Rey Gill. 2nd Lieutenant, 2/1st Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
Son of William and Elizabeth Gill, of Colchester. Husband of Jessie Gill, of 202, Maldon Road, Colchester. Died 21 August 1917 aged 37. At rest in New Irish Farm Cemetery, Belgium.
Second, William Randolph Gill. Private 210370, 75th Canadian Infantry
Born in Ealing London to George John and Eliza Jane Gill
Killed in action 29 March 1917 aged 32. Commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France.
James Hanlon. Rifleman 5303, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles
Born 9 October 1871 at Circular Road Downpatrick to James and Margaret Ann Hanlon, nee Roney.
Married Mary Mechan at Ballykilbeg, Downpatrick Co Down 27 November 1898 aged 26, occupation labourer. They then resided at John Street, Downpatrick. When he got married his surname was given as O’Hanlon and he signed the register, same surname.
3 December 1899 his wife and first born were residing at John Street, Downpatrick. He was on active service at Cape Colony, South Africa. (Boer war)
Died 9 February 1915. His widow Mary was granted a war gratuity 23 October 1915 revised 21 July 1919. At rest in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Nord France.
Notes from his service record
He joined aged 18 years and 1 month the 13 January 1890 as Private 2618, with the 5th Royal Irish Rifles. He was awarded the medal for Distinguished Conduct 18 May 1903. Discharged as Lance Corporal 16 August 1902. Served 12 years with the 5th R.I.Rifles. Served in South Africa and was wounded in the legs.
Re-enlisted 4 June 1904 as Private 3626 into 5th Royal Irish Rifles aged 32 year and 3 months as 3626 for a period of four years.
Re-engaged the 28 June 1908 at Ballykinlar Army Camp, County Down. 9 June 1911 promoted to Lance Corporal, at Ballykinlar Army Camp, County Down.
No record for the period 1912-1915 found for him
James Henry. Corporal 6954, C Coy, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles.
Son of Samuel and Elizabeth Henry, of Downpatrick, Co. Down.
Died 26 October 1914 aged 29. At rest in Sainghin-en-Weppes Communal Cemetery, France
He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 359.
Michael Hinds. Private 4695, 6th Connaught Rangers
Born 1881 to John Hinds of Ballykilbeg, County Down.
Married 9 May 1912 to Mary Kelly at Dundrum Co Down.
Died 20 November 1917. His widow was granted a war gratuity 24 June 1918.
At rest in Croosilles Raiway Cemetery, France.
Hugh Johnston. Rifleman 538, 16th Royal Irish Rifles.
Died 11 August 1917. At rest in Wieltje Carm Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 359
Alexander Johnston. Rifleman 16382, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles.
Died 24 March 1918 aged 23 years. Commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France.
He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 359
Joseph James Killen. Private 7065, Royal Munster Fusiliers Depot.
Ward of Hugh Murray, of Bridge St., Downpatrick, Co. Down. Served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1911-12.
Died 3 November 1915 aged31. At rest in Soldiers Plot 175, (Screen Wall) St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cemetery Moston, Lancashire.
William Mortimer Lanyon. Captain 1st Royal Irish Rifles.
Born 10 June 1880 to Herbert and Amelia Owen Lanyon, nee Hind at Lismare Whiteabbey, County Antrim.
Husband of Helen Jane, nee Blizard. Married 17 July 1912 and the Parish Churcy of Carnmoney County Antrim. Occipation, Captain Royal Irish Rifles. She later remarried to Baird
Killed in action 5 April 1915 aged 34. His widow was granted a war gratuity 26 July 1915, revised 27 February 1916 and 23 July 1919.
At rest in 13th London Graveyard, Rue-Du-Bacquerpt, Laventie, France
Scotland Nation Probate Index, Ancestry.
William Mortimer Lanyon of the Villas, Downpatrick County Down. Capt 1st Royal Irish Rifles, died 5 April 1915 at Fleurbiax, France on active service, testate. Certificate endorsed by Commissary of Edinburgh aforesaid, the widow, (Helen Lanyon) one of the Executors. Value of Estate, £7584, 5s. 3d.
James Lavery.
It may be the following. James Lavery. Private 6041, 7th Royal Irish Rifles.
Born 22 August 1875 at Ballylucas, County Down to Arthur and Anne Lavery. Enlisted at Downpatrick both in County Down. Died 10 July 1916. His father Arthur was granted a war gratuity 16 January 1917 revised 3 September 1919.
At rest in Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos, France.
Four Love brothers. Click on love brothers in TAGS box to see other connections
Samuel Abiah Love. Sapper 28462, 26th Field Company, Royal Engineers.
Born 4 February 1893 to Robert James and Rachel Love, nee Quaile of Scotch Street., Downpatrick, Co. Down. Irish Census 1901-1911 with his parents and siblings at 18 Scotch Street Downpatrick. 1911 occupation, carpenter.
Died 8th April 1916 aged 23 years on active service 8th April 1916. His father was granted a war gratuity 23 June 1916 revised 24 September 1919. At rest in St Patrick's Cemetery, Loos, France.
He is commemorated on his parent’s memorial in Down Cathedral New Cemetery, . Memorial Tablet in Down Cathedral, and on Downpatrick War Memorial.
He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 1464
UK, Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929 Have his name as Samuel ALEXANDER Lore. incorrect.
CWGC have Samuel ABIAH Love. Birth name
John Love. Sergeant 18106, 13th Royal Irish Rifles.
Born 11 April 1885 Robert James and Rachel Love, nee Quaile of Scotch Street Downpatrick
Irish Census 1901-1911 with his parents and siblings at 18 Scotch Street Downpatrick. 1911 occupation, stone mason.
Killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, (1July 1916) aged 30. His father was granted a war gratuity 13 November 1919.
Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial Somme, France.
Also commemorated on his parent’s memorial in Down Cathedral New Cemetery Downpatrick, Memorial Tablet in Down Cathedral, and on Downpatrick War Memorial.
George Love. Sergeant 7245, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles.
Born 10 November 1881 Robert James and Rachel Love, nee Quaile of Scotch Street Downpatrick.
Irish Census 1901 with his parents and siblings at 18 Scotch Street Downpatrick. 1911 serving with the 1st Royal Irish Rifles at Alexandrea Barracks, Maymyo Burma.
Died from wounds in action at 44th Casualty Clearing Station, Puchevillers France 30 December 1916 aged 34 years. His father was granted a war gratuity 1 March 1917 revised 2 October 1919. At rest in Puchevillers British Cemetery France.
He is commemorated on his parent’s memorial in Down Cathedral New Cemetery Downpatrick also on the following. Memorial Tablet Down Cathedral and on Downpatrick War Memorial.
William Love. Sergeant 6672, 1st Royal Irish Rifles
Born 19 November 1886 to Robert James and Rachel Love, nee Quaile of Scotch Street Downpatrick, Co. Down. Irish Census 1901 with his parents and siblings at 18 Scotch Street Downpatrick.
Died 13th May 1919 aged 31 years, occupation, valet. His mother was at his bedside when he passed away. At rest in in Down Cathedral New Cemetery, Downpatrick County Down Northern Ireland
He is also commemorated on a Memorial Tablet in Down Cathedral, and on Downpatrick War Memorial.
Notes from his service records
Enlisted on the 20th February 1902 at Belfast. He served in India from the 27th November 1903 to 22nd October 1912. (1911 serving as Rifleman with the 1st Royal Irish Rifles at Alexandrea Barracks, Maymyo Burma.) In France from the 16th August 1914 to 28th October 1914 then he returned to England. The sent back to France on the 31st May 1916 to 23rd December 1916. On the 26th October 1914 he was shot in is upper hip, which hip, was not recorded. He was then invalided to England for treatment. When he returned to France he went sick about September 1916 while at the Somme. He was complaining of a pain in his side and when was also coughing. He was admitted to a hospital in France and then invalided to England. A medical report on an invalid by a doctor in Belfast Military Hospital shows that his disability was Pulmonary Tuberculosis. A sputum swab was taken and is proved positive for Tuberculosis. He was medically discharged from the army on the 23rd July 1917 as being no longer physically fit for war service under Para 392 (XVI) Kings Regulations.
William John Lyttle. Private 69290, 49th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps.
Son of William and Grace Lyttle, of Scotch Street, Downpatrick.
Died 13 July 1917 aged 19. At rest in Down Cathedral New Cemetery, Downpatrick Co. Down.
John Malone. Sapper 64005, 121st Field Coy Royal Engineers.
Son of William Henry and Margaret Malone, of Church Street Downpatrick, Co. Down.
Died 23 May 1916 aged 22. At rest in Hamel Military Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, France.
He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 1464.
Robert Love Melville. Sapper 57634 Royal Engineers
Born 10 February 1897 to William and Eliza Jane Melville, nee Love.
(His father served as Corporal 3657 2nd Black Watch, June 1886. Corporal 6262 3rd Manchester Regiment, November 1900. Private 59877 13th Royal Irish Rifles. 1915-1917 Served in France 1915-1916) Irish 1911 census with his parents and siblings at 1 Mary Street, Downpatrick.
Died of wounds at No 4 Causality Clearing Station 11 Apr 1916. His father was granted a war gratuity 12 August 1916.
James McAlister. Rifleman 7583, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles.
Son of the late Colour Sergeant. J. and Mrs. Elizabeth McAllister, of South Down's, Downpatrick, Co. Down. Killed in action 27 October 1914 aged 27. Commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, France.
Joseph McBride. Major, 27th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
Born 17 October 1884 at Bridge Street Downpatrick to Michael Corbett and Mary McBride, nee Johnston later of 35, New Road., Ballymaconnell, Bangor, Co. Down.
Died 23 April 1917 aged 31. At rest in Vimy Communal Cemetery, Farbus, France
Samuel McCoubrey. Rifleman 71,16th Royal Irish Rifles.
Born 9 July 1875 to John and Eliza Jane McCoubrey, nee Watt.
14 September 1903 he married Catherine Kearney at St Margaret’s Church Downpatrick, occupation, labourer, father John McCoubrey. Irish 1911 he was living with his wife and two children at 40, Bridge Street, Downpatrick. Died at King George Hospital, London24 Aug 1916 aged 30. His widow was granted a war gratuity 29 March 1917 revised 2 October 1917.
At rest with his wife in Down Cathedral New Cemetery, County Down, Northern Ireland.
William James Skillen. Rifleman 143, 11th Royal Irish Rifles. Son of Robert and Mary Skillen, of Asylum Road, Downpatrick, Co. Down. Died 1 July 1916 aged 25 years. At rest in Gommecourt British Cemetery No2, Hebuterne, France.
He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 359
Francis McCoubrey. Rifleman 5201, 7th Royal Irish Rifles.
Son of Francis and Annie McCoubrey, of Bridge Street, Downpatrick, Co. Down. Husband of Agnes McCoubrey, of Clough, Co. Down
Died 30 July 1916 aged 30. At rest in Bois-Carre Military Cemetery, Haisnes, France.
Thomas McCormick. Stoker 1st Class SS/113432 Royal Navy on H.M.T.D. "Eden,"
Born 9 August 1894 at Downpatrick to James and Kate McCormick. Irish 1901 census. With his parents and siblings at 36 Stream Street, Downpatrick.
At the time of his death his father was residing at Cemetery Cottage, Downpatrick.
Died at sea as the result of his ship colliding with transport ship SS France in the English Channel 18 June 1917. At rest in Ste.Marie Cemetery, Le Havre
HMS Eden sank on the night of 18 June 1916 after a collision with the transport SS France in the English Channel. She sank with the loss of her commander, Lieutenant A.C.N. Farquhar, and 42 officers and men while 33 officers and men were rescued by SS France. The wreck lies in 34 m (112 ft) in the waters near Fécamp.
Robert McDonald. Private 21738, 1st Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Son of Richard and Margaret of Irish Street, Downpatrick. On the 23 September 1914 he enlisted at Valcartier, Quebec, apparent age 24 years and 6 months. He embarked from Quebec on S.S. Royal Edward to Tidworth, Wiltshire on the 4 October 1914. On the 29 April 1915 he was taken on strength with the 1st Battalion at Rouen. Reported missing in action at Givenchy presumed to have died 15 June 1915. Commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, France.
He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 1464.
Robert Gerald McElney. Military Cross. Captain, 77th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps.
Born 29 September 1892 at Saintfield County Down to Rev. Robert and Mary Elizabeth McElney, nee Davison of The Manse, Downpatrick, Co. Down.
Died 21 March 1918 aged 25. At rest in Grevillers British Cemetery, France.
William James McIlroy. Corporal 11276, 6th Royal Irish Rifles.
Born 9 May 1881 at Dundrum, County Down to John and Elizabeth McIlroy, nee Mackerel of Bridge Street Downpatrick, Co. Down.
Killed in action 17 August 1915 aged 30. Commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey (including Gallipoli) He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 359
William McKee. Corporal 4885, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles.
Son of Captain Hugh and Charlotte McKee, of Saul Street, Downpatrick, Co. Down.
Died 30 August 1916 aged 22. At rest in Puchevikllers British Cemetery, France.
Hugh McKee. Sergeant 3475 8th Royal Irish Regiment. Formerly 18316, 13th Royal Irish Rifles
Born at Kilkeel Co Down to Captain Hugh and Charlotte McKee, of Saul Street, Downpatrick, Co. Down. Died 06 September 1918 age 30. At rest in New Irish Farm Cemetery, Belgium.
He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 1464.
Francis McQuoid. Private 23857, 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Born 19 June 1895 at Downpatrick to single mother Ellen McQuoid.
Died 8 Aug 1917. His mother was granted a war gratuity 21 May 1920.
At rest in Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium.
John McQuoid. Rifleman 5/5462, 6th Royal Irish Rifles.
Son of James and Sarah Jane McQuoid, of Ballyvange, Downpatrick. Husband of Maggie Jane McQuoid, of Fountain Street, Downpatrick Co. Down.
Died 10 March 1918 aged 26. At rest in Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel and Palestine (including Gaza)
Charles McWlliams. Rifleman 18390, 13th Royal Irish Rifles.
Killed in action 1 July 1916. His father, Henry, was granted a war gratuity 12 November 1917 revised 18 October 1919. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
He was a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 359.
Thomas James Moody. Rifleman 17/1332, 9th Royal Irish Rifles.
Born 20 September 1880 at Coleraine, County Londonderry to Mathew and Hester, nee Barr.
He married aged 33 to Jeanie Floyd the 20 August 1914 at Downpatrick. Occupation Stone Cutter, Father Mathew Moody. Later they resided at Irish Street., Downpatrick.
Died 13 November 1916. At rest in Down Cathedral Old Cemetery, Downpatrick Co Down.
Thomas William Morgan. Driver 101143 C Battery, 82nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
Born 16 May 1895 at Fountain Street to John Alexander and Catherine (k/a Kate) Morgan, nee Perry of Fountain Street, Downpatrick. Irish 1901-1911 residing with his parents and siblings at 4 Fountain Street. Died of wounds 29 November 1917. His mother was granted a war gratuity 10 December 1919. At rest in Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Belgium.
Francis Leo Morgan Corporal 10112, 2nd Royal Irish Fusiliers
Born 31 January 1888 at Scotch Street, Downpatrick to Patrick and Mary Ann Morgan, nee Killen
Killed in action 14 March 1915. His father Patrick was granted a war gratuity 28 September 1915 revised 26 July 1919.
Commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.
He is named as Frank with the CWGC. Birth name Francis.
William Mortimer. Unable to find the correct record for this person listed with the CWGC.
Irish census shows no William Mortimer residing at Down for both census years. General search on the internet keep referring to Capt William Mortimer Lanyon.
Craig Nelson. Captain, 1/ 3rd Brahman Regiment and attached 69 Punjabis
Son of the late Surgeon Major. Edwin Field Nelson. Husband of Irene Nelson, of 16, The Close, Norwich. Formerly served in the Royal Irish Rifles and fought in the Boer War
Mentioned in Despatches.
Killed in action 25 September 1915 aged 36. Commemorated on the Neuve-Chapelle Memorial, France. He is also commemorated on the 1st Presbyterian Non-Subscribing Church Downpatrick
Robert Nixon. Rifleman 7294, 1st Royal Irish Rifles.
Killed in action on the first day of the battle of the Somme, 1 July 1916.
Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
Thomas James Nixon. Private 12280, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Son of William James and Ellen Nixon, of Downpatrick.
He was discharge from the army 3 April 1917 and died 6 May 1918 aged 23 years. His father was granted a war gratuity 11 November 1919. Atrest in St Margaret Churchyard, Down, Downpatrick Co Down. He was also a member of Downpatrick Orange Lodge 359
