remni october 23

October 23

remembrance ni

Wimeruex Cemetery

Wimereux is a small town situated approximately 5 kilometres north of Boulogne. The Commonwealth War Graves are situated to the rear of the Communal Cemetery. Because of the sandy nature of the soil, the headstones lie flat upon the graves.

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Wimereux was the headquarters of the Queen Mary's Army Auxilliary Corps during the First World War and in 1919 it became the General Headquarters of the British Army.

From October 1914 onwards, Boulogne and Wimereux formed an important hospital centre and until June 1918, the medical units at Wimereux used the communal cemetery for burials, the south-eastern half having been set aside for Commonwealth graves, although a few burials were also made among the civilian graves.

By June 1918, this half of the cemetery was filled, and subsequent burials from the hospitals at Wimereux were made in the new military cemetery at Terlincthun.

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During the Second World War, British Rear Headquarters moved from Boulogne to Wimereux for a few days in May 1940, prior to the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk. Thereafter, Wimereux was in German hands and the German Naval Headquarters were situated on the northern side of the town.

After D-Day, as Allied forces moved northwards, the town was shelled from Cap Griz-Nez, and was re-taken by the Canadian 1st Army on 22 September 1944.

Wimereux Communal Cemetery contains 2,847, Commonwealth burials of the First World War, two of them unidentified. Buried among them is Lt.-Col. John McCrae, author of the poem "In Flanders Fields." There are also five

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French and a plot of 170 German war graves. The cemetery also contains 14 Second World War burials, six of them unidentified. The Commonwealth section was designed by Charles Holden.

On this Day - October 23

1914

As the Allies lose ground near La Bassee, and furious attacks near Langemarck, on the Yser the Germans take Lombartzyde, but are again repulsed from Dixmude.

(Belfast News-Letter, 23 October 1914) ULSTER AND THE ARMY.

The Mounted Squadron. POST FOR CAPTAIN STRETTELL.

Captain Chauncy Batho Dashwood Strettell, of the Indian Army, has been selected to command the Ulster Division squadron of the Inniskilling Dragoons now being raised at Enniskillen. Captain Strettell entered the Indian Army on 1900, joining the 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force), which is composed of Sikhs, Dogras, Hindustani Mahomedans, Punjabi Mahomedans, and Pathans. He was appointed a squadron officer in 1902, and was promoted to the rank of

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captain seven years later. He also served for a time with the Burma Military Police.

1917

Members of the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) and their pet dog on parade in 1918. Sadly the location is not known.

The French are victorious on the Aisne, north east of Soissons, advance up to two miles, on six mile front, and it is reported they captured 8,000 German prisoners and 70 guns.

1918 23rd October 1918 Belfast Newsletter Ulster Division Rank & File Fatality

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Lance-Corporal Thomas George McIlroy, M.M, 19878, 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, previously 10th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (The Derrys), died as a result of gas poisoning on the 21st March 1918. He was 23 years of age and a son of Elizabeth McIlroy nee McFarland and the late Thomas McIlroy, of Maghera, County Londonderry. He was born George McIlroy 31/01/1895, he added his father's forename Thomas sometime after his father's death in August 1899 of heart failure. L/Cpl Thomas George McIlroy is buried in St. Souplet British Cemetery, France.

Lance Corporal Thomas McIlroy, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, of Upperlands, has been awarded the Military Medal for good work in the recent fighting. It appears that, with a number of others, he was on patrol when they walked into a German stronghold. A fierce struggle, lasting over two hours ensued, and through the good work and devotion to duty of Lance Corporal McIlroy and two other members of the party, the Germans were held up and the patrol saved from capture.

Corporal McIlroy was amongst the first batch of volunteers from Upperlands to join the Ulster Division at its formation. He has been at the front ever since the 36th Division went out. Before joining the colours he was a member of Upperlands Company of the U.V.F., and was connected with Upperlands Loyal Orange Lodge.

He is a respected member of Maghera Presbyterian Church, and was employed on the clerical staff of Messrs. W Clark and Sons Ltd.

October 23

1940

Hitler meets Franco, the Spanish head of state at Hendaye near the French-Spanish border. Franco declares ‘Spain will gladly fight at Germany’s side’, but remains non-committal regarding Spain’s entry into the war.

The RAF continue its attacks on Berlin.

1941

De Gaulle meets French Resistance and asks to spare the innocent and bide their time.

It is decided that British forces should make their main approach on Gondar in Abyssinia, from the direction of Adowa due to the better road conditions.

Nazis forbid emigration of Jews from the Reich.

1942

Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt arrives in London for a three-week visit as guest of the King.

The battleship Tirpitz leaves Bogenfjord and moves south to Lofjord near Trondheim, where it is to be refitted.

The Western Task Force, destined for North Africa, departs from Hampton Roads, Virginia.

The Second Battle of El Alamein begins with a 1,000-gun bombardment. The Eighth Army gains ground on a 6-mile front and repulses Axis counter-attacks.

The RAF launches bombing raids against the Italian cities of Genoa and Turin.

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The previously undefeated Sandai division of the Japanese army suffers its first loss of the war whe it fails to capture Henderson Airfield on Guadalcanal.

1943

A German torpedo boat flotilla sinks the Royal Navy cruiser Charybdis and the destroyer Limborne in a Channel duel.

Russians take Melitopol after 10-days of fighting; Dnepropetrovsk falls to Malinovsky, while a tank army reaches Krivoi Rog.

1944

The decisive three-day Battle of Leyte Gulf begins. It is the largest naval battle of World War II. The American strength, with some Australian ships, was comprised of 8 large aircraft carriers, 8 light carriers, 18 escort carriers, 12 battleships, 24 cruisers, 141 destroyers.

The Japanese lose four carriers, three battleships, six heavy and four light cruisers, 11 destroyers, one submarine and some 500 planes, with approximately 10,000 sailors killed.

October 23

The first organised use of Kamikaze’s by the Japanese are reported.

The 3rd Panzer Corps begin a six day counter attack around Debrecen.

Hitler informed Skorzeny (left above), one of his favourite commandos, to form a special brigade, Panzer Brigade 150, to infiltrate Allied lines in US uniforms and vehicles during the Ardennes Offensive. Skorzeny had only 5 weeks to create this unit, Operation Greif.

Roll of Honour - October 23 Representing their comrades who died on this day

1914

+BUCHANAN, Edmond

North Irish Horse. Corporal. 686. Died 23/10/1914. Born 27/08/1890 at Rathdonnell, County Donegal, son of farmer David Buchanan and his wife Catherine (nee Wilkin), one of

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at least thirteen children. He enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Letterkenny in March 1912. He embarked for France with A Squadron of the North Irish Horse on 17/08/1914, seeing action in the retreat from Mons and the Advance to the Aisne. In October 1914 he was taken seriously ill and evacuated to the Epsom and Ewell Hospital (Grandstand) in England. He died there. He was born on 27/08/1890 at Rathdonnell, County Donegal, son of farmer David Buchanan and his wife Catherine (nee Wilkin), one of at least thirteen children. Epsom Cemetery, Surrey, England,

1916

+DARGAN, George RNR. AB. 5062B. HMS Geniota. Died 23/10/1916. Minesweeper. Ardilea St., Belfast. Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Panel 23.

+HOEY, George Royal Irish Rifles, 1st Btn. Rifleman. 5369. Died 23/10/1916. Age 40. Born in Moy, County Tyrone about 1876, the son of James and Rachel Hayes Hoey. George Hoey enlisted in Downpatrick, Co. Down. He was residing in Banbridge, at the time and his parents were resident at Gilford. Husband to Anne Eliza Hoey, of Seapatrick, Banbridge. Thiepval Memorial, Thiepval, Somme. Seapatrick C of I Parish Church, Banbridge WM

1917

+ELLIOTT, William James Canadian Infantry, 46th Btn. Private. 136257. Died 23/10/1917. Aged 49. Son of the late John and Maria Elliott, of Headwood, Kilwaughter, Larne. Oxford Road Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium

October 23

1918

+CURRAN, David GeorgeRoyal Inniskilling Fusiliers. 1st. Btn. Private. 44264. Died 23/10/1918. Age 19. Born 03/10/1899, a son of David and Elizabeth Curran of Oldtown Street, Cookstown and was employed at Gunnings Factory. He enlisted in Cookstown late in 1916 and had been through many of the campaigns towards the end of the First World War. He was seriously wounded in both legs on 14/10/1918, and was taken to No 44 Casualty Clearing station where one of his legs was amputated. David was seriously ill and spent much of his time in the company of the Chaplain of the station where he spoke of his love for his Mother and the other members of the family at home. David died of his wounds. Duhallow

ADS Cemetery, Ypres, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Cookstown WM, St Luran’s Church, Cookstown, Gunnings Factory WM

+KNOX, John

Royal Irish Rifles, 13th Btn. attd. 15th Btn. Second Lieutenant. M C and Bar. Died 23/10/1918. Aged 28.

Headstone left

October 23

Second Lieutenant John Knox MC and Bar, 15th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles formerly of North Irish Horse

He enlisted as a Private in the North Irish Horse, Service No. 2166, and moved to the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish

Rifles, Service No. 1/40887. It was announced in London Gazette Supplement dated 18/02/1918 that he was awarded the Military Cross.

The citation stated - “For conspicuous gallantry during an attack. Having reached his final objective, he found the platoon to his right held up. He at once led an attack on the pont, and captured it, taking a machine gun and six prisoners. Then he worked along fences, clearing out three enemy posts, and established touch with the division on the right. He handled his platoon with the greatest skill, and showed fine courage and coolness under difficult conditions.” A Bar was added to his Military Cross in November.

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Second Lieutenant Knox was seriously wounded and died of his wounds on the 23rd October 1918, aged 28. Tragically only twenty days before the ending of hostilities. Prior to the war he was in the pharmaceutical business with Messrs S. Connors and Sons, Newry. He was a member of Union Masonic Lodge No. 23, Newry. Son of Robert Knox, of Tierkelly, Rathfriland. Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille, Pas de Calais, France

+McCLURE, Hugh CecilRoyal Garrison Artillery,146th Siege Battery. Lieutenant. Died 23/10/1918. Aged 22. Son of the Rev. Dr. J. J. and Mary McClure, Duneane, Randalstown. Presbyterian minister John James McClure, son of Presbyterian minister Samuel, married Mary Denham of Clover Hill, Randalstown, daughter of Presbyterian minister William, in Antrim Town’s 1st Presbyterian Church on the 15/09/1884. The couple had at least four children who served in the Great War. William Denham McClure was born on the 19/10/1887 at Drumcullen, Duneane. He became a Presbyterian minister and served in the Great War. Samuel McClure was born on 02/04/1890 at Drumcullen and became a Major, eventually serving in the Royal Air Force after its creation. John Richard Smyth McClure was born at Drumcullen, Duneane on the 10/11/1892. He died during the war. Hugh Cecil McClure was born at Drumcullen on 04/08/1896. Le Cateau Communal Cemetery, Nord, France

+WALLACE, William John

Royal Irish Fusiliers, 9th (North Irish Horse) Btn. Private. 41096. Died 23/10/1918. Age 26. Husband of Mary Wallace,

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of Queen St., Enniskillen. Harlebeke New British Cemetery, Belgium

1942

+EDGAR, Stanley MartinRN. Stoker 1st Class. D/SKX 315. Died 23/10/1942. Age 19. HM Submarine Unique (Lt R E Boddington), possibly around 10th October 1942, eastern area of North Atlantic - 'overdue, presumed lost'. Carrying out Bay of Biscay patrol while on passage from Britain to Gibraltar. Reported off Lands End on the 9th, last contact was probably on the 10th, due to arrive at Gibraltar on the 22nd, but not heard from again. Cause of loss unknown, possibly drifting mine. Germans made no claims for attacks on a submarine at the times of her passage; all 34 crew lost. Son of William James Edgar and May Stanley Edgar, Londonderry. Plymouth Naval Memorial, Panel 70. St. Columb’s Cathedral WM, Londonderry

1943

+BILL, JamesRoyal Irish Fusiliers . Fusilier. 7020049. Died 23/10/1943. Age 26 Son of Edward and Ellen Bill, of Belfast; husband of Lily Bill, of Belfast. Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy

+BURROWS, William AndrewRN. Ordinary Seaman. D/JX 417950. HMS Charybdis. Died 23/10/1943. Age 23. 10 months’ service. Son of William and Helen Burrows, Derriaghy, Dunmurry. (Belfast Weekly Telegraph 05/11/1943). Plymouth Naval Memorial, Panel 80. Lisburn WM

October 23

+DANIELSEN, George Frederick ChristianRoyal Warwickshire Regiment, 2/7th Bn. Major. 44901. MBE. Died 23/10/1943. Aged 33. Son of Frederick Gustavus Danielsen and of Elizabeth Danielsen (nee Okeu); husband of Francesca Violet Peggy Danielsen, of Limavady. Athens Memorial, Greece

1944

+KELSO, SamuelRoyal Ulster Rifles. 2nd Bn. Rifleman. 7015487. Died 23/10/1944. Aged 25. Son of Robert James Kelso and Matilda Kelso; husband of Edith Annie Kelso, of Yeovil, Somerset. Venray War Cemetery, Limburg (Netherlands), Netherlands

+McCONKEY, John CrawfordRAFVR. Sergeant.1899023. Died 23/10/1944. Aged 29. 625 Sqdn. Son of John Crawford McConkey and Mary McConkey; husband of Florence McConkey, of Whitewell, Co. Antrim. Runnymeade Memorial, Panel 233, Surrey

+QUIGG, David John Blair RAFVR. Aircraftman 1st Class.1079950. Died 23/10/1944. Aged 22. Son of Robert John and Margaret Quigg, of Crindle, Myroe, Co. Londonderry. Ambon War Cemetery, Indonesia

1945

+ROONEY, Peter JosephStoker 1st Class, HMS Howe, Service Number P/KX 163240. Date of Death 23/10/1945. Son of Mr and Mrs Jack

October 23

Rooney, Mayobridge, husband to Madge, of Bessbrook. Mombasa (Mbaraki) Cemetery, Kenya. Bessbrook WM

VETERANS

AIKEN, Henry RMLI. Private.15657. Plymouth Division. Enrolled 16/04/1912. Served in Highflier, Challenger, Argonaut and Vivid. Wounded. PoW Germany 29/04/1917 - 09/12/1918. Born 23/10/1894. Malvern Place Belfast. ADM 159/157/15657

BAXTER, ReginaldRN. Artificer. M3820. HMS Centurion. Jutland. Enlisted 13/10/1914 for 12 years. Re-enrolled 09/08/1926 and served to 01/01/1929. War service in Vivid II and Centurion from 04/03/1916 - 06/03/1919 involved also in Russian civil war. Born Portadown 23/10/1896. Son of William and Ann Jane Baxter, Parkmount. (Portadown News 1916). First Portadown - PCI RH. ADM 188/1025/3820

BROWN, James BoyleRN. Petty Officer. J4940. Enrolled 27/03/1910 for 12 years. Served to 23/10/1928. War service in Forth, Egmont, Blenheim, Adamant, Dolphin, Defiance and Highflyer. Born Belfast 27/03/1892. ADM 188/656/4940

CAIRNS, HerbertRMLI. Private. 17582. Plymouth Division. Enrolled 10/11/1914. Wounded Sept 1916. Discharged on compassionate grounds 23/10/1919. Born Belfast 05/10/1897. Son of WH Cairns, Bangor St., Belfast. Emerald St., Belfast. ADM 159/161/17582

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CREIGHTON, William RN. Stoker I. 309299. Enrolled 03/12/1905 for 12 years. War service in Vivid II, Pekin and Maidstone. Served to 23/10/1920. Born Belfast 25/05/1879. ADM 188/505/309299

ROBB, Robert CampbellRNAS. Sub-Lieut. Competed in Olympic Games, London, 1908. B 20/02/1883. D 23/10/1941. Son of Kirker Robb, Somerton Road, Belfast. Campbell College 170

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The remembrance ni programme is overseen by Very Rev Dr Houston McKelvey OBE, QVRM, TD who served as Chaplain to 102 and 105 Regiments Royal Artillery (TA), as Hon. Chaplain to RNR and as Chaplain to the RBL NI area and the Burma Star Association NI. Dr McKelvey is a Past President of Queen’s University Services Club. He may be contacted at [email protected]

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