This page contains five images, the names of the FALLEN 1914 – 1918, 1939 – 1945 and more recent conflicts. A report on the unveiling and dedication ceremony plus other background information. Additional images available on request to uwms@outlook.com

Larne postcard

Above image is of LARNE WAR MEMORIAL, Co. Antrim in its original location.

The images below show the memorial in its present location.

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The FALLEN 1914 - 1918.

Surname followed by first name. Individual names are separated by a semi-colon (;).

A.  Adams, Robert McFerran; Agnew, Andrew; Agnew, Charles; Agnew, Myles; Aicken, James; Aicken, John; Allen, Kennedy C.;
B.  Bailie, James; Barr, Hugh; Baxter, Samuel; Bell, Alexander; Bell, Charles; Bell, James; Bell, Samuel; Bell, Samuel; Brady, Thomas; Brennan, Bryce;
C.  Caldwell, Thomas; Campbell, Samuel McD.; Campbell, Wesley; Campbell, William; Campbell, William J.; Carson, Herbert W.; Carson, James A.; Clarke, Edmund; Claxton, Charles; Clements, Houston; Cooke, Thomas; Craig, David; Crawford, Samuel; Crawley, Richard;
D.  Dale, James; Dowling, Henry; Dunwoody, Hugh H.;
F.  Fergie, James; Ferguson, Thomas; Fleck, Robert; Foster, John; Fulton, James;
G.  Gault, Arthur A.; Gardiner, George; Gawn, John; Gettinby, Thomas; Gingles, John; Gourley, Thomas; Graham, Martin; Gribben, Francis; Gribben, Robert; Griffiths, John;
H.  Hanna, James; Hanvey, John; Harbinson, James; Hassan, Thomas; Haveron, James; Hayes, James; Hazelton, Douglas; Heggarty, Thomas J. A.; Higgins, William; Hill, John; Hopkins, William Dalton; Huey, William Wallace; Huxley, James Alexander; Humphreys, Patrick; Humphreys, William Henry; Hutchinson, Thomas; Hylands, Frank; Hylands, John;
I.  Ireland, George;
J.  Jamieson, Samuel; Jenks, John E.; Johnston, Archd., Mason;
K.  Kearns, William; Kidd, Chester; Kirkpatrick, William; Kirkpatrick, William J.;
L.  Lennon, James; Logan, Joseph;
M.  Mackey, Samuel Ross; Magill, Herbert T. F.; Magill, John; Magill, Robert John; Magill, Spencer; Magill, William Arthur; Manson, James; Meharg, Robert J.; Mellin, Samuel; Melville, Alexander; Millar, Samuel; Mitchell, Alex. Scott; Montgomery, Hugh; Moore, William; Murray, William John; McAdorey, Henry; McAllister, John; McAllister, Michael; McAteer, James K.; McClean, Robert; McClellan, Allan; McCluggage, William; McClure, Hugh; McCord, William; McCormack, Dennis; McDowell, Robert; McDowell, William; McElroy, William; McFadden, Andrew; McFadden, Samuel; McFall, Robert; McGuire, Patrick; McManus, James; McMillan, Alex.; McMullan, James; McMullan, Robert; McNally, Arthur; McNally, Charles; McNeill, Alexander; McPherson, David; McRoberts, Daniel;
N.  Nelson, Andrew; Nelson, David A.; Nelson, Samuel; Norrell, Charles; Noble, George; Noble, James;
P.  Porter, James; Pullin, Robert James; Purdy, William;
R.  Ramsey, Robert John; Rea, James; Regan, William; Reid, Joseph; Robinson, Robert; Robinson, Samuel; Robinson, Thomas; Robinson, William; Rocke, W. J.;
S.  Savage, Tom; Shannon, William; Simms, David S.; Simpson, James; Sittlington, Samuel; Sloan, Fisher; Steele, James; Sutherland, George;
T.  Torbit, William;
W.  Walker, James; Weir, Matthew; Weir, William James.

The FALLEN 1939 - 1945.

Surname followed by first name. Individual names are separated by a semi-colon (;).

B.  Baxter, James; Blair, James;

C.  Clarke, James; Cochrane, Quentin; Craig, David; Craig, Joseph; Crawford, Daniel; Davies, George; D.  Durrell, Ernest R.;

E.  Evans, Joseph;

F.  Fraser, D. Lovat;

G.  Gamble, Frank; Gardiner, Angus T.; Gowdy, William John; Green, Alexander; Greer, Thomas G.;

H.  Hanna, James; Haveron, Francis G.; Haveron, Henry; Haveron, James; Hayburn, William; Higgins, Daniel; Hillis, John; Holden, James; Hood, John; Houston, Frank;

M.  Maxwell, Arthur; Mills, D. Nelson; Mills, James; Moorhead, Alfred; McAllister, Randall; McAllister, William; McClelland, Robert; McCluggage, Edward; McCormick, George; McCormick, Terence; McCullough, Donald; McFaul, Denis; McIlhinney, David; McIlhinney, John; McKay, William John; McKinstry, John; McNeill, James M.; McSeveney, Hugh C.;

P.  Perry, Samuel J.;

R.  Reid, Hugh; Richmond, Richard H.; Robinson, William John; Ross, Samuel;

S.  Semple, John; Shields, William Hugh; Sloan, John; Smyth, John T.; Snoddon, Hugh McW.; Spence, William John; Swan, James; Swann, James; Swann, Robert M.; Swann, John W.;

T.  Tware, John McI.; Thompson, William;

W.  Watt Smyth, Brian; Wright, John H.

OTHER CONFLICTS

Malaya 1949

Heyburn David, Sergeant, Royal Artillery,

1950 – Korean War – 1953

Wright, Thomas, Rifleman, 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles.

Robinson, Samuel, Rifleman, 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles.

Aden 1966

Higgins, Robert, L.A.C. (Leading aircraftman?)

UNVEILING and DEDICATION CEREMONY 1922.

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES.

HONOURING THE HEROIC DEAD.

CLUBHOUSE FOR EX-SERVICE MEN.

The townspeople of Larne on Tuesday [7th March 1922] paid affectionate tribute to those of their number who laid down their lives in the Great War, and at the same time in practical manner give expression of their gratitude to those who fought and were so fortunate as to return home. It was the fruition of the scheme adopted by the War Memorials Committee two years ago, when it was decided to honour the memory of the heroic dead by the erection of a monument, and to make more comfortable and healthful the lives of equally heroic comrades who survived, by the provision of a fine clubhouse and grounds. By the generosity of the general public substantial funds were made available, and the first part of the scheme was entrusted to the famous sculpture, Mr F.W. Pomeroy, R.A., the creation of whose genius now adorns the square at the east end of Main Street. In the prosecution of the second part of the scheme the committee was fortunate in being able to purchase Inver House and grounds, the former residence of the Barklie family, which is now an ex-service men’s club, handsome and well equipped, with a fine sports ground.

A central figure in Tuesday’s ceremonies was Colonel R.C. McCalmont, D.S.O, of the Irish Guards, one who is linked to the town by many memories of himself and his parents, and the committee are to be congratulated on their choice. The gallant officer left no doubt in the minds of his hearers as to his appreciation of the honour which the committee had sought to pay him, and the reception everywhere given him must have assured him of the high place he holds in the esteem of those who have known him so long and well. A record of the interesting proceedings would, too, be incomplete if mentioned were not made of the invaluable work so willingly render by the chairman of the committee (Mr. Samuel McMeekin, J.P.), the hon. treasurer (Mr. J.L. Joyce), and the hon. secretary (Mr. W.G. Younge). Undoubtedly the bulk of the work fell on the very capable shoulders of the last-named, whose highest reward (as his friends all know) is that arrangements for the unveiling ceremony were meticulously complete.

The names of the other members of the original of War Memorials Committee are as follows: – Miss Bailie, the late Mr George Barton, J.P., Mr George Barry, Mr. W.K.  Bickerstaffe, Mr Samuel Boyd, jun., Mr William N. Brown, Mr Robert Burton, the late Mr Thomas Carson, Mr. Wm. Chaine, D.L., Mr Thomas Clearkin, Miss Coey, the late Mr James Coey, Mrs. Cousins, Mr John F. Cousins, Mr. R.B. Cunningham, Mr Allan Dorman, Mr James Ferris, Mrs Fisher, Mr. W.J.R. Harbinson, Mr James A. Haslett, Mrs. A.B. Holmes, Mr. A.B. Holmes, J.P., Mr Thomas Johnston, Dr. S.W. Hill, Mr James A. Liggate, Mr. C.L. Mackean, J.P., Mr Samuel Magill, Miss McDowell, Mr Samuel McMullan, Mr James McQuillan, M.A., the late Colonel D. McNeill, D.L., Mr. J.W. McNinch, M.A., Mr. J.P. O’Toole, J.P., Miss M. Patton, Mr. T.L. Price, Mr John Purdy, Miss Rita Ross, Mr John Ross, Mr James Sutherland, Major George Thomson, D.S.O., Mr William A. Wilson, Rev. A. Boyd, M.A., Very Rev. J. Burns, P.P., V.F., Rev. W.F. Clarke, Rev. R.J. M. Cowden, B.A., Rev. J.L. Donaghy, Rev. A.J. Elgar, Rev. D.H. Hanson, B.A., C.B.E., Rev James Kennedy, Rev. Hugh Liddy, C.C., Rev. R. Miller.

At noon the ceremony of unveiling the monument took place during an impressive dedicatory and commemorative service. For the convenience of the unveiling a platform had been erected in front of the monument, whilst near at hand there was a reserved enclosure for relatives of the fallen men. Seated on a platform where Colonel McCalmont, members of the Memorials Committee, and a number of visitors, including Lt.-Colonel Goodwin, D.S.O., who was the last commanding officer of the 12th R.I.R. The weather was by no means favourable for an outdoor ceremony, there being a strong, cold wind, but fortunately the rain kept off during the service. There was a very large attendance of townspeople on the Square, whilst all the windows overlooking the scene (especially the Laharna Hotel) were crowded with interested spectators.

The chair was taken prompt to the hour by Mr. McMeekin, and the service commenced by the singing of the beautiful hymn, “For all Thy Saints.” A mixed choir, under the able leadership of Mr William Yeates, efficiently led the praise portion of the service.

CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS.

Following the singing of the hymn, the Chairman said they were met on a very grave and solemn occasion, an occasion such as had never before taken place in the history of the town, and one they fervently hoped and prayed there would be no reason for repeating. They had assembled to do honour to the memory of those brave men of the town who willingly gave their lives that those who remained might be free. As Chairman of the War Memorials Committee the duty fell to him of making a brief statement of the steps leading up to that today’s ceremony, and to that memorial now completed to the men from Larne who fell in the Great War. After the Armistice was signed there was a desire to perpetuate the memory and worth of the Larne men who made the supreme sacrifice, and to show their gratitude to those who fought, and  thank God, had returned. A public meeting was called, at which a committee was appointed, and the project was discussed, taken in all its aspects. Eventually the committee unanimously decided on a three-fold scheme: –  (1) A monument in eternal memory of their noble dead; (2) a club and grounds for the Comrades of the Great War; and (3) playgrounds for the children in various parts of the town. Following that decision, canvassers set to work and the handsome sum of £4,600 was subscribed, and he was pleased to say that the subscription list showed the memorial was representative of all classes of the community. (Hear, hear.) Very shortly after the committee was formed it was found possible to secure Inver House and grounds, and there the demobilised soldiers had clubroom and sports grounds. While the committee were not able to give full effect to the third part of the scheme, he thought it could be claimed that what they had accomplished would honour the glorious dead and give rest and recreation to their living comrades.

On behalf of the War Memorials Committee and his fellow townspeople he would like to tender to the relatives of the fallen men, and in a very especial manner to the widow and fatherless, heartfelt sympathy in the irreparable loss they had sustained by the death of their loved ones, and he prayed the God of Peace to comfort and sustain them in the days to come. Of their beloved dead they should remember-

They died the noblest death that men may die-

Fighting for God, and Right, and Liberty:

And such a death is immortality.

It matters little where the casket lies,

God has laid the jewel by.

He would like to appeal to all parents and teachers in the town to impress on the children the sacredness of that memorial; that it was sacred to the memory of 147 of the bravest of the manhood of the town, many of them on the very threshold of manhood, many of them known to them from childhood, others who left wives and children and laid down their lives for them. God help those who remained to try and live worthy of that great sacrifice. While it was impossible that sacrifice could ever fade from their memories, he felt sure it would be some solace to be bereaved that such worthy and serviceable memorials and been placed in the town.

In conclusion, the Chairman said he thought those present would agree with him, when the monument was unveiled, that the committee were fortunate in their choice of a sculptor, and that the work need not fear comparison with the most magnificent war memorials of other places. (Applause.)

Scriptural lessons were read by the Rev. W.F. Clarke, and the Rev. A.J. Elgar (in the absence of the rector, Rev Andrew  Boyd, M.A.), and the Revs. John Lyle Donaghy and D.H. Hanson, B.A., C.B.E., led in prayer. Then the chairman called on Colonel McCalmont to unveil the towns memorial to its heroic dead, adding the remarks that the town could have found no more suitable man to perform that ceremony, and everyone present bade him a hardly welcome.

COLONEL McCALMONT

said he did not think that was the right moment for him to say anything personal other than to tell them how greatly he appreciated the compliment paid to him by placing him in that position of responsibility and honour that day. After the beautiful music they had heard, and the Scripture and prayers so eloquently read, it was very difficult for him to speak, but perhaps it was as well on such an occasion that a word should be said from the point of view not only of the layman, but also of the comrades of those whom that beautiful monument would represent. He could only say to those who that day mourned their loved ones that no one more appreciated what they did than those who were with them when they died, whether it was on land or whether it was, as in the case of many from that great town, at sea. He thought that those who saw those brave men die realised better than most of those present that they died that others should live, that they died that their kin might live in a free country, and not in what their foes would have made an uncivilised country. From the soldier’s point of view no one was more grateful to them than those who also fought, and he was happy to see that the word grateful was recorded in the inscription on that monument. In addition to being grateful they were proud, and he thought those who mourned would agree with him that they had every right to be proud as well as grateful. There was a especial reason for their pride. Across the Channel very handsome memorials (but none more handsome than theirs) were springing up everywhere, but there was one great difference in England, Scotland, and Wales. There the memorial recorded the names of many who went, not because they wanted to go, but because they could not help themselves going. That day he was going to unveil a monument to brave men who of their own freewill gave themselves to fight for their King and country and subsequently gave their lives. He had endeavoured to put before them two aspects of their regard, first their gratitude and secondly their pride in their fallen comrades. It was now his very honourable and very responsible duty on their behalf to unveiled that magnificent memorial in the hope and belief that for many generations it would tell something of the part the men of Larne had played in the Great War.

The monument was then unveiled by Colonel McCalmont, and with the ex-Servicemen forming the cordon standing to attention, Major George Thomson, D.S.O, solemnly and distinctly read out the hundred and forty-seven names inscribed thereon. In the absence of the Rev James Kennedy (who had been present but was unable to stand the exposure to the weather), the memorial was then dedicated by the Rev. D.H. Hanson. Amid tense silence the buglers of the 1st Norfolks sounded the “Last Post,” followed by the “Reveille” and, after a pause, all joined in the singing of the paraphrase “How bright these glorious spirits shine.”

In his capacity as chairman of the Memorials Committee, Mr. McMeekin then asked the chairman of the Urban District Council (Dr. William Shaw) to accept the monument, which they hoped would be a treasured possession so long as the town should last, and in doing so he felt certain that not only the present Urban Council, but all those who might follow them, would look upon the preservation of that memorial as one of their most sacred trusts. (Hear, hear.)

Dr. Shaw replied that it was to him a melancholy pleasure to accept, on behalf of the townspeople, the custody of that memorial-which was a tribute of undying affection for those who so nobly fought and so gloriously died. Larne people were particularly proud of their kith and kin, who maintained the highest traditions of Royal Ulster in the Great War, and he felt sure the Urban District Council would regard that important trust as a most sacred one, and that they would faithfully preserve it. (Hear, hear.)

VOTES OF THANKS.

On behalf of the Committee, Mr. James McQuillan, M.A., moved a very cordially vote of thanks to Colonel McCalmont, and Mr. Pomeroy. He said that they had just witnessed the unveiling of that memorial erected in honour of the men of the town who gave up their lives for their country in the Great War, and if, as they believed, the dead were not unconscious of the ties of love and fellowship that were so dear to the living, then they might feel certain that those heroic souls were not far removed from them at that moment, and that they had joined in the old comradeship with those who shared the same dangers, but who had been spared to return to their homes and take part in that solemn ceremony. In was, therefore in the sublime presence of the heroic living and the heroic dead that the memorial had been unveiled, and though Colonel McCalmont would be the last man to feel that he deserved their thanks yet they were conscious that his presence with them on that occasion was but a fitting completion of the services he had rendered during raising and training of the battalion to which belonged most of the men whose loyally and devotion they were commemorating. They all felt that no one more suitable than Colonel McCalmont could have been chosen to pay that last tribute to their noble dead. (Hear, hear.) He was back with them once again amongst his own men, and as he unveiled the memorial he must have been deeply touched at the thought of the gallant men whom he knew so well, but whose faces he would see no more on earth. But while thanking Colonel McCalmont they must not forget the great artist to whose skill and loving care they owed that memorial. It was only right and proper that the people of Larne should give of their best in everlasting remembrance of those who had given up all for them, and in asking Mr. Pomeroy to carry out the task they felt that the work would be well done. The stately memorial before them showed that their confidence was not misplaced.

Mr. James Sutherland seconded the motion, remarking that Colonel McCalmont was no stranger, but one of their own, whom they loved and esteemed, as they held his father in the highest esteem, whilst as for his mother no words of his (the speaker’s) could express the place she held in their affections. (Applause.) Colonel McCalmont was a worthy son of worthy parents, and the committee were very happy in their choice. They owed a debt of gratitude to him for accepting their invitation. As for Mr Pomeroy’s beautiful work, they would all look upon it with pride, and would value his artistry for its intrinsic worth as well as for what it represented to them. (Hear, hear.)

The vote of thanks was accorded by acclamation, and suitably conveyed by the chairman.

Colonel McCalmont thanked the speakers for the very kind words they had used about him and his parents. He had to apologise for the absence of his mother, who had determined to come to that ceremony, and was only prevented by the doctor forbidding her to leave her bed. So far as he was concerned, he esteemed it a very great honour to have been selected to unveil that beautiful memorial. Many more distinguished soldiers could have been asked, and therefore he regarded the invitation as a very high honour. Reference had been made to the battalion he had raised of his fellow countrymen, and he hoped they would believe him when he said (for he had not always been believed on the subject) that of all the commands he had held, he had not been so proud of one as he was of the command of the 12th Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles. (Applause.) He would like to add his word of congratulation and thanks to Mr. Pomeroy for his beautiful work. The monument was worthy of the town of Larne, and, in his opinion, anything that was worthily of Larne had to be a very fine thing indeed. (Applause.)

Mr Pomeroy said he was deeply grateful for their vote of thanks, brought his thanks were really do to them for allowing him the privilege of raising that monument to their illustrious dead. He was very proud to be associated even in a small way with the great town of Larne and its heroic soldiers. (Applause.)

The Benediction was then pronounced by the Rev David Samson, and the singing of the National Anthem brought an historic and impressive service to an end.

TRIBUTES OF LOVE.

Following the service bereaved relatives and representatives of various organisations, deposited at the foot of the Cenotaph beautiful floral tributes of love and remembrance. The number of tributes from those who mourn love ones was unusually large, and many bore pathos-laden messages speaking of never dieing love. In addition there were many tributes of  a semi-public nature, including those from the following:- Larne War Memorials Committee, Larne Urban District Council, Larne Branch of the British Legion, Larne Red Cross Workers, Directors of the British Aluminium Co., Ltd., Staff of the British Aluminium Co., Ltd., Workers of the British Aluminium Co., Ltd.,  Employees of Inver Factory, Ltd., Larne Old Presbyterian Church, Larne First Presbyterian Church, xxxxdenmore Presbyterian Church, Larne Methodist Church, Larne Congregational Church, Larne Grammar School, Larne Intermediate School, Oriel School, Larne No. 1 National School, Larne No. 2 National School and Inver National School, Olderfleet National School, Larne Parochial Sabbath and Day Schools, Larne Old Grammarians’ Association, Larne Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Employees of Larne Weaving Co., Ltd., Employees of Larne Foundry Ltd., Employees of Larne Harbour, Ltd., Latharna Masonic Lodge, No. 375, Larne Rugby Football Club, Olderfleet Swifts Football Club, Employees Sun Laundry, Ltd., Larne Branch of the East Antrim Unionist Association, Larne Unionist Club, Larne Branch of the East Antrim Women’s Unionist Association, and Larne Men’s Memorial Club. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE MEMORIAL.

As mentioned above, the monument is erected at the junction of Main Street with the Glenarm, Curran, and Circular Roads. It is of a simple, dignified character, and consists of a Portland stone cenotaph, 16feet high, with space on which the names is of the 147 men of Larne who gave their lives in the Great War are inscribed, a cornice carved of lion heads and wreaths, and a pedestal of stone with a life-sized group of a soldier and sailor in bronze. An inscription on the front panel below the bronze group reads as follows: –    

“In grateful memory of the men from Larne who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918. Their name liveth for evermore.”

LIST OF NAMES

of sailors and soldiers who were natives, lived in, or left from Larne Urban District, inscribed on the War Memorial:-

Surname followed by first name. Individual names separated by semi-colon (;).

 

larne 005
Larne 17

PULPIT REFERENCE.

Preaching from the text, Joshua, iv., 6, “What mean ye by these stones?”-at the Reformed Presbyterian Church, last Sabbath the Rev. E. Teaz referred to the unveiling of the War Memorial. He said memorials erected after the Divine plan were a permanent source of instruction, especially to the young and inquisitive. The twelve-stone memorial proclaimed the fact that when God favour a nation with deliverance from and victory over their enemies that nation should never forget the favour. Forgetfulness led to ingratitude, and that, in turn, to unfaithfulness and rebellion. The material for the memorial in the text was calculated to impress the favourite nation with xxxxxxxxxxxxxx deliverance and victory xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Larne Times and Weekly Telegraph March 11, 1922.

LARNE’S CENOTAPH.

A GENEROUS OFFER.

At Monday’s meeting of Larne Urban District Council, the Town Clerk reported that he had been authorised by one interested in the town’s Cenotaph, particularly the ensuring of the names of the fallen being in a more permanent form, to intimate to the Council his desire, with their approval, to bear the cost of providing and fixing two cast bronze tablets bearing the names in one inch raised squares section letters. The tablets would cover the space, approximately 2 ft. 4in., by 6 ft. 6 in., now occupied on each side of the memorial with the names of the fallen.

It was further offered to provide a tablet in front bearing the inscription which is now in cut stone.

On the motion of Mr. McMeekin, seconded by Mr McConnell, it was resolved: – “That the Town Clerk inform the person who made the offer that the Council gratefully approve of and authorise the suggested work.  The Council also recorded hearty thanks for the liberal offer.”

Northern Weekly Whig, 7th February 1925

INVER HOUSE HANDED OVER.

After the ceremony at the cenotaph a small company was entertained to lunch by Mr. McMeekin at Inver House, which is now the headquarters of the Larne branch of the British Legion, and the acquirement of which is part of the war memorials scheme. Amongst those present were: – Colonel McCalmont, Lieut.-Colonel Goodwin, Rev. J.L. Donaghy, Rev. D.H. Hanson, Rev. W.F. Clarke, Captain H.P. McKenna, Captain G. H. Creighton, Dr. W. Shaw, Messrs. F.W. Pomeroy, J.L. Joyce, T.L. Price, James Sutherland, W.A. Wilson, and W.G. Younge.

At three o’clock, when there was a large attendance in front of the mansion, the proceedings commenced with Major Thomson moving that the chair be occupied by Mr. McMeekin. He said that Mr. McMeekin and Mr Younge had shown themselves interested in that club from the time when the idea was first mooted, and he knew how pleased they were to be in a position to hand the club over the comrades.

Mr. McMeekin, who was cordially received, said a chairman’s duty was generally to introduce a speaker, but no man less needed introduction to a Larne audience than Colonel McCalmont, and therefore his duty as chairman that afternoon would take the form of asking the Colonel to unfurl the flag that should signalise the acceptance of Inver House and grounds-now the ex-Servicemen’s club and recreation grounds-as part of Larne’s memorial to the men who in the tragic years 1914-1918 so gallantly did their part as citizens of the British Empire. He knew those present would thoroughly agree with him when he said that no more suitable choice could have been made for a central figure in that day’s ceremonies than Colonel McCalmont. (Applause.) Many of them had known him from boyhood, and had been gratified at his distinguished career in the Army. They were delighted when in 1914 he raised and took command of the local battalion, the 12th Royal Irish Rifles, and though he was now in proud command of the Irish Guards they knew his interest in Larne, and especially in that club, was keen and enduring. (Hear, hear.) He would like to express the pleasure of the War Memorials Committee that they found themselves able to do something practical for those of their number who fought and returned-though many were maimed and injured in health. The committee felt that expression of gratitude to those who fortunately returned was a privilege as well as a duty, and that the club might be a common meeting-place, and a source of healthful recreation and rest was their earnest wish.  (Hear, hear.) He could not allow that occasion to pass without giving expression to his personal appreciation of the work of the gentleman who was at the head of the Larne Branch of the British Legion. Mr Wilson had been the “guide, councillor and friend,” of every ex-service man since the war. In camp and on the battlefield he had served with the men of the 12th R.I.R. who knew his real worth, and now in the days of peace he was, as ever, mindful of their interests. To him, more than any other, was due the establishment of that club. (Applause.) Mr. Wilson’s motto most evidently was “Service, not self,” and no man more successfully lived up to that noble motto. (Applause.)

Mr. McMeekin then called upon Colonel McCalmont to unfurl the flag.

After performing this ceremony Colonel McCalmont briefly addressed the company. He said he had no thought that the time would come again that he delivered not one but three or four speeches on one day in the town of Larne, and in all sincerity he assured them he was grateful for the privilege. Then he had the further privilege of being the medium through which that clubhouse was handed over by the War Memorials Committee to the Larne Branch of the British Legion. He did so with a certain amount of authority because it was his privilege to introduce the organisation of the Comrades of the Great War, now the British Legion, into Ireland, and it was gratifying to him to know that there was such a flourishing branch in the town with which he and his family had been connected for so many years. (Applause.) Again, that house had been the property of the Barklie family for many years, and although it was not left directly to him by the late Miss Barklie (whose death took place six years ago that very day), she intended that sooner or later it should pass into his hands. When it became advisable to sell it nothing could be more suitable than that it should become a club for men who had served their country well. (Hear, hear.) From a personal point of view he was very pleased to be the means of making the transfer, and he was very pleased that the War Memorials Committee had made possible the establishment of that club a part of their commemorative scheme. All members of the British Legion would agree with him that the credit of starting that club was in a very great measure due to their friend Mr. W.A. Wilson, and even they did not fully realise the debt of gratitude they owed to him. (Applause.) If it had not been for Mr Wilson there would have been no club. He would like the public to recognise that the club could not possibly be kept going by the sole efforts of the ex-Service men. It was beyond their financial capability under any circumstances, and he appealed to the people of Larne to support the British Legion by regular subscriptions and regular support. It was not a question of charity, and they did not want to beg, but it was for the true interests of the town that they should have a really successful club. (Hear, hear.) The people of Larne were never appealed to in vain for any good cause, so he appealed to them now with confidence to those who did not fight, or were unable to fight, not to forget the claim upon them of those who fought in their stead. It was now his privilege on behalf of the Memorials Committee to hand the club over to Mr Wilson as representing the British Legion, and he was quite certain it could not be in better hands. (Applause.)

Mr. W.A. Wilson, commandant and hon. secretary of the local branch of the British Legion, said he wished, on behalf of his fellow members, to thank the residents of Larne through Colonel McCalmont for that handsome tribute to “the men who came back.” He was sorry that his own name had figured so prominently in the references of the chairman and Colonel McCalmont, for the truth was that all he had done was for his own pleasure as he took a great interest in that sort of work. His best thanks would be that all the ex-Service men should join the British Legion, and the necessity and desirability for their doing so was each day becoming more apparent. He sincerely thanked Colonel McCalmont for his long and continued interest in their welfare, and was glad to announce that the Colonel had accepted their very cordial and unanimous invitation, and consented to become their president. (Applause.) They hoped the name of McCalmont would long be connected with the Larne Branch of the British Legion. (Applause.)

Mr Wilson reiterated his appeal to all ex-Service men to join the branch, and enlisted the sympathies of all present in the third annual effort on behalf of St. Dunstan’s, which would be made on 4th April.

Captain G.H. Creighton (secretary North Irish Headquarters, British Legion) in suitable terms moved that their best thanks be given to Colonel McCalmont for his part in that afternoon’s ceremony, and the motion was appropriately seconded by Major Thomson.

The Chairman, in conveying the vote, said that they were all delighted to have Colonel McCalmont once more in their midst.

Colonel McCalmont briefly acknowledged the compliment, and the interesting proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.

 

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