On Wednesday afternoon the people of County Tyrone paid tribute to their honoured dead who lost their lives m the Great War 1914 1918 by the unveiling, at Omagh, of the county memorial in proud and affectionate remembrance of the 2,000 men from the county who paid the supreme sacrifice during the colossal struggle which swept Europe and part of Asia in those years.

The ceremony of unveiling was performed by His Grace the Governor of Northern Ireland, who was accompanied by Her Grace the Duchess of Abercorn, and was associated with a quiet dignity and solemnity befitting the historic occasion

The arrangements for the unveiling were of the most complete character and it was but appropriate that the military and ex-servicemen should take a prominent part in a ceremonial which while strikingly impressive, was devoid of much of the pomp associated with military functions It was an occasion of thankfulness that as a result of the sacrifices made, victory and peace have been secured for those who remain, and that those who nave laid down their lives in foreign lands have not done so in vain. A prominent place in the right front of the memorial was reserved for the relatives of the fallen heroes and was fully occupied. After the unveiling ceremony His Grace the Governor placed a beautiful wreath at the base of the monument and gave the salute. His example was followed by many others, and the base of the monument and its approaches became a veritable bower of charming blooms, tributes to those who have passed beyond the veil, and proofs that that their memories are evergreen in the land which gave them birth.

THE UNVEILING CEREMONY

The arrangements for the unveiling ceremony which had been made by Mr. H.D. Green and Col., J. K. M’Clintock in conjunction with the military and police authorities in the town were of the most perfect and complete description and reflected the utmost credit on all concerned. Major J. Regan, O.B.E., County Inspector, and Major J. K. Gorman, M.C., District, were in charge of the police arrangements which were most efficient and satisfactory, and officers and men discharged their duties to the public with a thoughtfulness and courtesy which gained the praise of every one. There was a splendid turnout of military from Omagh Depot under the command of Major H. A. Allen, D.S.O., and the troops were lined up in Sedan Avenue at the point where His Grace the Governor and the Duchess of Abercorn alighted.  The Guard of Honour which was furnished by ex-servicemen from the districts of Omagh, Castlederg, Newtownstewart, and Augher paraded at the Market Yard and marched to Mountjoy Road under the command of Capt., R. Porter chairman of the Omagh Branch of the British legion. They took up a position on the roadway to each side of the memorial and were a fine well set up body of men most of whom wore war decorations. The Castlederg contingent was under the command of Captain Williams and Rev. W. P. Moran, and the Newtownstewart contingent under Mr. J. J. Patterson.  There was a good muster of the Boy Scout and Girl Guide organisation and the former were under their Scoutmaster Rev. W.N. Maxwell, M.A.

STATELY CEREMONIAL

The memorial occupies a site generously granted the committee by Mr. R. H. Eillis of Rash at the junction of the Mountjoy and Derry Roads facing Sedan Avenue and will be an attractive feature for all those entering Omagh from the Derry direction.    The monument takes the form of a massive obelisk of hammered granite with dressed angles standing on a base reached by three steps.  On the base of the obelisk cut in limestone is the following;- “To Our Glorious Dead. 1914 –1918. Their Name Liveth for Evermore.” Over this inscription is a bronze panel representing an angel hovering over two dying soldiers.   

This charming design is the work of Miss Rosamond Praeger, H.R.H.A., of Holy wood, Co. Down, an artist of rare distinction.

The entire structure was prepared in the workshops of Messrs Purdy & Millard College Square Belfast and erected by that firm. Mr R Caulfield Orpen R.H.A., Dublin, was the architect responsible for the design.

The monument which occupies a beautiful situation, is a graceful piece of architecture highly creditable to the Committee in charge, to the architect and contractors, and the committee have been very fortunate in securing a site which will bring the monument into great prominence before the pubic and will stand as an enduring testimony to the spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving of the present generation at the victory which crowned the arms of the British nation through the sacrifices made by the men of the County.  The band of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment, Londonderry was present and under the conductorship of Mr. Smith bandmaster, in unison with the massed choirs drawn from all the churches in the town under the conductorship of Mr. J. Crossley Clitheroe, led in the musical part of the ceremony. There was an immense attendance of the general public at the ceremony and large numbers of the leading families from all parts of the County. The committee in charge had thoughtfully arranged that the right front of the monument would be reserved for the bereaved relatives; and this portion of the enclosure was fully occupied. The left of the enclosure was occupied by Her Grace, the Duchess of Abercorn, Viscountess Charlemont, the officers of Omagh depot, and prominent subscribers to the fund. The principal officials of the War Memorial Committee were; – Dr. F.C. Thompson, D.L., (chairman), who presided at the unveiling, Col. H. Irvine, C.B., D.L., (secretary), Mr. H.D. Green, (assistant secretary), and Mr. Thomas Johnston, J.P., (treasurer). The platform party in addition to the above consisted of the High Sherriff of the County, Lieut,-Col., J.P. Galbraith, O.B.E.; Major-General F.F. Read, C.B., C.S.I., C.M.O., D.S.O., General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland District, Lieut.-Col., W.T.H. Gregg, D.S.O., Officer Commanding the troops at Omagh; and the Governor’s staff. Amongst the others present were; – The Earl of Belmore, D.L., xxxxxxxx Major-General H.M. de F. Montgomery, C.B., C.M.G.; Lieut._Col., xxxxx, Officer Commanding the Sherwood Fusiliers, Lieut.-Colonel J.B. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Mrs and Mr. G.Y. Smyth,

Lieut.-Col., R. T. G, Lowry, D.L.; Colonel Gough, Colonel H.G. S. Alexander, J.P.; Mr. W.B. Smyth, LP.; Mr. James Toner, Clerk of the Crown and Peace;  Mr. R, H. Carson, etc.

Punctually at three o’clock, p.m. His Grace accompanied by the Duchess of Abercorn arrived at Sedan Avenue from Baronscourt, and on alighting the troops presented   arms.  His Grace the Governor was received by Col. Galbraith, High Sheriff, Maj.-Gen. Ready and Lieut.-Colonel Gregg,  and a procession was formed to the monument as follows:-

Capt H de Martelli, M.C., A.D.C.; Col. J. K M’Cliniock, C.B.E., D.L., A.D.C. and Lieut- Commander O. Henderson, C.B E_., D.S.O.; Lieut –Col. J. P. Galbraith, O.B.E.; and His Grace the Governor, Major-General Ready and Her Grace the Duchess of Abercorn; Lieut-Col. Gregg and Major Regan. On arrival at the railings of the Orange Hall the band stuck up the National Anthem while all uncovered.  His Grace then proceeded to inspect the Guard of Honour and   entered into conversation with a number of the men. He had quite a lengthy conversation with Mr. John Lyons, Irishtown, one of the most senior men on parade   who had come through the war practically unscathed after many exciting experiences.    His Grace was afterwards introduced to the chairman, Dr. Thompson, and conducted to the steps at the base of the monument, and the proceedings were commenced with the singing of Kipling’s Recessional, “God of our fathers known of old,”

THE CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS.

The Chairman, in opening the proceedings said ;-‘I consider it a great honour to preside on this solemn and important occasion when the County Tyrone Memorial to those men who lost their lives m the Great War will be unveiled by His Grace the

Duke of Abercorn, Governor of Northern Ireland, “Our Duke,” as we who live in Tyrone are in the habit of designating him.

This memorial has been a long time under consideration, and the committee had to face many difficulties, but the delay has had its advantages, because it has enabled us to consider many different plans and sites, and I believe in both in both respects the result will please the general public, the subscribers, and the relatives of those gallant men who voluntarily faced the risks and terrible hardships of the last war and lost their lives, and in doing so were largely instrumental in preserving for us in Tyrone not only our existence, freedom and possessions, but also rendered invaluable service to the whole British Empire, helping to retain its existence as a great nation, able and willing in the future as in the past to continue its glorious mission of spreading the blessing of enlarged liberty end peace throughout the world.

The memorial was designed by Mr. Richard Orpen of Dublin, a well known architect and closely connected with Tyrone and brother of Sir William Orpen, so widely known as one of the world’s greatest artists. It stands on the best site in Omagh, on a piece of land generously presented to the committee by Mr. R. H. Ellis, of Rash.    The builders are Messrs, Purely & Millard, who deserve our best thanks for the thoroughness and care with which they have carried out their work.                                    

The Memorial itself is striking, and original, without adoration, except the beautiful Bronze design by Miss Rossmond Preager of Belfast.   It resembles a modified cenotaph, and will commemorate for all time the immortal deeds of those men from County Tyrone who represented the different branches of His Majesty’s Navy, Army and Reserve Forces, numbering at least 2,000 who lost their lives in the Great War, and whose glorious traditions and service live in history for ever. May they rest in peace, and their spirits go marching on, stimulating and, encouraging each one of us to follow their great example of steadfastness, unequal courage and discipline, unselfish devotion to duty, cheerfulness at all times under the most trying conditions, and a great love of country which conquered all obstacles. These great qualities are well summarised in the first few lines of the beautiful hymn, which will be sung after the unveiling.