Omagh Great War Memorial does not have a list of names
The inscription is
“TO OUR GLORIOUS DEAD
1914 – 1918
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UNVEILING OF COUNTY WAR MEMORIAL,
PERFORMED BY HIS GRACE THE GOVERNOR.
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.
Valiant hearts, who to your glory come,
Through dust of conflict and through battle-fame;
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.
A SOLEMN MOMENT.
At the request of the Chairman His Grace then performed the unveiling and dedication, using the words; – “To the glory of God and in proud memory of those of Tyrone who gave their lives for their King and Country in the Great War. I herewith unveil and dedicate this memorial. Their name liveth for evermore.”
Following the unveiling a one-minute silence was observed the huge crowd uncovering and remaining with bowed heads during the period while many of the bereaved relatives could be observed in tears. It was an affecting and touching moment which recalled afresh the memory of loved ones who had fallen in the great conflict. Following the period of silence, the band struck up and the choir led in the singing of the hymn. “The Supreme Sacrifice” O, Valiant hearts who to your glory came.” The “Last Post” was sounded by the buglers from the Omagh depot, and the band played a lament (Londonderry Air). The buglers of the Depot sounded “The Reveille” and immediately afterwards beautiful wreaths were laid on the base of the monument.
His Grace the Governor led off in the procession of wreath bearers and as he placed the magnificent floral tribute on the monument he quickly stepped back and saluted. His example was followed by others. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
THE WREATHS.
The following is a list of the wreaths which were placed on the memorial: –
In memory of the men of Tyrone from His Grace the Governor.
From the G.O.C, and Troops, Northern Ireland District
In loving memory of fallen comrades from the British Legion (Omagh Men’s Section) placed by Captain Porter.
“Least we Forget,” from the British Legion, Relief Fund, Omagh, placed by Capt. Scott
The British Legion Castlederg placed by Major G. F. V. Leary, J P.
From Newtownstewart Branch of the British Legion placed by Mr. Ross M’Beth.
In grateful remembrance, from the Women’s’ Section British Legion, Omagh placed by Mrs. Noble.
From the Depot Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers-the Royal Irish Fusiliers placed by Lieutenant Colonel Gregg.
In affectionate remembrance of our fallen comrades from the Inniskilling Association placed by Colonel Irvine.
From Dr Thompson on behalf of the Subscribers.
To those who made the supreme sacrifice from the First Omagh Troop Boy Scouts placed by Master Edward Cuthbertson.
From the Second Omagh Troop Boy Scouts placed by Assistant Scoutmaster Kemptson.
In remembrance from Omagh Rangers, Guides and Brownies, placed by the Misses Olive Anderson, Mattie Faux and Maudie Graham.
In grateful remembrance from the clergy and congregation of St Columba’s Church placed by Mr James Cadden.
With loving sympathy from Mrs Bella Watson.
In loving memory of George Mullin.
From Mrs. Auckmleck, Crevenagh, Omagh.
In loving memory of Bob M’Conkey.
In proud and loving memory of Frank Hall.
In loving memory of David and Harry Johnston.
In loving memory of Thomas and William Noble.
In loving memory of Charles S, and Thomas L. Clements.
In loving memory of L/Cpl. Thomas Colgan.
In loving memory of Samuel Birney.
In loving memory of Sergeant-Major Lowin.
There were tow floral tributes which did not bear a name.
Subsequently their Graces and a large company of visitors were entertained to tea in the Grand Jury Rooms of the Courthouse, under the auspices of Omagh Women’s Section of the British legion, the hostesses in the occasion being Mrs. Ricardo, Mrs. Dickie, and Mrs. Gregg. The decorations to the Courthouse were on an extensive scale and the entire building was quite transformed through efforts of the ladies, who spared no trouble to entertain their guests.
Alter tea their Graces had an opportunity of meeting and conversing with a large number of people from the town and county whom they had no heretofore met. The Duchess had a happy smile for everyone and the hearty manner with which she greeted all who were presented to her won for her a still greater place in the affections of the people. Further interesting ceremonies of the day included a visit of inspection to the British Legion hut in Campsie. Their Graces motored direct from the Courthouse and were received at the club premises by officials of the British Legion. A Guard of Honour composed of members of the British Legion was stationed outside the club premises and was inspected by His Grace.
INSPECTION OF BRITISH LEGION.
PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS.
Mr. H. D. Green, president of the Omagh. Branch of the British Legion who was supported by Captain R. J. Porter chairman; Mr. M Patterson, treasurer; and Mr Herbert Middleton, secretary; presented the following address to His Grace the Governor and the Duchess of Abercorn:- “We the members of the Omagh Branch of the British Legion take this opportunity of expressing to your Grace and the Duchess our great appreciation of the signal honour you have conferred upon us today by visiting the Legion Club premises and would most respectfully extend to your Graces a very hearty welcome. We would ask your Grace to accept our gratitude for the keen, interest and true sympathy you have evinced in everything connected with the welfare of the ex-service men and their dependents and would assure your Grace that the same loyalty which characterised the sad and memorable years of the Great War exists through out the length and breadth of the county today.
THE GOVERNOR’S REPLY
His Grace the Governor in replying said; – “Members of the Omagh Branch of the British Legion it is indeed pleasant for me to find myself once more amongst fellow ex-servicemen and I wish to thank you all most sincerely on behalf of my wife and myself for the very hearty welcome you have extended to us.
The occasion of my visit to Omagh today is not one of rejoicing but rather of sombre thought the memory of those who died for their country and in sympathy with those bereaved and I am proud to feel that among those whom this memorial which I have just unveiled commemorates is my brother, a Tyrone man who fell in Flanders in 1914 then serving in the Irish Guards.
This visit to your hut is most stimulating for myself as I see before me the living embodiment of that great comradeship which was born during the terrible years of 1914 to 1918-so that by both pride and sorrow we have another link which connects us all closer together.
I trust that your branch will ever remain in a flourishing condition and I express the hope that all the ex-servicemen in Omagh and district may enrol themselves in the British Legion as, to my mind, there is nothing finer than this binding together of all men who served their country in the Great War (Applause). Gentlemen I thank you.”
Miss Patricia Scott, the charming little daughter of Capitan and Mrs Maddin Scott, at this stage presented Her Grace with a lovely bouquet and Her Grace suitably acknowledged the beautiful gift. His Grace having inspected the premises expressed himself delighted with their tidy and well kept appearance and ex pressed his pleasure at learning that the Omagh Branch was in such a flourishing condition. Their Graces then entered the new premises of the Omagh Women’s Branch of the British Legion on the adjoining plot to that of the men’s branch, and were here introduced to Mrs. Green, President and Mrs. Edwards, Secretary, who conducted them over these well equipped and appointed premises. Their Graces expressed high admiration of the new building and hoped that the ladies would long continue to carry on the excellent work they had undertaken on behalf of the ex-servicemen and their dependants.
The round of visits concluded by an inspection by their Graces of the neat colony of ex-servicemen’s houses recently erected in Campsie and tenanted by ex-soldiers. Their Graces greeted the tenants quite cordially, expressed their pleasure at seeing the neat and clean condition in which the houses maintained and wished the tenants happiness and prosperity in their new homes. The distinguished visitors had a kind and encouraging word for everyone and particularly for the womenfolk, and were pleased to learn that they found the new houses comfortable and fitted with all modern conveniences.
Their Graces afterwards returned to Baronscourt.
Tyrone Constitutional 30th September 1927 page 5
Omagh Boer War Monument 1899 - 1902.
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