Men and women from Ulster who were awarded the Military Medal in the Great War. This is an incomplete list.
The Military Medal (MM) was established on 25th March, 1916. It was the ‘other ranks’ equivalent to the Military Cross which was only awarded to commissioned officers and Warrant Officers. The MM ranked below the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). In 1993 after a review of the gallantry awards system the Military Medal was discontinued. Since then, the Military Cross has been awarded to all ranks.
ADAMS JOHN, Sergeant, Royal Irish Fusiliers has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery. He is the son of Mrs Adams, Whitecross, near Newry. The Northern Whig, November 2, 1917. Sergeant John Adams, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field during one of the recent battles on the Western front. A son of Mrs. Adams, of Lisadian, Whitecross, County Armagh, he joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers at the time of the formation of the Ulster Division, and he has been through all the fighting from the arrival of that division in France to the present, being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Prior to enlistment he was an active member of the Balleek Company of the Ulster Volunteer Force and also a member of the Balleek Loyal Orange Lodge. The Belfast News-Letter, November 1, 1917. Sergeant Adams has been awarded a Bar to the Military Medal won by him for distinguished service in the field. Northern Whig, August 16, 1918. ADAMS, JOHN, 13971, Sergeant, 9th Bn., Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery on 16th – 18th August, 1917 during the Battle of Langemarch.. He is serving with a machine gun company. He was subsequently awarded a Bar to his Military Medal in August 1918. On 30th September 1918, John received a serious shrapnel injury to the right thigh. Sergeant John Adams is a son of Mrs. Adams, Whitecross, near Newry, County Armagh. For detailed information see http://johnadams.org.uk/letters/home/adams-family/comment-page-1/ Northern Whig, November 2, 1917. Belfast Telegraph, October 5, 1917 |
ADAMS R., Rifleman, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He comes from Ballymena, County Antrim. The Belfast News-Letter, October 8, 1918. |
ADAMS, J., Sergeant, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded a bar to the Military Medal. He comes from Markethill, Co. Armagh. The Belfast News-Letter, November 14, 1918. |
ADAMSON, WILLIAM, 41271, Private, Royal Irish Fusiliers, (formerly 1088 North Irish Horse), has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during the St. Quentin retreat. He was wounded for the third time on 19th April, 1918 and is now at present in St Georges Hospital, Weybridge, Surrey. At the outbreak of the war he was in the linen business in Belfast on his own account, and he joined the North Irish Horse. He has a brother, Corporal M’Conkey Adamson, serving in the Royal Engineers; one of his sisters is a nurse in a military hospital at Manchester, and another is working at munitions in Belfast. The Belfast News-Letter, May 25, 1918. |
AGNEW, GAVIN, 16169, Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal. He is connected with Willowfield Parish Church, and is a member of the Star of Down L.O.L., 428, and the Saint John’s Ambulance Association. He is a son of Mr. James Agnew, 69 Euston Street, Belfast. Photograph in Belfast Tele, December 9, 1916. The Northern Whig, December 2, 1916. The Belfast Telegraph, December 9, 1916. |
AGNEW, WILLIAM, 23914, Lance-Corporal, Royal Engineers, has been awarded the Military Medal for “He acted with great hardiness and contempt of danger while repairing telephone lines during the action near ——– from 9th to 12th October, 1917, repeatedly volunteering for the most dangerous work, and thereby setting a fine example to all who worked with him.” This is the second decoration gain by Lance-Corporal Agnew, who was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal over a year ago. He is 24 years of age, has eight years’ service, and is the husband of Mrs. Agnew, 10 Barbour Street, Greencastle, Belfast. His brother James was killed in action, while two other brothers are still serving. Their father, Mr. Jack Agnew, resides at 33 Little Grosvenor Street, Belfast. The Belfast Telegraph, December 10, 1917.AGNEW, WILLIAM, Lance-Corporal, Royal Engineers, who holds both the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal, has been wounded in action. His wife resides at 10, Barbara Street, Greencastle, and his father at 33 Little Grosvenor Street, Belfast. Photo of him in this paper. The Belfast Telegraph, December 12, 1917. AGNEW, WILLIAM, 23914, D.C.M., M.M., Sapper, Royal Engineers, 10, Barbour Street, Greencastle, has been seriously wounded. Image in this paper. Belfast Evening Telegraph, June 10, 1918. |
AICKEN, J., 18604, Private, Machine-Gun Corps, has been awarded the Military Medal. He is a son of Mrs. Aiken, 5, Malvern Place, Belfast. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of the war in the 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, prior to which he was employed in the moulding shop on the Queen’s Island. He was afterwards transferred to the Machine-Gun Corps. His brother is also serving overseas with the Royal Marine Light Infantry. He is a son of Mrs. Aiken, 5, Malvern Place, Belfast. Photo in B.E.T. November 6, 1916. The Northern Whig, October 31, 1916. |
ALLEN, WILLIAM CROOKSHANK, Sergeant, Canadian Expeditionary Force has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry on the Western Front. Sergeant Allen is at present in hospital suffering from wounds received in action, for which he has been twice operated on, and is making excellent progress towards recovery. In a letter to a chum, Mr. James Murdock, of Ballymacormick, Dromore, he says:-“ I expect to be all right soon. One of my legs is practically healed, and the other is doing grand. I was wounded on the second day of the battle of Amiens (August 9th). We made a great advance on the 8th and 9th. On the afternoon of the latter-day we ran in on a lot of machine-gun nests. We got through all right after a hard fight; the Germans fought to the last. That’s where I got knocked out. The bullet got me in the lower regions of the right side passing through the bottom of my stomach lodged in the left thigh, where it was taken out. It was a bad wound. My officer was wounded also. He bandaged me up before he was hit, else I don’t know what would have become of me. I was afterwards taken to the dressing station. In the attack we got all the Hun transport and three ammunition trains and a big lot of troops. I got the Military Medal and have been made sergeant, so that is so much. Sergeant Alan is a son of Mr. J Allen, Ballymacormick, Co. Down. The Dromore Leader, October 12, 1918. |
ALLISON, ROBERT MORTON. 16619, Sergeant, Canadian Contingent, was decorated by his Majesty the King with the Military Medal for bravery in the field. This gallant N.C.O., was mentioned in dispatches by Lord French. Sergeant Allison saw active service in the Boer war with the Canadians. He is a son of Mr. Robert Allison, Causeway Street, Portrush, Co. Antrim. Belfast News-Letter, Saturday, August 4, 1917. The Northern Constitution, October 21, 1916. He was reported wounded for the second time in the Northern Whig, November 4, 1916. |
ANDERSON, E., 248, Private Royal Irish Rifles has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He is serving in a trench mortar battery of the Belfast Brigade. Northern Whig, January 1, 1917. |
ANDERSON, HUGH, 17/706, Lance-Corporal, 15th Bn., Royal Irish Rifles, was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. Lance-Corporal Anderson did not live to receive the decoration, as he died on 4th July, 1916 of wounds received in action on the 1st July, 1916. His father passed away a few days after receipt of the medal from the Records Office, Dublin which had been awarded his son. The deceased soldier, who was a company commander in the West Belfast U.V.F., was a brother of George Anderson, Kingstown, and at a memorial service in the Orange Hall in that town his photo, presented by relatives, was unveiled as a memorial to his heroism and self-sacrifice. He was a son of William and jane Anderson, 38 Israel Street, Belfast, (late of Tobermore, Co. Londonderry). Lance-Corporal Anderson is buried in Grave Reference, I. C. 12. Puchevillers British Cemetery, Somme, France. The Belfast Telegraph, March 20, 1917. |
ANDERSON, J., 25747, Gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery, has been awarded the Military Medal. He resides at 6 Albert Street, Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Belfast News-Letter, February 27, 1919. |
ANDERSON, JAMES IRWIN, 17831, Sergeant, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field at Ypres, on the 16th August, 1917. Sergeant Anderson enlisted in November, 1914, when he was only 19 years of age. He was sent to France in October of the following year, and was slightly wounded on the 7th May, 1916. He is the fourth son of Mr. Joseph Anderson, Altmore, Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone. The Northern Whig, December 7, 1917. The Belfast News-Letter, December 7, 1917. ANDERSON, JAMES IRWIN, 17831, Sergeant, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The Northern Whig, June 21, 1918. |
ANDERSON, JAMES, Sergeant Royal Field Artillery, has been awarded the Military Medal. The award was made in respect of the following:-On the night of the 11th-12th November, 1917 in the Ypres salient, Corporal Allison twice led a party with reinforcements and munitions to his battery during a seemingly impenetrable enemy barrage, which included gas shells. His notable example of courage and determination greatly inspired his men, and led to the success of the undertaking. Sergeant Anderson is a son of Mr. William Joseph Anderson, Daisy Hill, Sixmilecross, Co. Tyrone. Northern Whig, February 4, 1918. The Belfast News-Letter, February 4, 1918. |
ANDERSON, ROBERT, Driver, 71st Battery Royal Field Artillery has won the Military Medal for bravery and devotion to duty in assisting to extradite his team from a most difficult position while under heavy fire, and was wounded, but remained at duty, on November 3, 1918. Private Anderson has been in France since the early days of the war, and has had some narrow escapes. Prior to enlistment he was employed in the Londonderry Shipyard. His brother, Gunner John Anderson, also joined up in August, 1914, and was severely wounded in March 1918. Their sister, Mrs. Taggart, resides at 20, Dark Lane, Londonderry. The Northern Whig, December 30, 1918. |
ANDERSON, WILLIAM, 23294, Private, 10th Bn., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the July push [1916]. He had been an employee of the Midland Railway at Coleraine before he enlisted in May, 1915. He has been reported missing since July, 1916, though some reports have been received that he is a prisoner in Germany. This was confirmed in November 1916. His relatives reside at the Irish Houses, Coleraine. [There is a Private William Anderson, No. 23294, 10th Bn., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, listed on the C.W.G.CV., site who died 1st July, 1916. His name is listed on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.] The Northern Constitution, November 18, 1916. |
ANDRESS, J., 40908, Private, Royal Army Medical Corps. has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during the advance of the Ulster Division on the 1st July, 1916 by carrying in wounded men from No Man’s Land with a comrade who has been similarity decorated. He is not yet 18 years of age, and a son of Sergeant E. J. Andress, who is serving in the same field ambulance and Mrs Andress, 15, Downing Street, Belfast. Photo of him in B.E.T., September 15, 1916. The Northern Whig, September 9, 1916. ANDRESS, T., M.M., 40908, Lance Corporal, Royal Irish rifles, has been wounded in action. He is a son of Mrs E. Andress, 15, Downing Street, Belfast. Northern Whig, November 7, 1918. |
ANDREWS, A., Rifleman Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Rifleman, A. Andrews’ brother Driver Edward Andrew, was also awarded the Military Medal. Their mother resides at 47 Belgrave Street, Belfast. Northern Whig, April 5, 1918. |
ANDREWS, ARTHUR, Sergeant, Royal Berkshire Regiment, is officially reported wounded. Prior to listing he was employed with Messrs. Holland & Wolff, Ltd, and volunteered almost immediately after the outbreak of war. He was originally attached to the Hussars. An older brother is serving with the Royal Marines. Arthur was awarded the Military Medal in August, 1916, for gallantry in the field. Their father is Mr. Stephen Andrews, of 95, Portallo Street, Belfast. Photograph of him B.E.T., September, 1, 1916. The Northern Whig, September 1, 1916. The Northern Whig, January 20, 1917. |
ANDREWS, EDWARDS, Driver, Royal Engineers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Driver Edward’s brother, Rifleman, A. Andrews was also awarded the Military Medal. Their mother resides at 47 Belgrave Street. Northern Whig, April 5, 1918. |
ARCHER J., No.18604, Private Machine Gun Corps, has been awarded the Military Medal. Private ARCHER belonged to County Battalion of the U.V.F., before his transfer to the Machine Gun Corps of his brigade. Belfast Telegraph, October 25, 1916. |
ARKLESS B., 19430, Lance-Corporal, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. The Northern Whig, January 23, 1917. |
ARMOUR THOMAS E., 8/12518, Lance-Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles (M.G.C.), has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. He is twenty one years of age, and the second son of Mr. John Armour, 10, Bendigo Street, Belfast. He enlisted from the service of Chamber’s Motor Works, Ltd., University Street, Belfast.His brother, Lance-Corporal John Armour, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and was wounded at the opening of the Battle of the Somme in July, 1916. He enlisted from the services of Messrs., J. B. Ferguson, Chichester Street, Both are members of the East Belfast Regiment U.V.F., and the Orange Institution. Their father Mr John Armour, resides at 10, Bendigo Street, Belfast. The Northern Whig, April 19, 1917. Belfast News-Letter, Thursday, August 2, 1917. ARMOUR THOMAS E., 12518, Lance-Corporal, 8th Bn., Royal Irish Rifles (Machine Gun Section), was killed in action on 23rd November, 1917. The company had captured a position, and in the course of the attack deceased’s chum was wounded. He was dressing the wound when a shell came over, and killed them both. Deceased’s brother John, is serving in the same battalion, and wished him good luck before he went over the top. Twenty-one years of age, deceased was a member of the East Belfast U.V.F. He enlisted from Chambers Motor Works, Ltd, and had shown his worth by winning the Military Medal. His brother, John, who has won the D.C.M., during the campaign has sent home details of the sad occurrence in a fine, manly letter, in which he exhorts his father “to try and bear the blow, although he knows it will be a very hard thing to do.” Their father, Mr. John Armour, resides at 10 Bendigo Street, Belfast. Lance-Corporal Armour has no known grave and is commemorated on Panel 10. Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, Nord, France. The Belfast Telegraph, December 26, 1917 |
ARMOUR, THOMAS, Lance-Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles, was awarded the Military Medal some time ago. His older brother Lance-Corporal (?) Armour, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. They are sons of Mr. John Armour, 10 Bendigo Street, Belfast. There is a photograph of Thomas in the Tele. The Belfast Telegraph, August 3, 1917. |
ARMOUR. DAVID, 14774, Private, Royal Army Medical Corps, awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field, was, prior to being called up on the reserve, employed at Grove Factory, Belfast, as a yarn bundler. He resides at 32 Paxton Street, Belfast. Photograph in Belfast Tele, December 9, 1916. Belfast Telegraph, December 9, 1916. Belfast Telegraph, November 28, 1916. |
ARMSTRONG JOHN L., Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles, who has been awarded the Military Medal, has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. Before joining the army he was head of the embroidery department of Boon, Alexander & Co., Marcus Ward Street, Belfast, and lived at Cliftonpark Avenue, Belfast. At Erne View, Cliftonpark Avenue, Belfast. Northern week, September 15, 1916.ARMSTRONG, J. L., 16175, Acting Company-Sergeant-Major, Royal Irish Rifles, previously reported wounded, is now reported missing since 15th August, 1917. He was awarded the Military Medal in 1916. He hails from Erne View, Clifton Park, Belfast. The Belfast News-Letter, October 8, 1917. |
ARMSTRONG WILLIAM, Lance-Corporal, 7th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, son of Mr. William Armstrong, of Emyvale, Monaghan, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field on September 9th 1916. He gained the coveted distinction for bravery displayed during the fighting at Glinchy, which was amongst and most fierce witness during the entire of the Somme offensive. Lance-Corporal Armstrong rescued 10 wounded men who were lying in shell holes. He received a special letter of commendation from Major W. B. Hickey, commanding the 10th Irish Division, stating that his name had been entered the record of the Irish Brigade, and he subsequently received the Military Medal. Armstrong joined the Colours in May, 1915, and was prior to that was a driver of a bread van for Hughes Bakery in Monaghan. He has come through heavy fighting without receiving a scratch. The hero is at present home on leave. C.W.G.C., ARMSTRONG, WILLIAM, M.M., No. 22981, 7th Bn., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was killed in action on 16th of August 1917, age 36. He was a son of William and Jane Armstrong, of Emyvale, Co. Monaghan. His name is listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Is this the same man? The Northern Whig, January 3, 1917 |
ARMSTRONG, R., 11549, Sergeant, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Sergeant Armstrong also holds the Meritorious Service Medal to which he was gazetted in the New Year’s Honours, [1918]. Before he enlisted in 1914 he was a member of the Fermanagh Regiment of the U.V.F., living at Liscreevan, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh. The Impartial Reporter, January 31, 1918. Belfast Evening Telegraph, January 25, 1918. |
ARMSTRONG, RICHARD, Sergeant, Machine-Gun Corps, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Sergeant Armstrong enlisted in Dublin in April, 1915. He has been once wounded. Two of his brothers are in the Royal Engineers-one from Messrs. Mackie’s Foundry and the other from Messrs. J. B. Ferguson’s, Belfast. Their father, Mr. Richard Armstrong, resides at 139, Ligoniel Road, Belfast. The Northern Whig, October 5, 1918. |
ARTHUR, WILLIAM, Private, Royal Army Medical Corps, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He comes from 20, Foxglove Street, Belfast. Photograph in Belfast Tele December 27, 1916. Belfast Telegraph, December 27, 1916. |
ARTHURS LEO, 2616, Private Leinster Regiment, has been awarded the Military Medal. He is just into his 19th year, and also possesses a parchment certificate commending him for gallantry and devotion to duty. Prior to enlisting he was employed at Gallaher’s tobacco factory, York Street, Belfast his mother, Mrs. Campbell, who lives at 108, Palmer Street, Belfast, had a son killed in action, while three others are still serving. The Northern Whig, October 25, 1917. |
ASHFORD, T., 11235 or 11152, Sergeant Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded a Bar to his Military Medal. Northern Whig, July 11, 1918. |
ATKINSON, Private, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal. He was in a country battalion of the U.V.F., before his transfer to the Machine Gun Corps of his brigade. This could be a mistaken entry. Belfast Telegraph, October 25, 1916. |
AULD, A., Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal. He is a well-known sprinter of Willowfield Harriers Club. In civil life he lived at 7, Ashgrove, Bloomfield, Belfast. Photograph in Belfast Tele, December 9, 1916. Belfast Telegraph, December 9, 1916. |
AVEREL, ROBERT, 41534, Private Royal Irish Fusiliers, (formerly 485 North Irish Horse), from Magherafelt, County Londonderry, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field during a raid at Havrincourt on November 3, 1917. Northern Whig, February 25, 1918. |
BAILIE, HUGH, 53361, Private, 108th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty on the field. He was a shipyard employee in Belfast prior to enlistment. His parents resided 58, Ligoniel Place, Belfast. The Northern Whig, January 14, 1919. The Belfast News-Letter, January 14, 1919. |
BAILIE, JOSEPH S., Corporal, North Irish Horse, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He is the youngest son of Mr John Bailie, Tullyvim, Castleblayney. He has been on active service since the beginning of the war, having joined the N.I.H., early that year., Corporal Bailie has been very fortunate, having been slightly wounded once about two months ago. He was one of the picked guard conveying the remains of the late Lord Roberts in France. He is a brother-in-law of Mr. Thomas Ferguson, Newtownards Road, Belfast, and Mr. H. C. Robb, Knock, Belfast. Photo of him in Belfast Telegraph December 17, 1918. The Belfast News-Letter, November 29, 1918. |
BAIRD, THOMAS, 5581, Sergeant Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry. Sergeant Baird is a son of Mr. Thomas Bird, Moss Road, Waringstown, County Down. The Northern Whig, June 22, 1918. |
BAKER F., 13845, Sergeant 1st Bn., Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry when, together with other members of his platoon, took possession of a front-line trench, at the same time capturing a German machine gun during a raid in which Lieutenant Nelson Russell, of Lisburn, won the Military Cross. Corporal Roebuck is one of the first Northern recipients of medal. Belfast News-Letter, Friday, May 5, 1916. |
BALLANTINE, L., 14052, Rifleman, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Prior to the war he was employed by the Ulster Linen Company, Dublin Road, Belfast. He has three brothers who were also on active service. His wife resides 81, Walnut Street, Belfast. Belfast Evening Telegraph, October 19, 1917. |
BANKS, A., 42515, Private Royal Irish Rifles (Stoke Newington), has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Northern Whig, February 25, 1918. |
BANKS, A., Rifleman “D” Company, (Y.C.V.), Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for the following acts of gallantry.;-During an enemy bombardment of our line a direct hit was obtained on one of our trench mortar positions, setting fire to the camouflage, which fell burning into a stock of shells, fuses and cartridges. Private Banks and Sergeant M’Ilveen regardless of personal risk, rushed into the placement and succeeded in extinguishing the fire. By this act of bravery heroism and cool stern determination the lives of the whole platoon was saved. A Bar to the Military Medal has been awarded to Sergeant J. M’Ilveen for the same event. The Belfast News-Letter, November 5, 1917. |
BANNON P., 8085, Private Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Northern Whig, June, 19, 1917. |
BARNES, EDWARD, 12513, Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry while serving in a Mortar Battery of the Belfast Brigade. He is a son of Mr. Ben Barnes, 74, Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, late of His Majesty’s Coastguards, Whiteabbey. Before being sent to the battery he was in the East Belfast Regiment, U.V.F. Northern Whig, January 15, 1917. Photo of him DSC05103, Belfast Telegraph, January 20, 1917. |
BARNHILL, DAVID, 14673, Lance-Sergeant, 11th Bn., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, formally from Ballylawn, Manorcunningham, previously reported missing, now reported to have been killed in action on 1st July 1916. He held the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He is a son of Mrs. Margaret Barnhill, of 174, Connsbrook Avenue, Strandtown, Belfast. He is commemorated on Panel Pier and Face 4D and 5 B. Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. The Belfast News-Letter, Monday, April 9, 1917. |
BARR, T., Rifleman Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal. He is a former player of Somerfield Football Club. His home address is 6 North Ann Street, Belfast. Image in this paper. The Belfast Telegraph, January 28, 1918. |
BARRINGTON-PALMER, ERNEST PAUL, No. 53500, Sergeant, Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, Ulster Division, has been awarded the Military Medal. The official account of the winning of this distinction is as follows:-“Near Wytschaete while a working party were burying dead, the enemy began to heavily shelled the area. No. 53500 Sergeant Barrington-Palmer, E.P.B., R.A.M.C., collected a bearer squad, and going forward from the regimental aid post, dressed a wounded man and brought in through a very tense barrage. Throughout the three-day is 7th, 8th, 9th June, he displayed the greatest courage and resource in dressing wounded men and organising and leading his bearers. By his fearless attitude and cheerfulness, the bearers were able to carry on under all conditions, danger, and fatigue. Sergeant Barrington-Palmer joined the R.A.M.C., in November, 1914, and has been in France since September, 1915. Prior to going to France, he was stationed at Newry, Co. Down. The Belfast News-Letter, October 4, 1917. |
BARRY F. J. Sapper, Australian Expeditionary Forces, has been wounded. He has seen service in Gallipoli, Egypt, and France. He is the only son of the late Mr. Philip Barry and Mrs. Barry, Mandeville Street, Portadown, and holds the Military Medal. Belfast Evening Telegraph, November 7, 1917. |
BARTHOLOMEW, S., 17681, Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. He is the youngest son of Mr. George Bartholomew, Antrim Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. He enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and took part in the landing at Suvla Bay. He has two brothers with the colours-Private William Bartholomew, Army Service Corps., and Private Jack Bartholomew, who is serving with the Canadian Forces. The Belfast News-Letter, December 14, 1916. |
BARTON, HUGH, 6175, Private, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He is a son of Mr. Peter Barton, 17, Short Street, Belfast, who had a son killed at Ypres, May, 1915, while another has been wounded and is at present on home service. The Northern Whig, May 24, 1917. Corporal H. Barton, 6175, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded a bar to his Military Medal. The Belfast News-Letter, November 13, 1918. |
BAXTER, GEORGE, Rifleman Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field on 16th August, 1917. Prior to enlisting at the outbreak of the war Rifleman Baxter, who is the twentieth Lurgan man to win the distinction, was employed in Messrs Robert Watson & Sons, linen manufacturers, The Flush, Lurgan, County Armagh. He is a son of Mr. George Baxter, Bellmount, Gilmore, Lurgan. The Northern Whig, November 8, 1917. |
BAXYER, Lance-Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He comes from Main Street, Larne, County Antrim. The Belfast News-Letter, November 14, 1918. |
BEAN, ROBERT, 5603, Sergeant, Royal Garrison Artillery, Belfast, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. The Belfast Newsletter, June 13, 1918. BEAN ROBERT, 5603, Sergeant, Royal Garrison Artillery, who recently won the Military Medal, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre for gallantry in the field. He is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. Bean, Dover, and grandson of the late Mr. Henry Bean, a former stationmaster at the County Down Railway, Belfast. The Northern Whig, July 4, 1918. |
BEATTIE, J., 16828, Lance-Corporal, Donegal and Fermanagh, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in carrying messages under heavy fire. The Northern Whig, June 24, 1918. |
BEATTIE, VICTOR, Sergeant Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. Sergeant Beattie, who was employed in the Lisburn office of the Singer Sewing Machine Company when the war broke, out was amongst the first Lisburn men to volunteer for active service. He is a son of Mrs T. J. Beatty, Bachelors’ Walk, Lisburn, who has two other sons serving with the colours. Northern Whig, July 21, 1917. Lisburn Standard, July 20, 1917. |
BECK, GEORGE, Bombardier, Royal Field Artillery, was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He is a son of Mr. William Beck, gardener to Sir John Ross-of- Bladensburg, K.C.B., Rostrevor, County Down. His brother BECK, HUGH, Trooper, Irish Horse, was seriously wounded in the head and arms, in September, 1918. Belfast News-Letter, Saturday, June 17, 1916. and Belfast News-Letter, September 17, 1918. |
BELL, HARPUR, Company Sergeant-Major, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal. His brother, Lieutenant Andrew Bale, is a prisoner of war in Germany. The father resides at Ballylone, Ballynahinch, Co. Down. The Northern Whig, October 3, 1918. |
BELL, HARRY C., Sergeant-Major, R.A.M.C., who on Saturday was presented with the Military Medal and Medaille Militaire at Victoria Barracks by Brigadier-General G. H. Hacket Pain, C.B. He is the youngest son of Mr. W. A. Bell, J.P., Ligoniel, chairman of the Belfast Rural District Council, and a member of the Belfast Board of Guardians. He is a member of the O.T.C., Belfast, and has been through a good deal of hard fighting during his three and a half years’ service at the front. Some four months ago he was allowed home to complete his medical course, and resuming studies at Queen’s University, and has passed his second medical examination in the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin. Sergeant-Major Bell was medical student in Queen’s University of Belfast when he joined the Ulster Division. He served 3½ years in France, being present at the opening of the battle of the Somme, the capture of the Messines Ridge, and other actions. He came home some four months ago to resume his medical studies, and has passed to 2nd medical examination the Royal College of surgeons, Dublin. The Northern Whig, June 24, 1918. The Belfast News-Letter, July 24, 1918. |
BELL, J., No. 23879, Gunner (A/Bombardier), Royal Field Artillery, has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry in action. He lives in the Lisburn area of Co. Antrim. The Lisburn Standard, March 22, 1918. |
BELL, JAMES, 18/871, Rifleman Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He was a member of the U.V.F., at Drumbeg, and was employed at Lambeg Bleachworks before enlisting. His wife lives at by the Ballyskeagh. The Northern Whig, May 1, 1917. |
BELL, JOHN, 22838, Lance-Corporal, 2nd Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers formerly of the 10th Battalion, has been awarded the Military Medal. He is one of two soldier sons of Mr. and Mrs. George Bell, Boom Hall, Londonderry. Lance-Corporal Bell previous to joining up was a member of the Ballyarnett U.V.F., and in the employment of the M’Corkell family. Volunteering at the beginning of the war, he has taken part in most of the fighting in which the Ulster Division has been engaged. The Belfast News-Letter, January 9, 1919. |
BENNETT, W. T., Corporal, Canadian infantry, has been awarded the military medal. He is a son of Mr. Robert Bennett, Carron, Trillick, Co. Tyrone. His brother, Private Fred. G. Bennett, Dragoon Guards, has been wounded five times, and is at present at home convalescent. The Northern Whig, October 2, 1918. The Ulster Herald, October 5, 1918. |
BERTIE, R., (14522), Corporal Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry. Northern Whig, January 31, 1918. |
BEST, KENNETH, Sergeant, Royal Engineers, has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous service and gallantry. He is the second son of Mr. J. G. Best, J.P., Greenvale, Ballymoney. Educated at Ballymoney Intermediate School, and later at Mountjoy School, Dublin, where he won a scholarship. Sergeant Best spent two years in the Engineering School at Trinity College, where he was showing every indication of a brilliant scholastic career when war broke out. He immediately enlisted as a private in the Divisional Engineers attached to the Royal Naval Division, and went out with first contingent to the Dardanelles, where he participated in the first landing on the lower side of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Having fought through the Gallipoli campaign, he was afterwards attached to a flying squadron to build hangers and piers in the vicinity of Salonika. At this time he was offered a commission, which he refused, as he did not desire to leave his comrades. Been promoted to the rank of sergeant he was then transferred to the Royal Engineers and sent to France, where he has participated in the recent heavy fighting. His brother, Ronald, on active service, is at present on its way home to take up a commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery. The Northern Whig, June 2, 1917. The Belfast News-Letter, June 2, 1917. BEST, KENNETH, Sergeant-Major, Naval Division, Royal Engineers, who is the holder of the Military Medal, and was in service in Egypt, Salonika, and France, has been granted a cadetship in the Royal Engineers. His brother, Cadet Ronald Best has been granted a commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery. The Northern Whig, June 4, 1918. BEST, RONALD, Cadet, has been gazetted to a commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery. He joined on the outbreak of war is a private, and was two years on active service with the Cyclist Corps. They are sons of Mr John G. Best, J.P., of Greenvale, Ballymoney, and nephews of the late Lieutenant-Colonel T. A. D. Best, D.S.O., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached West Riding Regiment, who fell in action in the Battle of Cambrai. Belfast News-Letter, June 1, 1918. |
BINGHAM WILLIAM J., 17/1509, 8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (East (South?) Belfast Volunteers), has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery during a heavy bombardment on June 10th 1916. He was on sentry duty at the time, and although shells were falling continuously in his trench he never flinched, and, in the words of his platoon commander, “bravely stayed at his post.” Rifleman Bingham, whose mother resides at 64, Rowland Street, Sandy Row, Belfast, is just 18 years of age, was wounded in the big advance serving with the Ulster Division. Prior to enlisting in the East Belfast Regiment he was employed at Messrs. Jones Bros. & Daley Ltd. He is the eldest son of Mr. W. J. Bingham, and nephew of Mr. Thomas Bingham (formerly of Dixon Street), both of whom are on active service in the South (South?) Belfast Volunteers. His platoon commander writing to Mrs. Bingham, says, “I am very proud to have your son as a rifleman in my platoon.” Northern Whig, July 6, 1916. Belfast Telegraph, July 10, 1916. Belfast News-Letter July 6, 1916. BINGHAM, WILLIAM J., Royal Irish Rifles, (East Belfast Volunteers), has been dangerously wounded in action. His mother resides at 54, Rowland Sandy Row, Street, Belfast, and his father is on active service with the South Belfast Regiment. The Northern Whig, July 10, 1916. BINGHAM, WILLIAM J., Rifleman, Royal Irish Rifles (South Belfast Volunteers), is now in the 5th General Hospital, Rouen, suffering from a gunshot wound. He is the father of Rifleman William J. Bingham, Royal Irish Rifles (East Belfast Volunteers), who was awarded the Military Medal for bravery, and is now himself in hospital in England. The home address is 64, Rowland Street, Sandy Row, Belfast. The Northern Whig, July 20, 1916. |
BINKS, P., 412060 ?, Private Canadian Expeditionary Force, was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field early in the war, and was afterwards promoted sergeant, has been awarded a Bar to his decoration for gallantry at the beginning of 1918. He is a son of Mr. J. T. Binks, permanent way inspector, Midland Railway Company, (N.C.C.), Londonderry. Sergeant Binks, has received the French Croix de Guerre, for distinguished services. He also holds the Military Medal with Bar. The Northern Whig, May 11, 1918 and Northern Whig, August 28, 1918 |
BIRKMYRE, H. [HERBERT?], Lance-Corporal, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Before enlisting in the Ulster Division he was a member of the Larne Harbour Company of the Ulster Volunteer Force. He was employed at the British Aluminium Co.’s works, Larne Harbour. Sometime after he enlisted in the Central Antrim Regiment he was transferred to a Trench Mortar Battery. A brother of Lance Corporal Birkmyre, who enlisted at the same time, is quartermaster-sergeant in the Royal Irish Rifles. Before enlisting he resided at Fleet Street, Larne. The Belfast Evening Telegraph, October 16, 1916. |
BLACK, ANDREW, 7753, Private, Royal Army Medical Corps, attached 1st Cheshire Regiment, has been awarded the Military Medal. Private Black has been on the Western front since August, 1914, being at Mons, Ypres, and other hard-fought battle-grounds. His parents resided 5, Westbourne Street, Belfast. The Belfast News-Letter, September 9, 1916. |
BLACK, WILLIAM JAMES, Corporal, Canadian Infantry, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in action. He is the son of Mrs. Black, Carrowreagh, Finvoy, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. The Northern Whig, June 20, 1918. |
BLACK, WILLIAM, Corporal, Royal Field Artillery, has been awarded the Military Medal. He lives at 18, Ninth Street, Belfast. Photograph in the paper. The Belfast Telegraph, March 29, 1919. |
BLACKER, JACK, Rifleman, 13th or 15th Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry, devotion to duty, and rescuing wounded during operations with the Ulster Division around Courtrai in October, 1918. He is nephew of Mr George Rainey, 38, Posnett Street, Belfast. The Northern Whig, November 22, 1918. |
BLACKMOOR, HERBERT, Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers), has been decorated with the Military Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty for holding an advance post against a German attack of 60 men. Corporal Blackmoor had eight men under his command, and repulsed the attack which was assisted by an artillery barrage. Corporal Blackmoor is a son of Mr. George Blackmoor, Quay Road, Ballycastle, and a member of the Armoy Company of U.V.F. The Northern Whig, July 26, 1917.BLACKMORE, HERBERT, 12/17273, Corporal, M.M., 12th Bn., Royal Irish Rifles, has been killed in action on the 7th June, 1918. Corporal Blackmore won the Military Medal in 1917, and a few months ago received a Bar to that decoration. He was a member of the U.V.F., and volunteered shortly after the outbreak of war. His brother, Rifleman William Blackmore, was killed at the battle of the Somme on the 1st July, 1916. Corporal H. Blackmoor is buried in Grave Reference III. D. 39. Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. The Belfast News-Letter, July 9, 1918. |
BLAIN J., 3/9100, Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. He was a Special Reservist and enlisted in the third Battalion at Belfast in the summer of 1908. Northern Whig, January 23, 1917 and Belfast Telegraph, January 23, 1917 |
BLAIR JAMES, 19857, Corporal, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, (attached Trench Mortar Battery) has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery with the trench mortars. He was originally in the Derry Regiment. The Northern Whig, January 15, 1917. |
BLAIR, SAMUEL, 12/17184, Rifleman, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He served with the Royal Irish Rifles throughout the campaign in South Africa, and also in the Far East. A member of the Orange Institution he was attached Cloughfern L.O.L., No. 899, and was instructor to the local company of the U.V.F. His wife and six children live at Cloughfern, Whiteabbey, Co. Antrim. Photograph of him B.E.T., September, 1, 1916. Belfast Telegraph, August 30, 1916. The Belfast News-Letter, August 31, 1916. |
BLOOMER, WILLIAM JOHN, 3617, Private, Black Watch, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Private Bloomer volunteered to go out with five others to discover the fate of two companies, and also found a wounded officer, whom he brought back at great risk to safety under heavy fire. Private Bloomer, who joined the Army early in the war, is a son of Mr. Richard Bloomer, 36, Hunter Street, Belfast, and is a Sandy Row man born and bred. He was a builder’s labourer to trade. Photograph of him B.E.T., September, 1, 1916. The Belfast Telegraph, August 31, 1916 and September 6, 1917. |
BOGAN, E., (87626), Royal Garrison Artillery, (Belfast), has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. The Northern Whig, October, 19, 1917. |
BOGGS, JAMES, Private, 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. His home is at Townparks, Strabane, County Tyrone. The Belfast News-Letter, December 9, 1918. |
BONNER or BONNAR, WILLIAM, M.M., 201087, Private, 1st / 5th Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in action on 23rd July, 1918. He was a son of Mr. George Bonner, 2, Oldpark Village, Oldpark Road, Belfast, and the late Helen Bonnar. He is buried in grave Reference VIII. A. 10. Martaux British Cemetery, Marne, France. The Northern Whig, August 21, 1918. |
BONNER, WILLIAM, Private, Royal Army Medical Corps, has been awarded the Military Medal. The decoration was bestowed on him for bravery in rescuing wounded under heavy gunfire. Private Bonner went overseas with the original expeditionary force, and has been at the front ever since. His wife resides at 28 ??????? Street, Derry. Belfast Evening Telegraph, November 7, 1917 |
BONNER, ROBERT, Private, 1st Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. He has been with the colours since December, 1914. His sister resides at 41, Dungiven Road, Waterside, Londonderry. The Belfast News-Letter, November 29, 1918. |
BOOTH, ROBERT, Sapper, Royal Engineers (Ulster Division) has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry, in repairing wires and keeping up the communication under heavy shell fire. He is the eldest son of Mr. James Booth, formerly of Drumriney, Tamlaght. He joined the 11th Inniskillings at the outbreak of war, was afterwards transferred to the Royal Engineers with which he has served. Photo of him in this paper. The Impartial Reporter, March 21, 1918. |
BOYCE, THOMAS, 291, Sergeant, 16th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Shortly after enlistment at the outbreak of the war he was appointed musketry instructor, but gave up that post in order to get to the firing line more quickly. He is just 18 years of age, and a son of Mr. William E. Boyce, Knocknamuckley, Lurgan. He is a cousin of Mrs. James A. Abraham, 9, Ethel Street, Belfast. Photo in BET Oct 6, 1916. also The Northern Whig, October 6, 1916. |
BOYD JOHN, Sapper, Australian Engineers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field in August, 1917. He is the eldest son of ex-councillor Alex Boyd, o97 Ormeau Road, Belfast. He joined the army at the outbreak of the war, serving through the Dardanelles campaign, and has been in France for twenty months. His youngest brother was wounded in four places is serving with the Ulster Division. Image in B.E.T. The Northern Whig, November 7, 1917 |
BOYD, BRIAN, M.M., Second-Lieutenant, 14th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, has died of wounds received in action during the advance on Thursday, 7th June 1917. He was the eldest son of Mr. William E. Boyd, manager for Messrs. Manfield & Sons, Donegall Place, Belfast, and formerly of Ballyferis, County Down. He was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, and enlisted in the Young Citizen Volunteers on the formation of the Ulster Division. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field at the opening of the battle of the Somme on 1st July, 1916, and his commanding officer paid him the complement of requesting the authorities to return him to his own battalion, the application being granted. The Belfast News-Letter, Saturday, June 9, 1917. Second-Lieutenant Boyd was a son of William A. and Lizzie M. Boyd, of 10, Cyprus Gardens, Belfast. He is buried in grave III. C. 104. Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=uVlAPc5j7X4C&pg=PA14&lpg=PA14&dq=%22knock+rugby+club%22&source=bl&ots=DFhTmClXHE&sig=_4bU4liaUK3s58G-LdlPDBDKb-8&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwibr4KOvrbKAhXBJiYKHdghDSUQ6AEILjAD#v=onepage&q=%22knock%20rugby%20club%22&f=false |
BOYD, BRYAN (BRIAN), Second-Lieutenant 14th Bn., Royal Irish Rifles, died on 7th June, 1917, of wounds received in action. He was educated at Royal Academical Institution, where the flag was flown at half-mast on receipt of the news of his death. Lieutenant Boyd originally enlisted in the Royal Irish Rifles (Young Citizen Volunteers), as a private, and won the Military Medal For gallantry on July 1, 1916. He was at the same time granted a commission in his own battalion. He was the elder son of Mr. William A. Boyd, manager for Manfield & Sons, Donegal Place, Belfast, and Lizzie M. Boyd, 10, Cyprus Gardens, and formally of Ballyferris, County Down. He is buried in Grave Reference III. C. 104. Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France. The Northern Whig, June 9, 1917. |
BOYD, GEORGE T., 90th Winnipeg Rifles, Canadian Contingent, has been awarded the Military Medal for devotion to duty. He is a native of Castlefin, County Donegal, and on the outbreak of war was in the service of the Canadian Northern Railway. He came over with the first Canadian contingent. He is attached to the Red Cross department as a stretcher-bearer. He was wounded in May, 1915, shortly after the Canadians went into action. His brother, Mr. John J. Boyd, resides at 2a, Governor Road, Londonderry. Photograph of him in B.E.T. The Belfast News-Letter, July 24, 1916. Belfast Evening Telegraph, September 4, 1916. Northern Whig, July 24, 1916. |
BOYD, JAMES, 13.18884, Sergeant, (later Coy. Sgt.-Maj.) Royal Irish Rifles (Ulster Division) has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. He and his brother, Robert A. E. Boyd, (now serving with the Royal Irish Fusiliers at Salonika), have been in all the engagements in which the Ulster Division participated since it went to the front. He was promoted sergeant on the field in July 1916. He is a promising non-commissioned officer and lately he has won the championship platoon medal awarded by the colonel of his battalion. His parents reside at Dromore Road, Warrenpoint, Co. Down. The Northern Whig, June 27, 1917 and Newry Reporter, June 26, 1917. The Belfast News-Letter, June 27, 1917. |
BOYD, JAMES, 10400, Corporal, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field on 12th April, 1917. He is the only son of Mrs. Boyd, 3, Barrow Street, Belfast, and has been at the front since the opening of hostilities. Photograph of him in Belfast Telegraph May 31, 1917. The Belfast News-Letter, Monday, May 28, 1917. |
BOYLAN, JOHN, 326016, Private, 5th Bn., Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. His father, Mr. Daniel Boylan, Main Street, Garvagh, being unable to attend a presentation ceremony at Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry received the medal by post from Brigadier General Erskine, commanding the 27th Infantry Brigade together with a sympathetic letter. Private Boylan died on the 1st July, 1918, and was buried in Ballerin Roman Catholic Churchyard, Co. Londonderry. The Northern Whig, January 6, 1919. |
BOYLE, JOHN, 21633, Private Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for most distinguished conduct in the field. Before the war he resided in Newry. He was through the war from the commencement and some time ago received a wound in the leg. He is at present stationed at Portobello Barracks, Dublin. Private Boyle has expressed the wish that the medal should be transmitted to his wife, who resides in Boat Street, and arrangements are being made to make a public presentation to her of the medal at an early date. Northern Whig, April 13, 1917, and Newry Reporter, September 30, 1916 |
BRADEN, HARRY, Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been killed in action. Private Braden was recently awarded the Military Medal. His mother, Mrs. Braden, resides at Deer Park, Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone. Can’t find him on CWGC. The Belfast Telegraph, March 9, 1918. |
BRADLEY, GEORGE, 206144, Sergeant, “D” Bn., Machine Gun Corps (Heavy Branch), was wounded on the 2nd May, 1917, and died the following day. He was a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force, and enlisted in the Central Antrim Regiment of the Royal Irish Rifles, been subsequently transferred to the Machine-Gun Corps. He was a son of Robert and Margaret Ann Bradley, of 34, Greenmount Villa, Greenmount, Henderson Avenue, Belfast, and formerly of Whitewell. He has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field earlier in the year [1916]. He is buried in the Grave Reference I. D. 1. Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, Mory, Pas de Calais, France. Photograph in Belfast Tele, September 23, 1916. Photo of him Belfast Telegraph, May 18, 1917. The Northern Whig, May 16, 1917. The Belfast News-Letter, May 16, 1917. |
BRADLEY, J., M.M., 1st Bn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in an attack delivered by the Inniskillings on 1st October, 1918, without artillery support and under heavy machine-gun fire to relieve the precarious situation which existed on the right flank of an attack which had just been started. Though suffering heavily the gallant men of the Inniskilling’s relieved the situation and the O.C. commanding writing to Sergeant Bradley’s parents says he advanced his company with the greatest coolness. Sergeant Bradley has been on active service since 1914, and was three times wounded. Prior to coming on leave recently he was instrumental in capturing an enemy pillbox with its 38 occupants and it is possible that this action will also receive official recognition. His wife resides at Castle Street, Coagh, Co. Tyrone. He is a son of Mr. J., Bradley, 16, Lowry Street Belfast. The Northern Whig, November 29, 1918. The Northern Whig, December 3, 1918. |
BRADY, R., 44800, Sapper, Royal Engineers, was presented with the military medal by Colonel Hawkins, Commandant of the Royal Engineers Command Depot, Thetford. He was awarded the medal for an act of bravery performed in February 1917, when having penetrated the enemy’s second-line during an extensive bombing raid, he remained an hour destroying dugouts, the raid resulting in a military success of considerable importance. He has served throughout the Dardanelles campaign, and after the evacuation, proceed to Egypt, and took part in the Sinai Desert operations. He also served on the Western front for several months. Sapper Bradley is a Belfastman, his home address being 47, Cumberland Street. The Belfast Telegraph, July 28, 1917. |
BRADY, ROBERT, Corporal, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery helping the wounded. Corporal Brady, who is an old soldier with twelve years’ service to his credit, has just been wounded for the sixth time. He is a brother of Mrs. Gaynor, 11, Tannery Street, Belfast. The Northern Whig, October 2, 1918. |
BRANGAM, JOHN, Sergeant, 15351, 9th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field on 20th November, 1917, at the battle of Cambrai. During an attack on the German trenches his company was held up with severe machine gun fire. Sergeant Brangam got within distance of a machine gun which he bombed, killing two of the gunners and taking two German prisoners, as a result of this action his company were able to advance and hold the German second-line trench. He was killed in action on 29th March, 1918 and has no known grave. He was the son of Anne Jane Brangam, of Gate-End, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, and the late David Brangam. There is a photo of Sergeant J. BRANGAM, Royal Irish Rifles, in the Belfast Telegraph, March 29, 1918. |
BRANN, JAMES, 42655, Private, Royal Army Medical Corps, has received the Military Medal for distinguished conduct on the field. Prior to joining the Army shortly after the outbreak of war, he was employed in Messrs. T. Andrews, & Sons Mills, Percy Street, Belfast. He is the fourth son of the late Alexander Brann, and has another brother (John) serving with the Inniskilling Dragoons (Ulster Division), but is at present in hospital in Victoria Barracks, Belfast, recovering from illness. Private Brann had previously been awarded the divisional certificate. His home address is 29, Aberdeen Street, Belfast. There is a photo of him in the Tele December 19, 1917. The Belfast Telegraph, December 8, 1917 |
BRANNEY, JOHN, Private, Royal Irish Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal. Before he enlisted two years ago Private Branney was employed at Gallagher’s tobacco factory. He has also been awarded an Irish Brigade parchment certificate, signed by the G.O.C. of his division, commending him for his gallantry and devotion to duty on 4th September, 1916. His home address is 47 Great Patrick Street, Belfast. Image in B.E.T. November 18, 1916. The Northern Whig, November 8, 1916. |
BREEN, ROBERT, 19/277, Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. He was one of the raiding party and carried back a wounded officer under heavy fire. Before joining he was a member of the U.V.F., Corporal Breen belongs to Ballygally, Co. Tyrone, and he is a brother of Mr. W. Breen, Church Street, Downpatrick, Co. Down. There is a photograph of him in the Tele. The Northern Whig, July 2, 1917. Belfast Telegraph, July 6, 1917. |
BRENNAN, J., 28107, Lance-Corporal (Acting Corporal), Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, (Carlow, Graigue), has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Northern Whig, February 25, 1918. |
BRESLIN, JOHN, Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers has been awarded the Military Medal. He resides at 27 Governor Place, Londonderry. Photo of him in this paper. The Belfast Telegraph, February 4, 1918 |
BRIDGES, J. T., Sergeant, 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers is at present in Armagh on leave. A military medallist Sergeant Bridges has had about eight years’ service, and has seen a considerable amount of service on the continent. He was present at the battle of Mons. His father, Mr. Robert Bridges, although well over military age, very pluckily volunteered for service some time ago, and being a capable motor driver, was attached to the Army Service Corps. Mr. R. Bridges was in pre-war days in the employment of Messrs. D. H. M’Dowell & Co., College Street, Armagh. The Ulster Gazette and Armagh Standard, July 28, 1917 |
BROCK, SAMUEL, Sergeant, Royal Irish Rifles. A pleasant function took place at the Woodlands Hospital, when Sergeant Samuel Brock, Royal Irish Rifles, (who is well-known in Belfast), was presented with the Military Medal for devotion to duty and bravery on the field. The presentation was made by the instruction of the military authorities, by Mr. Harold Sumner, J.P., as officer-in-charge of the Woodlands Hospitals and assistant county director of the Wigan and district division of the British Red Cross Society. In making the presentation Mr. Sumner said Sergeant Brock had seen over eleven years’ service with the Army, and he hoped he might live long to enjoy the great honour he had so richly deserved. The recommendation for the medal included “Excellent work when in charge of a platoon under heavy shellfire, and as acting company sergeant-major in charge of the company when all officers had been wounded or killed.” Mr. Sumner then pinned the medal to Sergeant Brock’s tunic, and call from three cheers for the gallant sergeant, which were heartily given. Mr. Sumner also presented to Sergeant Brock a handsome wristlet watch as a further memento of the occasion. The Belfast Telegraph, April 26, 1917. |
BROWN MARK W., Sergeant, Irish Guards, has been awarded the Military Medal. Sergeant Brown was formerly a constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary, stationed at Banbridge, County Down. When the call came for recruits from the ranks of the constabulary Sergeant Brown immediately joined up, and during his military career, now extending over a period of three years, taking part in many engagements in one of which he was wounded in the arm. Belfast Evening Telegraph, November 12, 1917. |
BROWN, ERNEST, Sergeant Royal Irish Fusiliers has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry. With three other volunteers he advanced 800 yards with a machine-gun, and held a difficult position for six hours under heavy and continuous shellfire. Two platoons relieved the party at nightfall, and two of the heroic four came back suffering from gas. The Belfast Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1917 |
BROWN, JACK, 14/14125, Private, Royal Irish Rifles (Y.C.V.), has now been presented with the Military Medal, which he was awarded for bravery in the field on 6th April, 1916. He was seriously wounded on 1st July, 1916 in the Somme Battle. He is twenty one years of age, and is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, 43, Avoca Street, Belfast, who have two other sons on active service. Photo of him in this paper. I.S.N., July 7, 1917. |
BROWN, P., 22505, Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during the great gas attack on the Inniskillings in April, 1916. His home address is 28 Cross Street, Waterside, Londonderry. Belfast Telegraph, August 11, 1916. |
BROWN, T. A., Signaller, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He comes from Ballymagarrick, Portadown, Co. Armagh. The Belfast News-Letter, January 21, 1918. |
BROWN, T. A., Signaller, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. His family resides at Ballynagarrick, Gilford, Co. Down. Northern Whig, February 1, 1918. The Belfast News-Letter, January 21, 1918. |
BROWN, WILLIAM, Sergeant, North Irish Horse, has been awarded the Military Medal. Prior to joining the colours Sergeant Brown was a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and was stationed in Belfast for six years. His brother, Mr David Brown, resides at Edwards Terrace, Armagh. Belfast News-Letter, November 1, 1918. |
BROWN, WILLIAM, Sergeant, Royal Irish Rifles, (since promoted Sergeant-Major), has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Prior to enlisting in the West Belfast Volunteers he worked at the Queen’s Island and resided at Durham Street, Belfast. He went out with the Ulster division in 1915. He came through all the fighting without serious injury. He was mentioned in dispatches following the Somme fighting in 1916. He is the son-in-law of Mr. Robert Irvine, 112 Longstone Street, Lisburn. The Lisburn Standard, September 13, 1918. |
BROWN(E), JOHN, while crossing the Albert Bridge, which spans the River Lagan, in tramcar, Second-Lieutenant John Browne, who has won the Military Medal in the field, and who is at present at home recovering from a wound in the shoulder, observed a crowd looking over the parapet. He hurried off the car and saw boy in the water in imminent danger of being drowned. Having thrown off his coat, Lieutenant Brown climbed over the railing and jumped into the water, which was about eight feet deep. He grasped hold of the boy, but his progress towards the shore was considerably hindered by the thick mud, which rendered footing almost impossible. With the assistance of the police and several onlookers the plucky rescuer and the boy were brought safely to land. Lieutenant Browne, having recovered his coat, was conveyed to his home, 3, Ailsa Terrace, Holywood Road, in a passing motor car. He is a son of Mr. S. S. Brown, the Assistant Postmaster of Belfast. The Belfast News-Letter, September 11, 1916. |
BROWNE, B. J., Second-Lieutenant Royal Dublin Fusiliers, has been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in action. He originally served in the ranks, and won the Military Medal for bravery in the field, obtaining his commission on the 27th, June, 1917. He is a son of Mr. Joseph Browne, Ederney, Co. Fermanagh. The Belfast News-Letter, January 31, 1918. |
BROWNE, M. W., Sergeant, Irish Guards has been awarded the Military Medal. Prior to joining the army he was in the Royal Irish Constabulary at Banbridge, Co. Down. He is a native of Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. Photo of him in this paper. The Belfast Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1917. |
BROWNE, W., 2172, Sergeant, Irish Horse, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He is a brother of Mr. David Browne, Edward’s Terrace, Armagh City, Co. Armagh. The Northern Whig, November 1, 1918. |
BROWNE, WILLIAM, 4555, Rifleman, 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, who was killed in action on 18th August, 1918, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. At a presentation ceremony at Victoria Barracks, Belfast, Brigadier-General G. W. Hacket-Pain, C.B., presented the Rifleman’s mother and father with his medal. The Belfast News-Letter, December 25, 1918. |
BROWNE, WILLIAM, 4555, Rifleman, Royal Irish Rifles, has posthumously been awarded the Military Medal. He was a son of William and Margaret Brown, 35, City Street, Belfast. He is buried in Grave Reference I. D. 9. Bertenacre Military Cemetery, Nord, France. His medal was presented to his father and mother by General //??????????? The Northern Whig, December 25, 1918. |
BROWNLEE, W., 3233, Private Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, (Belfast), has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Northern Whig, February 25, 1918. BROWNLEE, W., M.M., Private, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 84 Upper Charleville Street, Belfast, is a prisoner of war. The Belfast Evening Telegraph, May 1, 1918. There is an image of him in this paper. |
BRUCE, ERNEST, M.M., 16274, Rifleman, 15th Bn., Royal Irish Rifles (late Y.C.V.’s), killed in action on the 20th October, 1918, age 22. He had over four years’ service, and had been previously wounded. Prior to enlistment he was a member of Derriaghy L.O.L., 135, and was employed as an apprentice draughtsman with Messrs. Harland & Wolff, Ltd. He was the only son of Thomas and Charlotte Bruce, Woodside, Dunmurry, County Antrim. He is buried in Harlebeke New British Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. The Lisburn Standard, November 15, 1918. |
BRUCE, H. W., Private, Canadians, has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous gallantry. He has been wounded twice. He is a son of Mr. Henry Bernard Dalrymple Bruce, and a grandson of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Stewart Beresford Bruce, D.L., Ballyscullion House, Castledawson, County Derry. On the maternal side he is a grandson of Mr W. Whitcher, a former Minister of Fisheries, of Ottawa, Canada. Preface place is a nephew of Lieutenant Colonel S. J. Bruce, second in command of the 18th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles. The Northern Whig, July 23, 1917. The Belfast News-Letter, July 23, 1917. |
BUCHANAN, JOSEPH M., 27418, Private, 9th Bn., Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, Ulster Division, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He is the youngest son of Mr. William Buchanan, J.P., and Isabella Buchanan, of Aughlish, Dromore, Co. Tyrone Dromore, Co. Tyrone, and brother of Dr. T. A. Buchanan, Clogher, Co. Tyrone. The Belfast News-Letter, October 9, 1917. Private JOSEPH BUCHANAN, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers died on 20th November, 1917, from wounds received in action. He held an appointment in the Northern Bank previous to his enlistment. He is buried in Grave Reference A. 13. Hermies British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. The Belfast Telegraph, December 4, 1917 |
BUCKLEY, ROBERT, 14021, Private Royal Irish Fusiliers (Richhill, County Armagh), has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. The Northern Whig, April 26, 1918. Mr. William Buckley, Ballyleaney, Richhill, Co. Armagh, has received a postcard from his son, Private Robert Buckley, Royal Irish Fusiliers, stating that he is a prisoner of war in Germany. Private Buckley has won the Military Medal for bravery in the field and had been Mentioned in Dispatches. The Ulster Gazette and Armagh Standard, May 4, 1918. |
BUICK, J., 11/2204, Lance-Corporal, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. The Northern Whig, February 9, 1917. He was reported wounded in the first half of 1918. The Northern Whig, June 18, 1918. |
BULLICK, W. P., Sergeant, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. He is a son of Mr E. Bullick, Lisburn. The Belfast News-Letter, November 9, 1918. |
BUNTING, SAMUEL, 16/50, Sergeant, Royal Irish Rifles, has been awarded the Military Medal. He was a post-man before the outbreak of hostilities. He is the second son of John Bunting, Moira, and has been in the Army since 1914. Photo of him in Belfast Tele May 29, 1918. The Northern Whig, May 22, 1918. |
BURKE, T., 23108, Private, Royal Irish Fusiliers, was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field during a German attack on April 27, 1916, near Loos, during which he was wounded. Belfast Evening Telegraph, August 11, 1916. B.B. |
BURNSIDE, ROBERT, Driver, New Zealand Forces has been awarded the Military Medal “for gallantry in the field and crossing a canal under heavy shellfire.” Driver Burnside came from New Zealand to France with first contingent of New Zealanders. He is a son of Mrs. Burnside, Church Row, Kilrea. The Northern Whig, November 2, 1918 |
BYRNE, EDGAR O., Private, Tank Corps, has been awarded the Military Medal and a parchment certificate for his coolness and gallantry in the field during the Battle of Arras. He is the fourth son of the late Mr. John Byrne, Quay House, Ballycastle, and was in the service of the Northern Bank previous to joining the Royal Irish Rifles (Young Citizens). Northern Whig, July 28, 1917. Belfast News-Letter, August 11, 1917. BYRNE, EDGAR O., Private, Tank Corps, has been wounded by shrapnel and admitted to hospital. The Belfast News-Letter, August 11, 1917. |
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