August 1916

Seagoe Parish Magazine

AUGUST 1916.

The Battle of the Somme.

July 1^st 1916.

[The following is a list of residents in Seagoe Parish or connected therewith who fell or were reported as missing or wounded in the recent fighting on the Ancre-Somme.]

Reported Killed.

"3 brave fought a good fight, 3 brave finished my course."

CAPTAIN CHARLES M. JOHNSTON, 9th Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers.

LIEUT. O. W. GREEN, Royal Irish Rifles.

L.-CORPORAL DAVID H. ORR, 9th Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers.

PRIVATE THOMAS HEWITT, : : : :

PRIVATE WILLIAM JOHN CORDY, : : : Killed by a shell, June 1916.

PRIVATE EDWARD MARSHALL, Canadians, reported missing believed killed, June 13th, 1916.

PRIVATE THOMAS KILPATRICK, 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers, wounded on June 25th, died on July 11th, 1916.

Reported Missing,

MAJOR THOMAS J. ATKINSON, 9th Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers.

LIEUT. ROBERT T. MONTGOMERY, : : : : : :

PRIVATE HARRY HOLMES, : : : : : :

PRIVATE ALEXANDER M'CABE, : : : : : :

Wounded.

Captain J. Brew.

Lieut. J. Gibson.

Lieut. Thomas Shillington.

Harry Boyce.

Thomas Cassidy (Sergt.)

John G. Chambers.

Joseph Craig.

John Devlin.

Harry Forsythe.

David Gates.

W. J. Gillespie.

James Gordon.

Thomas Grimley.

James Johnston (Sergt.)

Richard Maxwell, junr.

R. Milligan.

Thomas D. M 'Crory.

M 'Kerr.

S. Roney.

William Shanks.

Thomas Stewart.

Joseph Stothers.

Wm. Jas. Stothers.

George Tate.

Thomas Wilson.

SEAGOE PARISH MAGAZINE.

THE GREAT ADVANCE-

It is hard to write in measured language of the sad, yet glorious, events, which have been crowded into the past month. Few of us in Seagoe could have felt a month ago that this July, in other years so

bright and festive, would have brought with it so much sorrow and anxiety to so many homes in our midst.

It is not our intention in anything we say about the “Great Advance “of July 1st to write in a spirit

of despondency or regret.

The Glorious deeds performed by our brave lads of the “Ninth,"' in many cases with sacrifice of life or limb, are best remembered, not in the spirit of regret for the sacrifice entailed, but in the spirit of admiration for their heroic devotion to the cause of God and King and Country.

For several months, our men had been holding a section of front line trenches along the River Ancre, a tributary of the Somme, in the province of Picardy. They had been very fortunate in having but few casualties. It was felt that this immunity could not continue, and that any advance “over the parapet” must be very costly. No one knew when the advance would take place, but it seemed as if it must come off this year. It is remarkable that the forward move was timed for July 1 ^st, a date so famous in the annals of Ulster.

It was apparently by a mere chance that the date decided on was one so full of meaning for the men of Ulster. On the night before the advance, it was almost impossible to sleep owing to the noise of the shells from the British guns. At 4-30 a.m. on the morning of July 1st, the officers were already busy preparing for the work of the day. At 5 a.m. they breakfasted together, and at 7-30 a.m. the order to advance was given. According to the report in the London '6 Times “the Royal Irish

Fusiliers, that is our 9^th Battalion, was the first regiment of the Ulster Division to leave the Trenches.

It is possible that “A " and " B " companies, which were largely composed of our Seagoe lads, were actually the first men to cross the parapet. The task assigned to them was to capture the five German Trenches. Before reaching the first German .trench, 700 yards of “No Man's " land had to be crossed, during which the men were exposed to a fierce fusillade from the German machine guns.

Here many brave lads fell. Some of the wounded sought shelter in shell holes, where they lay until

darkness fell, and then they crept painfully back to the shelter of the British trenches. Those who escaped wounds reached their objectives, but apparently had to recede from their position owing to 'the fact that the

Divisions on either side of the Ulster Division, through no fault of their own, were unable to reach their objectives. Search parties were sent out at the first opportunity to bring in the wounded and the bodies of those who were beyond human aid. Only a few had received serious wounds; the majority of wounds were in the feet or legs.

The spirit of the men was magnificent. Before they left the trenches, they were laughing and joking, and as they charged forward, they shouted

THE OLD ULSTER BATTLE-CRY—" NO. SURRENDER,"

The officers gave a glorious lead; every officer of the “Ninth” who crossed the parapet was either killed or wounded. Owing to the uncertainty that still surrounds the fate of officers and men it is impossible for" us here to write as we should like to do of the services rendered by every member of the heroic Battalion, which represents our own Parish and County at the front.

Unfortunately, there is but little doubt as to the fate of some,

Captain C. M. Johnston, a member of a family very highly respected in Portadown, is reported killed. Though not connected with Seagoe Church, he resided in the Parish for the past two years. He leaves a young wife and two little children to mourn his loss, but his name will not be forgotten as one who gave his life for King and Country.

Lieut. O. W. Green, Royal Irish Rifles , is also reported as missing or killed. His task was to cut

the wires of his Battalion on the morning of July 1st. He knew the danger, but faced it with a brave heart, and apparently in so doing made the supreme sacrifice. He was very popular with all who knew him. His bright and happy nature won for him a place in all our hearts.

Private Thomas Hewitt, of the 9th Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers is also reported to have fallen. He

had from his earliest years been associated with Seagoe Parish. He was educated at Seagoe School, and was a regular attender at Edenderry Sunday School, and more lately at Edenderry Men's Bible Class. He appears to have fallen quite early in the advance, receiving a fatal wound. He was only 20 years of age.

Lance-Corporal David H. Orr well known in Edenderry and his death is much regretted.

He was attached to the Machine-Gun Section, and in advancing, was wounded in the arm. He bravely continued to advance, and in a few minutes received a second and fatal wound.

We cannot in this issue write with certainty of those recorded as missing. There is a slender possibility that some of them may be prisoners in the hands of the Germans. No lists of prisoners have yet been published.

The names of those reported as missing include the best and bravest that Seagoe Parish could have given. We trust while there is hope that they may yet survive.

We desire to express our deepest sympathy with all those who sorrow. May the God of all comfort

sustain them with His Divine consolation. Nor should we forget the saddened band of survivors, Colonel Blacker and his brave lads, who mourn the loss of so many comrades. They must go on with the fighting, but they miss the old familiar faces at their side. They will be cheered in a dark hour by the thought of duty faithfully done, and of comrades who feared no foe, even Death itself.

The Misses Dawson,

It was found necessary to postpone the meeting that had been arranged to be held last month, to

welcome Miss Dawson and Miss Cherry Dawson to the Parish on their return from 5 years of Mission work in South America. Another date has now been organised for, Tuesday, August 29th, at 8 p.m., in Seagoe School. The Misses Dawson have brought back with them some very interesting curios from Chile, and they will give a description of their work in hospital and school amongst the South American Indians. No charge for admission, but a collection will be made on behalf of the South American Missionary Society.

We may add that the Misses Dawson are Honorary Missionaries and receive no salary from the Society they work altogether at their own expense. Their self- denying labours on behalf of the spread of the Saviour's Kingdom ought to be an incentive to all in Seagoe Parish to help in the great cause of Foreign Missions.

Accident at Seagoe,

The drowning accident that occurred at Seagoe Brick Pond, on Saturday afternoon, July 22nd, has

caused much sorrow in the neighbourhood. William Lamb, of Edenderry, who lost his life while bathing was very much respected by all who knew him. His funeral was very well attended. We hope that the accident will be a warning, as to the danger of bathing

in such ponds, especially when the bather is unable to swim. Such places are veritable death traps. The accident at Seagoe might easily have proved a more serious tragedy, for two others who were bathing apparently narrowly escaped the fate that unfortunately befell Willie Lamb. We desire to express he sympathy of our readers with Mr. and Mrs. Lamb and their family in their great trouble.

Private W. J. Cordy- It is with deep regret we record the death from wounds of Private W. J. Cordy, 9th Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers. He was very well known in Seagoe, and took an active interest in all Church matters He had for many years attended Seagoe Men's Bible

Class with unfailing regularity, and even when he moved into Portadown he never missed a meeting of the Class. He joined the Battalion on its formation, and whenever he came back from camp for a short holiday, he always made his way up to Seagoe for the Class and the Services. His example will not soon be forgotten in the Parish. His quiet steady devotion to duty was as conspicuous in the Camp as in the Parish.

He was beloved by all who knew him. The call came to him with tragic suddenness. He was carrying rations to the men across ground exposed to shellfire, a high explosive shell burst quite close to him and a fragment of it penetrated his side. He only lived a few minutes, but had time to send a loving message to his wife and little ones. Very deep and true sympathy

has been expressed towards his widow and also his parents in their sad lose.

A Seagoe Tiger.

Victor Robinson, of Foundry Street, was in the recent Naval Battle of Horn Reef. He acted as a

wireless operator on H.M.S. Tiger. He says the sea was calm. The men got orders to be ready to slip off into the sea any moment. Destroyers hung round the ship in case of disaster. During the fight he took turns at the wireless alternately in the Deck Cabinet, and on the Look-Out. He saw several German ships blown up, and our “Queen Mary “sinking. He lost a stone in weight between 3 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the day of the battle, in consequence of the excessive mental and physical strain. There were many casualties on board his ship but he escaped injury.

We are very proud to think that Seagoe was so well represented in that great battle. We congratulate

Victor Robinson on the part he played. He says," The Navy is the finest life on earth."

We have received from him the following spirited letter.

Rev. Sir,—the photograph to hand although I really did not expect it, allow me to express my

sincere thanks for your kindness in forwarding it on. Well, I got back quite safe, and am ready for to have another smack at the Sausage Eaters “if " they come out. Their maxim must be “Prevention is better than cure."

I will now conclude my note, hoping to be with

you in the Parish very soon.

I am, yours truly,

VICTOR ROBINSON.

The Late Private J. Matthews.

The following extracts from letters written to his mother by Private John Matthews, of the Australian (Queensland) Contingent, who died of wounds in France on June 21st, will be read with interest—

"I would just like to be after great big German when you would be reading this letter, but I think it will be Turkey or Bulgaria we will be having a cut at. But it makes no matter who it is so long as I do a few of them in; it will content 'me. Then if I am spared to return home, again I shall feel proud to think I have done my duty. I think if you were as young as Moses [his brother] and I and had the same experience, you would have been in Flanders long ago. "

On January 18th, 1916, he writes from Brisbane—

You will see by this that Moses and I have joined the colours and are going to fight for King and Country. We felt it was our duty to do so. I see they have conscription in England. I only wish it would happen here, so as it would get some of these swanks.’

On May 25th, 191 6, he writes from France—I can tell you we enjoyed the homemade bread. We

have a lot of night work. Just when you sit down to write the sergeant comes round and takes you away on Fatigue.' However, we cannot complain, as it is very urgent work. We are enjoying good health, but good health don't count over here."

SEAGOE PARISH

Died of Wounds.

Private Thomas Kilpatrick, 9th Batt. , R.I.F., died from wounds in France on July 11th, 1916.

From the first, his wound was known to be dangerous, but it seemed as though he would recover. However, he got a sudden change for the worse and death intervened. His remains were laid to rest in the English Cemetery at Abbeville. His mother, Mrs. Kilpatrick, received no less than six letters from hospital Chaplains, and letters from the nurses at various casualty stations where her son happened to be. She also received letters from Major T. J. Atkinson, Adjutant Cather, and Lieut. Seggie, dated June 27th, expressing the hope that her son would recover, and expressing their high appreciation of him as a member of the 9th Batt.

The Rev. E. Milner-White, C.F., who ministered to Private Kilpatrick at the end, writes the following touching letter to his mother—

Dear Madam—by now you will have heard of your son's death in this hospital.

I was often with him, and we had prayers together. He remembered in them all he loved at home. After he quietly and painlessly lost consciousness, I commended a gallant

spirit into the hands of God. He was buried on July 13th with military honours and Church Service in the lovely cemetery of Abbeville. I enclose a photo of the British plot. In two or three months' time, I can send, if you wish it, one of the actual grave. The Cross-stands there already, and the French have covered it with flowers.

By thus giving his life for others, your boy has won the praise of God, which lasts forever.” no Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends."

The Prayers on the card enclosed were used at the Funeral and at my Memorial Service

of Holy Communion in the Hospital Chapel. May it be blessed to your use too, to the eternal happiness of one who by giving his life a free sacrifice followed truly in the steps of his Saviour.

Ever yours with deepest sympathy,

E. MILNER-WHITE, Chaplain,

2 Stationary Hospital, B.E.F., France.

SEAGOE MAGAZINE.

Offertories for July 1916.

The following is the result of the recent Examination

Sunday—Mornings, £9 4 3d

Evenings, £3 6 8d

Week Days £0 5 1d

Included in above—

July 9th, for Protestant Orphan

Society £4 5 1d

July 9th, for Enniskillen Fund £1 18 1d

ITEMS,

Mr. Robert Price, Rector's Churchwarden, is a practical office-bearer. He, assisted by his son, has

whitewashed the walls of the Church and painted the Church gates.

Seagoe Day School is being thoroughly cleaned, and renovated during the holidays. The last term

has been the healthiest on record.

Examination in Religious Knowledge.

The following is the result of the recent Examination held in Seagoe Day School by the Diocesan

Assistant Inspector, Rev. T. G. Wilkinson, M.A.—

Course I.—Certificates—Mervyn Sweeney, 93

Norman Dickson, 86; Selina M'Cormick, 80; Mary

J. Atkinson, 80; Martha Ellis, 76 ; Willie Simpson, 60.

Passed in Scripture and Catechism—David Rainey,

43; Willie M'Na11y, 33.

Course Ill.—Ist Certificates—May Best, 93: Amy

Holmes, 90; Samuel Magee, 86; May Holmes, 86.

2nd Certificates—lsabella Best, 73; Mary Wilson*

66 ; Lily Lewie, 60 ; Henrietta Porter, 53 ;

Passed in Scripture—Robert E. Crawford, 46

John E. Sweeney, 40; Sarah Magowan, 33.

INFANT DIVISION.

Examined 101 Infants and juniors. Repetition.

Psalm CXI: Ephesians IV, 25, very Good.

(Heed and Commandments—Answering Excellent.

Ordination.

The Rev. T H. Scanlon, B.A., was ordained for the Curacy of Seagoe on Sunday, July 9th, in St.

Anne's Cathedral, Belfast. He has already made many friends in Seagoe Parish, who will wish him

much success and blessing in his ministerial work.

Death of a Seagoe Canadian.

Private Edward Marshall, formerly of Killicomaine, who immigrated to Canada some five years ago, has met his death while fighting in France. He was very popular with his chums in the Regiment. Twelve of them signed a letter of sympathy and sent it to his mother. A letter from his Colonel speaks in high praise of him as a soldier. Private Marshall and four others were in dugout when high explosive shell struck it and all were instantly killed. Mrs. Marshall, his mother, lives in Meadow Lane, and much sympathy has been expressed towards her great loss.

When Private Marshall was in Seagoe, he regularly attended Church and Schools.

PARISH REGISTER for JULY 1916.

Baptisms.

Baptized in Seagoe Parish Church, on 1st July 1916.

Bryars—Andrew Thomas George, son of John

George and Hannah Jane Bryars, of Edenderry.

Sponsors—Ellen Jane Pentland, Hanna Jane Bryars.

Hill—William James, son of James and Margaret

Anne Hill, of Knocknamuckley.

Sponsors—James Hill, Margaret Ann Hill.

Marriage,

Magee and Reid—On 1st July, 1916, Joseph Magee,

of Kilmoriarty, to Sarah Margaret Reid, of Upper Seagoe.

Burials.

Reid—July 7th, 1916, John Reid, of Aughacommon,

late of Levaghery, aged 73 years.

Gillespie—July 17th, 19] 6, Sarah Anne Gillespie, of

Levaghery, aged 78 years.