In today’s Roll read James McKinstry’s letter to his mother before he moved into the trenches. The 21 year old from Belfast was in the front line near Beaumont Hamel when he was fatally wounded in 1916. Read also the commendation by the commanding officer and Brigadier for the instant award of a Military Medal to Corporal Stanley Hughes for his courage and leadership behind enemy lines in Italy. Fus. John Toland received a gallantry award. In his case this was a Soviet award, the Medal for Distinguished Battle Service. His family believed this to be the Russian equivalent of the Victoria Cross when they offered his medals to the Ulster Museum over 30 years ago. James Carlisle from HMS Caroline was notified as missing within days of his daughter’s third birthday in 1942. Walter Sergant from Rostrevor was shot down in 1943. His remains rest alongside other men from his Lancaster crew in Charlottenburg cemetery, Berlin. Photo – Boer War Memorial to Royal Irish Fusiliers, Armagh.
Remembrance NI - Every day is a Remembrance Day 