Hundreds honour the fallen

Hundreds honour the fallen

15 November 2017

SEVERAL hundred people gathered at the War Memorial in Ballynahinch on Sunday afternoon to remember those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Dozens of wreaths were laid during the ceremony, including, for the first time, a wreath laid by Animal Connexions, remembering tens of thousands of animals lost in conflict.

The officiating clergy at the service were Canon Warren Russell, of Magheradroll Parish Church, and Fr Brian Brown, of St Patrick’s Church, Ballynahinch.

The exhortation was pronounced by Dr Fred Byrne, chairman of Ballynahinch Royal British Legion, who laid a wreath, while buglers Andrew Carlisle and Steven Wilson sounded The Last Post and Reveille. Roy Neill was responsible for sound.

Piper Derek Mack, of Upper Crossgare Pipe Band, performed as the wreaths were laid, while Spa Accordion Band, Baillies Mills Accordion Band, Ballylone Flute Band and Dunmore Silver Band also participated in the proceedings.

The Standard Bearer was Gavin Hunter. Mr Michel Richer, vice-chairman of the Royal British Legion, lowered and raised the flag, before later laying a personal wreath on behalf of the Royal Canadian Navy.

There was silence as wreaths were brought to the cenotaph with the first laid by the deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Down, Mrs Fionnuala Cook, escorted by Army Cadet, Charlotte Spratt.

Several UDR wreaths were also laid by bereaved families for the second time since last year’s launch of the new memorial plaque at the annual Act of Remembrance in Ballynahinch.

Families of Private Robert William Hill and Corporal DB Brown QGM laid wreaths at the plaque, while a purple wreath was also laid for the first time in memory of Mr Brown’s dog, Oliver, who was killed with his owner.

Mary Hughes, treasurer of the Womens’ Branch of the Royal British Legion, escorted by Joan Fletcher and Joan Smith, laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal British Legion Women’s section.

The wreath for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was laid by Watch Commander Stephen Barr, escorted by firefighters Mark McCormick and Karina Adams.

Wreaths were also laid by representatives from the PSNI in Ballynahinch and of the Royal British Navy, while Mrs Margaret Broome laid a wreath for the St John’s Ambulance Service.

The former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and Strangford MLA, Mike Nesbitt, laid a wreath escorted by councillor Robert Burgess and John Reid. 

Vincent Fullam laid a wreath on behalf of the parishioners of St Patrick’s Parish, Ballynahinch, St Colman’s Parish, Dunmore and Christ the King Parish, Drumaness. 

Other wreaths laid in Ballynahinch:

First Ballynahinch Brownies wreath layer was Heidi Reid, accompanied by Georgia Martin and Becky Martin.

First Ballynahinch Girl Guides wreath layer was Heather Graham, accompanied by Charley Bell and Grace Campbell

First Ballynahinch Scout Group wreath layer was Anthony Gains, accompanied by Harry Wilson and Timothy Irvine.

The Army Cadet Force Ballynahinch (2nd NI Battalion ACF Ballynahinch detachment) wreath layer was Cadet Corporal Ben Curran, accompanied by Cadet Jake Nixon and Cadet Elise Robinson.

First Spa Boys Brigade’s wreath layer was Rhys Phillips, accompanied by Rhodri Phillips and Matthew Williams.

Ballynahinch Congregational Girls’ Brigade’s wreath layer was Sarah Bennett, accompanied by Kerri Corbett and Alanna Brown.

Edengrove Girls’ Brigade’s wreath layer was Sarah Douglas, accompanied by Kiera Nelson and Lauren Dickson.

Second Ballynahinch Boys’ Brigade’s wreath layer was Oliver McKibbin, accompanied by James Douglas and Jake McCarten.

RAF Air Cadets Ballynahinch Squadron 2004 wreath layer was Flight Lieutenant Fred Ruddell, accompanied by Cadet Warrant Officer Leah McKee and Corporal Jonathan Irvine.

Magherahamlet Girls’ Brigade’s wreath layer was Tillie Wallace, accompanied by Sarah Carlisle and Emily Wallace.

Mrs Linda Annett laid a purple wreath for the first time on behalf of Animal Connexions, remembering tens of thousands of horses and dogs killed in two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. The wreath was signed by Sheelagh, Grace and all the volunteers at Animal Connexions “where life means life, lest we forget”.

Other personal wreaths laid during the ceremony in memory of:

Lance Corporal George Gilmore 3rd Battalion Irish Guards, killed in action 21 February 1945 and interred in Milsbeek Military Cemetery, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Wreath laid by his great-granddaughter Naomi McVeigh. 

Hugh David George Hawthorne, former RUC Constable. From father, mother and brothers Adrian, Lionel and Kyle.

In memory of Sergeant Hughes (Titch). Gone but not forgotten.

Everlasting remembrance of Robert Patterson, from his wife Loreen Patterson and family.

Sergeant Matthew Thomas Harper, of the 13th Battalion RIR, died in Flanders 23 November 1917.

John McManus, from Francis Casement and Family.

A handmade cross remembering Afghanistan veterans was also laid.

A floral tribute was placed at the cenotaph before the ceremony by the Loyal People of Ulster in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our today. Never Forgotten Always Remembered Lest We Forget.

The Parade Commander, Mr Gareth Armstrong, led the way to Ballynahinch Methodist Church for the annual Service of Remembrance.