Killyleagh’s Great War project to hear relatives’ stories

Killyleagh’s Great War project to hear relatives’ stories

1 November 2017

A UNIQUE recollection of the First World War is to be broadcast in Killyleagh later this month.

A film, Voices of the Great War, features recordings in which relatives of those who fought during the Great War, from the Killyleagh and Shrigley areas, are given an opportunity to tell their family story for posterity.

Introduced by TV presenter Paul Clark, it includes relatives talking about the men who left to fight in the war — many of whom never returned.

One of the most interesting stories is told by Miss Zena McAllister who shows a doll she still has after more than 70 years, bought for her as a present by one of the Killyleagh heroes of the war, James Morrison. 

Miss McAllister recalls how Mr Morrison was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the war.

The film, is to be shown in the town’s Lecture Hall in Irish Street on Saturday, November 11 at 7pm. There is no charge for admission.

Filming has been taking place since August featuring a range of voices. Killyleagh-born historian Philip Orr, the author of `The Road to the Somme’ provides the historical context for the film.

It is part of a programme of cross-community events organised with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund by the Killyleagh Remembers the Great War project to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Messines and Paschendaele.

Messines was the first time that soldiers from the 36th Ulster Division fought alongside the 16th Irish Division, with the men of the 13th Royal Irish Rifles (Co Down Volunteers) playing a pivotal role in it. 

A spokesman for the Killyleagh Remembers the Great War group explained: “These events 100 years ago had huge historic significance and people remain fascinated by the lessons from them.

 “We’ve engaged across the age ranges with walking trails, lectures by experts, a youth event and an exhibition and roadshow. This film will provide an important record of people who actually knew the men who fought at the front.

“All the events have been free, which is fantastic, and is testament to the impressive role of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Northern Ireland in supporting work aimed at increasing our understanding and knowledge of the past.’’