Somme heroes' families in attendance at memorial in Fivemiletown

As well as the service, a new seat was dedicated to those from the Fivemiletown community who served their country but returned home with both the physical and mental scars of war. 

A new plaque attached to the War Memorial was also unveiled. It pictures a member of the 36th Ulster in the reverse arms pose in memory of his colleagues.

The service was led by Mr. Iain Lendrum and the Rev. Kyle Hanlon of St. John’s Church of Ireland, Fivemiletown. The hymn “Abide with Me” was led by Tempo Silver Band and prayers were led by Mr. Sam Campbell of Fivemiletown Methodist Church. 

Prior to the Act of Remembrance, the new seat was unveiled by Mr. Jim McCoy (past chairman of Fivemiletown Branch) and Mr. Austin Lendrum (Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator for over 20 years). The new plaque was unveiled by Mr. Robert Carson (Branch Chairman) and Mrs. Jessie Browne (Women’s Section Chairperson).

Wreaths were laid by The Royal British Legion, local schools and Regimental Associations. 

Mr. Iain Lendrum said it was extremely poignant to have local family members present to lay wreaths on behalf of Lcpl George Moffatt, Pte George Morrow and Pte Ernest Clinging who were all killed at the Battle of the Somme.

The names of the 15 members of Fivemiletown community who are recorded on the war memorial and who died at the Battle of The Somme were read out by Mr. Mark Byers, the author of the book “Fivemiletown’s Fallen.” As the last post was played by Mrs. Anne Bloomfield, the Union flag was lowered to half mast.

After the service, tea was served in the hall where the large crowd also got the chance to view pictures and artefacts belonging to those killed at the Somme from the Fivemiletown area.