Lodge searching for detail on war dead

The Lodge has developed a bit of a reputation for it’s research into Lodge members who served in the World conflicts, and members are keen to hear from family and friends of those who served from LOL No 1927 Lodge in the First World War.

According to Bro David Canning, when the ‘call to arms’ came many Burt Faith Defender members answered that call and enlisted in the service of King and Country.

“Of the 16 members who volunteered, six were to make the Supreme Sacrifice far from their native land. Many of the others were wounded in action,” he said.

Bro Canning said the Lodge has compiled a Roll of Honour, adding: “In this Roll of Honour we acknowledge the debt we owe to those who made the Supremem Sacrifice, and through it we remember all those men and women from throughout the island of Ireland who served and died in that terrible conflict.”

Those to whom the Lodge pay tribute every year are: Pte. Robert Dinsmore, Gortcormican, Burnfoot, Co. Donegal, who served in the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was killed in action on July 1, 1916 and has no known grave. He is remembered with honour on the Thiepval Memorial; Pte. Joseph Crockett, Elaghbeg, Burnfoot, Co.Donegal, who served with the 10th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). He was killed in action on July 1, 1916 and also has no known grave. He is also remembered with honour on the Thiepval Memorial.

Pte. Robert Bell, from Burnfoot, Co.Donegal, served with the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, and was killed in action on January 1, 1916. He is remembered with honour in Hucqueliers cemetery in Flanders, while Pte John Keys, of Birdstown, Burnfoot, who served with the 11th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He was killed in action on July 1, 1916, and also has no known grave. His name is remembered with honour on the Thiepval Memorial.

Pte Robert Anderson, of Springtown in Londonderry, enlisted with 11th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and was killed in action on July 1, 1916. He, like his fellow brothers in arms, has no known grave, but is remembered on the Thiepval memorial, while Pte William McClintock, from Galliagh, signed up with the 11th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and was killed in action on July 1, 1916. His name is remembered with honour in Mill Road cemetery, Thiepval.

The Lodge also remember with pride the following Brethren who served and returned from World War 1: John Robb, James Austin, William Walker, Andrew Dinsmore, Andrew Robinson, Samuel McGowan, James Dinsmore, William McClay, Sam Lynch and William Flackes.

Thanking those who had already provided information, Bro Canning said: “We are still actively seeking information from family and friends of our fallen.”

Anyone with information they feel is useful can contact the Lodge at [email protected] or [email protected]