Fermanagh war memorial is unveiled by the Viceroy
YESTERDAY the Memorial of County Fermanagh for its sons of all branches of the Royal forces who fell in The Great War was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of all Ireland, Viscount Fitzalan, before a great assembly, and accompanied by military honours.
Some time has elapsed since the first meeting was called by His Majesty’s Lieutenant of the County, Mr. John H. Collum, and the movement progressed, as readers of The Impartial Reporter are aware, until finally the funds were raised, the desire of some friends to give the bulk of the money to the County Hospital was overcome; and the design chosen by the Committee is now in its place – an ornament to the town – and a fitting expression of admiration and regret for The Fallen, and an enduring monument of the county, placed in the best position of the county town towards its own sons.
Music
In the forenoon, the sound of martial music was heard, as the fine band of the 1st Lincolnshire Regiment played to the East Bridge an armed party of its own men, another party of the 4th Battery Royal Horse Artillery, another party of the demobilised soldiers who had fought in the war, and three officers and a party of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, consisting of Major Alexander, commanding the regimental depot, Capt. W.C. Bolitho, and Lieutenant Rogers, with Sergeantmajor Snodden, D.C.M.; Reg. Qr. M.S. Mahaffy, D.C.M., Co. Sergt. M. Smalls. Sergeant Greet and Sergeant Lee.
The last four, with arms reversed, and in mourning attitude, were placed at the four corners of the memorial, adding to the strength of the picture.
The Viceroy was then requested to unveil the memorial. His Excellency graciously consented, and the ceremony took place on October 25, with all the ceremony and honour befitting such a solemn occasion.
“O lads, dear lads, so tender and true,
The worst of the fight was borne by you;
Then let it go forth by bower and hall,
Our battles are won by the men who fall.”
And they were well remembered, and many an eye was moist during portions of the ceremony.
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