Private Robert Morrow V.C.
The Newmills War Hero
Memorials : The 100th Anniversary & Commemorative Stone
Newmills and District VC Group, in partnership with the Royal British Legion, Coalisland Branch, organised an historic Act of Remembrance in Newmills village on Sunday 26th April 2015.
To mark the anniversary of World War One, the government commissioned commemorative paving stones for Victoria Cross recipients from the First World War.
The ceremony included the unveiling of Private Robert Morrow V.C.'s Commemorative Paving Stone. The Stone lies next to the Robert Morrow Memorial in Newmills. A specially commissioned "Unveiling Cloth" covered the commemorative stone.
Private Robert Morrow V.C.'s Commemorative Paving Stone and Unveiling Cloth
A large crowd turned out to pay their respects and to see the Commemorative Stone being unveiled by her Majesty's representative, Robert Lowry Scott, the Lord Lieutenant of Tyrone and Major General (Rtd) David Nial Creagh, The O'Morchoe (also known as David O'Morchoe), CB, CBE, KLJ, the last Commanding Officer of the Royal Irish Fusiliers (Princess Victoria's).
This was the first such event to take place in Northern Ireland. The Government is providing Commemorative Stones for all Victoria Cross awards made in WW1, eight of which will be in Northern Ireland.
Dignitaries in attendance at a VIP reception in Newmills Presbyterian Church Hall included representatives of the Northern Ireland Office, NI Centenary Committee, Mid Ulster Council, Armed Forces, Royal Irish Regiment, Royal British Legion and distant relatives of Pte Morrow.
The VIPs were led by a lone piper down to the VC Memorial in Newmills to meet up with the main parade, where Chair of Newmills and District VC Group, Drew Robinson, welcomed all present and Colonel Mike Murdock, Deputy Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, and Major General David Nial Creagh, The O'Morchoe, paid tribute to Pte Morrow VC.
Private Robert Morrow V.C.'s Commemorative Paving Stone
A Drumhead Service was led by Rev Andrew Rawding, the Rev David Brownlow and the Rev William Anderson with George Black, Chair of the Royal British Legion NI, reading the Exhortation.
The drums were laid in place by Augharan Pipe Band and a piper from the Royal Irish Regiment played the Lament.
The Last Post was sounded by buglers from Newmills Silver Band, who also led the hymn singing.
The dignified event was especially moving when a large number of wreaths were laid at the VC Memorial by the dignitaries, local organisations and by representatives of relatives of Pte Morrow VC.
Following a parade of the Village, participants were entertained to tea in Tullanisken Parish Hall and many remarked on such a memorable day in the life of Newmills with Faugh-a-Ballagh being the Closing Call.
Robert Morrow V.C. © 2015-23
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