Private Robert Morrow V.C. - Newspaper Reports

Newspapers : From the Tyrone Courier dated 2nd September 1915

In August 1915, Tsar Nicholas of Russia awarded Private Robert Morrow V.C. the Medal of St George. On the 2nd September 1915 the Tyrone Courier published a report headlined with 'Honoured by the Czar : Russian Medal for Newmills V.C. Hero'. In the report (Figure 7.05), it stated that the Tsar of Russia had conferred a list of awards for gallantry and distinguished service in the field upon a number of British officers, non-commissioned officers and men. The report also stated that the most interesting award, so far as the North of Ireland was concerned, was that given to Private Robert Morrow V.C., First Battalion (Princess Victoria's) Royal Irish Fusiliers, upon whom the Medal of St George, 3rd Class had been conferred.

Honoured by the Czar : Russian Medal for Newmills V.C. Hero

A list of awards conferred by his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia for gallantry and distinguished service in the field upon a number of British officers, non-commissioned officers and men, published last week, includes the names of a number of men in various Ulster regiments. The most interesting award so far as the North of Ireland is concerned is that given to Private Robert Morrow V.C., First Battalion (Princess Victoria's) Royal Irish Fusiliers, upon whom has been conferred the Medal of St George, 3rd Class.

Private Morrow, it will be remembered, lived with his widowed mother is Sessia, Newmills, Dungannon, and he had the honour of being the first soldier of the Royal Irish Fusiliers to win the V.C., which he was awarded for gallantry at Messines on 12 April 1915, in rescuing, on his own initiative, wounded soldiers while exposed to heavy shell fire. Unfortunately however, the gallant soldier did not live to receive the coveted honour, for less than a fortnight afterwards, on 25th April, he was killed at St Julien whilst attempting to carry out a similar feat.

One of the young hero's brothers, Richard Morrow, resides at Moneymore, where he is married. He has answered his country's call and is serving in the 12th Inniskillings. A brother-in-law, William Leslie, of Moy Post Office is also in the army. The youngest brother, who is rather delicate, is at home with his mother, and the rest of the family are in situations in Dublin and America.