The demonstration at Newmills on Friday brought to the notice of many visitors, for the first time, the memorial erected to the late Private Robert Morrow, V.C., 1st Battalion Princess Victoria’s) Royal Irish Fusiliers, who obtained the Victoria Cross for his gallantry at Messines on 1th April 1915, but was killed in action at St Julian a fortnight later. His was the first V.C. ever bestowed on the old 87th, and he had also been awarded the Medal of St George by the late Emperor of Russia.

The subject of a public memorial to perpetuate this brave soldier’s memory and actions was warmly approved of by the people of the locality, and a committee appointed, with Mr Robert Daniel, J.P., Derryvale, as honorary secretary, and Mr T Dudgeon, Coalisland, as honorary treasurer, with the result that a handsome obelisk has been erected in the centre of the village, the site having been granted by the Tyrone County Council. It was at first announced that there would be a public unveiling, but for some reason the ceremony did not take place.

The monument, which was designed and prepared by Messrs Purdy & Millard, Howard Street, Belfast, is about twelve feet in height, and is composed of finely axed Newry granite, standing on a 3ft 6in square base, surmounted by two unpolished bases supporting the diestone and shaft. The diestone is polished on the front face, on which is raised in relief the crest of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, surmounting the following inscription:- ‘To the Memory of Private Robert Morrow, V.C., 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers. Honoured by his King for Gallantry at Messines, Flanders, 12th April 1915.’