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World War II

Last year the Session gave permission for a small group to investigate the history of those members of First Presbyterian Church, Portadown who served and those who died in the Armed Forces in the Second World War during the period 1939-1945.

We have met on a number of occasions during the past year, sadly interrupted by the untimely death of Merle Edgar’s husband Jim. Merle has been a tower of strength throughout this project, and mainly due to her efforts, ably supported by Roy Brady, we are where we are now.

The gathering of information has been very difficult with the passing of 66 years. We have sent out numerous forms seeking information, as well as personal contacts, and we would like to thank all those who have responded to date.

However there may be families who had members serving in the forces, who may have left the  Church, or moved to another location or even where the family has passed away completely. It is for these families that we are now seeking information, from relatives or anyone who may have information or a memory.

We realise how sensitive gathering this information can be. We do not want to leave anyone out who meets the criteria below.

To date we have a degree of certainty about the following:

SERVED
Samuel Kerr Bombardier - Royal Artillery
John Lyttle W.O.Il - Royal Irish Fusilliers / King’s Own Scottish Borderers
Sarah Jane McClatchey Sgt. - Auxiliary Territorial Service
Charles Joseph McClatchey Pte. - Royal Ulster Rifles
William James McClatchey Pte. - Royal Inniskilling Fusilliers / Parachute Regiment
Eileen Reeves W.A.A.F. - Women’s Auxiliary Air Force
Alexander William Reeves Spr. - Royal Artillery / Royal Engineers
James William Magee L.A.M. - Royal Air Force
William John Watson Pte. - Royal Artillery

DIED ON ACTIVE SERVICE:
Alexander Wright Pte. - Royal Ulster Rifles

The above list is NOT complete and we have other names which we are following up. We would like to bring the project to a conclusion by 30th June 2011, so if you can help at all please request a form from any of the undernoted and return as soon as you can.

The basic criteria is:

1. The person must have been a member, or connected to the Congregation during the period 1939-1945 or before.
2. The person must have served in one of the branches of the armed services during the
   period 1939-1945.
   

We would be seeking information as follows:

a.    Details of service, and any stories connected with that service.
b.    Time period of service, including date of death, and burial place if applicable.
c.    Rank, Regiment, Ship, Unit.
d.    Theatres of war.
e.    Decorations
f.     Contact person.

Information can be sent to:

Post:   

First Presbyterian Church Portadown
War Records
Post Box
Watson Street
Portadown
BT63 5AA

Or e-mail:    mail@firstportadown.org

Or phone:   

Mrs Merle Edgar    38334602
Roy Brady                38334081
Arnold G Sleator    38333689

Thank you.

Information