Appeal launched for information about WW1 Ballymoney soldier

by Gráinne Connolly

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (CCGBC) has launched an appeal for information about a World War One soldier from Ballymoney. 

It's following the recovery of a graveyard document and a memorial plaque belonging to Private John Hanna.

The plaque, known as a Death Penny, and the Pond Farm Cemetery certificate were recently handed over to the Mayor of CCGBC, Councillor Brenda Chivers and will go on display in Ballymoney Museum.

The items were found in Brookeborough, County Fermanagh by Andrew Barrett who was clearing out his uncle Tom McIlroy's house after his death. 

(Andrew Barrett, the finder of the items, Helen Perry, CCGBC Museums Service, the Mayor of CCGBC Cllr Brenda Chivers and Kathleen Connolly, local family history researcher).

The items made their way back to Ballymoney after Andrew contacted local members of the Royal British Legion.

Now researchers and those at the Museum would like to find out more about Private Hanna, who is commemorated in St James’ Presbyterian Church.

According to the local council, this is the story so far: 

"Tom McIlroy married Jane Elliot in 1986 when she was living at Bann View House in Drumaheglis outside Ballymoney.

"Her belongings were taken to Brookeborough after her marriage.

"This included Private Hanna’s items which she had received from her next door neighbour Dan Hanna. At the time Dan lived alone but had a brother Jim living in Belfast.

"The Hanna family in the 1911 census included 4 boys and 3 girls living with their mother Margaret, a widow at Artigoran, Seacon. The father was Robert Hanna, Stationmaster. The four sons were John, James, Robert and Daniel.

"John Hanna signed up early in Ballymoney (12th Battalion RIR 36th Ulster). At the time of enlistment the family were living in Drumaheglis.

"On the first day of the Somme, he witnessed horrendous fighting.

"The 12th Battalion was then taken out of battle to be brought up to strength and returned to Wulverghem in Belgium near Messines. During preparations for the Battle of Messines, Private Hanna was killed along with two others from Ballymoney, Lance Corporal James McCoubrey and Rifleman William Wade, all now buried beside each other at Pond Farm Cemetery.

"Also from Ballymoney and injured at the time was their friend Rifleman George Wales, who had lived around the corner from William Wade. He would survive this event, only to be killed at Cambrai in November the same year."

Local historian Robert Thompson has been unable to find out any more about the family and there is no known connection at this stage to the Hanna families who currently live at Drumaheglis.

If you think you could provide any further information on John Hanna, his friends or his family you can call 028 2766 0230 or email cms@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk<mailto:cms@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk>

The Death Penny and Pond Farm Cemetery certificate are on display in Ballymoney Museum and will be part of the 1918 exhibition which opens on November 5th - 29 December 29th.