Countless numbers of men and women lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. The scale of the conflict was so vast that it left its mark on the rural heart of County Down, including Saintfield. Thirty men from the town died in service during both world wars but the soldiers, as young as 19, have not been forgotten.
More information about those from Saintfield who died during the First and Second World Wars can be found HERE.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the article. However, given the passage of time and the information available, some errors may have occurred. If you have any additional information or can update the information, please contact David Woodrow via email david.woodrow@tiscali.co.uk or call 07811009876.
Very interesting – tremendous amount of research has gone into gathering this very important information.
Lest we forget. A valuable contribution to the town’s history.
I have heard that Saintfield also has a connection to a VC winner during the Indian Mutiny, his name is inscribed on the memorial in Donagadee
William David Kenny, born in Saintfield 1899, aged 20 he was serving with 4/30 Garhwal Rifles, Indian Army during the Waziristan campaign. His citation for his Victoria Cross reads: For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Kot Kai (Waziristan), on the 2 January, 1920, when in command of a company holding an advanced covering position, which was repeatedly attacked by the Mahsuds in greatly superior numbers.
For over four hours this officer maintained his position, repulsing three determined attacks, being foremost in the hand-to-hand fighting which took place, and repeatedly engaging the enemy with bomb and bayonet. His gallant leadership undoubtedly saved the situation and kept intact the right flank, on which depended the success of the operation and the safety of the troops in rear.
In the subsequent withdrawal, recognising that a diversion was necessary to enable the withdrawal of the company, which was impeded by their wounded, with a handful of his men he turned back and counter-attacked the pursuing enemy, and, with the rest of his party, was killed fighting to the last.
This very gallant act of self-sacrifice not only enabled the wounded to be withdrawn, but also averted a situation which must have resulted in considerable loss of life.
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If it comes out it should be a picture of the VC winner from Saintfield