Gilmore, Alexander William Francis

2nd Lieutenant Alexander William Francis Gilmore (Gilmour) MC 

was born at Bailieborough on 25th June 1898 to Isaiah Gibson Gilmore, Veterinary Surgeon and Chemist and Mary Jane Gilmore nee Argue. He was sometimes known as Alex. His parents were married on 8th November 1893 at St. John the Evangelist Church of Ireland, Sandymount, Dublin.

Isaiah Gilmore died on 24th December 1899 at Lear. He was aged 36.

In 1901 Alex (4) was living at house 11, Main Street, Bailieborough with his grandparents, William & Mary Argue, his mother and 2 sisters; Idea (6) and Helen (2). An uncle and aunt, Patrick Argue and Ellen Argue were also in the house.

In 1911, Alex was living with his grand-father, William Argue at house 67, Bailieborough. His surname was spelt Gilmour. An uncle and aunt, Patrick Argue and Ellen Argue were also in the house.

On 3rd November 1914, Alex joined Northern Bank and worked in Head Office.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Alex volunteered in 1916 and enlisted into the 19th Bn Royal Irish Rifles (Cadet Company) with Service Number 19/293.   

A W F Gilmore - Medal Index Card

On promotion to 2nd Lieutenant he was posted to the 15th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, British Expeditionary Force. It is reported that he went 'to the front early in the present year [1917]'.

The 'Belfast News Letter' dated 28th July 1917 reports on Alex' award of the Military Cross. It also mentions that he was wounded on 7th June 1917.

A W F Gilmore, Military Cross

The Military Cross (MC) citation is reported in the Northern Whig of 18th September 1917.

The Northern Whig of 4th December 1917 reports that Alex had been missing since 23rd November 1917:

Alex fought in battles at Messines (1917) and Ypres (1917) before being killed in action on 23rd November 1917 aged 19. He had first been reported as missing on 1st November 1917.

The Belfast News Letter dated 4th December 1917 reports:

Alex was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial at Louverval.

A W F Gilmore - Memorial Inscription

A W F Gilmore - Ireland's Memorial

The photograph of Gilmore on the Bank Roll of Honour details him as being awarded the Military Cross (MC). He received the MC for his gallantry at the capture of Messines Ridge in June 1916.

Military Cross (MC)

A BBC Newsline website describes a 'Song of the 19th RIR Cadets'. It describes how the lyrics of a song were written to '... give an insight into the everyday lives of the young cadets who were billeted to the Co. Down town during the First World War ...'.  43 names of cadets were mentioned in the song and the author of the article believes that Gilmore was 2nd Lt A W F Gilmore.

The actual verse mentioning Gilmore is transcribed here:

Now, speaking of ladies, a tale I’ve been told,

Of how Sammy and Gilmore and Pollin were sold,

With officers swanky their sweethearts now walk,

But the three that I’ve named do nothing but talk,

They say what they’ll do if they once get the chance,

But the ladies concerned don’t deign them a glance,

Tis a pity to rupture the sweet harmonie,

Where the mountains of Mourne sweep down the sea.