Curran, Herbert

  

(Photo courtesy of RBAI website)

Private Herbert Curran

Curran was born at 5 Rossmore Avenue, Ormeau, Belfast, Co. Antrim on 20th August 1894 to Miles Curran and Edith Curran nee Bruce. Miles' occupation is recorded as a Cashier. The family were members of Elmwood Presbyterian Church, University Road, Belfast.

In 1901 Curran (6) was living in house 64, North Parade, Belfast with his parents and 5 siblings; Harold T (11), Edith (10), William (8 - Royal Fusiliers, Service Number 8034), May (3) and 
Lancelot Ernest (2 - RFC / RAF, Service Number 75518). A servant, Rose Maguire was also present in the house.

By 1911, Curran was living in house 29, College Gardens, Belfast with his parents and 5 siblings, Harold, William, May, Lancelot and Gerald (5). A maid, May Considine was also staying in the house.

On 1st May 1912, Curran joined Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers followed to Shaftesbury Square (1912 - Junior) and Head Office (1913). 

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square branch

On 2nd December 1914, Curran volunteered and enlisted into the 24th (2nd Sportsman’s) Bn. Royal Fusiliers (City of London) as a Private with Service Number 2101. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 15th November 1915.

Herbert Curran - Medal Index Card

Curran was aged 21 when he was killed in action on 7th May 1916. His battalion were in trenches in the vicinity of Fosse 10, Sains-en-Gohelle when a shell hit a bombproof shelter, killing four men, including Herbert.

Curran is buried in the Tranchee de Mecknes Cemetery, Aix-Noulette., Pas de Calais, France. 

(Photo coutesty of RBAI website)

Curran is remembered on the Elmwood Presbyterian Church, Belfast War Memorial. This was rediscovered recently by History Hub Ulster in the Elmwood Presbyterian Church, Lisburn after 30 years in a cupboard.

Curran is also remembered on the RBAI (INST) 1914-18 War Memorial:

Photograph courtesy of LennonWylie

Curran was awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal. 

Herbert Curran - Medal Roll

Following Curran's death, his final pay and awards was claimed by Miles Curran.

Herbert Curran - Register of Soldiers Effects

Administration of his Will was granted at Belfast to Miles Curran, Secretary. Herbert's effects were £196 5s 4d.

On ‘Ulster Day’, Saturday, 28th September 1912, William Curran (an older brother) signed the Ulster Covenant at the Old Town Hall, Belfast.

Major Sir Lancelot Ernest Curran

Lancelot was the youngest son of Miles Curran and Edith Curran. Born in 1899, Lancelot was to enlist in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) around 1916 / 1917.  

Following demobilisation, Major Lancelot Curran was to take up the legal profession and politics. He was at various times, a High Court Judge, an MP (at Stormont). the Attorney General for NI and a Privy Councillor. from 1957 until his death in 1984.

Lancelot married Doris and they had 3 children including a daughter called Patricia. Sadly Patricia was to have been murdered in 1952 in what has become one of Northern Ireland's notorious and as yet unsolved crimes. There have been many news reports on the case. This is one from the Belfast Telegraph for reference.