Book Commemorates WWI Volunteers

A special book commemorating the men and women from Belfast who died in the First World War has been launched.

Entitled 'Journey of Remembering: Belfast Book of Honour', the list of names was painstakingly compiled by author Derek Smyth, a retired history teacher and dedicated scholar of that period, creating a poignant book of remembrance.

Speaking on the importance of the book, Lord Mayor Councillor Tom Hartley (pictured) said: "From every part of this city, men and women left their loved ones to travel to unknown territories.

"It is now time for our city to remember the futility of thousands of lives lost and to ensure that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

"In doing so, we are taking a further step closer to my aim of creating an all-inclusive city – a city that has a shared past, present and future," said the Sinn Féin politican, who is also well known as a local historian.

Author Derek Smyth said: "I think this book is critical in explaining our past – not just in terms of the history of Europe.

"The First World War was the fulcrum in the history of Ireland – north and south. It's the red thread that links every spectrum of society from the barely literate to the highly educated from the alleyways and mill streets of Belfast to the leafy avenues of Malone and concerned Protestants, Catholics and Jews."

Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, the former head of Northern Ireland Civil Service, chaired the committee overseeing the publication: "This book represents a further significant step in a journey of remembrance and discovery.

"Throughout Ireland there has been in recent years a growing recognition that, regardless of subsequent political or other divisions, due acknowledgement should be paid to the sacrifice of Irish soldiers who fought and died in the Great War. To them and their memory we dedicate this book."

Sponsored by Belfast City Council and daily newspapers, the Irish News, the Belfast Telegraph and the News Letter, the book has been printed by Johnston Publishing, priced £15.

See: Soldiers Remembered In Cross Border Commemoration