The First to Fall

Some of East Belfast's earliest WW1 casualties were recorded on 26 August 1914.

Private Hugh Bailie [6981) of the Prince of Wales's Volunteers the 2nd South Lancashire Regiment, died of wounds in Belgium on 26 August 1914 after being taken prisoner by the German Army. Bailie, aged 31, lived at 21 Wolff Street, though he also had a connection to 54 Frome Street He left behind a wife named Sarah [from Toronto, Canada]

Private Bailie entered the theatre of war on 14 August 1914 and he was dead within 12 days, his name is recorded on the La Ferte-Sous Jouarre Memorial, France.

Another early casualty from East Belfast was Private William Ruddy (10410) of the 2nd Inniskilling Fusiliers. Ruddy, aged just 22, was killed at the battle of Le Cateau on 23 August 1914. Private Ruddy is also commemorated on the La Ferte-Sous Jouarre Memorial, France.

Private Ruddy was the son of William Ruddy who lived at 17 Ardgowan Street. Of this family, there were no less than FOUR brothers who served in WW1 and all of them had unfortunate experiences. Jacob Ruddy was wounded at both Gallipoli and France, Richard Ruddy was taken prisoner at Le Cateau on 26 August 1914 [although not verified until 28/8/14], while Joseph Ruddy was invalided home.