When the Knockbreda church photo came out, after getting into the moment with some census and naval service records, there was a small gasp and the words “the grave is there”, pointing to bushes on the left. When looking at the photos, the memories came flooding back, “I scrubbed that headstone so many times”. The graveyard looked much better kept than during her time. There was no sign of a yew back then and beyond the churchyard it was just countryside. She now wishes that she had learnt more about her family earlier on but was enjoying the nostalgic trip that this information took her on.
A couple of questions if I may.
We talked a lot about
Simpson’s Court, which is no longer there now. I have seen it listed as early as 1880 in the Belfast Directory, and as late as 1959. The OSI historical maps do show some detail but they are too early. Does anyone have access to a Belfast map that shows Simpson’s Court, off Ormeau Road, near the Holy Rosary Church, just up from the roundabout with Ravenhill Road?
Also we spoke of my mother’s natural parents, who died while she was young. They are both buried at
Milltown Cemetery. I have copies of their vital records (I understand that there isn’t a grave marker). My mother’s father was in the
Royal Dublin Fusiliers during WW1. He was injured and ended up back in Belfast after the war. He eventually died in
Craigavon Hospital in 1924, possibly brought upon by his wounds. I have had a peak around (with little direction) with regards to Milltown, Craigavon and the Fusiliers but without much success. Probably not the right forum to ask but if anyone can give me some leads, I would be grateful.
