Private James McKeeman
In 1896, James McKeeman was born in the Townland of Benvarden.
His mother, Nancy, was a single mother. He was her only child.
They both worked as Farm Labourers.
According to the 1911 Census, their address was understood to be 4 Linisk, Benvarden.
During his teenage years, James McKeeman joined Benvarden Flute Band.
His mother, Nancy, was a single mother. He was her only child.
They both worked as Farm Labourers.
According to the 1911 Census, their address was understood to be 4 Linisk, Benvarden.
During his teenage years, James McKeeman joined Benvarden Flute Band.
In 1914, he joined the 36th Ulster Division in Coleraine - enlisting with the 9th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
His Serial Number was 25105. Upon induction, he did his early training at Finner Camp, before moving on to Randalstown in 1915. In July of that year, they trained at Ballycastle. 2 months later, they relocated to the Borden area of England. In October 1915, James and his fellow-soldiers landed in France. After some time, they were stationed at Martinsart, close to the Somme. Despite this, it appears that he wasn't officially recorded as being deployed until after 31st December 1915 (because, according to his Medal Card, he didn't qualify for the 1914-1915 Star). James saw action, along with the rest of the 36th Ulster Division, on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916. Like many of his fellow Ulstermen who charged into battle that day, he did not return. |
He was killed in action, just 20 years of age.
His body was never found.
In addition to being commemorated in Carnaff Reformed Presbyterian Church, James is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing (along with 72,337 others).
Amazingly, Private James McKeeman was the only Ballymoney man serving with the 9th Battalion to be killed that day.
He was an only child - therefore his mother Nancy really struggled to cope after his death.
She moved to Moycraig and then Bushmills. Eventually she relocated to an old people's home in Portrush, where she died at an advanced age.
Throughout the rest of her life, Nancy was heartbroken and frequently talked about her son being killed at the Somme. It was the only real topic of conversation that she could think of, and it came to dominate her life.
His body was never found.
In addition to being commemorated in Carnaff Reformed Presbyterian Church, James is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing (along with 72,337 others).
Amazingly, Private James McKeeman was the only Ballymoney man serving with the 9th Battalion to be killed that day.
He was an only child - therefore his mother Nancy really struggled to cope after his death.
She moved to Moycraig and then Bushmills. Eventually she relocated to an old people's home in Portrush, where she died at an advanced age.
Throughout the rest of her life, Nancy was heartbroken and frequently talked about her son being killed at the Somme. It was the only real topic of conversation that she could think of, and it came to dominate her life.