Found this in a derelict church in Donegal today, A first World War Hero who lost his life at the Somme. Captain James MacNeece, its a wonder it hasn't already been stolen...... Update, this item was stolen sometime between July 2012 and December 2012 I have updated this post with an image I took back in July 2012 before it was stolen
It's a shame when they're almost forgotten like that. He has no known grave and is on the Thiepval Memorial. MACNEECE, JAMES DOUGLAS GAUSSEN Rank: Captain Date of Death: 16/08/1916 Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery 39th Bde. Panel Reference Pier and Face 1 A and 8 A. Memorial THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Searched for Captain James Douglas Gaussen MacNeece on Ancestory and found this it is him in Uk,DeRuvignys Roll Of Honour.
I see that he married shortly before his death. His widow re-married in 1921 (Isn't the internet amazing ?) Mary Moore Marjoribanks Hall nee Heath 1894-19?? who married 1st Maj James MacNeece MC 2nd Col Robert Lionel Hall
Did you remove this memorial? It has been taken down, no permission had been granted from the church select vestry to remove it.
No i didn't take it down, never got around to asking permission, its a great shame.... BTW i am a church of ireland member and stealing from a church or from anyone is not one of my forfeits, at least i got a photo of it
7Mark, I think that is a good thing that you have recorded it. You didn't give the exact location and I hope that by sharing it with the rest of us, it didn't come to the attention of some scumbag. I hope that it's been removed for safe-keeping, even if the correct procedures haven't been followed and that it will surface again rather than disappear into the smelter. A sad reminder of a tragic conflict and a troubled region.
im still not going to post location, next time im down that way i will check to see if it is really missing, the user could be just fishing its location
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/donegal-locals-appeal-for-return-of-stolen-historic-and-religious-relics-photos-188262371-237560861.html article on missing artifact