Private James Blackstock
James Blackstock was born on 25 July 1888 at Waringstown, County Down, the seventh of ten children of damask weaver Thomas Blackstock and his wife Elizabeth (née McClure). At the time of the 1901 Census he was living at Waringstown with his parents and six of his siblings. He was later employed as a weaver.
Blackstock enlisted in the North Irish Horse between 1908 and 1911. An article in the Lurgan Mail of 7 January 1911, describing the annual social and dance given by A Squadron in Waringstown Mills, mentions a number of men of the regiment – including Trooper Blackstock – who "were indefatigable in their efforts to cater for the comfort of all present".
On 20 February, however, he died due to internal bleeding after swallowing a bone. The Lurgan Mail of 4 March 1911 reported that:
The funeral of Trooper James Blackstock, North Irish Horse, took place from his residence on the afternoon of the 21st ult. for interment in the family burying-ground Waringstown Churchyard, and was the largest seen in the district for a number of years. The coffin, which was wrapped in a Union Jack, on which was placed the deceased's helmet, was carried to its last resting-place by the troopers of A Squadron under Sergeant Major Blackley and Colour Sergeant Gowan. Immediately afterwards came the chief mourners – Father, brothers (3), and uncles (2). The Rev. A. J. Gillespie, B.A., officiated at the gravesite, and the trumpeter of the regiment sounded the last post. Beautiful wreaths were placed on the grave, one from the officers and troopers North Irish Horse, representing the regimental badge, one from Captain Waring, and one from the band and members of the C.M.P. Union. Sincere and heartfelt sympathy with the relatives is felt in their sudden bereavement.
This page last updated 27 April 2024.