Lodge Life: Roll of honour tribute to Dublin Orangemen

The memorial, which pays tribute to the bravery of over 300 brethren who fought for King and country a century ago, has been presented to the Museum of Orange Heritage in Belfast.

It was donated to the visitor attraction by the current members of Dublin and Wicklow LOL 1313 in honour of their predecessors who served on the front line.

Among the names recorded are those of 32 Orangemen who lost their lives in the First World War.

One such member was Lance Corporal S Dubery, a member of the Second Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. He was killed eight days after being dispatched, losing his life in August 1914 during the Battle of Mons.

Another notable soldier listed is the Honourable Henry Maxwell DSO who commanded the Second Battalion of the Black Watch. The then grand master of City of Dublin Grand Orange Lodge was also the commander-in-chief of the Loyal Dublin Volunteers, which had been formed in the city to fight against Home Rule.

Maxwell was a member of Cumberland LOL 440 alongside Major Augustus Blair Mayne. Whilst leading a large number of men from Le Havre to the front, the train in which the latter was travelling was bombed. He died as a result of the injuries sustained in December 1917.

Dr Chris McGimpsey, worshipful master of Dublin and Wicklow LOL 1313, said members were delighted to pay homage to their fallen brethren.

He said: “The roll had previously hung in a corner of the Dublin lodge room for decades. We believed it should be made more accessible to a wider audience, and so it was decided to have it restored and a replica made. The Orange museum is the most suitable environment for an historical military artefact of such significance.”

He added: “Thanks to the lodge’s efforts, the service and sacrifice of the Dublin Orangemen will now never be forgotten.”

Museum curator, Dr Jonathan Mattison, said: “As a museum, we are delighted to have items such as this on display. The First World War was a dramatic period in our history and it is estimated that 200,000 Orangemen from across the world fought for the Allied cause. This roll of honour provides a snapshot of the Orangemen from the Dublin area who served their King and Country during that great calamity.

“We are indebted to the Orangemen of Dublin for presenting this piece to the Museum of Orange Heritage.”

Dublin and Wicklow LOL 1313 draws its membership from across the Republic of Ireland, including members based in Longford, Limerick and Kildare; whilst several with an affinity with the lodge travel from Northern Ireland to meetings and functions. The lodge, which continues to meet in Dublin Orange hall, has plans to expand its membership base across the city.

Dr McGimpsey has commenced a history of the Institution in Dublin and would welcome any information which others might have. He can be contacted via [email protected].