'Lasting memorial' at Shankhill Road Graveyard for 'very humble Ulsterman' who received the Victoria Cross for his bravery in 1860
Preparatory work to house an obelisk in memory of a former recipient of the Victoria Cross is nearing completion.
The new memorial at Shankhill Road Graveyard will honour Private Bernard McQuirt VC, who was born in Donaghcloney in 1829.
Mr McQuirt worked as a labourer until he enlisted in 95th Regiment of Foot (The Derbyshires), aged 25 at Lurgan on October 3, 1854.
Private McQuirt first served with the Regiment in Malta and later Balaclava and Sevastopol, during the Crimean War. In 1857 the 95th Regiment of Foot was posted to India, to help quell the rebellion.
On 6th January 1858, the 95th Regiment, along with the 10th Bengal Native Infantry, attacked the heavily fortified town of Rowa. It was during this action that Private McQuirt rescued Capt. McGowan, who was commanding the 10th Bengal, from certain death, winning his Victoria Cross, after engaging in close quarter and hand to hand fighting.
During this engagement Private Bernard McQuirt was seriously wounded, sustaining five sabre cuts - two to his head, one of which divided the left parietal bone, two severe cuts to his left shoulder and one to the forearm, injuring the ulna. He also received a musket shot to the right arm, leaving the elbow joint powerless.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Bernard’s health recovered sufficiently for him to attend his investiture at Windsor Castle on January 4, 1860, where he was awarded the Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria.
Mr McQuirt VC retired as an army pensioner, due to his injuries, and resided with his wife at 72 Urney Street, Shankill Road, Belfast, until his death, caused by chronic bronchitis, aged 58 on October 5, 1888.
He was buried in Belfast City Cemetery, on public ground, in a multiple occupancy grave - J233 – but now a “lasting memorial” will be unveiled in his honour.
Preceptory Registrar and Project Manager, Sir Knight Sam Coulter said: “We are very much looking forward to Saturday and the unveiling of a lasting memorial to an extremely brave, yet very humble Ulsterman. Saturday’s event is the culmination of a year’s work and the result of a positive partnership, delivering a first-class project for those living in and visiting our community.
“We are absolutely delighted and privileged that His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE, DStJ, has agreed to attend our event and unveil what is a beautiful and most fitting memorial.
“We are hugely encouraged that many distinguished guests will join us for this historic occasion, including representatives of Belfast’s Indian and Jewish communities.”
The project is being led by Sons of Ulster RBP 375 and is partnered by West Belfast Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Orange Hall, Belfast City Council and Friends of the West.
The obelisk is being produced by Woodvale Memorials, with granite donated by kind sponsors, Mr & Mrs Sandy and Agnes Close BEM.
The memorial will be unveiled at 3pm this Saturday (August 10) by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE, DStJ and dedicated by Orange Chaplain, Bro. Rev. Timothy Eldon.