Unearthed mortar donated to Legion

Unearthed mortar donated to Legion

21 March 2018

A SECOND World War mortar dug up by contractors working on a new mains gas pipeline in Ballynahinch has been 

presented to the town’s Royal British Legion Branch.

The device was discovered last November at the Lisburn Road — close to the Langley Road estate junction —  sparking a major security alert which resulted in a number of roads being closed while army technical officers inspected the device.

The three-inch mortar was made safe and since its discovery, has been cleaned and was handed over recently to local Legion officials by Army bomb disposal experts.

The mortar, which has been described as a “unique piece of local history,” is currently on display in Ballynahinch Royal British Legion hall at the top of Main Street.

Legion officials have also confirmed that one of the newly unveiled ‘There But Not There’ soldier sculptures is coming to the market town.

The sculptures — which have been named Tommy — are six foot aluminium silhouettes of First World War soldiers which have been commissioned by the British Army to mark the centenary of the of the end of The Great War and raise £15m for armed forces and mental health charities.

The sculpture stands with head bowed with rifle in hand and a poppy adorning his chest and has already appeared at a number of iconic locations including the Tower of London and the Giant’s Causeway.

Members of the Ballynahinch branch are delighted one of the statues is coming to the market town to honour the fallen, describing the sculpture as a “poignant and affecting image” which embodies the ‘There But Not There’ message.

Branch officials have confirmed they are are currently working on fundraising ideas and hope to release a limited edition Tommy pin badge to raise enough funds to cover the cost of bringing the statue to the district.

A spokeswoman described the ‘There But Not There’ statue as a “defining centenary commemoration” of the end of the war which aims to commemorate, educate and heal. 

She added: “There will be a comprehensive school education programme designed to bring to life and create an understanding and respect for the reasons why so many lost their lives during this time. Funds raised from the sale of the Tommies will contribute directly to the work carried out by our beneficiary charities.”