Commemorative blue plaque unveiled for soldier awarded victoria cross

Over 100 people assembled outside the former Cahan’s Presbyterian Church near Stranooden, Co Monaghan, on Monday evening September 1.
Those present were there to witness the unveiling of the Ulster History Circle’s ‘Blue Plaque’, which commemorates Major David Nelson VC.
The commemoration was exactly 100 years to the day since Major Nelson took part in a battle at Néry, France, in the Great War. Due to his heroism he became the first Ulster man to be awarded a Victoria Cross.
His VC citation reads: “Helping to bring the guns into action under heavy fire at Néry France on September 1, and while severely wounded remaining with them until all the ammunition was expelled – although he had been ordered to retire to cover”.
The plaque was unveiled by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. In Minister Humphrey’s address she stated that the bullets and bombs of the WWI did not distinguish between Protestant or Catholic, Unionist or Nationalist. She said that many soldiers from this island had lost their lives and that it was only right we should remember them. The plaque is located in an area close to her own home and part of the area she represented while she served on Monaghan County Council. After Minister Humphreys unveiled the plaque, trumpeter Andrew Carlisle sounded ‘The Last Post’.

180 plaques
Chris Spurr, chairman of the Ulster History Circle, thanked the Ulster-Scots Agency and their representative, Maynard Hanna, for funding towards the plaque. He spoke about the work of the Ulster History Circle and their ‘Blue Plaques’. The Circle has erected almost 180 plaques across Northern Ireland since the early 1980s. One plaque is up in Donegal and this is the first of what is hoped will be many more in counties Monaghan and Cavan. Chris thanked his fellow colleagues in the Circle, Maud Hamill, Myrtle Hill and Leslie McKeague, Bailieborough, for his invaluable liaison work. Gratitude was also expressed towards: the Rev David Nesbitt for his work in preparation for the unveiling; David McCallion of ‘War Years Remembered’, who was dressed in a similar uniform to that of Major Nelson; and Shirley Clerkin, Heritage Officer with Monaghan County Council for her office’s help.
Refreshments were served inside the church building where an interesting display of WWI memorabilia from the Ballybay area was on display, courtesy of Mr Paddy Rutledge.
He said people from all walks of life, all religious denominations and political affiliations are already honoured with ‘Blue Plaques’ throughout Ulster. He urged history and community groups in Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal to nominate suitable ‘Blue Plaque’ recipients to the Ulster History Circle. Rev Nesbitt, who was minister of Cahan’s up until it closed in the 1970s, gave a talk about the major’s life in Monaghan, his army career and war service leading up to his death in France on April 8, 1918. Rev Nesbitt also revealed that Major Nelson’s delighted son, Victor Cyril - named after his father’s VC award - is living in Seattle and is due to celebrate his 99th birthday in November.