DEATH PLAQUE TO CAPT. G.W. VESEY, M.C., N. IR. HORSE

Military Cross Gazetted 16 Aug 1918:

"For conpicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led a patrol and rushed and captured an enemy machine gun which was in action in a trench running out from our lines and killed several of the crew. He then established a block in the trench and so improved the position. His initiative and resource were a splendid example to his men."

George Waller Lendrum was born in Magheracross, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh on 5 Aug 1882, the son of George Cosby Lendrum, J.P., D.L., and Antionette Frances Lendrum (nee Butler).

Lendrum changed his name to Vesey in order to inherit the family property of Derrabard House in Fintona, Co. Tyrone, later marrying Sybilla Sarah Bernard at Fretherne, Gloucester on 24 Apr 1915 (the couple had one child, Barbara Waller Mary Vesey, born on 13 Nov 1917).

Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant with the North Irish Horse on 10 Apr 1915, Vesey was promoted to Lieutenant on 18 Nov 1915 and entered France on the same date. In June 1916 his squadron combined with "C" Squadron and the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron to form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment. Vesey transferred to the 9th Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers in Oct 1917, being posted to "A" Company. With them he was awarded the Military Cross for bravery and leadership in an action at Marcoing, during the battle of Cambrai on 15 Dec1917. Vesey commanded "A" Company from Dec 1917 until he was wounded on 24 Mar 1918 near Guiscard.

He died of his wounds two days later on 26 Mar 1918, aged 35 years and was buried in the Vignemont French Cemetery. His name is also commemorated at Kilskeery Parish Church, Co. Tyrone.

George Waller Vesey was the brother of Captain Marcus Beresford Lendrum, Royal Irish Fusiliers and Captain Alan Cane Lendrum, M.C. & Bar, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. The latter was murdered by the I.R.A. in Co. Clare on 22 Sep 1920.