War Cemeteries

Maurice Young

Maurice Young grew up in Bangor and at school proved himself an outstanding sportsman. He excelled at athletics and tennis and played on the rugby First XV and cricket First XI for four successive years winning inter-provincial honours in his final year.

In 1939 he entered Magee College to study for the Presbyterian ministry but in his third year felt impelled to volunteer for service and enlisted in the Royal Artillery as a gunner. He subsequently served with his battery in England and after being recommended for and obtaining his commission he transferred to the infantry and was posted to Italy in 1944.

On 30th November 1944, he joined B Company 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusilliers dug in on the River Senio near Bologna. The Battalion Diary records the almost continuous action in which it was involved during those last months of the war. The Germans were close by on the opposite bank and both sides shelled, mortared and fired on the other on a daily basis.

The opening entry for the 20th of March 1945 records a fighting patrol from B Coy, supported by armour, moving out after first light to destroy a new enemy position. It was led by Lt. Young but as they crested the far embankment they were engaged by the enemy who had moved down to the river overnight and concealed themselves in anticipation of an allied probe.

In the short firefight which followed Maurice was killed and one man wounded.