A BRIEF PORTRAIT OF SOME OF THE DERRY DEFENDERS AND OTHERS INVOLVED IN THE EVENTS OF 1688-1689
REVEREND GEORGE WALKER
Governor of Derry April 19th. 1689 to the end of the siege. Rector of
Donoughmore, Co. Tyrone, His book "Walker’s Siege" is
an excellent first hand account of the siege, he was a staunch member
of the Reformed Faith and came to Londonderry to help the besieged citizens,
After Lundy’s flight he was made Joint-Governor and always urged
the defenders "to fight the good fight" The Walker Memorial
Pillar on the city walls, erected in 1828 was the scene for the annual
burning of Lundy on the 18th December until the recent troubles, when
the Pillar was destroyed by a terrorist bomb.
COLONEL JOHN MITCHELBURNE
Governor of Derry from June 30th 1689 until the end of the siege. An excellent
soldier he tried to make Lundy take more determined action. When Major
Baker died, Mitchelburne took over his duties. He gave expression to the
defiance of the Derry defenders by flying a bloody and crimson flag from
the Cathedral tower. The Derry "Crimson" flag is carried today
at all Apprentice Boys Celebrations. The Apprentice Boys Association and
its celebrations owe much to Colonel Mitchelburne, who organised siege
commemorations until his death. He is buried beside his comrade Adam Murray
in Glendermott Old Churchyard and the Apprentice Boys demonstrate the
high honour that they attribute to these two gallant defenders by making
an annual visitation to their graves.
ADAM MURRAY
A local man, Murray is famous for his dramatic entry to Derry when Lundy
was preparing the beleaguered citizens for surrender. The cry of "No
Surrender" for long regarded as the warcry of the Ulster People is
attributed to the fearless Adam Murray. He refused the Governorship of
Derry after Lundy’s flight, but did accept command of the forces
in the field. He was involved in all of the garrison’s battles outside
of the Walls- especially the Battle of Pennyburn. He was a stauch defender
of the Reformed Faith and all sections in Derry during the Siege had his
confidence.
MAJOR BAKER
Governor of Derry. April 19th, 1689-died June 30th, 1689. He succeeded
Lundy as Governor of Derry. He was a brave solder but died of a fever
and gave his Governorship to Colonel Mitchelburne. He is buried in St.
Columbs Cathedral. Londonderry.
CAPTAIN MICHAEL BROWNING
Of the "Mountjoy" A Derryman, Browning will always be remembered
for the breaking of the boom, while for six weeks Kirke kept his "relief"
force inactive, Derry Starved, Browning and his volunteers assisted by
"The Jerusalem", "The Phoenix" and "The Dartmouth"
determined to relieve Derry, Browning was killed commanding his men at
the actual breaking of the boom, he was a truly heroic Derryman.
DAVID CAIRNES
Of Knockmany, Co.Tyrone, A very loyal supporter of the Derry Garrison,
Cairns represented with outstanding ability Derry’s interest at
King Williams Court in London. A lawyer, he whole-heartedly supported
the shutting of the gates, unlike many professional men. He was elected
an MP for Londonderry in appreciation of his great leadership.
COLONEL LUNDY
Governor of Derry, December 1688 to April 20th. 1689, His extraordinary
behaviour during the early part of the Siege nearly lost Derry and its
citizens. He had no interest in the conflict and did everything to try
and persuade the defenders to surrender. Murray rendered ineffective any
plans he may have had in this respect and caused him to flee from the
city disguised as an ordinary soldier, "Lundy the Traitor" is
remembered every year when an 18-foot effigy of Lundy is burned in public.
The names of the brave 13 Apprentice Boys were-
MORRISON, CROOKSHANKS, STEWARD, SHERRARD, IRWIN, HUNT, CONNINGHAM, CAMPSIE, SPIKE, CUNNINGHAM, CAIRNS, HARVY AND SHERRARD.
The President, Officers and Members of the Liverpool Campsie Club of the
Apprentice Boys of Derry Association are very honoured and proud to belong
to such an organisation
And we not only salute the memory of the brave 13 Apprentice Boys, but all those who have made the supreme sacrifice during the wars of this century. The Liverpool Campsie Club records its sincerest sympathy, in particular, with the families of the many Brethren and friends who have suffered at the hands of TYRANNY since 1969.
"AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN, AND IN THE MORNING, WE SHALL REMEMBER
THEM"
