History of RBP 1107 'Abraham's Chosen Few'

It must be recorded that two young Sir Knight's of this Preceptory made the supreme sacrifice for their country in the Second World War, - they were of the same family.

Sir Knt, George Simpson (Pilot Officer R.A.F.) killed in action in October 22nd 1943 , and his brother, - Sir Knt, William Simpson Jun, (Irish Guardsman), also killed in action, 9 th September 1944 . (“We Will Remember Them”), they were the sons of Sir Knt, William Simpson (Sen,), and Deborah, then of Kilvergan, later of Ballinacorr.

See picture of “Sir Knt George Simpson” (second right)-with his crew- (said to be Canadians), after a Bombing raid, Photographed by the “Daily Mail”, circa 1943. It should be noted for every ten planes leaving on a mission over Germany one plane would not return home. All the crew members you see below unfortunately did not return from a mission over Germany.

George Simpson is interred in “ Hanover War Cemetery ”, Germany , and his brother “William Simpson”, is buried in “ Geel War Cemetery ” Belgium . William was in tank in the front line near a bridge when the tank was blew up and destroyed. This was related to a family members many years later by a witness to William and his comrades deaths all those years ago.

William and George where also members of Loyal Orange Lodge No 17 'Rising Sons of William' which is in Lurgan District. Their Royal Black Preceptory Tamnificarbet Royal Black Preceptory 1107 is in Portadown Royal Black Chapter No 5.

Earlier in 2005 the members of Loyal Orange Lodge No 17 decided to honour their Late Orange Brothers and fellow Sir Knights who paid the supreme sacrifice along with countless thousands the World over. Having contacted immediate members of the Simpson family a Commemoration Service was planned for Sunday 19th June 2005 at 8.30pm in Tamnificarbet Orange Hall. A plaque in honour of their fallen brethren was erected inside the Orange Hall on the 60th Anniversary of V.E. Day.

Many noteable members of the Orange Order attended the service, Wor. Bro Dennis Watson, County Grand Master; Wor Bro Rev Maurie Laverty, County Grand Chaplain; WDM Bro David Simpson, M.P. for Co Armagh. WDM Bro Crozier of Lurgan District and many other District Officers from Lurgan District.

The Deputy Mayor of Craigavon Bro Robert Smith; who was the soloist during the service. The bible reading was by Bro Mark Russell, Lay Chaplain for Lurgan District and member of LOL 17. Bro Cecil Allen, Portadown District Lay Chaplain; conducted the service and give the address. Portadown District Officers also attended the service along with the District WM Bro David Burrows and the Deputy DM Bro Nigel Burrows.

The Commemoration parade started at 45 Carbet Road where the old Tamnificarbet Orange Hall stood and proceeded along the road to the new Orange Hall half a mile down the road. The D.U.P. Flute Band and Edgarstown Accordion Band led the parade. The Commemoration Service was conducted in the Orange Hall afterwards the parade returning to 45 Carbet Road. Tea and refreshments where served afterwards in the new Orange Hall.

As the service drew to a close a member of the Simpson family spoke and thanked everyone for their kind thoughts especially the members of LOL 17 and reminded everyone of the many thousands who died for our freedom and civil liberties, and why we have memorials so we must not forget the supreme sacrifice made by so many young men and women from over the World. The service ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

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In Memory of Faithful Brethren who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War II. Bro. William Simpson age 20 Irish Guards. Bro George Simpson age 23 Royal Air Force. "They shall not grow old...." Remembered by the Brethren of L.O.L. 17 19th June 2005
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