Write a commentTwo plaques were unveiled at a reception in Newry Town Hall last week to commemorate Newry’s two George Cross winners Max Blaney and Raymond Kelly.
Max Blaney was aged just thirty when he was killed when the bomb he was defusing exploded in 1940 and he was posthumously given the award for “most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner” defusing German bombs in London.
Thomas Raymond Kelly was awarded the George Cross posthumously for his bravery in carrying out a rescue mission from SS Famagusta in the Bay of Biscay in 1947, saving two peoples lives after they fell into the sea and sadly losing his own while attempting a third, an incredible act of bravery for a lad of just 18.
Newry Maritime Association helped organise the event along with NEwry and Mourne Council, an event that saw relations of both men attend as well as Cllr Daire Hughes, Mayor, Newry and Mourne District Council.
