THE DIRECTORY OF BRITISH ELECTROPLATED SILVER MAKERS described this establishment as: "A retail business active since 1884 at Donegall Place, Belfast and at Edgware Rd, London from 1852 until c. 1880. In 1909 the firm was converted into a Ltd. Sharman Dermott Neill was a descendent of Robert Neill, who in partnership with Henry Gardner, advertised 'Telescopes' in 1810. Sharman D. Neill Ltd is still active at 7-9 Royal Avenue, Belfast"
An interior shot of the shop:
When World War One broke out, Mr Neill was commissioned to make cap badges for the Young Citizen Volunteers (YCV).
Each member of the YCV had to purchase one of these distinctive badges, which depicted a shamrock and the Red Hand of Ulster, topped by a crown.
The business also made the ‘Neill’s Sight’, a sniper sight for the 36th Ulster Division. This was issued to the best shots in the battalion. It differed from other sights as it was affixed to the side of a rifle - thereby allowing a soldier to focus on far away targets while also being able to use the gun’s normal sight for closer range.
Two sons from the Neill family, Dermot and Robert, joined The Royal Irish Rifles. Both were killed on the Western Front.
Source: BBC World War One at home
References
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BBC World War 1 at Home - 6 minute radio programme | UK | VIEW SOURCE |
