Comber True Blues LOL 1035

Although the Warrant was re-issued to a Mr Patrick Ward of Mill Street in April 1867, and met in Paddy Ward's Loft (Mill Street), it had been active in the Kilkeel area 50 years previously, possibly as a Travelling Warrant and came to Comber between 1819 and 1823. The present Warrant on display dates from 11 August 1860 and was granted to Bro Robert Nolan, Worshipful Master. However it is the title of the Lodge that is more interesting.

In 1779 there were two companies of Volunteers in the Comber area for the defence of the country. John Andrews*, (Ardara) a wealthy businessman undertook the expense of forming them. One company, mostly employees had uniforms of a red tunic with green facings and called the "Comber Rangers", with John Andrews as its Captain. The other, comprised of farm-workers, had uniforms of blue with orange facings and adopted the title of "Comber Royal True Blues" under the Command of Captain Gillespie. (Replaced by Robert Rollo Reid of Cherryvalley in 1783).

After the disbandment of the Volunteers in 1793, they formed themselves into Yeomanry. The Comber Yeomanry fought at the Battles of Saintfield and Ballynahinch against the United Irishmen. It is more than likely, though there are no records to substantiate it, that some of those who belonged to Comber Royal True Blues formed an Orange Lodge and adopted the title which is actually older than the Order itself. A few lines penned by a poet goes thus:

And thus it is we're true men and sons of men of fame;

Who fought and won on hill and glen, we've True Blue for our name;

Around the broad then, standing up, this sentiment deliver

And with it grace the festive cup, 'Here's Old Yrue Blues for ever.

* John Andrews along with other prominent people, sided with the United Irishmen movement of 1791, but on hearing it advocated revolution on French lines, John Andrews withdrew. By doing so earned the nickname "turncoat" by his less wealthy neighbours.