Randolph Churchill and an encounter with my uncle. Sergeant Ernest Lytle NIH

I am writing his history in Tunisia (Longstop Hill). He had a run-in with the PM’s son around 28 April 1943 while a tank commander with the North Irish Horse.

 

Hello,
I am interested in your book. I think my mother may once have been engaged to your uncle, assuming he is the same Ernie Lytle who was an undertaker in, I think, Coalisland or Blackwatertown. My mother was Lily Martin and came from Charlemont. Somewhere I have the signet ring he gave her. She often spoke about him and I would be interested in finding out more about him. Thank you.

 

Margaret welcome to the forum I have sent a private message to DP Baxter making them aware of your interest

 

This reply is for Margaret Fleming from DPBaxter.

Hello! My name is Pat Baxter. I live in England, but I was born in Coalisland, My grandfather was John Samuel Lytle who lived in The Square Coalisland, as did I from my birth in 1944, along with my mother Maisie and father Tom, my grandmother Tilly,- and my Uncle Ernie.
I have been researching the Lytles (occasionally Lyttle) for a few years along with my sister Jackie, and we remember Uncle Ernie well.
But we knew nothing of your mother. We would be happy to tell you more of his early history and photos if you like,
Best regards
Pat

 

My husband and I are currently touring in Ireland so responses may be erratic.

 

Hello Pat, it's lovely to hear from you. I would love to hear more aboiut your uncle and it would be marvelous to see a photo of him. My mum talked about him a lot. Indeed, somewhere I have a copy of the NIH North African campaign book that he gave my mother. She was very proud of his war record. She told me he had refused a battlefield commission because he wanted to stay with his men and that he was mentioned in dispatches twice. Did Ernie marry and have children?
Mum was Lily Martin and was the oldest of seven children. She was born in 1913. She worked in both Armagh and Dungannon at Menaries, which I think was a department store. I don't know if she was ever officially engaged to your uncle but I know they went out for some time and expected to marry. She once said that she broke it off because she just couldn't deal with being an undertaker's wife. But she always spoke of him with great affection.
I am an only child. Now 71, I was born in Belfast but have lived in Brighton for over 40 years now - doesn't time fly! I wish now that I had paid more attention to my mother when she talked about growing up in the Thirties.

 

Good to hear from you Margaret. I have shared your previous message with my sister and like me she would like to hear more! We didn’t know our uncle was mentioned in despatches.I have already applied to know more about his war record with no success. Perhaps I would have had more luck if I had included that fact!.It appears Ernie knew your mother after he left the NIH. I imagine it was a challenge to return to civilian life wasn’t easy!
I will certainly share some more information and photos. However I feel this is a matter best dealt with between ourselves,
I hope to take our conversation further after my return from Ireland at the end of the month, ideally by email,
Meanwhile I will update my sister. We look forward to sharing more family information
Best wishes,
Pat

 

Yes, that sounds like a good idea, Pat. I look forward to hearing from you when you are back.
I must correct one thing. After I wrote to you yesterday, I searched for the NIH Battlefield Report and this lists those who won medals or were mentioned in dispatches. Your uncle's name was not on the list. Either my mother was wrong or I have misremembered a conversation with her. Maybe not surprising, as this would have been 60 odd years ago! Sorry if I have misled you. Maggie

 

Hi Margaret,
We have been home for a day now, and are catching up with normal life - and laundry! Ireland was great!
My sister is hoping I can include her in our conversation, and so I am investigating how to drop back from the forum and share info between ourselves. I have asked the coordinator for advice. He informs me 5 public posts are required first!
So we’ll get there I guess!
Ernie’s youngest brother Jack joined the RAF early in the war. Flight Sergeant Samuel John Lytle (Wireless Operator /Air Gunner)was serving with 44 Squadron . On the night of 8th July 1941 his plane disappeared during a night raid over Hamm in Germany. It still makes us sad, My sister was named Jacqueline in his memory.
Regards. Pat

 

Hi Margaret,
I am trying to ‘start a conversation’ on email, so we can have a private share of family information. I’m not doing well at coping with this challenge! My first attempt was rejected as ‘Margaret Fleming’ was not recognised. Have you an alternative title?