It is my sad task to write a few lines concerning Captain Isaac Gorfunkle, Lancashire Regiment, whose untimely death, when it became known in Belfast, caused widespread sorrow and regret in the Community.
Isaac Gorfunkle joined His Majesty's Forces early in 1915 from the O.T.C., having previously been connected with the Ulster Volunteer Force. He saw service in the Gallipoli Campaign, where he was wounded and then was sent to hospital in Malta. On recovering, he was granted leave of absence for a short period, and then went to France where he took part in some hard fighting. He was then promoted to a Captaincy and sent to a camp in Galway, where he was stationed a considerable time, and whence he again returned to France in April of this year.
Captain Gorfunkle met his death at the hands of a German sniper while in charge of a scouting party on the 14th inst. If ever there was a Jew imbued with a spirit of patriotism, it was Isaac Gorfunkle. If ever there was a man in His Majesty's Forces brave and fearless unto recklessness, it was he.
He was educated at the Jaffe Memorial Schools and the Belfast Technical Institute, whence he proceeded to an appointment on the staff of one if the leading timber and slate merchants in the city. He acted as Secretary of the local branches of the Order of Ancient Maccabeans and Bnei Brith. These institutions made a presentation to him of a silver cigarette case, in appreciation of his service, when he joined up.
His father only lately relinquished the Vice-Presidency of the Congregation. His mother and sisters have sent many a parcel of home-knit socks and underwear to the local Prisoners of War Help Association. His brother, Philip, is an officer in the Royal Irish Rifles.
How proud his parents were of the service their sons have been rendering their country is well known and Isaac's supreme sacrifice for the great cause should enhance their pride and minimise their sorrow at the irreparable loss they have sustained.

With further reference to the death of this Officer, Colonel F. Stewart Noders, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, writing to Mr. Gorfunkle of 43 York Street, Belfast, says: - "I am now able to give you further details of the circumstances in which your son met his death. On the day previous to that on which your son was killed, the company he was commanding made a very successful advance. He was leading his men on the gain another important piece of ground on the following day when he met his death. The operation was not wholly successful, inasmuch as we did not gain the ground until the next day, when we found the body of your son. If I can at any time give you any further information, I shall only be too happy t do so. In the meanwhile, I feel sure that you will be proud to know that your son lies where he fell, leading his men. I am certain that this would have been your son's great wish had he known that he was to meet his death fighting for his country.