The 27 Former Pupils
William Dickie Andrew was born on the 19th May 1894 at Carriden School House, Bo'ness.
His father was William Smith Andrew who was a schoolmaster at the school. His mother was Marion Forbes Andrew (nee Nelson).
In 1901, the census records the family still living at the same address. The father was 44 years old and his wife was three years younger. Young William was the third of four children. The oldest was his sister, Catherine Robertson Andrew who was 11 years old. Robert was next oldest at nine while William was six. The youngest in the family was Jane Young Andrew aged four.
On 1st July 1910, William is mentioned in the University of Edinburgh Roll of Linlithgow Academy school log book as Honour having passed his Intermediate Certificate.
His classmates who passed at the same time, Bryce Dymock and Hamish MacDonald also died in the Great War.
The 1911 census shows the family still living at Carriden School House where William's father was listed as having the post of head teacher. His sister Catherine had left the family home and his brother Robert's profession was noted as being a medical student. William was 16 and still at school as was his younger sister Jane. Between 1913 and 1914, William was attending Edinburgh University studying law as his main degree.
When war broke out, William enlisted as a Private in the Territorial battalion, Lothian and Border Horse (service number 1366). D Squadron was based in Edinburgh and had drill halls in Linlithgow, Bathgate, Broxburn, Hopetoun, Mid Calder, South Queensferry, Ratho and Winchburgh. Territorial battalions were created to provide a defence force at home during wartime. Soldiers in these units could not be forced to serve overseas but many of them, including William, did volunteer to see action. In 1915, Lothian and Border Horse were ordered to Salonika as part of a French and British force to help the Serbs fight against a Bulgarian invasion.
Other former pupils of Linlithgow Academy who volunteered to serve with The Lothian and Borders Horse in Salonika were Hamish MacDonald and William Young.
When William returned from Greece, He joined 10th (Cyclist) Battalion who had their headquarters in Linlithgow. The companies of the battalion had drill stations in different locations spread throughout West Lothian. The 10th (Cyclist) Battalion was attached to 15th (Service) Battalion, The Royal Scots (1st Edinburgh). Fellow Linlithgow Academy pupils who also served with 10th (Cyclist) Battalion earlier in the war were Andrew Douglas and Henry Cowan. It was with 15th Battalion that William received his commission on 29th May 1917 as an officer with the rank of Second Lieutenant and was sent to serve in France. Another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy, John Dougal, also served with the 15th.
On 21st March 1918, The 15th Battalion of The Royal Scots were involved in the Battle of St Quentin when German forces attacked the British lines in overwhelming strength in thick fog. The Germans broke through in several places and were able to drive deep behind the British defences resulting in chaos and confusion. On the following day, William was recorded as being missing in action and his body was never recovered.
Another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy, John Arnott also went missing in action during this attack. William was 24 years old when he died and is commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Bays 1 and 2.
On 5 April 1918, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
BO'NESS OFFICER MISSING Lieut. W.D. Andrew, Royal Scots Second Lieutenant W.D. Andrew, Royal Scots, reported missing on 22nd March last is the second son of Mr Will S. Andrew, Grange Schoolhouse, Bo'ness, and is aged 23. As a trooper in the Lothian and Borders Horse, he got his baptism of fire at Salonika. On his return home he obtained a commission, and was subsequently sent to France.
John Arnott was born on 22nd August 1898 at 19 West Port, Linlithgow. His father was also called John and worked as a shoemaker. He had also been born in Linlithgow. His mother was called Isabella. Her maiden name was Rich and she came from the small hamlet of Edinkillie in Morayshire.
In 1901, the family suffered a tragedy when John's new sister, Mabel Isabel died on 8th September aged only 9 weeks.
The 1911 census records the family as living at 283 High Street Linlithgow, a home with three rooms having at least one window. John's father was aged 45 and was still working as a shoemaker and was noted as being employed on his own account i.e. running his own business. Isabella was three years older than her husband. Young John was the only child and was 12 years old and attending school at the time the census was taken.
On 10th July 1913, the Linlithgow Academy log book records John as passing his Intermediate Certificate. His classmates who also passed James Wilson and William Wright also fell in the war. After he left school, John worked as a clerk in the Linlithgow Branch of the British Linen Bank.
At the age of 18, when he was old enough to volunteer for the Army, John joined The 2nd Battalion of The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). He was a Private with the service number 38300.
On 21st March 1918, The 2nd Battalion of The Cameronians were involved in the Battle of St Quentin when German forces attacked the British lines in overwhelming strength in thick fog. The Germans broke through in several places and were able to drive deep behind the British defences resulting in chaos and confusion.
On 24th March, John was recorded as being missing presumed dead.
Another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy, William Andrew also went missing in action during this battle.
John was aged 19 when he was reported missing. His body was never recovered. He is commemorated on a family memorial in Linlithgow Cemetery and at the Pozieres Memorial, Panel 37 and 38.
On 10 May 1918, the West Lothian Courier reported:
LINLITHGOW RIFLEMAN MISSING Mr John Arnott, boot and shoe merchant, 238 High Street, Linlithgow, has received official intimation that his son, Pte. John Arnott, Scottish Rifles, has been posted as missing as from 24th March. Before joining the Colours, which he did on attaining 18 years of age, Pte. Arnott was a clerk in the Linlithgow Branch of the British Linen Bank. He is in the 20th year of his age. It is hoped that better news of him will be received soon.
On 17 May 1918, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
PRIVATE JOHN ARNOTT MISSING Intimation has been received by Mr and Mrs John Arnott, 238 High Street, Linlithgow, that their only son, Private John Arnott, Scottish Rifles, is missing. Before joining the Army, Private Arnott was employed in the British Linen Bank.
George Fleming Burns was born on 31st July 1891 at Burnside Cottage, Abercorn, Ecclesmachan. His father, John, was a blacksmith and a native of Ecclesmachan. His mother, Catherine, originally came from Carriden near Bo'ness. Her maiden name was Fleming, a name which was given to George as his middle name. The family gravestone in Ecclesmachan Cemetery reveals that a tragedy befell the family in 1895 when George's brother William died aged only 14 months old.
The 1901 census records that John, the head of the family was 42 years old and his wife Catherine was two years younger. George was the middle of seven children. John was 14, James was 12, Henry 11, George nine, Walter eight, Jane four and Agnes two.
On 29th June 1906, The Linlithgow Academy log book records George as passing his qualifying exams. Evan MacDonald also passed these exams at the same time. Evan was later to emigrate to Canada but returned to fight in the war and was killed in May 1917.
In 1911, the census records the family still staying at the same address. George's father John was now aged 53 and was still working as a blacksmith. Some, if not all of the males in the family were employed in West Lothian's shale oil mining industry. The oldest son remaining at home was James who was now 22 and working as a shale mine roadsman. Henry, aged 21, followed his father to work as a blacksmith.
George, aged 19 was employed as a pithead man at a shale mine. The youngest brother Walter, was a year younger than George and was working as a joiner's labourer in the oil manufacturing industry.
The sisters, Jeanie, Agnes and Annie were all still attending school.
When the war began, George enlisted as a Private, service number 15944, in 12th (Service) Battalion of The Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). This was a regiment which recruited in Edinburgh. After a period of training in the local area 12th Battalion joined 27th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division and moved to Bordon in Hampshire, England before being transferred to France in May 1915 where 12th Battalion of The Royal Scots saw action at The Battle of Loos.
In July 1916, marking the start of the second phase of the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Bazentin Ridge took place. A mass attack was launched by the British Fourth Army across no man's land in darkness on the night of 13/14 July after a brief but ferocious artillery bombardment. As part of the battle plan, 9th (Scottish) Division attacked Waterlot Farm, which was actually a sugar refinery. Although the attacks on the farm were repulsed by the defenders, their attack on Delville Wood was more successful. It was during this fighting that George was reported as being killed in action on 14th July 1916. He was aged 24.
His body was not recovered.
He is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
He is also commemorated on the family grave in Ecclesmachan Cemetery.
The inscription reads "George Fleming killed in action in France 14th July 1916, aged 24 years."
Robert Linkstone Cockburn was born on 1st February 1899 at Linlithgow Bridge. He was the second child of Henry and Andrina Wood Cockburn (nee Linkstone), of Linkstone's Buildings, Linlithgow Bridge. Henry was a native of Airth in Stirlingshire while Andrina was a local girl from Linlithgow.
His parents had married in July 1893 and at the time of Robert's birth, his father was a employed as fireman on the railways.
The 1901 census records the family as having moved to 70 Falkirk Road Linlithgow. Henry, aged 31 is listed as the head of the family and was now working as a railway engine driver. Robert's mother was also aged 31 when the census was taken. Robert was two years old at the time and had an older Linlithgowshire Gazette, 8/2/1917 sister, Isabella, aged six.
William Linkstone is also listed on the census as staying at the address as a boarder who worked as an iron moulder and was probably an older brother of Robert's mother. By the time of the 1911 census, the family had moved yet again and now lived at 69 Manse Road North, Linlithgow. Robert's father is recorded as working as a loco driver employed by the North British Railway Company. Robert's sister, Bella, as she is now listed, aged 16, was working as a paper finisher in the local paper making industry. Robert himself is noted as being aged 12 and at school. He now has a younger brother, Henry who was two years younger than him and who was also at school.
Robert attended Linlithgow Academy. He most likely left when he was 14 - young people were entitled to a free state education up to this age. He followed his father in working on the railway and got a job at Manuel Station before moving on to become an engineman on the North British Railway.
Robert signed up to join The Royal Scots in September 1914, soon after the war started. He must have lied about his age as he was still six months short of his 16th birthday. Army recruits had to be aged between 18 and 38 (although they could not be sent overseas until they were aged 19). He arrived in France in 11th May 1915. He later joined the Machine Gun Corps as a private and was assigned to The 27th Machine Gun Company which was formed on the 29th of January 1916. The Company were in action in the Battle of the Somme, including the capture of Longueval, The Battle of Delville Wood and The Battle of Le Transloy.
On the morning of 20th January 1917, Robert was killed by shellfire at Arras and was buried at Faubourg D'Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Grave Reference: III. B. 25.
His death certificate lists him as being 21 years of age, however he was only 18 years old when he died.
On 8 February 1917 the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
KILLED BY SHELLFIRE
The Late Private Robert Cockburn, Linlithgow Bridge Official intimation has reached Mr Henry Cockburn, engineman on the North British Railway, and Mrs Cockburn, Linlithgow Bridge, that their eldest son, Pte. Robert Cockburn, Royal Scots, Machine Gun Section, was killed by shellfire on the 20th of January. He joined the Army in September, 1914 and was previously employed at Manuel Station. A bright lad, he was a former pupil of Linlithgow Academy, and much sympathy is felt for the parents in their sad loss.
An officer of the Machine Gun Section, writing to Mrs Cockburn, says in the course of his letter:
"I regret to say I have bad news for you and I pray that God will give you strength and courage to bear what so many mothers of Europe have already had to bear. Your son was killed by shell-fire on the morning of January 20th. Death was instantaneous, so he did not suffer at all. I can assure you of my heartfelt sympathy, and of the sympathy of his comrades, by whom he was greatly liked. You have lost as son, and the British Army has lost a soldier who was trusted and beloved by all who knew him."
A letter has also been received from the chaplain, in the course of which he says:
"I cannot tell you how sorry we all are because of your son's death. We buried him on Sunday, at mid-day, in a military cemetery, where the bodies of hundreds of French and British soldiers have been laid to rest. The cemetery is well cared for. Each grave has its own cross, and the cross bears the particulars of the man whose grave it marks. All the crosses are registered, so that there will be no difficulty in identifying them later on. We out here often feel that you folk at home have the hardest burden to bear. Yours the anxiety, yours the sorrow when it comes. But you have reason to be proud of your boys and their services and sacrifices."
The Linlithgow Branch of the National Union of Railwaymen, through the secretary, Mr Andrew Johnston, have conveyed their sympathy to the bereaved parents."
Robert Cockburn is commemorated on the family gravestone in Linlithgow Cemetery. The inscription reads "Robert L. Cockburn 27th M.C.C. killed in France 20th Jan 1917 aged 18 years." Robert is buried at Faubourg D'Amiens Cemetery, Arras. Henry Dryden Cowan was born on 2nd October 1898 at 82 High Street, Linlithgow. His father who was also named Henry Dryden Cowan was a labourer. His mother Annie's maiden name was Gilmour. Both parents came from Linlithgow.
Young Henry was two years old when the 1901 census was taken. It records his father, aged 40 as working as a mason's labourer and his mother as a washerwoman. He had an older step-brother James, 14, who was an apprentice baker and two older sisters who were at school, Fanny aged nine and Margaret aged seven.
The Cowans now lived at 80 High Street, Linlithgow. The family gravestone in Linlithgow Cemetery records another son, Linlithgowshire Gazette 13/7/1917 William who died in infancy.
Ten years later when the next census was taken, the family had moved again, this time to 87 High Street, Linlithgow. (Eight families were listed as living at this address.) 12 year old Henry was recorded as being at school. His father, Henry senior was now working as a canal banksman. Annie, young Henry's mother had died in July 1907. The younger sister, Maggie, aged 17, was now acting as the mother of the family as she is listed as a housekeeper. The older sister Fanny appears to have moved away. James Gilmour, young Henry's stepbrother, having completed his apprenticeship, was now a baker. An entry in the Linlithgow Academy log book for 3rd July 1911 records Henry on a list of medical certificates.
After he left school at the age of 15, Henry worked for a year in Norman S. Main's solicitor’s office. Norman was the younger brother of John A. Main another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy who was killed in the war.
On 8th December 1914, Henry enlisted in the local Territorial unit, 2nd /10th Royal Scots. This was a cycling battalion which was formed in Linlithgow in September 1914. These units were seen as a way of increasing the mobility of soldiers at no great expense. The 1/10th and 2/10th (Cyclist) Companies had their headquarters in Linlithgow. The companies of the battalion also had drill stations in different locations spread throughout West Lothian. Henry had not long turned 16 and was well below the minimum recruiting of 18. Busy recruiting offices did not have the time to check the ages of all the volunteers who were keen to sign up. Possibly as many as a quarter of a million underage recruits like Henry, signed up for the British Army during the First World War. He listed his address on his attestation papers as 18 Low Port Linlithgow. Another former pupil Andrew Douglas enlisted with the same unit on the same date. Henry's service number was 2461 and Andrew's was 2462 so they probably stood together in the queue at the recruitment station.
Henry's medical inspection when he enlisted recorded his 'Apparent age' as 17 years and 2 months - a year older than he really was. He was also measured as being five foot ten and a quarter inches tall with a 33 and a half inch chest. His physical development was described as being 'fair - will develop'. So the medical assessment recognised that Henry was under age and had yet to fully physically develop.
This might not have been seen to be too important as Henry was enlisting with a Territorial Battalion.
Volunteers in Territorial units could not be forced to serve abroad unless they agreed to do so. However, on 14th January 1915, at Bathgate, Henry signed a form where in the event of a national emergency he agreed to serve outside the United Kingdom.
On 30th July 1916, Henry transferred to the newly formed Army Cyclist Corps. He was assigned to 1 Corps Cyclist Battalion, his service number was 16733. Shortly afterwards, on 21st August 1915, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. The evidence indicates that life in the army was less of an adventure than Henry had imagined it would be. Less than a year after his promotion, on 6th May 1916, according to his Statement of Service record, he reverted to the rank of Private as his own request.
In early 1917 Henry managed to get himself into trouble on a couple of occasions.. On January 29th a charge was brought against him for refusing to obey an order. The charge sheet notes his punishment was 168 hours in detention. On 21st March, his company conduct sheet further records that he went missing between 12 midnight and 12 Noon the following day. He was reprimanded for this offence and had to forfeit a day's pay as a punishment.
As a cyclist, eventually attached to The Royal Scots, Henry would be expected to carry out potentially dangerous scouting missions. On 17th June 1917, he was killed by splinters when a shell exploded near him at Vimy Ridge.
He was 18 when he died but as he hadn't told his true age when he joined up, the Army death certificate records his age as being 21.
Henry's body was not identified, however, he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, panel 135 and is remembered on the family gravestone in Linlithgow Cemetery. The inscription reads "Henry Dryden Cowan, R.S., att A.C.C. killed in action at Vimy Ridge France 17th June 1917, aged 18 years."
On 13th July 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
YOUTHFUL LINLITHGOW SOLDIER KILLED
Cyclist Henry Cowan "Only eighteen years of age and having left home for the last time so recently as 27th April, it has fallen to the lot of Cyclist Henry D. Cowan, son of Mr H. D. Cowan, 35 The Cross, Linlithgow, to offer up his young life for his country. A bright and promising lad, he left the Academy when he was fifteen year of age and was engaged for about a year in the office of Mr Norman S. Main, solicitor.
Four months after the outbreak of war, Harry Cowan put on the khaki as he joined the Royal Scots with which battalion he remained for some time in training. Latterly, he was transferred to the cyclist battalion, and he went to the front where he was killed on 17th June by splinters of a shell which burst near him. Much sympathy is felt for the parents in the loss of a promising son."
John Braes Dougal was born at St. Michael's Villa. Linlithgow on 31st January 1891. His father, William was a brick manufacturer who was born in Haddington. John's middle name, Braes, came from his mother, Mary's side of the family as that was her maiden name. She was a local girl from Linlithgow.
In the 1901 census, John is listed at the age ten of being a scholar, presumably at Linlithgow Academy. He later moved from the Academy to complete his education at George Watson's College in Edinburgh. When he left school, he joined the family business as a brick manufacturer's assistant.
The 1911 census records the family as living John Braes Dougal in the uniform of at 23 Rockville, Linlithgow. William, the head The Royal Scots. West Lothian of the family, was 56 years old and running Courier, 14/7/1916 the brickworks in Winchburgh.
His wife Mary was now 49 and the oldest daughter, Mary was 26 while Elizabeth was two years younger. The girls were listed as being at home with no outside employment. Both sons had joined the family business; Alexander, 23, was a manufacturer's traveller and John aged 20, a brick manufacturer's assistant. The family was wealthy enough to employ a 20 year old domestic servant, Jane Hutton. Next door to the Dougals lived the Wilson family at 24 Rockville. Two of the sons, George and James would be killed in the First World War, 13 days apart.
John was a talented photographer and enjoyed foxhunting with the Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hunt. When the war broke out in 1914, John, a keen motorcyclist, joined The Royal Engineers as a motorcyclist with the rank of Corporal. His service number was 78778. He later joined The Royal Scots, 15th (Service) Battalion (1st Edinburgh). Another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy, William Andrew, also served with the 15th.
John, now promoted to the rank of (temporary) Second Lieutenant was stationed at Ripon in North Yorkshire.
On the 22nd February 1916, while on leave from the Army he married a Bathgate girl, Barbara Arbuckle, at the Caledonian Station Hotel in Edinburgh. Aged 23, Barbara was a year younger than her new husband. Four months later, on 1st July 1916, John, was involved in the costly attacks on the first day of the Battle of the Somme when the British Army suffered 60,000 casualties. John was one of them being killed in action near La Boiselle. He was aged 25. His body was never found but his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D and on a family memorial in Linlithgow Cemetery.
On 14th July 1916, the Linlithgow Journal and Gazette reported:
Our portrait is that of Second Lieutenant John Dougall, younger son of Mr William Dougall, J.P., Rockville, Linlithgow, who, as announced in last issue of the Gazette, was killed at the front on Saturday, the 1st inst., the day that witnessed the beginning of the offensive by the British infantry against the German lines. The late Lieutenant Dougall at an early stage of the war joined the Motor Cyclist's section of the Royal Engineers and later obtained a commission as Second Lieutenant in the Royal Scots. He was educated at Linlithgow Academy and Watson's School, Edinburgh, and afterwards he went into business to assist his father in the Winchburgh Brick Works. Lieutenant Dougall, who was a keen motor cyclist was besides a follower of the Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hunt, a memento of which in the form of a "History" of the hunt was presented to him by Mr Rutherford. He was also a very competent amateur photographer, and many fine specimens of his work are to be seen at Rockville. Only a few months ago, Lieutenant Dougall was married to Miss Barbara Arbuckle, Bathgate and for all who have suffered sad bereavement by the loss of a promising young man who has given his life for his country the deepest sympathy is felt.
On 14 July 1916, the West Lothian Courier reported:
Lieutenant Dougal, Linlithgow Second Lieutenant, John Braes Dougal of the Royal Scots, killed in action, on 1st July. He was the younger son of Mr William Dougal, J.P. Rockville, Linlithgow. He enlisted in February, 1915 and was for sometime a motor scout. In the course of last year he obtained his commission, and went to France about two months ago, where he was attached to the Trench Mortar Battery.
Lieutenant Dougal was 25 years of age, and was married in February of this year to a daughter of Mrs Arbuckle, Olde Bank House, Bathgate. He received his education at Linlithgow Academy, and at George Watson's College, Edinburgh. On leaving College, he entered the business of Messrs Alexander Dougal and Sons, brick and tile manufacturers, Winchburgh, and he showed a business aptitude of great promise. From his early boyhood he took great interest in the Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hunt and seldom missed a run with the Hunt. He was well known to the gentlemen of the Hunt, and they had a great liking for him for his keen interest in their sport, and Mr James H. Rutherford, the hon. secretary, presented him with a copy of his "History of the Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hunt," which Mr Dougal prized very much. He was an enthusiast as an amateur photographer, and his work as such is of a very high order. His other pastimes included tennis and motor cycling. The deceased young officer had many friends throughout the county, and in Linlithgow, where of course, he was best known, there is keen regret at his death, and deep sympathy with his young widow, his father and mother, and brother and sisters, in the heavy loss they have sustained.
John Dougal is commemorated on the family gravestone in Linlithgow Cemetery. The inscription reads "John Braes 2nd Lieut 15th R.S. killed in action near La Boiselle 1st July 1916 aged 25 years."
John is also commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
Andrew Douglas was born on 18th July, 1893 at Seacliff, Whitekirk, East Lothian. He was the son of Robert Douglas from Salton near Haddington who was a gardener. His mother was Marion (nee) Deans Douglas who had herself been born at Whitekirk.
By the 1901 census, the family had moved to Linlithgow. Robert was working as a gardener at Nether Parkley where the family lived in the gate house.
The Henderson family which owned the estate were wealthy enough to not only employ a gardener but also two servants. Robert was aged 40 while his wife was four years younger. Andrew, aged seven, was the middle of three children and was attending school. His older sister Eliza was 14 and was attending Linlithgow Academy. She gained her Merit Certificate there in October 1901. The youngest in the family, Isabella was four and had not started her education yet.
In 1911, the census reveals the family were at the same address and Andrew, now 17, was working as a domestic gardener, possibly helping his father on the estate. The oldest sister, now recorded as Elizabeth, was working as a dressmaker while Isabella was attending school. She was no longer the youngest, Robert aged four was now the baby of the family.
In December 1914, Andrew joined the local Territorial unit, 2/10th Battalion of The Royal Scots which was formed in Linlithgow in September 1914. This was a cycling battalion. These units were seen as a way of increasing the mobility of soldiers relatively cheaply. The 1/10th and 2/10th (Cyclist) Companies had their headquarters in Linlithgow. The companies of the battalion also had drill stations in different locations spread throughout West Lothian. Another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy, Henry Cowan enlisted with the same unit on the same date.
Henry's service number was 2461 and Andrew's was 2462 so they probably stood together in the queue at the recruitment station.
Andrew's army medical inspection made on 8th December 1914 revealed that he was in good health, was five foot nine inches tall and had a 42 inch chest.
Volunteers in Territorial units could not be forced to serve abroad unless they agreed to do so. On 14th January 1915, at Bathgate, Andrew signed a form where in the event of a national emergency he agreed to serve outside the United Kingdom.
Andrew was first sent to Bathgate for training before his unit was posted to coastal defence duties near East Linton and Berwick- on-Tweed. It was just north of Berwick where he was the victim of a tragic accident on Tuesday 30th March 1915. Andrew, together with Private John Bryce and Lance Corporal David Oswald were stationed on coast watch near a shelter on the banks overlooking the North Sea at St John's Haven just on the English side of the border. David Oswald would have known Andrew well as he had been born in Linlithgow and was only a couple of years older. Before he signed up to join 2/10th The Royal Scots, he had been an employee of Linlithgow County Council. John Bryce, who was to be a key witness to what happened next came from West Calder.
During the afternoon, Lance Corporal Oswald was demonstrating the different stages of rifle drill to the two soldiers he was in command of. When he brought his gun to the 'examine arms' position, he accidentally fired it. Andrew was shot in the left chest by a bullet which exited at his right armpit. The horrified Oswald had the presence of mind to send Private Bryce to get help while he did what he could for the mortally wounded Andrew. Bryce returned with two other soldiers and together they carried Andrew into the shelter. Lance Corporal Oswald then cycled to Berwick To get medical assistance. He found a local doctor named Anderson from Berwick who set off to help. Oswald then reported the incident to his officer. By the time the doctor arrived, Andrew had been dead for about an hour.
The clearly devastated Lance Corporal Oswald had to face a Coroner's inquest into Andrew's death the day after the shooting. He was questioned by Captain Alexander Forbes, Officer Commanding No. 1 Company, 2/10th (Cyclist) Battalion The Royal Scots and the Coroner, Captain Mackay. When asked if he knew the rifle was loaded, he replied" Yes, sir, I loaded the rifle when I went to the post in the morning. I forgot the ammunition was in the magazine. I was easing the springs when the rifle went off. It went off when I shut the bolt." When asked if he was quite friendly with the deceased, he replied "Yes, sir, we were quite happy together all day." To the question "You never had any dispute with him?" he responded "No, sir." Fortunately for Oswald, Private Bryce had been a witness to the shooting and gave evidence to prove that both men had been on friendly terms and that no angry words had been exchanged before the incident. As a result, after a brief consultation, the jury gave their unanimous verdict "that death was due to an accident."
The following day on 1st April, Lance Corporal Oswald had to face a Police Court charged with the manslaughter of Private Andrew Douglas. As the incident had already been examined at the Coroner's inquest, the result was a formality. The Mayor of Berwick-on-Tweed, A.L. Miller delivered the verdict. "The Bench have considered the case and discharge you, David Oswald. They feel great sympathy with you. They hope that you will not take this too much to heart, but will go on doing your duties as formerly and so forget this painful episode. You are discharged without any reflection on you whatsoever."
Lance Corporal Oswald returned to duty and perhaps to put the tragic accident behind him, joined 12th Battalion of The Royal Scots. He was killed in action on 19th August 1918. The witness to the tragic accident, Private Bryce, also died in the war, still serving with 2/10th The Royal Scots, he died of wounds on 24th September 1916. Andrew's body was returned to Linlithgow by train and taken to the family home, the Lodge at Nether Parkley. A detachment of Andrew's unit was sent from Berwick to represent 2/10th The Royal Scots at the funeral. In addition, soldiers of The Highland Light Infantry who were billeted in Linlithgow at the time were formed to lead the funeral along the High Street to Linlithgow Cemetery. This escort carried their rifles reversed, a traditional mark of respect and mourning at military funerals. The H.L.I. pipe band played the traditional lament 'The Flowers of the Forest' as the horse drawn hearse carrying Andrew's Union Jack, draped coffin was taken to the cemetery where the escort fired volleys of shots in the air over Andrew's grave as a final salute to him. Linlithgow Academy also paid respect to a former pupil by flying the school's flag at half-mast.
Andrew is buried in Linlithgow Cemetery, grave reference: H. 393. Only three of the 27 former Linlithgow Academy pupils who fell during the First World War were buried at home. Andrew is the only one buried in Linlithgow. The other two local burials are David Victor Foot who is buried in Bo'ness Cemetery and George Turner Watt who is buried at Muiravonside Cemetery.
On the centenary of Andrew's death on 30th March 2015, a short remembrance ceremony was held at his grave by pupils of Linlithgow Academy and a wreath was laid in his memory.
On 2 April 1915, the West Lothian Courier reported:
FATAL MISADVENTURES OF A LINLITHGOW TERRITORIAL
On Tuesday night an unfortunate misadventure occurred at an outpost station, Marshall Meadows, near Berwick, where were stationed the men of the 2-10th Battalion, The Royal Scots, Linlithgowshire. From somewhat meagre details to hand, it appears that the Lance-Corpl. in charge was explaining to Pte. Douglas the workings of the rifle when, from some cause or other there was an explosion. The bullet pierced Douglas in the left side, and passed through his body. He died shortly afterwards.
Deceased was in his 21st year. He is a native of Linlithgow, and was stationed with the Battalion in Bathgate previous to being sent to the war station. This is the first fatality which has occurred among the men of the 1st and 2nd Tenth Battalions, and the occurrence has caused quite a gloom among the ranks of the men from West Lothian. On Wednesday a Coroner's Jury was held, and after investigations were made death was found to be entirely the result of an accident.
On 2 April 1915, the West Lothian Courier reported:
FUNERAL OF LINLITHGOW SOLDIER Pte. Andrew Douglas of the 2-10th Royal Scots, who was shot dead in a gun accident at Marshall Meadows, near the Scottish boundary, and to which reference is made in another column, was a son of Mr Robert Douglas, gardener, Nether Parkley, Linlithgow. The body was brought by train to Linlithgow yesterday afternoon. At the station it was taken charge of by a party of the H.L.I. stationed in the burgh, and was carried by them shoulder high to Nether Parkley Lodge. Captain McDonald commanding the H.L.I. detachment in Linlithgow, walked in front of the carrying party, and Rev. Robert Couper, B.D., the parish minister, who was also at the station when the train arrived walked behind the party, which further up the road was joined by the main body of the H.L.I. On top of the coffin was the Union Jack. The body was interred in Linlithgow Cemetery this afternoon with military honours. The sad accident has caused much sorrow in Linlithgow, where the young soldier was well known and much respected. In the burgh and district there is deep sympathy with Mr and Mrs Douglas and family in their great bereavement.
On 9 April 1915, the West Lothian Courier reported:
THE TRAGIC FATE OF A LINLITHGOW SOLDIER
INQUEST AT BERWICK
An inquest was held at Berwick on Wednesday on the tragic fate which befell a Linlithgow Soldier named Pte. Andrew Douglas of the 2-10 (Cyclists) Battalion, the Royal Scots, reported in our issue last week. Evidence was given by Captain Forbes, Pte. John Bryce, Captain Mackay, Lance-Corpl. Oswald, and Dr Anderson.
It appeared that the sad occurrence was of purely accidental character. Lance- Corpl. Oswald, who has keenly felt the loss of his comrade-in-arms, said he was instructing the deceased in a musketry drill at a shelter on the banks of St John's Haven. He knew the rifle was loaded.
The rifle suddenly went off when he was going through the movement of "easing spring," and when he shut up the bolt. He could not say how his finger got on the trigger. It was pointed out that the regulations stated that rifles must always be loaded when men are on duty. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
At the Berwick Police Court formal proceedings took place in connection with the regrettable affair. Lance-Corpl. David Oswald was charged with the manslaughter of Pte. Andrew Douglas.
After evidence the Mayor said to accused that the Bench sympathised with him in his distressful position, and he was discharged without any stain on his character.
On 9 April 1915, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
MILITARY FUNERAL AT LINLITHGOW
The funeral of Private Andrew Douglas of 2-10th Royal Scots, who lost his life in a gun accident at Berwick-on-Tweed on Thursday of last week, took place last Friday afternoon from Nether Parkley Lodge, Linlithgow, the residence of his parents to Linlithgow Cemetery. A detachment from deceased's Company under Lieutenant P.C. Thom, came from Berwick-on-Tweed to attend the obsequeries as a mark of respect for their late comrade. There was also a turnout of men and officers from the detachment of the Highland Light Infantry billeted in the town, and from which was furnished the firing party, which walked at the head of the cortege with rifles reversed. Then came the Pipe Band of the H.L.I. playing "the Flowers of the Forest," immediately in front of the hearse (the coffin being wrapped in the Union Jack), behind which walked the chief mourners and the general public. The detachment from the 2-10th bringing up the rear. As the cortege passed along the High Street there were many manifestations of deep sorrow among the inhabitants. Prior to the body being removed from Nether Parkley Lodge a short service was conducted by the Rev. Robert Couper, B.D., minister of the parish, to whose church deceased belonged. Mr Couper also officiated at the grave, and at the conclusion of this service the usual number of volleys were fired over the grave by the firing party. The deceased was a former pupil of Linlithgow Academy, and on the morning after the accident happened, Mr Beveridge, the Rector of the Academy, made these remarks at the usual morning muster of the school :- " I regret to have sad news to-day. One of your former pupils, Pte. Andrew Douglas, of the 2-10th Battalion R.S., has been accidentally shot at Berwick, where his battalion was stationed. Not from eagerness to make money, not from an ambition to gain glory, but from a simple sense of duty he had decided to enlist in the service of King and country. He made the great sacrifice of self for the good of others. Though he was fated to die by accident here in his native land and not on a foreign field of battle, none the less truly did he die for his country." All day on Friday the flag at the Academy flew at half-mast.
Bryce Sinclair Dymock was born on 5th May 1895 at 59 High Street, Linlithgow. His father James Blair Dymock was an Ironmonger. His mother Elizabeth Dunlop Dymock's maiden name was Duncan. Both of Bryce's parents were natives of Linlithgow.
In the 1901 census, Bryce, aged five was listed as a scholar. The family were still living at the same address. His father was 40 years old, his mother two years younger and an older brother, Thedford was seven.
At the age of 12, Bryce passed his qualifying exams at Linlithgow Academy. The school log book records him as passing the exam and Linlithgowshire Gazette 4/8/1916 qualifying for the next session in May 1907.
In July 1910, he again appears in the log book having gained his Intermediate Certificate. In the 1911 census, the family still lived at 59 High Street however Elizabeth Dymock, aged 48, was now registered as the head of the family. As there is no mention of Bryce's father, it has to be assumed that he was dead by this time. Bryce himself was aged 15 and his profession was listed as an ironmonger's apprentice. Thedford Dymock, aged 17, was still living at home. He was a Civil Servant student. Bryce's Grandparents on his mother's side were now living with the family. David Duncan, aged 73, was a retired boat manufacturer and his wife Elizabeth was 79. The census also recorded two visitors staying with the family. As the family had six rooms it was possible to accommodate this number of people. Interestingly, another family of Dymocks are noted as living next door in the same building. They were Bryce's uncle Thomas, aunt Joan and young cousin, Blair who was only three.
Bryce's father had been an ironmonger before his death. His brother and next door neighbour Thomas Dymock, was also an ironmonger. Together they ran Messrs Dymock Bros, ironmongers. After leaving school, Bryce joined the family business as an apprentice ironmonger. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked in Edinburgh with Messrs Scott and Co., wholesale ironmongers in the Grassmarket.
On 10th February 1915, aged 19, Bryce enlisted in the 9th Battalion Royal Scots, a Territorial unit, known as the "Dandy Ninth" He signed up for the duration of the war listing his home address as Lilybank Cottage, Linlithgow. He was assigned to "B" Company, 9th Battalion with service number 3121. Bryce went to France in September 1915. On the 1st of March 1916, the Battalion joined 154th Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. The 9th Battalion were in action in the Battles of the Somme, including the attacks on High Wood and The Battle of the Ancre and capturing Beaumont Hamel where they captured more than 2000 prisoners.
During the battle of the Somme, Bryce was recorded on his medal card and death certificate of dying of wounds, aged 21 on 23rd July 1916.
He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D and is remembered on the family grave in Linlithgow Cemetery. The inscription reads "Bryce, killed in the Battle of the Somme 23rd July 1916, aged 21".
On 4 August 1916, the West Lothian Courier reported:
Mrs James Blair Dymock, Lilybank Cottage, Linlithgow, received the sad intelligence on Friday last that her younger son Bryce, a private in the Royal Scots had been killed in action. A Lance Corporal in the same regiment wrote Mrs Dymock a sympathetic note, in the course of which he said that Bryce was killed on the morning on 22nd July.
The writer proceeded, "He was loved and honoured by everyone of us. I saw him before he went into the trenches, and we made it up that if one of us was hit the other would inform the parents.
There is one consolation," he concludes, "Bryce died a hero with a smile on his face. May God help you in this your hour of sorrow."
Bryce Sinclair Dymock was born in Linlithgow 21 years ago. He was educated at Linlithgow Academy and served his apprenticeship with his late father's firm of Messrs Dymock Bros, ironmongers. After its completion, he, to gain further experience, entered the employment of Messrs Scott and Co., wholesale ironmongers, Grassmarket, Edinburgh. In February, 1915, he joined the Royal Scots, and proceeded to the front at the beginning of September, 1915. He wrote his mother regularly very cheerful letters, breathing the true spirit of the young ardent soldier. He was justly proud that his brigade held the record of the British Army, occupying as it did the trenches and close supports for 41/2 months on end. After a few day's rest his regiment was sent to the south to assist the big push.
On 4 August 1916, the Linlithgow Journal and Gazette reported:
On Friday last information reached Linlithgow that Private Bryce Sinclair Dymock, of the Royal Scots, younger son of Mrs Dymock, Lilybank Cottage Linlithgow, and of the late Mr James Blair Dymock, of Dymock Bros. grocers, ironmongers, and seed merchants, Linlithgow, had fallen in France. Private Dymock was 21 years of age. He was educated at Linlithgow Academy, and was regarded by his teachers and schoolfellows as a particularly nice boy. He joined the army in February of last year and had been in France since September. The news of his death was conveyed in a letter to his mother by one of his chums at the front. The writer in the course of his letter, which is of date 24th July, states :- "Dear Mrs Dymock - Just a short note to inform you that Bryce was killed on the morning of the 22nd inst. He was loved and honoured by everyone of us. I saw him before he went into the trenches, and we made it up that if one of us was hit the other would inform the parents. Mrs Dymock, you have one consolation, and that is Bryce died a hero with a smile on his face. I will do my best to get a photo taken of his grave, so it will give you an idea of his last resting place." Prior to the outbreak of war, the deceased young soldier had entered upon a business career of much promise, and in Linlithgow, where he was well known and highly respected there is deep regret at his death and wide- spread sympathy with his sorrowing mother and brother. The latter (Thedford) is also in the Army and at present being trained for the position of an officer in the Royal Field Artillery.
David Victor Foot was born on May 8th 1897 at Drysdale, Bo'ness. He was the son of James Frederick Foot and Margaret Foot. His father was an Inland Revenue Officer. His mother's maiden name was Ballantine. James had been born in England while Margaret was a local girl from Bo'ness.
The 1901 census records the family living at Graemesdyke, Bo'ness. David was three at the time. His father, aged 46 was working as a Supervisor of Inland Revenue (Excise). His mother was aged 41 and her profession was listed as a supervisor's wife. David was the third child in the family having an older sister, Winifred aged ten and an older brother Archibald aged eight, both of whom were attending school. The family were wealthy enough to employ two domestic servants. Linlithgowshire Gazette, 11/5/1917 On 26th June 1909, when David was eleven years old, the Linlithgow Academy school log book records that he passed the Qualifying Examination.
The 1911 census reveals that the family were staying at the same house. David's father was now a Surveyor of Customs and Excise. Only Archibald had left the family home. David was listed as attending school. The family were still in a position to employ two servants.
After he left Linlithgow Academy, David continued his education at Edinburgh Academy, where he was a member of the school's Officers' Training Corps in the two years he spent there. He then moved south and gained further experience with the Artist's Rifle Corps in London and the Cadet unit at Oxford.
He joined The Royal Flying Corps as a cadet in 18th (Reserve) Squadron. This was a training unit which had been formed at Northolt in May 1915.
On 17th March 1917 he was one of a number of cadets made temporary 2nd Lieutenant.
David carried out his training at Montrose Air Base, flying a BE 2c biplane. This two-seater aircraft was not suited to air-to-air combat but was used mainly for artillery observation and aerial photography.
In good flying conditions, early on the morning of Friday 4th May, David took off on his own in a BE 2c, serial number 9974. He was on an aerial photography training mission when the engine developed a fault and the plane plunged to the ground and burst into flames.
David would have almost certainly been killed on impact as his death certificate states that the cause death was a fractured spine.
He died four days short of his 20th birthday and was buried in Bo'ness Cemetery, Grave Reference: D. 1232.
David is one of only three former pupils of Linlithgow Academy who died in the First World War and is buried in the local area. The others are Andrew Douglas who is buried in Linlithgow Cemetery and George Turner Watt who is buried in Muiravonside Cemetery.
On 5 May 1917,The Times reported:
Lieutenant Foot, RFC, was killed yesterday whilst flying at Montrose. When 50ft up the aeroplane dived to earth and burst into flames. The fire was so fierce that no one could get near to help the airman, who was burnt to death.
The aeroplane was completely consumed. Lieutenant Foot, who was 24, belonged to Bo'ness.
On 11 May 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
It was with feelings of deep regret that the people of Bo'ness heard last Friday of the tragic death at Montrose of Second Lieut. David Victor Foot, Royal Flying Corps, youngest son of Mr J.R. Foot, surveyor of Customs and Excise, Graemesdyke, Bo'ness. The sad news conveyed by telegram, was broken to the parents by the Rev D.G. Young of Craigmaden U.F. Church with which the family is connected.
The distressing affair occurred about 8.30 last Friday morning. The weather was warm and clear and for the purpose of taking photographs, which is part of the airman's training, Lieut. Foot, unaccompanied, made an ascent. What happened is largely conjecture, but on reaching 150 feet he was seen to be making a turning movement. It may be that something had gone wrong with the engine. Whatever the cause, to the consternation of the onlookers the aeroplane dived to the earth, landing with terrific force.
Members of the Royal Army Medical Corps who were on the spot at once made a valiant attempt, and almost succeeded in unstrapping the unfortunate occupant of the car, when the aeroplane burst into flames, nullifying all their efforts at rescue. However, it is comforting to think that death preceded the fire, for it is believed that in the fall the aviator's neck was fractured. Among the officers and men at the aerodrome the calamity caused a painful sensation, all classes feeling very keenly the loss of the popular young airman.
Lieut. Foot was born at Bo'ness 19 years ago. He was educated at Linlithgow Academy and Edinburgh Academy, to whose Officers' Training Corps he was attached for two years. A further period of probation was spent with the Artist's Rifle Corps in London and the Cadet unit at Oxford all qualifying him for a commission which he ultimately received in the Royal Flying Corps.
A good all-round sportsman, full of life and energy, and absolutely without fear, he would certainly have made a name for himself in the British air service. From Turnhouse where he began his flying career, he made a trip the other day to his native place in a biplane, and the skill with which he handled his machine on that occasion commanded much admiration. Bo'ness was proud of its first airman and the townspeople were following with keen interest his movements in our wonderful air service.
On the day before the fatal flight, Lieut. Foot had been eminently successful in trial spin having been up for an hour, and the experience gained inspired confidence and caution, and makes the accident of last Friday all the more difficult to explain.
On receipt of the sad news, Mr Foot accompanied by his brother-in-law, Mr Archibald Ballantine, Erngath, proceeded to Montrose, and arranged for the internment taking place at Bo'ness. The body, enclosed in an oak coffin, was taken by rail to Edinburgh on the Saturday. A motor conveyance from Turnhouse was in waiting at the station and the remains were taken to Graemesdyke.
James Tait Fyfe was born on 15th June, 1894 at 95 High Street Linlithgow. His father James was a railway clerk. His mother's name was Maggie. Her maiden name, Tait, was given to young James as his middle name.
James senior originally came from Bowling, near Dumbarton while Maggie was four years younger and was a native of Linlithgow.
The 1901 census records the family living at 11 Strawberry Bank, Linlithgow. James' father, was 39 years old and was still employed as a railway clerk. They had four boys. John was the oldest aged 8. James Tait was two years younger and like his older brother was listed as being a scholar. The other two brothers were not old enough to start school yet. William was four and David, two.
By 1911, the census reveals that the family had moved to Balfron in Stirlingshire. James senior was now employed as the station master there. The family's address was listed as Balfron Station House so the accommodation most likely came as part of the father's job. Both John, 18 and William, 14 were working alongside their father for the North British Railway company employed as railway clerks. James Tait was 16 in 1911 and was working as an apprentice electrical engineer at the British Electric Plant Company, Alloa. The youngest brother, David was 12 and attending school.
Soon after the war began, James enlisted in Alloa on 21st September 1914 with 7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, service number 3004. The HQ of 7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was in Stirling so this was James' local regiment.
On his attestation papers his parent's address Balfron Station House had been originally written but this was scored out and a corrected address written in as 17 Ochil Street, Alloa. James had possibly recently moved out of the family home to this address.
James' medical inspection report taken when volunteered fairly accurately noted his 'apparent age' as being 20 years and three months. He was measured at being five feet eight and quarter inches tall and was rated as 'good' for both vision and physical development.
Volunteers in Territorial units could not be forced to serve abroad unless they agreed to do so. However, on 14th October 1914, at Alloa, James signed a form where in the event of a national emergency he agreed to serve outside the United Kingdom.
The 7th Battalion landed in France in December 1914. In the fighting which followed. James survived after coming under an enemy gas attack. James was to gain promotion to Lance Corporal in the summer of 1916. His Statement of Services record notes that he was promoted to this rank on an unpaid basis on 1st June. He had to wait until 21st July before he was paid for his new role. On 1st September, according to his record of Company Conduct sheet, James was reprimanded for being absent from parade at 6.45 AM.
In March 1916, James and the rest of 7th Battalion The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, transferred to 154th Brigade in 51st (Highland) Division. This Division was heavily involved in the Battle Ancre in November 1916. This was the final part of the Battle of the Somme which had been on launched on 1st July that year. The objective for 51st Highland Division was to capture the village of Beaumont-Hamel, a fortress village situated just behind the German lines commanding the valley over which any attacking troops had to cross. On 13th November 1916, 51st (Highland) Division attacked across no man's land helped by a swirling mist. After fierce fighting, they succeeded in capturing Beaumont-Hamel. James' Brigade, the 154th, were initially held in reserve before being ordered up in support. During 15 November 154th Brigade took over the new front line from 152nd and 153rd Brigades where they came under heavy German shelling.
James was reported as being killed in action the following day on 16th November 1916. His body was not identified. He was aged 22 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial, Panel Reference: Pier and Face 15 A and 16 C.
On 8 December 1916, the West Lothian Courier reported:
LINLITHGOW A. and S. HIGHLANDER KILLED IN ACTION Lance-Corporal James Tait Fyfe, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, has been killed in action. The deceased soldier was born in Linlithgow 22 years ago. He was the second son of Mr James Fyfe, station master, Balfron, and who for many years was the chief clerk in the goods department at Linlithgow Station and afterwards the agent at Lochmill Siding, Linlithgow. Lance-Corporal Fyfe enlisted in September, 1914 and was "gassed" early in the war. Prior to enlisting, he was an apprentice engineer with the British Electric Plant Company, Alloa.
Thomas Adams Hardie was born 14th August 1897 at Saughton Hall Mains, Gorgie, Edinburgh. He was the illegitimate son of Thomas Adams, a dairyman and Mary Hardie, a dairymaid. On Thomas' birth certificate he was registered under the name Thomas Adams.
The 1901 census records Thomas as living at Gateside Farm Cottages, Linlithgow, with his Grandparents Robert and Mary.
Robert was 49 and working as a ploughman. He originally came from Falkirk. Mary was the same age. She came from Kirknewton, to the west of Edinburgh. Thomas' mother was not listed as living with the family but her two sisters and brother, Thomas' aunts and uncle, were. Lizzie was 18. She had been born in Uphall. James was 13 and was attending school. He had been born at Ecclesmachan. Janet, aged 10 was also at school. She had been born in Edinburgh. As his children had all been born at different places, it is clear that Robert's job as a ploughman resulted in him moving frequently with his family to different farms in search of employment. Thomas was aged three at the time of the census and while the rest of the family all had the surname Hardie, his surname was recorded as Adams, his father's name.
On 22nd June 1909, the Linlithgow Academy School log book records Thomas as passing his qualifying exams. Two of his classmates who passed at the same time, David V. Foot and James M. Wilson would later both die in uniform, two months apart, in 1917.
By the 1911 census, Thomas' family had moved yet again. They were now living at Mannerston Cottages, Abercorn. Thomas was now 13 years old and attending school. His grandfather Robert was still employed as a ploughman. Thomas' aunt Elizabeth as she was recorded now was the only one of Robert and Mary's children still living at home. She was 28. There were however two other grandsons now being looked after by Robert and Mary. David Hardie was six and was attending school while Robert Bryce was four. A boarder was also listed in the census, John Bryce aged 30. He was a labourer originally from Uphall and presumably the father of young Robert. All of these people were squeezed into a two room cottage.
The 1915 valuation roll locates the family at Middle Bankhead Farm, Denny. De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour lists Thomas' pre-war profession as a farmer so presumably he helped on that farm.
Thomas enlisted with 16th Battalion (2nd Edinburgh) The Royal Scots at Denny on 14th August 1916.
He enlisted as Thomas Adams Hardie, using both his mother's and father's surnames. He joined with the rank of Private, service number 34731 and served with the Expeditionary Force in France from 1st December.
The 16th Royal Scots had been raised in December 1914 by Sir George McCrae, MP who obtained permission to form his own unit. It achieved fame as 'McCrae's Battalion'.
Sir George persuaded players from Heart of Midlothian, who were top of the league at the time to enlist. Eleven Hearts players volunteered and were soon joined by five more. Players from Raith Rovers, Hibs, Falkirk and Dunfermline also enlisted, along with other sportsmen from across the area. This enthusiasm inspired many fans of these clubs to sign up too. Eleven Hearts players and three from Raith Rovers were later killed in the war.
After training, the Battalion were sent to France, landing at Le Havre on the 8th of January 1916. In July they were involved in the Battle of the Somme, including the capture of Scots and Sausage Redoubts, the Battles of Bazentin Ridge and Pozieres Ridge. During this offensive over 200 soldiers in the Battalion were killed and many more were wounded.
On 9th April 1917, the Battle of Arras began. This offensive saw the greatest concentration of Scottish battalions in any of the battles of the war with a total of 44 Scottish battalions committed to the battle. The British attack was preceded by a four day bombardment of the German positions which destroyed much of the German’s barbed wire defences and artillery. The attack was successful but unfortunately bad weather prevented further advances after the gains of the first day. The 16th Battalion was involved in the part of the offensive which became known as the First Battle of the Scarpe. It was on the first day of this battle that Thomas was killed in action. He was 20 years old. He was buried at the Roclincourt Valley Cemetery, Grave Reference: IV. C. 15.
Evan MacDonald was born on 15th April 1894 at The Syke, Linlithgow. His father James Farquharson MacDonald was a Solicitor in the Supreme Courts of Scotland and his Mother was Margaret Colquhoun MacDonald (maiden name Morrison). James originated from Dailly in South Ayrshire while Margaret, had been born in Corstorphine which was then a village on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
The 1901 census records the family living at 23 Rivaldsgreen Road, Kilmuir. Evan, who was listed as a schoolboy was aged six and the oldest of three children. His brother Hamish, also a schoolboy, was a year younger. Their sister Flora was three. James, the father, was aged 46 and was still listed as Linlithgowshire Gazette, 24/8/1917 a Solicitor in the Supreme Courts of Scotland but was now also a Notary Public. Margaret, aged 34, was described as a lawyer's wife. The family was wealthy enough to employ two servants, one a domestic housemaid and the other a general servant.
An entry in the Linlithgow Academy log book for 29th June 1906, records Evan passing his qualifying exams. George Burns, who was also fated to die in the war, passed these exams at the same time. The 1911 census reveals that Evan, 16 had left school and was now working on a farm as a farming pupil. By now, he had three more brothers, Donald who was 10, Charles, 8 and Ronald, 6. The family by this date only employed one servant. There was enough space to accommodate two parents, six children and a servant as the census also reveals that the house had eight rooms with one or more windows.
About this time Evan joined The Lothian Border Horse Yeomanry which was part of the British Territorial Army. He remained part of this unit for two years. He was also active in the local Boy Scouts holding the post of Assistant Scoutmaster.
At the age of 18, Evan emigrated to Canada, leaving Liverpool on the Empress of Britain. He arrived in St John, New Brunswick Canada on 31st March 1912. The passenger list for the journey indicates that his eventual destination was Sedgewick, Alberta. On the list, he noted his experience working as a farm labourer for one year starting in 1910. His intended profession in Canada was as a farmer.
Many British born men who had emigrated to Canada still felt a deep loyalty to their country of birth and Evan was no exception. On 5th February 1916, he signed up to join the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force which was being raised to fight in Europe. On his attestation papers, he listed his address as Johnson's Livery Barn, Medicine Hat and his profession as a rancher. His war records also reveal that he was 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.72 metres), had a 36 and a half inch chest measurement and was unmarried.
Evan joined 50th Battalion The Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment) as a Private, service number 696146. The 50th Battalion played an important part in the battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917 when Canadian forces attacked German strong points which were considered impregnable. On 10th April, 50th Battalion captured the German positions on Hill 145 an attack which resulted in very heavy casualties. Despite this, two days later, the surviving members of the Battalion displayed great courage in successfully attacking the Pimple, the second highest point on the ridge which ensured an Allied victory in the battle.
A month after this battle, on 10th May 1917, Evan was manning a listening post during an attack East of Lievin, France when a shell exploded nearby.
He was severely wounded by shrapnel and died about fifteen minutes later, aged 23.
He was buried at La Chaudiere Military Cemetery, Vimy, Grave Reference: VI. A. 8.
Evan's brother Hamish was also killed in 1919 and the Macdonald family grave in Linlithgow cemetery commemorates both Evan and Hamish.
On 29 June 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
PTE. EVAN MCDONALD, CANADIAN FORCES KILLED Still another young name has to be added to the list of young men of Linlithgow whose lives have been given for their country. On Thursday, Mr James F. MacDonald, S.S.C., received intimation that his eldest son Pte. Evan Macdonald, Canadian Forces, had been killed in action in France on 10th May. Twenty three years of age, he was a handsome, stalwart young man. Before the outbreak of war he was engaged in farming in the province of Saskatchewan, but shortly after the outbreak of war he joined the Canadian forces and in due time crossed the seas to the old country, ready to proceed to the battle-zone in France. On this occasion he took the opportunity of paying a visit to Linlithgow, and he then departed for France, where he saw much hard fighting. He was a pupil of Linlithgow Academy, and an active member of the local company of Boy Scouts.
Mr Macdonald has another son in the Army, Lieut. Hamish MacDonald of the Hussars.
On 24 August 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
THE LATE PTE. EVAN MCDONALD, LINLITHGOW Sympathetic references were made at the last meeting of the directors of the Linlithgowshire Savings Investment and Building Society to the bereavement suffered by the manager, Mr Jas. F. Macdonald, S.S.C. in the death of his eldest son, Pte. Evan Macdonald, Canadian Expeditionary Force, who was killed in action in France. On the motion of the Chairman, Hon. Treasurer Thomas Dymock, the following resolution was unanimously passed: "On behalf of the directors, we extend to you, and to the mother, sisters, and brothers of Evan Macdonald, our deep sympathy for his loss by death. We cannot overestimate the valour and bravery of our young lads at this time, who have so nobly answered their country's call. Let us hope none of us will ever forget the spirit in which your son, Evan Macdonald, joined the Canadian Army at the age of 22 years, came over to Europe with the Canadians, and fought in the defence of the freedom of nations. He died the death of a hero, and greater honour hath no man."
Mr Macdonald feelingly acknowledged the resolution.
Evan Macdonald obeyed the call of the Motherland at an early stage of the war, and crossed to this country and subsequently to France to take part in the great struggle against the enemy of civilization. A bright and promising young life - one of many - was dedicated to his country when he left the Dominion, in which he had settled, to cross the sea at the dictates of high duty. He was a young man of notable artistic gifts, which might have reached fruition in future years, but he placed everything on the altar of patriotism. He played his part in the battles of the early part of this year, when the fine manhood of the Canadian Forces showed their high courage and great daring, and swept the enemy out of his strongholds that were deemed impregnable. Something of his temperament and spirit may be understood by the extracts we quote below from a letter he wrote to his father at the end of last year. Evan Macdonald might have achieved a satisfying career at home by virtue of his gifts, but the call of "Our Lady of the Snows" had been heard by him; the expansive open-air life made its irresistible appeal to his spirit, and that was the life he chose. In the course of the letter to which we have referred he says:
"I am a horseman, and will be to the day I die. I guess I was born a long time too late because I should have dragged a long sword and worn armour and topped a big horse ... Horsemen are not born; they are made, not men who merely buy and sell and work, but men who know horses, To other people, horses are all alike. There is something old as the hills in the swing and slant of a horse, the jingle of the bit, the creak of the straining saddle and the wind in your face."
Hamish Macdonald was born 5th December 1895 at Friarsbrae, Linlithgow. His father James Farquharson MacDonald was a Solicitor in the Supreme Courts of Scotland and his Mother was Margaret Colquhoun MacDonald (maiden name Morrison). James originated from Dailly in South Ayrshire. Margaret had been born in Corstorphine which was then a village on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
The 1901 census records the family living at 23 Rivaldsgreen Road, Kilmuir. Hamish who Thirteenth Hussars Memorial Book was listed as a schoolboy was aged five.
He had a brother Evan who was year older than him. Their sister Flora was three. Hamish's father was aged 46 and was still listed as a Solicitor in the Supreme Courts of Scotland but was now also a Notary Public. Margaret, aged 34, was described as a lawyer's wife. The family was wealthy enough to employ two servants, one a domestic housemaid and the other a general servant.
The Linlithgow Academy school log book recorded on 14th May 1907 that Hamish had passed his qualifying exams. On 20th May 1907, it was noted that he had qualified for the next session. Three years later, on 1st July 1910, the log book revealed that Hamish had passed his Intermediate Certificate.
By 1911, the census shows that the family were still living at the same address. Hamish was 15 and still at school.
Evan, 16 had left school and was now working on a farm as a farming pupil. By now, they had three more brothers, Donald who was 10, Charles, eight and Ronald, six. The family by this date only employed one servant. There was enough space to accommodate both parents, six children and a servant as the census also reveals that the house had eight rooms with one or more windows.
By the time the war broke out in August 1914, Hamish was already a private in The Lothian and Border Horse Yeomanry, service number 1388, which was part of the British Territorial Army. D Squadron was based in Edinburgh and had drill halls in Linlithgow, Bathgate, Broxburn, Hopetoun, Mid Calder, South Queensferry, Ratho and Winchburgh. His older brother Evan had also served in this unit before the war. D Squadron moved to Aldershot and came under orders of 22nd Division. They moved to France with the rest of the division and landed there on 6th September 1915. In November of that year, Hamish and his unit were transferred to serve at Salonika in Greece. Other former pupils of Linlithgow Academy who volunteered to serve with The Lothian and Borders Horse in Salonika were William Andrew and William Young.
After returning home for further training, Hamish was commissioned 16th April 1917 as a Captain in the 3rd Reserve Regiment of Cavalry, service number 120188. At his own request, he was transferred to Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) as a 2nd Lieutenant of The 13th Hussars.
During the fighting there, he won the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in the face of the enemy when, on April 29th 1918, he led a successful cavalry charge against a Turkish machine gun position which was holding up the advance with little loss to his troops. A letter from Colonel Richardson to Sir R.S. Baden-Powell sent on 1st May 1918 and later published in The Thirteenth Hussars in the Great War describes the action.
April 29 - We drew back and circled to the W. behind the battery, and were ordered to get touch with the 21st and 22nd Cav. and then attempt to get across the Tuz-Tan road to stop the enemy's retreat. Moving W., it was found that the 22nd and 21st were held up by a nest of M. guns on a small knoll. At the time of our arrival these were not directed on us, and appeared to have left their position. Two troops of 'B' were accordingly pushed forward, and led off so as to leave the knoll on their right. After a short distance they came under M.G. fire, and 2nd Lt. MacDonald wheeled the two troops to the right, thus putting his own troop in front and that of Sgt. Brencher in rear. He galloped the hill and took it - the enemy except two, escaping being sabred by putting their hands up when the men were on them. This action opened the way across the plain, and the three regiments, 21st, 13th, 22nd from the right, moved across, meeting small bodies of the enemy, and killing or taking them prisoners.
The Military Cross Gazette Book lists Hamish's citation for the award.
For conspicuous gallantry and coolness in action. When in command of the scouting line he came under heavy fire from a knoll 600 yards away. Without hesitation he rallied his men and charged. He captured all the enemy and four machine guns which had for some time been holding up the advance. He did splendidly.
Hamish remained in the Middle East after the war finished and served as a Political Officer in The 13th Hussars with a responsibility of raising and equipping of local gendarmes to fight against Kurdish tribesmen. On the night of 14th July, 1919, Hamish was staying in the Political Officer's house in Amadia along with his fellow officer, Troup. Captain R H D Willey who was the Political Officer at Amadia was also present. They were guarded by local levies.
During the night, Kurdish tribesmen climbed the high walls and broke into the officer's rooms and murdered Hamish and his companions. Their guards were also killed.*
*Mesopotamia 1917-1920, 'A Clash of Loyalties', by Sir Arnold Wilson.
Hamish is commemorated on the Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel Reference: Panel 1 and on a family memorial in Linlithgow Cemetery along with his brother Evan who also died in the war.
On 27 July 1919, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
LINLITHGOW OFFICER KILLED The Late Lieut. Hamish Macdonald A telegram has been received by Mr James F. Macdonald, S.S.C., Linlithgow, conveying to him the sad news that his second son, Lieut. Hamish Macdonald, 13th Hussars, had been killed in action at Amadia, near Mosul, Mesopotamia, on 16th July. The deepest sympathy of the entire community is extended to Mr and Mrs Macdonald in this, their second bereavement due to the war. It will be remembered that their eldest son, Evan, who was in the Canadian Forces, fell in action in France in May, 1917.
So far no particulars have been received to indicate in what circumstances Lieut. Macdonald lost his life, beyond the fact that he fell while performing the duty of a soldier. He was a young man of fine disposition and much promise. In August last he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry while in command of a scouting line.
On 1 August 1919, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
LIEUT. HAMISH MACDONALD M.C Killed in Action in Mesopotamia In our short reference last week to the death of Lieutenant Hamish Macdonald M.C., 13th Hussars, (second son of Mr James F. Macdonald, S.S.C., and Mrs Macdonald, Kilmuir Linlithgow), it was mentioned that this gallant young officer had been killed in action in Amadia, Mesopotamia, and no further information was then available. Mr Macdonald subsequently learned that his son lost his life in the course of an engagement with Kurds on 14th of July. The following telegram from the Civil Commissioner at Baghdad was received at Kilmuir at the end of last week:
"Baghdad, 24th July - Deeply regret to inform you your son, Lieutenant H. Macdonald, M.C., killed in action against Kurds at Amadia, July 14th. He was a most excellent officer, whose loss I greatly deplore. His many friends join me in offering sincere condolences. Lieut.-Colonel A.T. Wilson, Civil Commissioner."
This week a further telegram was received from the Civil Commissioner at Baghdad in these terms:
"I am desired by his Excellency the Viceroy, and by Sir Hamilton Grant, on behalf of the Foreign and Political Department of the Government of India to convey to you an expression of their sincere sympathy."
SKETCH OF HIS CAREER Born in December, 1895, the late Lieutenant Hamish Macdonald was educated at Linlithgow Academy, and he subsequently studied at Edinburgh for the degree of BSc, with the object of adopting the engineering profession. In pursuance of his studies, he was engaged for some six months at Philpstoun Oil Works in fitting up an electric installation. When war broke out in August 1914, Lieut. Macdonald was camping in Perthshire, and he then proceeded to re-join the Lothian and Border Horse, of which he was a member. From that time, it may be said, till the end of his life, he was engaged almost continually in some part of the world. He was with his regiment in France, and afterwards in Salonika. After this experience of war on two fronts, he returned home to engage in study at Nethercarron preparatory to receiving his commission, and was subsequently posted to the 3rd Cavalry Reserve Regiment at Aldershot. Thereafter at his own request, he was sent to Mesopotamia (in charge of a draft) as a 2nd Lieut. of the 13th Hussars. Taking a full share in the operations, Lieut. Macdonald was in the victorious army which fought the Turks and advanced upon and captured Mosul, and he afterwards returned with his regiment to a rest camp at Baghdad. A course of professional instruction at Hillah followed. By this time the power of the Turks in Mesopotamia had been virtually destroyed. Lieut. Macdonald was afterwards offered and accepted, an appointment as an officer in charge of gendarmerie, under the Civil Commissioner at Mosul, Colonel Leishman. As recalled in our last issue, Lieut. Macdonald received the Military Cross while in Mesopotamia for conspicuous gallantry in action. While he was in command of a scout line, he came under heavy fire from a knoll 600 yards away, and without hesitation he rallied his men and charged, capturing all the enemy and four machine guns which had been holding up the advance for some time.
Of a lovable disposition, Lieut. Hamish Macdonald was a universal favourite, and he proved himself a daring fearless and capable young soldier. It is a sad reflection that having fought through the war, in which he gained distinction he should not have been spared to return home; but although the war was officially at an end, there was sporadic fighting against the intractable Kurds, and Lieut. Macdonald's life ended while he was discharging his duty as a British Officer. To the bereaved parents we can only offer, in association with the whole community, the most sincere condolences on their sad loss which is not the only bereavement that has befallen them throughout the war.
John MacKay was born on 6th August 1896. His parents were Alexander, who worked as a baker and Agnes (nee) Grant. Alexander originally came from Armadale while Agnes was a native of Carriden, near Bo'ness.
The 1901 census lists the family as living in a two room house in Abercorn. John's father was 38 years old and now working as a general labourer. Agnes was two years older. The family had moved around a lot in a short period of time, presumably as Alexander sought work, as their children had been born in a variety of locations. Isabella, aged 11, had been born at Carriden. Alexina, nine, had been born in Torphichen. William, seven, had been born in Polmont. The three oldest Linlithgowshire Gazette, 3/8/1917 children were recorded as attending school.
John who was aged four at this point, had been born at Muiravonside. David aged one and Robert who was just a baby had both been born in Abercorn. By 1911, the census reveals that the family were now staying at 224 High Street Linlithgow. They now had seven rooms and needed them. Alexander was working again as a baker, possibly in the bakery on Preston Road. Isabella was listed as a factory worker, Alexina as a papermill worker and William as an apprentice baker.
John, now 14 had left school and was also working as an apprentice baker. David and Robert were still attending school. John's cousin, ten year old Alexander Walker was staying with the family as were three boarders. Two of these men were listed as shoemakers while the third was a bootmaker.
John moved on from learning the baking trade to work as a porter at Manuel Station near Falkirk.
In 1915, he enlisted with 7th Battalion of The Seaforth Highlanders as a Private, service number S/9268. The traditional recruiting area for the Seaforths was Ross-shire, Sutherland and Caithness. MacKay is a common name in that part of Scotland, particularly Sutherland and it is possible that John's not too distant ancestors came from there and that is what drew him to enlist with that regiment.
After final training in 1915, 7th Battalion of The Seaforths were sent to France, landing at Boulogne in May.
They first saw action at the Battle of Loos which was fought in the following September and October. In 1916 they were again in action in the Battle of the Somme, including the capture of Longueval, The Battle of Delville Wood and The Battle of Le Transloy.
On 3rd June, 1917, at Arras, John was part of a work party sent to deepen a communications trench. The men came under enemy artillery fire. John was killed by a shell explosion. He was 21 years old.
He was buried at Roeux British Cemetery, Grave Reference: Sp. Mem. F. 3 and is also commemorated on the family grave stone in Linlithgow Cemetery. The inscription reads "John killed in action at Arras 3rd June 1917".
On 20 July 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:,
PTE. JOHN MACKAY, LINLITHGOW, KILLED IN ACTION Recently a report was received by Mr Alex. MacKay, baker, Preston Road, Linlithgow that his son, Private John MacKay, Seaforths, had been wounded, but on Wednesday a communication was received from his officer intimating the sad intelligence that Private MacKay had been killed by a shell explosion. Private MacKay, who joined the Army about two years ago, was twenty-one years of age and was formerly employed as a porter at Manuel Station.
On 3 August 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
KILLED BY SHELL EXPLOSION In the last issue of the "Gazette" a brief reference was made to the death of Pte. John MacKay, Seaforths, son of Mr Alex Mackay, baker, Preston Road.
We are now able to publish the following extracts from a sympathetic letter which has been received by Mrs MacKay from her son's company officer:
"It is with deep grief and sorrow that I beg to break to you the sad news that your son John, of 'C' Coy., was reported to us some time ago as having been killed in action on the 3rd June. It will be hard for a mother's heart, torn and rent by grief and anxiety, to be reconciled to such a loss, but may God comfort you and be your stay in this sad hour, and may He guide you safely through the valley of darkness. May it also be a consolation and a source of pride and joy to you to know that your boy died the noblest of deaths for his country. Throughout the fighting he behaved like the good soldier he has always proved himself, fearless and brave. His platoon officer, who was wounded some time before, was always praising your boy, and regarded him as one of the mainstays of the platoon.
"Your boy, along with fifty others went on a working party under a sergeant to deepen a communication trench, when apparently the enemy began to shell the trench. Somebody or other apparently gave the order to clear out of the trench into the open. Just as they were preparing to do so, a shell burst in the trench, killing your boy and wounding six others. At first there was no definite word as to what really happened, but from what I can gather from the others in the party, that is what happened. At first he was reported wounded, then later he was reported killed. It is certain this is the correct report."
The late Pte. MacKay was employed at Manuel Station before he joined the army. John Alexander Main was born on 26th October 1881 at Friarsdale, Linlithgow. His father, also called John, was Depute Procurator-Fiscal, of Linlithgowshire. He came from Banchory near Aberdeen while his wife Kate, whose maiden name was Stewart, was a native of Forfar.
John attended Linlithgow Burgh School & Academy between 1891 and 1896. On 10th September 1894, the results of the Free Scholarship exam held on 25th August were recorded. Candidates had to sit four exams. John sat English, Arithmetic, Maths and Latin. He came in fifth place in Division 1 scoring a total of 205 out of 400. Maths was his top subject scoring 64. On 29th June 1895, the Linlithgow Academy school log book further noted the results of the Free Scholarship exam held five days previously. John came University of Edinburgh Roll of 10th in the order of merit. His strongest Honour subject was Arithmetic, scoring 80%. Latin was obviously not a favourite subject as he only managed 18%!
The 1901 census records the family living at Douglas Cottage, Friarsdale, Linlithgow. John senior was now Procurator-Fiscal, of Linlithgowshire. He was aged 49 while his wife was three years younger. John Alexander was now 19 and was employed as an architect's apprentice. His younger brother Norman, 16, was a law clerk.
The youngest in the family was Kate, aged 13, who like her brother John was named after a parent. Kate was listed as attending school.
The election form which accepted John as an Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, dated April 17th 1907 reveals that after leaving school, between 1896 and 1901 he carried out training as an assistant to Mr Wm. Scott, Land Surveyor, Linlithgow. Between 1903 and 1906 he studied at Glasgow Technical College. When he became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1907, he was working as an assistant civil engineer on Glasgow's tramways. He later also worked for the North British Railway Company.
By 1911, the census records John living at Greenpark, a 12 room villa in Linlithgow. As neither parent is mentioned, John, now aged 29, was listed as head of the family and was then working as a civil engineer with the Admiralty. He shared the house with his brother Norman, who ran his own solicitor's business and their sister Kate. The family also employed a domestic servant. The 1915 valuation roll lists John's new address as 74 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh. He was clearly reasonably well off as he had invested in property in his home town. He owned four houses at Strawberry Bank, numbers 14, 15, 16 and 17. All four were rented by tenants who would have provided John with a steady flow of income.
Between February and April of 1916, John served as a cadet in Edinburgh University's Officer Training Corps. With John's background, it is no surprise that when he decided to enlist during the war that he chose to join The Royal Engineers. His brother Norman joined The Royal Scots around the same time.
John began his military service as a Private, service number, 130800 however he soon rose through the ranks. The London Gazette reported on Jan 9th 1918 his promotion to temporary Lieutenant on 3rd December 1917.
John was serving with The Royal Engineers, 278th Railway Company when he was killed in action on 23rd March 1918. He was 36 years old. He was posthumously awarded the Military Cross, an award for gallantry or meritorious service for officers with the rank of Captain and below. The citation in the Military Cross Gazette Book read "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while acting as a liaison officer with railway mounted artillery. Through his untiring energy the railway lines were maintained in spite of considerable damage by shell fire, so that the guns were kept in action till the last moment, and then withdrawn successfully with all ammunition."
John was buried at Wailly Orchard Cemetery, Grave Reference: II. B. 11 and is commemorated on the family memorial in Linlithgow Cemetery. His age is wrong. John was 36 when he was killed.
On 19 April 1918, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
LINLITHGOW OFFICER KILLED. Lieutenant John Main, RE Information has reached Linlithgow that Lieutenant John Main, Royal Engineers, has been killed in action. The elder son of the late Mr John Main, Procurator- Fiscal of Linlithgowshire, Lieutenant Main was a surveyor and engineer by profession. For some time he was in the service of Glasgow Corporation, and afterwards he was on the staff of the North British Railway Company. His brother, Lieutenant Norman Main, is in the Royal Scots.
John Mair McEwen was born at Clerkland, Stewarton, Ayrshire, on April 30th, 1899. He was the youngest son of James McEwen, a farmer and Agnes McEwen. (nee Walker). Both James and Agnes were natives of Stewarton.
The 1911 census records the family as living in a three room house at Lewiswood, Lanark. James McEwen was now 52 years old and was employed as a dairyman.
His wife was the same age. John was 11 at this point and was at school. His oldest sister who was still living at home was also called Agnes who was employed as a dairymaid. John's brothers David, 17 and Andrew, 15 were also farm workers, both listed as being byremen. Three other siblings, Jessie, Adam and James are not mentioned in the census. They were all older and had presumably already left home. The family were well enough off to employ a 17 year old kitchen maid.
Sometime in the next few years, the family moved to Abercorn as the 1915 valuation roll confirms. John's father now ran the Newton Dairy near Winchburgh. During this time, John completed his education at Linlithgow Academy.
On the 8th August 1915, John's brother James was killed in action at Gallipoli. He was 23 years old. He is commemorated as Craig (his middle name) McEwen on the Lone Pine Memorial in Turkey. As he was a Private in The Australian Infantry, it is most likely that he emigrated to Australia before the war. This tragedy did not stop John from volunteering. He first enlisted as a Private with The Highland Light Infantry, service number 56704 before joining The Cameronians 1/8th Battalion also with the rank of Private. His service number with The Scottish Rifles, as the regiment was known, was 42989.
In 1918, 8th Battalion saw action at the Battles of the Lys and the Battles of the Hindenburg Line. During the final advance into Flanders, John was killed in action on 14th October 1918 less than a month before the end of the war. He was 19 years old and was buried at the Dadizeele New British Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium, grave Reference: VI. F. 21. He is also commemorated on the family grave and on the Abercorn War Memorial.
The inscription on the family grave in Abercorn Churchyard reads "John Mair McEwen Scottish Rifles killed in action in France on 14th October 1918 aged 19 years."
Andrew McNair was born on 4th February 1899 at Number 4, The Vennel, Linlithgow. He was the son of Robert who originally came from Torphichen and Catherine (nee) Calder who had been born at Carronshore, Stirlingshire. Robert was the gasworks manager in Linlithgow.
The 1901 census reveals the Robert was 32 while Catherine was two years younger. They had a family of five boys.
Robert was nine, John, seven David, six, Alexander four and Andrew two. The three oldest boys were all attending school.
By 1911, the family were still living at the same address, which was a six room house. Robert was still managing the local gasworks. The oldest son, Robert was working as a plumber. The census records him as being born in Eyemouth, Berwickshire, which may indicate that his parents lived there before settling in Linlithgow. John is missing from the census and at 17, may have already left home. David was still living with the family and working as a grocer. Alexander and Andrew, now aged 12,were still at school. Since the previous census, three daughters had been added to the family, Christina nine, Annie seven who were both attending school and Catherine four.
After leaving school, Andrew became an apprentice engineer with Messrs A. Newlands and Sons, engineers and agricultural implement makers, Linlithgow. His record of service papers lists his profession as an engineer (gasfitter) so it seems, by early 1916, he had completed his apprenticeship and had already started to follow his father's line of work.
Andrew's Casualty form reveals that he enlisted on 2nd March 1916 and was called up for service on 5th April 1917 when he joined The 56th Training Reserve Battalion, service number Sp/2/1/7833, at Glencorse Barracks, Midlothian. He was 18 years and two months old. He was then briefly with The Scottish Rifles, service number 38239 before joining 12th Battalion The Royal Scots as a Private, service number 59420.
George Burns, another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy had served with the 12th Battalion. He had been killed in July 1916.
The descriptive report completed when Andrew joined up indicates that he was 5 foot 5 inches tall with a 34 inch chest size. His medical history sheet gives further details and describes his physical condition as 'fair'. Not long after Andrew was called up, news came through that his older brother Alexander who had been serving with The Royal Scots Fusiliers had been killed in action on 22nd August 1917.
Andrew had only been in France for two months when, in April 1918, the German Army, reinforced by troops freed up from the Eastern Front after the peace treaty with Russia, launched a massive attack on the Allied lines. It became known as the Spring Offensive and was planned as a knockout blow before the United States could fully deploy its military might on the Allied side.
On 25th April, the German Fourth Army made a sudden attack on the Kemmelberg with three divisions and captured it. During this battle around 100 men of 12th Battalion The Royal Scots were killed when their positions were over run. Andrew was one of them as he was reported missing. His body was never identified. He was 19 years old. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel Reference: Panel 11 to 14 and 162.
The Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
LINLITHGOW ROYAL SCOT MISSING Mr Robert McNair, gasworks manager, Linlithgow has received official intimation that his fifth and youngest son, Pte. Andrew McNair. Royal Scots, has been posted as missing. Pte. McNair, is 19 years of age and he joined up on attaining the age of 18 and went to France 2 months ago. Prior to entering the Army, he was serving his apprenticeship as an engineer in the works of Messrs A. Newlands and Sons, engineers and agricultural implement makers, Linlithgow. Mr McNair's son Alick, fell in action in August of last year. His son Robert, is in France with the Royal Scots, and his son, David, who has seen service in France with the KOSB, is now in England training for the Flying Corps.
William MacGregor Moffat was born on 20th February 1896 at 17 McLellan Street Dumfries. He was the son of John Moffat a postal clerk, a native of Dumfries, and Elizabeth Moffat (nee Dunsmore) who hailed from Fenwick, Ayrshire.
The 1901 census reveals that the family had moved to 13 Caledonian Street Paisley. John, aged 36 was still working as a postal clerk.
He was three years older than his wife Elizabeth. The couple's oldest child was Margaret aged seven. She had been born in Maxwelltown, Kirkcudbright two years before William was born in Dumfries. It is likely that their father's job meant that the family moved around fairly frequently. Both children were attending school. Living with the Moffats at the time of the census were Elizabeth's parents, Robert and Margaret Dunsmore.
The family moved yet again as on 4th September 1906, the Linlithgow Academy log book notes a new Drawing master, Mr John Moffat, joining the staff at as the school re-opened after the summer holidays.
In 1908, William was attending Linlithgow Academy. The school log book for 15th of September that year lists William as passing the qualifying exam. On 12th July 1911, it recorded a further success when he passed the Intermediate Certificate.
The 1911 census reveals the family now living in a six room house at Fearnlea, St Ninians's Road, Linlithgow. John Moffat was now held the position of postmaster in Linlithgow. He also worked part time as a teacher of drawing at Linlithgow Academy. Margaret had left school and was not listed as having a profession. William was 15 and still attending the Academy. Robert Dunsmore was still living with the family. He was age 66 and had retired from his job as a carding master in the cotton industry. Robert was now a widower. Later in the year, on 29th September, the Linlithgow Academy log book records that "Mr. Moffat Drawing-master, has resigned duty here".
By 1914, the family had moved away from Linlithgow. John had taken up a new job as postmaster in Troon, Ayrshire. William had decided to move to England as when he signed up for the army at the age of 19 on 9th December 1915, he was listed as working with the Civil Service as a clerk and was living at 80 Union Road, Clapham, London.
William enlisted with The Honourable Artillery Company Infantry, the oldest regiment in the British Army, with the rank of Private, service number 6966. He was a member of one of the two infantry battalions. In this respect, The HAC was unique from other regiments in so much as it was comprised of both artillery and infantry.
The medical report made when he enlisted estimates his height as five foot five and a half inches tall, his weight 140 pounds and with a chest size of 36 and a half inches. He was also noted as having teeth defects and wearing upper dentures.
William served with 2nd Battalion of The Honourable Artillery Company. The copy of his death certificate lists him as serving with the 1st Battalion but this in contradicted by the Commonwealth Graves Commission record, his casualty form and War Office letters to his father all record him as being a member of the 2nd Battalion.
This unit was raised after the 1st and moved to in France on 3rd October 1916 where it saw active service as part of the 7th Division.
William's casualty form shows that 2nd Battalion of The HAC were pushed immediately into action as they proceeded to the front the day after they landed at Le Havre. On 13th October, ten days after he landed in France, William was slightly wounded while serving in the field.
The following month on 17th November, he was again listed as being wounded, this time while he was on duty. William recovered from his wounds as he is next recorded on his casualty form as being in the field on 10th March 1917.
During the Battle of Arras, on May 3rd 1917, British forces attacked German positions around Bullecourt village with the aim of breaking through the Hindenburg line. Despite fierce resistance, 7th Division captured Bullencourt but were unable to make any further gains.
William's Battalion were involved in the costly attack. The HAC suffered 165 fatalities in the battles for Bullecourt. William was one of them. He was reported as being killed in action on 3rd May 1917 but his body was not recovered.
He was 21 years old. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Panel Reference: Bay 1. On 25 May 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
SON OF A FORMER POSTMASTER KILLED Mr John Moffat, postmaster of Troon, who was postmaster in Linlithgow for several years till the summer of 1914, has suffered bereavement in the loss of his only son, William MacGregor Moffat, Honourable Artillery Company, who was killed in action on the 23rd May. Before joining the army. Pte. Moffat was in the Civil Service in which he had reached a good position and much sympathy will be felt for the father in the death of an only boy.
Robert Ramsay was born on 5th August 1899 at Champfleurie, near Linlithgow. He was the son of George Ramsay, a coachman who originally came from Falkland in Fife. Robert's mother Catherine Clark Ramsay also came from Fife. George's birth certificate lists her as being born in Kincardine although the 1911 census records her birthplace at nearby Tulliallan. By 1901 the family were living at Blackness Inn where George, 40, worked as a spirit merchant.
Catherine was 42. The couple had three children, James, five, George three and Robert who was one.
Ten years later, the next census reveals that the family living in a nine room house in Blackness. George senior was working as a publican, employed by Bon Accord. James the oldest son, now 15 was employed as a stableboy. George, 13 and Robert 11 were both attending school as was the now youngest member of the family, Grace, who was aged nine. The family was well enough off to employ a domestic servant.
On 30th June 1913, the Linlithgow Academy school log book recorded a list of pupils who required medical certificates, amongst them was Robert.
Britain declared war on Germany on 4th August 1914, the day before Robert's 15th birthday. He had to wait another three years before he would be able to enlist. When he was old enough to serve in the army, he joined The Kings Own Scottish Borderers, 6th (Service) Battalion as a Private, service number 31662.
In 1918, Robert's Battalion were involved in some fierce fighting. In March, during the Second Battle of the Somme they were forced back by the weight of the German Spring Offensive.
The following month, they were again pushed back by German attacks during the Battle of Lys. As the Allies eventually halted the German offensive and counter attacked the now weakened enemy, 6th KOSB played their part by capturing Meteren.
During the action to capture Hoegenacker Ridge on 18th August 1918, Robert was killed. The date of his death is recorded in different sources as ranging from 15th August to 19th August. However his death certificate lists him as being killed in action on 18th August so it is likely that he died during the successful capture of the ridge. Robert died less than a couple of weeks past his 19th birthday. He is buried at Outtersteene Communal Cemetery Extension, Bailleul, Grave Reference: I. J. 3.
On 13 September 1918, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
PTE. ROBERT RAMSAY, KOSB, KILLED Mr George Ramsay of the Blackness Hotel, received intimation this week that his second son, Pte. Robert Ramsay, K.O.S.B., was killed in action on 19th August. He went to France about a year ago. Mr Ramsay's eldest son is meantime serving with the colours.
George Ritchie was born on 10th February 1891 at Lion Well Wynd, Linlithgow. His father Thomas, who had been born in 1862 was a law clerk who came from Annan, Dumfriesshire. George's mother Nellie (nee Kidd), came from Carriden. She had been born in 1861. George had two brothers, John who was eight years older than him and Thomas, named after his father, who was two years older.
The 1901 census records that the family had moved to 67 High Street Linlithgow, where the Four Mary's public house now stands. Linlithgowshire Gazette 31/8/1917 George's father was listed as working as a law clerk and also as a china merchant. Mrs Ritchie, registered as her Christian name, Helen, was listed as being a shopkeeper, presumably helping her husband run a china shop. John was now working as a law clerk. Thomas (junior), 12, and George, now aged 10. were both attending school as were two additions to the family, William aged eight and Alexander, aged five.
On 15th September 1908, the Linlithgow Academy log book records George as passing his Intermediate Certificate.
His classmate George Wilson who passed the certificate at the same time would die three months after him in 1917.
A few year later, the 1911 census shows that the family were now living at the six room Douglas Cottage. Linlithgow. Thomas, now 49 years old was still working as a law clerk. Perhaps the china business wasn't successful as his second job is now listed as being a cashier. Nellie, 50, was no longer working as a shopkeeper but is now listed on the census as 'wife'. John, 23 was recorded as working as a law apprentice and part-time student. George was 20 and was a student teacher. William, 18 was an apprentice engineer in a factory while the youngest, Alexander had left school and at the age of 15 was already entering the same profession as his father and oldest brother as he was working as a law clerk.
When George volunteered to join the army during the war, he initially served with The 2/10 Royal Scots, service number 43258. He later joined The Royal Scots Fusiliers, service number 31662. George's service record lists him as being a member of the 6th/7th Battalion. It is likely that he was a member of the 7th battalion to start with as in May 1916, the 7th Battalion was amalgamated with the 6th and ceased to exist. The 7th Service Battalion landed at Boulogne in the summer of 1915 and during September and October took part in the Battle of Loos, the largest British offensive of the year.
In 1916, George's unit saw action at The Battle of Albert, The Battle of Bazentin, The Battle of Delville Wood and The Battle of Le Transloy. In February 1916, George received the sad news from home that his father had died at Douglas Cottage, Linlithgow.
On 9th April 1917, the Battle of Arras began. This saw the greatest concentration of Scottish battalions in the battles of the war with a total of 44 Scottish battalions committed to the battle. The British attack was preceded by a four day bombardment of the enemy which destroyed much of the German barbed wire defences and artillery. The attack was successful but unfortunately bad weather prevented further advances after the gains of the first day. The 6th/7th Royal Scots Fusiliers were involved in the part of the offensive which became known as the First Battle of the Scarpe, after the name of the river which flowed through the battlefield. On 11th April, George was reported missing and later confirmed dead. He was 26 years old. He was buried at Orange Trench Cemetery, Monchy-Le-Preux, Grave Reference: B. 1. and is commemorated on the family headstone in Linlithgow Cemetery. The inscription reads "Also his son George, killed in action 11th April 1917 and interred at Monchy-Le-Preux.
On 31 August 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
Pte. GEORGE RITCHIE, RSF Pte. George Ritchie, Royal Scots Fusiliers, whose death in action, after being reported missing since 11th April, was announced in last week's "Gazette," was the third son of the late Mr Thomas Ritchie and Mrs Ritchie, Douglas Cottage, Linlithgow.
David Nicoll Smillie was born on 30th December 1889, at Polworth Gardens, Edinburgh. His father was Robert Smith Smillie, a United Presbyterian minister. His mother was Jane Nicoll Smillie, (nee) Anderson who originally came from Elgin. David inherited his middle name from her. The Family had lived in Elgin and had moved to Edinburgh not long before David's birth. David had three older brothers, George, James and Robert and a sister Frances.
Two years after David, the last member of the family, Charles, was born. The family had relocated to West Lothian by the time David began his education at Whitequarries Public School, Abercorn. Later, he studied at Linlithgow Academy.
By 1911, the family were staying at the nine room United Free Church Manse, Wester Pardovan. The day the census was recorded, the Reverend Smillie was not listed as he was away from home. His wife Jane had however remained behind as she was recorded as being 61 at the time. The oldest son, George, 29, had like his father become a minister in the United Free Presbyterian Church while James, 28 was a consulting engineer. Frances, 24 worked in a lawyer's office. Robert aged 23 was also an engineer - he was employed at a chemical works. David was 21 at this point and was listed as being a law apprentice. Charles who was two years younger than David was also an apprentice, in his case he was training to be an accountant. The family employed a 19 year old general servant called Janet Stevenson who was a local girl from Linlithgow. Also staying at the Manse on the day the census was taken was a female health visitor from Edinburgh.
The Linlithgow Academy school log book recorded David’s progress after he left school and started studying at Edinburgh University. On 8th May 1911, it notes him coming second in the Heriot Watt College evening class for elocution. The following year, his success in passing the final Law Agent's examination was registered on 3rd May 1912.
After he qualified as a solicitor, David joined the Law firm of Thomson and McLean who were based in Wishaw. On Sundays, he helped his oldest brother George in his church in Livingston by employing his musical talents to act as church organist. His obituary in the Linlithgowshire Gazette, published in April 1917 highlighted his skill as a public speaker and as an interpreter of Scottish humour.
When war broke out, David first enlisted with The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders as a Private, service number 14392. He then transferred to 5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders (Sutherland and Caithness), again with the rank of Private, service number S/40790.
It is possible that as David's family had lived in the North of Scotland he was inspired to enlist with Highland regiments. Both The Argylls and the Seaforths wore kilts although in battle, they would wear khaki aprons covering the front and back of the kilt.
The 5th Battalion of The Seaforth Highlanders saw a lot of action after they landed in France in Early May 1915. They were involved in both the defence of Ypres and the Battle of Festubert before the month was out. In mid-June, The Seaforths took part in the Second Action of Givenchy which was a costly failure. Later in the year, they moved to man the defences at The Somme, near Hamel. In 1916, 5th Battalion of The Seaforth Highlanders were involve in the Battles of the Somme, including the attacks on High Wood, The Battle of the Ancre and the capture of Beaumont Hamel.
On 9th April 1917, The Battle of Arras began. This offensive saw the greatest concentration of Scottish battalions in any of the battles of the war with a total of 44 Scottish battalions committed to the battle. The British attack was preceded by a four day bombardment of the enemy positions which destroyed much of the German barbed wire defences and artillery. The attack was successful but unfortunately bad weather prevented further advances after the gains of the first day. David's unit was involved in the part of the offensive which became known as the First Battle of the Scarpe, after the name of the river which flowed through the battlefield. The 5th Battalion of The Seaforth Highlanders paid a heavy price in the attack suffering 300 casualties. David was one of those who fell. He was listed as being killed in action on 9th April 1917. He was 27 years old. David was buried at The Highland Cemetery, Roclincourt, Grave Reference: II. D. 4.
In April 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
Killed in Action We give the photograph of Pte. David Nicoll Smillie, Seaforth Highlanders, fourth son of the late Rev. R.S. Smillie, Wester Pardovan U.F. Church, Philpstoun, who fell in action at the beginning of the great attack on Easter Monday. Pte. Smillie was a solicitor with the firm of Thomson and McLean, writers, Wishaw, and was 27 years of age. Possessed of high gifts as a musician and elocutionist, he was well known in the Philpstoun, Livingston and Wishaw districts as an interpreter of Scottish humour. For some time prior to his joining the colours he acted as organist in the congregation of his brother, the Rev. Geo A. Smillie, Livingston.
In a letter to his mother, the officer of his platoon wrote:
"We attacked on the morning of the 9th inst., and your son, who was in my platoon, was one of the first to leave our trench, showing an utter disregard for personal danger, and inspiring all his comrades by his great courage and coolness. Before we had gone very far your son was seen to fall. Unfortunately I could not stop to examine the extent of his wounds, but from information received I believe he was hit in the head, and that death must have been instantaneous. His loss is deeply felt amongst the boys of my platoon, with whom he was very popular, and I have lost one of my finest soldiers."
Pte. Smillie was educated at Whitequarries Public School, Linlithgow Academy, and Edinburgh University.
George Pringle Smith was born 22th November 1892 at 211 High Street, Linlithgow. His father Robert was an engineer who originally came from Edinburgh. His mother, Elizabeth Jane Maxwell (nee Lawrie) was a local girl from Linlithgow.
The 1901 census records the family having moved to 44 High Street, Linlithgow. Robert Smith was 28 years old and working as an engineer at the Avon Paper Works. His wife Elizabeth was two years older. George aged eight, was the oldest of their children. His brother William was six. Both boys were attending school. Their sister Mary was two while the youngest in the family Robert was only a few months old.
University of Edinburgh Roll of Ten years later, the 1911 census locates the Honour family as still living on Linlithgow High Street, but having moved again, this time to number 193, a house with four rooms. Robert, the head of the family was still working as an engineer at the paper mill. George now at the age of 18 was recorded as being a teacher student. William, like his father was working as an engineer in the paper mill. Mary and young Robert were now attending school as were additions to the family, John eight and Elizabeth, six. David, aged three was now the youngest in the family. George planned to go to university after he left school. After he was recorded as attaining his leaving certificate on 1st July 1910, the Linlithgow Academy school log book lists bursaries he gained to help fund his studies. In the entry made on 28th September 1910, it notes his achievements in the Edinburgh University Bursary competition. He came in 11th place in the general bursary list, in 2nd place for the John Welsh Mathematical Bursary, 1st place for the George Heriot Bursaries for men and again in 1st place for the Renton Bursary. George A. Wilson, another former pupil who died in the war is noted as passing his preliminary university examinations in Higher French and Greek on the same date.
George Smith's highly impressive academic achievements once he started at Edinburgh University were also recorded in the school log book. On 20th June 1911, George was awarded medals in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at university and passed both courses as part of his degree. He also was awarded Newton Bursaries of £22.10/ for both subjects over a period of two years.
On 26th June 1912 George was noted as have been awarded a 1st prize medal for Mathematics Intermediate Class. A few days later, on 1st July, news had reached the school that he had also achieved a 1st Class Honours Certificate in French. Two days later, a 2nd Class Honours Certificate was added to his growing list of achievements.
On 3rd July news reached the school that George had been awarded a Second Class Honours Certificate in Practical Chemistry. Six days later, the log book records George as having been awarded the Lanfine Bursary of £35 for two years for Mathematics. On the following day he was noted as winning the Ramsay Prize for a 1st Class Certificate in Astronomy. In the same entry, he was also noted as completing the Intermediate examination in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy for an M.A degree, completing his Mathematics and Natural Philosophy B.Sc. courses with Intermediate Honours and being awarded his B.Sc. degree in Advanced Astronomy.
On 23rd December 1913 the school log book further records George as gaining a medal in Advanced Honours Electricity. On 24th March, 1914 he was awarded yet another medal from Edinburgh University, this time in Advanced Honours Dynamics. Only a few weeks before the outbreak of the war, on 16th June 1914, the school log book records that George had been awarded one scholarship worth £40 and another, the Bruce of Grangehill Scholarship worth £100 over three years. It also notes that he has been awarded with a M.A. with First Class Honours in Mathematics and Maths and Natural Philosophy at Higher Standard for a M.A. degree.
With a three year scholarship already in his pocket, George had the potential to continue his stellar academic career, possibly moving on to Cambridge University but when war was declared with Germany on 4th August 1914, he was one of the first to enlist as a Private with one the Edinburgh Territorial Battalions. He later served as a Lance Corporal in the 6th Battalion of the Royal Scots, service number 1230. Subsequently, he also served with the 11th Battalion of the Royal Scots. In January 1915, George received the sad news from home that his sister, Mary, had died aged 16. In the same month he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and in October of that year to a Temporary Lieutenant, and ultimately to a full Lieutenant.
His background and abilities proved useful and he was asked to carry out some scientific research work.
11th Battalion, The Royal Scots landed in France in May 1915 and saw action in the The Battle of Loos. In 1916 they were fought at The Battle of the Somme, including the capture of Longueval and The Battles of Delville Wood and Le Transloy.
On 9th April 1917, The Battle of Arras began. This offensive saw the greatest concentration of Scottish battalions in any of the battles of the war with a total of 44 Scottish battalions committed to the battle. The British attack was preceded by a four day bombardment of the German positions which destroyed much of the German’s barbed wire defences and artillery.
The attack was successful but unfortunately bad weather prevented further advances after the gains of the first day. George's unit was involved in the part of the offensive which became known as the First Battle of the Scarpe. As his company commander had been wounded on the first day of the battle, George took over leadership of the unit. While leading an attack on 12th April 1917, he was wounded but refused to turn back. His batman who was also wounded remained with his officer. Both were killed in action. George was 25 years old. He was buried at Brown's Copse Cemetery Roeux, Grave Reference: I. A. 34. He is also commemorated on a memorial stone in Linlithgow Cemetery erected by his brother Robert. The inscription reads "George P. Smith M.A. Hons B.Sc Lieut. 11th R.S. killed at Arras 12th April 1917, aged 24 years".
George is listed as in the Scottish National War Memorial Record and the Commonwealth Graves Commission Record as having died while serving with 14th Battalion of The Royal Scots but this is an error as the 14th was a Reserve Battalion which did not serve in France. The Edinburgh University Roll of Honour lists George's service record and mentions him serving with the 11th and not the 14th Battalion. The inscription on the family memorial in Linlithgow Cemetery also records him as being a member of 11th Battalion of The Royal Scots. On 27 April 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
THE LATE LIEUTENANT GEORGE P. SMITH Brilliant Mathematician Killed "We regret to have to record that Mr George P. Smith, Lieutenant in the Royal Scots, fell in action on the afternoon of Thursday, the 12th April. In the absence of his company commander, who had been wounded three days before, he was leading his men into action in a splendid spirit. Though he was wounded he refused to go back. His batman, also wounded, likewise refused to retire, and was killed at the same time as his officer.
Mr Smith received his elementary education in Linlithgow Burgh and Public Schools, enrolled at Linlithgow Academy when about 12 years of age and in 1910 passed on to Edinburgh University with a splendid school record. There he specialised in mathematics and science, and after proving himself the best man of his year, graduated M.A. B.Sc. with double honours in 1914 at the early age of 21.
After his brilliant University career, all who knew his ability and staying power, looked forward to seeing the most distinguished mathematician that Linlithgow had produced in thirty years develop into one of the leading mathematical scholars in Scotland. The outbreak of war interrupted his plans for continued study at Edinburgh or Cambridge. For some time he served as sergeant in an Edinburgh Territorial Battalion of the Royal Scots, but on receiving a commission was gazetted to another battalion of the same regiment serving in France. There his ability was soon marked by his commanding officer who caused him to be employed for some time in scientific research work.
Mr Smith's strong personality and genial disposition gained him the respect and esteem of the officers and men who served with him. He put into his military work, which he carried through from a pure sense of duty, the same energy and conscientiousness that had marked his work as a schoolboy and an undergraduate. His commanding officer found him thoroughly and invariably reliable. Above all, amid his great achievements he was never spoiled by success. His father, Mr Robert Smith, formerly an engineer at the Avon Paper Works, removed with his family to Glasgow after the outbreak of war. With them we sincerely sympathise in their grief at the loss of a son; with them we lament the loss to his country of a young man of such brilliant promise.
George Turner Watt was born on 10th February 1891 at the Schoolhouse Muiravonside. His father was David Watt, who originated from Dunfermline was the local schoolmaster. His mother was Janet Watt. Her maiden name was Turner which was given to George as his middle name.
The 1901 census reveals a large family living in the schoolhouse. The Watts had nine children named on the census. The head of the family David was 51 and still working as the schoolmaster. George's mother is not listed and may have been dead by this time. Several other members of the family were helping their father run the school. James, 24, was a 'certificate' schoolteacher, Margaret, 22 was an ex pupil teacher and Janet, 16, was a pupil teacher. David aged 19 was working as a joiner while Jean who was a year younger was listed as doing housework. The remaining four children were all attending school. John was 14, Isabel 11, George 10, and the youngest Archibald was eight. Also staying with the family at the time of the census was Sarah Smith, 38, described as a Sister in Law and her son, Thomas aged seven. Another Sister in Law, Mary Turner, 28 along with her one year old daughter Christina were also staying at the schoolhouse the day the census was taken.
Ten years later, the 1911 census records David senior still working as a head teacher. Margaret and Janet were also working as school teachers. Their sister Jean was working as a nurse at the Glasgow Western Infirmary. Isabel now 21 was not listed as having a profession and may have been running the household. George at the age of 20 was recorded as working as an apprentice architect. Archie, the youngest was 18 and studying at Linlithgow Academy. All the members of the extended family had all moved out so it was a less of a squeeze to get everyone into what was into a six room house.
After leaving Linlithgow Academy, George began work as an apprentice with William Scott's architect's business in Linlithgow. After completing his training, he obtained work in Glasgow.
When war broke out, George joined 9th Battalion Highland Light Infantry (Glasgow Highlanders) as a Private, service number 3242. Before long, he was rewarded for his bravery in stopping a runaway horse by being promoted to the rank of Lance-Corporal. In May 1915, 9th Battalion Highland Light Infantry were involved in The Battle of Festubert, an attack on the German lines. On the 17th May, during the third day of the battle, George was hit in the face by shrapnel from a shell. He was evacuated to Bevan Military Hospital, Sandgate, Kent but died on 28th May having never regained consciousness. He was 24 years old.
George's body was moved from the hospital where he died to Manuel station near Falkirk from where it was due to be taken to Muiravonside Cemetery for burial. Unfortunately, the body could not be delivered in time for the funeral. As there was a large turnout of mourners, The parish minister the Reverend Bayne, organised a memorial service for George which was held in the Muiravonside Parish Church. By the following day, the body had arrived and the funeral took place in the churchyard. Again there were a large number of people who turned up to pay their last respects to George. He was laid to rest at Muiravonside Cemetery, Grave Reference: C. 871.
George is one of only three former pupils of Linlithgow Academy who died in the First World War and is buried in the local area. The others are Andrew Douglas who is buried in Linlithgow Cemetery and David Victor Foot who is buried in Bo'ness Cemetery.
On 4 June 1915, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
Lance-Corporal George Watt, Muiravonside Last Friday, Mr David Watt, Viewfield, Manuel, who recently retired from the position of schoolmaster at Muiravonside, learned that his fifth son, Lance Corporal George Turner Watt, of the 9th Battalion Glasgow Highlanders, had died at Bevan Military Hospital, Kent, of wounds he received while in action. Struck on the face by shrapnel, he had never regained consciousness.
Lance-Corporal Watt, who was twenty-four years of age, went to the front a considerable time ago, receiving his Lance-Corporal's rank shortly after arriving for a plucky action he performed in stopping a runaway horse. His death has cut short a promising career in the architectural profession. After leaving Linlithgow Academy, deceased entered the office of Mr William Scott, architect, Linlithgow, and quickly proved that he possessed gifts and aptitudes which would have carried him far in his profession. After completing his apprenticeship, he went to a Glasgow Office, where he showed that the promise he had given during his training period was being amply fulfilled. After the outbreak of war, he joined the 9th Battalion Glasgow Highlanders, and soon acquired a proficient grasp of military duties. Deep sympathy was felt for the family when the sad news became known in the district.
On Monday last, it was arranged that the body was to be conveyed from Bevan Hospital to the deceased's home, and there was a very large gathering of friends for the purpose of attending the funeral. As it had been found that the original arrangements for removing the body would not be carried out to admit of arrival at Manuel at the expected time, the funeral was postponed till the following day, but a memorial service was held in the Muiravonside Parish Church, in which those who were present to attend the funeral participated. The Rev. Mr Bayne, parish minister, conducted the service, and appropriately voiced the sorrow and sympathy of the gathering, and their admiration of the patriotic heroism of one who had sacrificed a promising young life in his country's defence. On the following day, the body having meantime arrived, the funeral took place to the churchyard, when there was again a large gathering.
George Andrew Wilson was born 9th July 1892 at East Manse, Linlithgow. He was the son of Reverend Robert Wilson and Mary Yellowlees Wilson (nee Miller). George's father came from Glassford, Lanarkshire while his mother came from England.
The 1901 census reveals Robert Wilson, aged 48, as being the Minister of the East United Free Church. George's mother was six years younger at the age of 42.
The family were living in the Church Manse at Rockville, Linlithgow. There were six children in all. Mary, 10, was the oldest and named after her mother. George was eight, Anna seven and Robert, named after his father was five. The four oldest Wilson children attended school. The two youngest were James aged three and John who was one. The family employed two servants, one worked as a housemaid while the other combined domestic duties with those of a nursemaid.
The Linlithgow Academy log book records George's achievements at school. On 29th June 1904, he is listed as passing the examination equivalent to article 29 of the code. When he was 16, the log book notes, on 15th September 1908 that he had obtained his Intermediate Certificate. Two year later, on 8th September 1910 he is recorded as passing his University Preliminary exams in Higher French & Higher English. George Pringle Smith, another former pupil who died in the war is noted as passing his Edinburgh University Bursary examinations on the same date.
The 1911 census reveals the family still living at Rockville and the Reverend Wilson still employed as a United Free Church Minister. George, 18, was listed as a student as by this time he was studying at Glasgow University. Robert, James and John were all still attending school while William aged nine was now the youngest in family. Mrs Wilson now employed one domestic servant to help run the Manse. Neither of George's sisters Mary or Anna was listed on the census. The girls were away from home at the time as the family grave indicates that Mary lived until 1976 and Anna until the grand old age of 105! The census also reveals that living next door to the Wilsons was John Braes Dougal another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy who was also to die in the war. The Linlithgow Academy school log book kept track of George's achievements at Glasgow University. On 23rd October 1911 it noted that he had passed in Natural Philosophy for a degree of B.Sc. Just a week before the liner The Titanic sank on her maiden voyage, George was recorded on 4th April as passing in Engineering for his B.Sc. Degree. George is also recorded on 24th October 1913, as passing in Higher Mathematics and Drawing which completed his BSc. Degree in Engineering. While George was studying at Glasgow he joined the University Officer Training Corps.
George didn't have much opportunity to start a career in Engineering as shortly after the outbreak of war in 1914 he volunteered for active service with The Royal Garrison Artillery. In September 1916 his artillery battery was sent to support the fighting. He clearly distinguished himself as by July 1917, George was a 2nd Lieutenant, acting as Captain* of 262nd Siege Battery, 47th Heavy Artillery Group. Siege batteries were set up behind the front lines and consisted of heavy Howitzer guns which fired high trajectory shells at enemy defensive positions. These batteries were often used to soften up enemy positions before an infantry attack took place.
A standard siege battery would comprise of four 6 inch Howitzers which were either horse drawn or tractor drawn. The battery would be operated at full strength by about 180 officers and other ranks, around a third of which would be responsible for transporting the guns. Casualties leave and sickness meant that most batteries operated well below this number.
On 12th July 1917, George was killed in action. He was 25 years old. He was buried in Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Grave Reference: IV. A. 11 and commemorated on the family grave in Linlithgow Cemetery.
George's younger brother James Miller Wilson was killed 13 days later. They are both buried in the same cemetery.
*George's entry in the Scottish War Memorial roll records him as a 2nd Lieutenant, acting Major. However his medal card the Commonwealth Graves Commission records, the University of Glasgow First World War Roll of Honour and the memorial inscription on the family grave indicate that he was serving as an acting Captain when he was killed.
On 20 July 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
LINLITHGOW OFFICER KILLED IN ACTION The Late Captain George A. Wilson. R.G.A. The sad news reached the Rev. Mr Wilson and Mrs Wilson at the East U.F. Manse on Sunday morning that their eldest son, Captain George A. Wilson, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, had been killed in action on the 12th of July. Despite the severe shock of this announcement, Mr Wilson officiated at the morning service as usual, and the public sympathy which is extended to the parents in their bereavement is not a little tinged with admiration.
The late Captain Wilson, who was twenty-five years of age, chose engineering as his profession, and he was a B.Sc. of Engineering in Glasgow University. Shortly after the outbreak of war he joined the Army, in which he received a commission, and he went to the front in September 1916. Two of his brothers are serving in the Army.
James Miller Wilson was born on 7th October 1897 at the United Presbyterian Manse, Rockville , Linlithgow He was the son of Reverend Robert Wilson and Mary Yellowlees Wilson (nee Miller). George's father came from Glassford Lanarkshire while his mother came from England. The 1901 census reveals Robert Wilson, aged 48, as being the Minister of the East United Free Church. James's mother was six years younger at the age of 42.
The family were living in the Church Manse at Rockville, Linlithgow. There were six children in all. Mary, 10, was the oldest and named after her mother. George was eight, Anna seven and Robert, named after his father was five. The four oldest Wilson children attended school. The two youngest were James aged three and John who was one. The family employed two servants, one worked as a housemaid while the other combined domestic duties with those of a nursemaid.
James was eleven years old when, on 26th June 1909, the school log book records that he passed the Qualifying Examination for Linlithgow Academy. David Foot and Thomas Hardie, who are also listed as having passed at the same time. Both would later die in the war.
The 1911 census reveals the family still living at Rockville and the Reverend Wilson still employed as a United Free Church Minister. George, 18, was listed as a student as by this time he was studying at Glasgow University. Robert, James and John were all still attending school while William aged nine was now the youngest in family. Mrs Wilson employed one domestic servant to help run the Manse. Neither of James' sisters Mary or Anna was listed on the census. The girls were away from home at the time as the family grave indicates that Mary lived until 1976 and Anna until the grand old age of 105! The census also reveals that living next door to the Wilsons was John Dougal another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy who was also to die in the war.
On 10th July 1913, the school log book records James as passing the Intermediate Certificate. His classmates, John Arnott and William Wright would also die in the war.
When the war began, James was too young to sign up as he was still only 16. However it is likely that he enlisted as soon as he could and probably lied about his age as he was serving in France only six weeks after his 18th birthday. He decided to join the same regiment as his older brother George, The Royal Garrison Artillery. His initial rank was as a Gunner, service number 173003 but he was later promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
James disembarked in France on 23rd November 1915 and served with 333rd Siege Battery.
Siege batteries were set up behind the front lines and consisted of heavy Howitzer guns which fired high trajectory shells at enemy defensive positions. These batteries were often used to soften up enemy positions before an infantry attack took place. A standard siege battery would comprise of four 6 inch Howitzers which were either horse drawn or tractor drawn. The battery would be operated at full strength by about 180 officers and other ranks, around a third of which would be responsible for transporting the guns. Casualties leave and sickness meant that most batteries operated well below this number.
The 333rd had a more unusual set up. James' battery comprised of two 12 inch Howitzers mounted on specially designed railway trucks which ran on rail lines. The guns were heavier than those operated by standard siege batteries and could fire at targets over 10,000 metres away.
On 4th July 1917, 333rd Siege Battery were attached to 70th Heavy Artillery Group. On 25th July 1917, James was killed in action. He was 19 years old. He was buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery, Grave Reference: VIII. A. 12 and commemorated on the family grave in Linlithgow Cemetery.
James died 13 days after his older brother George Andrew Wilson. They are both buried in the same cemetery.
On 3 August 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
THE LATE LIEUT. JAS. M. WILSON Third Son of Rev. Robt. Wilson, Linlithgow The deepest sympathy is felt for the Rev. Robert Wilson, the esteemed minister of Craigmallen U.F. Church, Linlithgow, and Mrs Wilson in the death of their third son, Lieut. James M. Wilson, R.G.A., who has been killed in action. Scarcely three weeks have elapsed since the sad tidings reached them of the death on the battlefield of their eldest son, Captain George A. Wilson, and the double bereavement has been a heavy blow. The Rev. Mr Wilson and Mrs Wilson were away from home when the official communication notifying the death of their third son came to the manse and the message was conveyed to them. The late Lieut. Wilson was only 19 years of age.
William Wright was born on 13th May 1898 at Bridgend School. His father Andrew was the head teacher there. He originally came from the Isle of Man. William's mother was Grace McCallum (nee Anderson). She was a native of Catrine, Ayrshire. William had two older sisters, Mary who was four when William was born and Grace, who was two years older than him. When William was old enough, he attended Bridgend School before moving on to Linlithgow Academy in 1910. The 1911 census reveals that the family were still living at Bridgend School House, a home with eight rooms. Andrew was now 47 and remained in his post there as head teacher. His wife was four years younger than him. William was 12 and now had four sisters. Mary was 16, Grace 14, Agnes eight and the youngest was Margaret aged six. All the Linlithgowshire Gazette 16/11/1917 children were attending school. William was fifteen years old when on, 10th July 1913, the Linlithgow Academy school log book records him passing the Intermediate Certificate. His classmates, who passed at the same time, John Arnott and James Wilson also died in the war. After achieving Intermediate Certificate level, William spent the next year studying science and mathematics. After leaving school, he joined Messrs James Ross and Co who were based at Philpstoun as an apprentice engineer.
This involved returning to the Academy to attend the technical classes in mathematics, engineering, applied mechanics and machine construction and drawing at the end of which he obtained his engineering diploma.
At the age of 18, when he was old enough to enlist, William joined 2nd Battalion of The Gordon Highlanders and completed his training in Aberdeen, the heart of the Gordon's recruitment area. He undertook signalling and machine gun courses, eventually becoming qualified as a machine gun instructor. His rank of Lance Corporal probably recognized this responsibility. Like the other Gordon Highlanders, William would have worn a Glengarry hat with a black cockade and the regimental badge on the left hand side. He would also have been issued with a Gordon Highlanders tartan kilt and a sporran.
On active service, the sporran was not worn and the kilt was covered at front and back with a khaki apron which had a pocket at the front replacing the sporran. The apron colour matched the tunic he wore.
When William turned 19, he was considered old enough to be sent overseas to fight and joined his unit on the Western Front during the summer of 1917. The 2nd Battalion of The Gordon Highlanders moved to Flanders in preparation for the attack on the German lines during The Third Battle of Ypres. The Gordons saw action during different phases of the battle at Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, and Poelcapelle.
The final attack during The Third Battle of Ypres was launched on 26th October 1917. This phase became known as The Second Battle of Passchendaele. On the first day of the battle, William was reported missing presumed dead. His body was never identified. He was 19 years old. William is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel Reference: Panel 135 to 136 and on the family grave in Linlithgow Cemetery. The inscription reads "William lost in the Great War 29th October 1917 Aged 19 years".
On 16 November 1917, the Linlithgowshire Gazette reported:
BRIDGEND MAN MISSING Corporal William Wright The sad news reached Bridgend Schoolhouse on Friday last that Corporal William Wright, only son of Mr Andrew Wright and Mrs Wright, had been reported missing after an engagement in which his battalion took part on 26th October, and no further information has been received either to relieve their anxiety or end their suspense.
Educated up to the qualifying stage at Bridgend School. Corporal Wright afterwards attended Linlithgow Academy, where at the end of three years, he gained the full intermediate certificate, and during the subsequent year he specialised in science and mathematics. After leaving the Academy, he entered the service of Messrs James Ross and Co., Philpstoun, as an engineer, and during the two years which he had completed of his apprenticeship he attended the technical classes at the Academy in mathematics, engineering, applied mechanics and machine construction and drawing, and obtained the diploma of a three year course. On reaching the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders, and received his training at Aberdeen, where he took both signalling and machine gun courses, and qualified and acted as an instructor in the Lewis gun. Shortly after his nineteenth birthday he was drafted to France, and he was in the firing line about four months. His frank, intelligent, and manly qualities secured him many friends wherever he went. Deep sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Wright in the sorrow and anxiety that has befallen them.
William Young was born on May 29th, 1895 at 86 Glebe Street Glasgow. His father Robert was a papermaker and journeyman who was working at Caldercruix, North Lanarkshire, the site of a large paper mill. His mother was Annie Lawrie (nee Lothian).
Both of William's parents had been born in Bonnyrigg, near Edinburgh. The 1901 Census reveals that the family had moved to Almada Street, Hamilton.
Robert Young, aged 32, was now working as an insurance agent. His wife Annie was the same age. William was aged five. His brother James was a year younger while their sister Anne was aged two. The family had moved location often in a short period of time depending on where the father was working. William was born in Glasgow, a year later, James was born at Caldercruix. Two year on from that, young Annie was born in Hamilton. The family moved at least once more as by the 1911 census they are recorded as living at Gowan Cottage, Linlithgow. Robert was still working as an insurance agent. James and Annie were at school. Joan Lawrie aged 81, described as an aunt, was now living with the family. William is not mentioned in this census. He would have been 16 and would have left Linlithgow Academy by this time. He most likely had moved to Glasgow as by the outbreak of war he was working there as a draughtsman in the Hyde Park Locomotive Works.
William served in three different units during the war.
In September 1914 he enlisted with the Territorial battalion, The Lothians and Border Horse. D Squadron was based in Edinburgh and had drill halls in Linlithgow, Bathgate, Broxburn, Hopetoun, Mid Calder, South Queensferry, Ratho and Winchburgh. Territorial battalions were created to provide a defence force at home during wartime. Soldiers in these units could not be forced to serve overseas but many of them, including William, did volunteer to see action.
In November 1915, they were ordered to Salonika in Greece as part of an allied French and British force to help the Serbs fight against a Bulgarian invasion. Other former pupils of Linlithgow Academy who volunteered to serve with The Lothian and Borders Horse in Salonika were William Andrew and Hamish MacDonald. William Young remained stationed there for two years before returning to France. He later served with 3rd Battalion of The Royal Scots, (service number 32659) before finally joining 4th Battalion of The King's Royal Rifle Corps (service number R/35867).
William was serving as a Rifleman with the rank of Lance Corporal when The Kings Royal Rife Corps were involved in an attack on 3rd October 1918, on the last prepared German defensive position, the Beaurevoir Line, two miles behind the main Hindenburg Line. The Germans put up a fierce resistance during which William was killed in action. He died only five weeks before the end of the war. He was 23 years old. William was buried at Templeux-Le-Guerard British Cemetery, Grave Reference: I. J. 40.
On 1 November 1918, the West Lothian Courier reported:
LINLITHGOW HORSEMAN KILLED IN ACTION Lance-Corporal Wm. Young, of the Lothians and Border Horse, attached to the King's Royal Rifles, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Robert Young, Gowan Cottage, Linlithgow, was killed in action on 3rd October. He joined the Lothians and Border Horse in September, 1914, and served with that unit in Salonika for two years. In July last he went to France, where he was attached to the King's Royal Rifles. In civil life he was a draughtsman in Hyde Park Locomotive Works, Glasgow. He was 23 years of age. Mr and Mrs Young's second son, James L. Young, is a sergeant in the Royal Air Force and is at present in Salonika. He was mentioned for a mechanical design in connection with aeroplane construction. In civil life he was employed as an engineer with Messrs A. Newlands and Son, engineers and agricultural implement makers, Linlithgow.