Casualties Listed on Kennethmont War Memorial 1914 - 1919

Casualties listed on Kennethmont War Memorial 1914 - 1919

L Cpl George Anderson, 6th Gordon Highlanders

George Mitchell Anderson was born on 22nd February 1889 at Roadside, Clatt and was the third oldest of a family of three brothers and four sisters. His parents George Anderson and Jane Ann Boyd were of local farming families, the Andersons at Bankhead and the Boyds at Broadmire, Clatt. George Snr worked the croft of Little Towie for some years during which time his family attended Clatt school. Sometime after 1901 the Andersons moved to Auchinleith, Lumsden and, a few years later, moved to the larger farm of Mosstown, Kennethmont as a tenant on the Leith Hall Estate.

George, Jnr was a member of the Territorial Force which was established in 1908. Territorials met each week for training and had an annual camp each summer. This was usually the only " holiday " the men had, and better still, they were paid to be there. On joining the Territorials a soldier agreed to be available for home service only and could not be posted overseas unless he volunteered to do so, and even then could only serve in his own unit. When the threat of war came in 1914 most of the Territorial Soldiers of The Gordon Highlanders agreed to serve overseas and thus became available for 'Imperial Service'. These men, including George Anderson, were then entitled to wear The Imperial Service Badge ( clearly shown in the photo above).

The Imperial Service Badge

As a member of 'H' Company, 6th Battalion (Donside and Banffshire), Gordon Highlanders (Territorial Force) George reported to The Drill Hall in Huntly with his local comrades when the Battalion were mobilised in the evening of 4th August 1914. His company marched by road to Keith where all the companies of the 6th Gordons assembled during 6th-7th August, the men being billeted in the school and in private houses. Organisation completed they left Keith by train on 11th August for Perth. On the 16th they moved on to join The Highland Territorial Brigade in The Highland Division at Bedford and were billeted in private houses in the Bromham Road area of the town with their Headquarters in the Girls High School. For three months they trained and prepared for their eventual move to the Western Front and on 22nd October were reviewed by the King. On 9th Nov 1914 the Battalion journeyed to Southampton by train. That evening at the docks they joined the troopship "Cornishman". They disembarked at Le Havre, France next morning and marched to No1 Reserve Camp on top of the hill behind the town.

This photograph shows members of 6th Gordons at a pre-war Summer Camp, possibly 1914 from which they would have returned shortly before being mobilised. George Anderson is on the left and it looks like William Milne standing in the centre. On the 13th began the journey up the line ending at St Omer where the General Headquarters of the British Army in France was located. For three weeks they received further training for the trenches while billeted in nearby Blendecques. On 6th December the 6th Gordons, in 7th Division - 20th Brigade became the first 51st HD battalion to arrive on The Western Front joining up with regulars of the 2nd Gordons, Scots and Grenadier Guards in the trenches in front of Sailly, near Armentieres. 'A' Company were the first into the trenches. Four days in the line and four resting in billets to the rear was the usual routine. The battalion were billeted south of the town and much time was spent cleaning up after a tour in the mud swamped trenches.

Members of 6 GH cleaning up after a tour in the trenches, the man shaving still wears the drab apron over his kilt. This was worn to camouflage the kilt and to help keep it clean and dry.

On Christmas Day 1914 they witnessed a remarkable event amid the death and destruction - the unofficial Christmas Truce. The truce eventually extended to 3rd January 1915, when normal hostilities resumed. This photo was probably taken in France in 1915. The 6th remained in the Sailly area until 7th March 1915 when they moved to Estaires in readiness for their first action at The Battle of Neuve Chapelle (10th -15th March). The 6th went forward to make an advance at 09.30 on the 13th. Although they gained some ground in the attack they were unable to advance further. The 2nd Gordons came up to assist them but after being pinned down by shell and machine gun fire in No Man's Land for most of the day both units had to fall back under cover of darkness. The 6th suffered very heavy casualties in the initial stages of the action.

This special Order was published by Major-General Capper:

The Divisional General has now received the reports on the action at Neuve Chapelle during March 10th to 14th. He desires to express his admiration of the gallant conduct of the 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders on the 13th March. The Battalion made repeated efforts to advance under very heavy fire, and gained a considerable amount of ground. Its conduct was characterised by splendid dash, and was the admiration of the neighbouring battalions. This is the first occasion in which this battalion has taken part in an attack, and it behaved with great spirit and steadiness. Two months later the 6th were again in action during the Battle of Festubert, 16th - 18th May 1915, where their Brigade been holding the line in front of Festubert. Initially in reserve the 6th became involved in the fighting during the latter stages of the battle. Owing to the severity of the fighting they suffered considerable casualties. George's cousin William Bruce Anderson, Muirs of Seggieden, was killed by a sniper's bullet near Cuinchy in June while serving in the 6th Battalion.

The Battle of Loos, 25th - 27th September 1915

Like all the great battles of WW1 Loos was not a single action, but a series of engagements against well defended enemy positions along a wide section of the German front line. The Loos battlefield lies to the north of the coal mining centre of Lens, in the heart of the industrial area of north-east France. The terrain was fairly flat, although dominated by pit heads and the massive spoil heaps created by deep mining. The best known of these landmarks were the Double Crassier and Tower Bridge.

Near Loos en Gohelle, The Double Crassier landmark of 1915 stood on this site.

The Loos offensive began following a four day artillery bombardment in which 250,000 shells were fired on the German line. At 5.50 am the artillery fire lifted onto the German front line and a cloud of chlorine gas was released from cylinders placed along the front. This was the first time that the British had used poison gas and it meant that infantry had to get out from their jump off points, advance and fight wearing uncomfortable gas helmets. In some areas the gas did not drift forward onto the German lines, as intended, and caused problems for attackers as they advanced into the cloud to reach their objectives.

The Loos battlefield viewed from Dud Corner Cemetery. Vermelles is on the top left corner and Hulluch on the right.

The 6th Gordons were in assembly trenches in front of Vermelles and were not greatly troubled by the gas when they left them at 6.30 and charged towards the German first line in support of the 2nd Gordons ahead of them, where they reformed and then stormed the Hussey Redoubt. They met little opposition and swept forward 1,200 yards, crossed the Vermelles - Hulluch road and captured a gun battery, together with and German officer and forty men, at Gun Trench.

They pressed on and reached the Lens - La Basée road in front of Hulluch before being checked deep within the ememy's defences where they were left exposed with their every movement observed by hidden enemy. The slightest movement drew deadly accurate fire and both battalions suffered heavy losses while the enemy grew stronger by the hour. The Gordon battalions dug in and organised their position for defence expecting reinforcements to come to their assistance. They held on throughout the day.

During the evening a small party of 2nd Border Regiment, to be followed by a body of Royal Engineers, arrived at Gun Trench which they reinforced and worked to bring in wounded Gordons and assist with supplies, ammunition, etc. The enemy moved up silently at 11.30, but the alarm had been raised. The line became a hectic mass of friend and foe, "a gey steer" as one private later described the scene. When the Gordons were virtually surrounded there was nothing for it but to fight their way back to Gun Trench where those already there held their fire till the others got back. Then a murderous fire was rained on the advancing foe, the position was held. It was during these actions of 25th September that George Anderson fell. His body was not recovered for burial, therefor he has no known grave. He is commemorated on The Loos Memorial to the Missing with another 677 Gordon Highlanders.

It forms the side and back of Dud Corner Cemetery, and commemorates over 20,000 officers and men who have no known grave, who fell in the area from the River Lys to the old southern boundary of the First Army, east and west of Grenay. Dud Corner Cemetery stands almost on the site of a German strong point, the Lens Road Redoubt, captured by the 15th (Scottish) Division on the first day of the battle.

Casualty returns for the 6th Gordons after the battle record that 40 men were killed in action, 179 were wounded and 39 were missing. The 2nd Gordons who were ahead of them during the advance had 81 killed, 318 wounded with 117 missing. Many of those posting missing would subsequently be confimed as died in the field.

Even though the 7th Division (including 2nd & 6th Gordons) sucessfully pushed their section of the line forward with heavy casualties this was not repeated elswhere at Loos. The battle was called off in failure on 28 September. George's younger brother, John Cook Anderson, also saw service with the 1st Gordons. He survived the conflict and farmed for some years at Kylieford, Kennethmont. Having served in the France/Flanders theatre between 5th August and 22nd November 1914 George qualified for the less common 1914 Star (left). It is often referred to as The Mons Star as the majority if it's recipients were members of The British Expeditionary Force and involved in the retreat from Mons to the line of entrenched positions which became The Western Front. The German Kaiser referred to the BEF as a "contemptible little army". It's members later became known as The Old Contemptibles

The pithead winding construction at Loos en Gohelle known to the soldiers as "Tower Bridge" The image of Tower Bridge, Loos is reproduced here by kind permission of Paul Reed, www.battlefields1418.com

It was the practice of the time to commemorate a death on a Memorial or Death Card. The card on the left is tri-fold and double sided (both sides shown). It bears a picture of George, details of his death and a verse. They would have been given to family members and friends. ROBERT DISNEY ANDERSON

Private, S/14565, 1st Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 17 June 1917. Age 23. Son of James and Annie Anderson of Mains of Craighall, Kennethmont. James d 27/4/1924 age 62, Annie McIntosh d 5/6/1935 age 70, interred at Auchindoir. Robert detailed on headstone. Born Lumsden, enlisted Aberdeen, killed in action, served France & Flanders. b Lumsden 5/5/1894

Robert was killed in the Arras Sector and has no known grave. On 17 June his battalion was attacking Hill 100, also named Infantry Hill, east of Monchy-le-Preux.

WILLIAM ANDERSON

Private, 11524, 1st/6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 29 June 1915. Age 24.

William Bruce Anderson was born at Seggieden on 9th November 1890, the eldest son of William and Elsie Anderson. His father was tenant in the croft of Muirs of Seggieden on the Leith Hall Estate and it is known that William was working for Mr C.E.N. Leith Hay as a farm servant at Leith Hall Home Farm when he went off to fight in The Great War. Four workers from Leith Hall went away to the war and that all of them died in the conflict. The others were George Gordon and James Daun and William Douglas

William enlisted at Huntly in October 1914 and arrived in France on 10th March 1915, the day the five day Battle of Neuve Chapelle started. It is likely that William and James Daun left Leith Hall, enlisted together at Huntly and trained together. Both arrived in France on 10th March. As part of a new draft they may have gone straight up to the front to join the battalion, with the British Expeditionary Force, in the field. William's cousin L/Cpl George Anderson, Mosstown, had been out at the Front with the 6th Gordons since Nov 1914.

The 6th were next into action in the attack on the German line in front of the village of Festubert, 16th-18th May and the action at Givenchy the following week. It is known that before and after Givency the 6th Gordons were in the line at Windy Corner near Cuinchy.

William was hit in the head by a German sniper's bullet and it is likely he received treatment at, or was taken to, a house near Windy Corner where he died. Guards Cemetery grew up near this house which was used as a Battalion Headquarters and Dressing Station. The cemetery was named after the 4th Guards Brigade who buried in it from February 1915 until it was closed in May 1916. It was enlarged after the Armistice by concentrating battlefield burials.

William Anderson died three months after his arrival on The Western Front.

ROBERT BENZIE

Private, S/7867, 1st Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 26 May 1915. Age 21.

Son of Athol and Mary Benzie, of Denhill Cottage, Drumlithie, Fordoun, Kincardineshire. Born Kennethmont, enlisted Aberdeen, Died of Wounds, served France and Flanders.

On the day of Robert's death 1GH were working on reserve trenches east of Zillebeke. It is likely he was wounded during the actions on Hill 60 between 11th and 20th May. Hill 60 was near the cutting at Zwarteleen on the Ypres - Comines railway line.

1st GH, Batt diary entry 1915

May began quietly, heavy shelling on 6th, killed 3 and wounded 5. By the 11th May, Brigade was ordered to relieve 13th Brigade in front of Hill 60.

13/5 Bn relieved South Lancs in trenches 38, 39, 41, 42, 47s encircling Hill 60. Masses of rifles and equipment found, left by West Riding Regt due to gassing, many corpses; cleaning up carried out. Later 4 germans found digging near trench 38 They were bombed and relaliated in two actions, 2 men killed and thirteen wounded.. By mid-May patrols carried out at Hill 60, with bombing continuing and parapets blown in.

20/5 Relieved by Dorsets, marched back to billets at La Clytte. 21-24/5 La Clytte.

Preparations leading up to 2nd Ypres begin, with Bn engaged in trench work at Hooge, and quiet conditions at night. Some shelling in mornings.

25-26/5 Move to front. Battalion take over line from (but not including village) Hooge to NW corner of Zouave Wood on night of 26-27 May

WILLIAM BRAND

Private, 27555, 13th Bn., Royal Scots, died on Saturday, 19 August 1916. Age 22.

Son of James and Mary Brand, of Temple, Insch, Aberdeenshire. Born at Marnoch, Banff. James Brand d 23/8/1941 age 84, Mary Davidson d 8/3/1938 age 79. They are interred at Insch Cemetery. William is not recorded on their headstone. William Brand was born at Crombie Croft, Marnoch, Banffshire on 17th April 1894.

Enlisted at Aberdeen 22nd Nov 1915.

19 August 1916, the 13th Royal Scots, in 15th (Scottish) Division, were in the line at the Switch Line opposite Martinpuich on the Somme. Martinpuich was finally captured by this division on 15th September. Tanks were used for first time during this action.

GEORGE BUCHAN

L/Sergeant, 28879, 16th Bn., Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regt.), died on 28 April 1916. Age 28.

George Buchan Yule was born at Weets, Kennethmont on 3rd June 1887. He was the illegitimate son of Mary Yule who advised on his birth certificate that she was a Domestic Servant domicile at Mains of Leask, Slains. In the 1891 Census George B Yule is a boarder aged three years in the home of the McDonald family at Weets Croft. It may be that his mother had a family link to this family. He started at Old Town School on 12/5/1893 and moved to Kennethmont School on 16/3/1899. In both records his DOB is given as 3/6/1887 and his Parent / Guardian as John McDonald, Weets. He is recorded in both registers as George Buchan.

Service Notes

When war was declared George Buchan was already a member of the local Militia regiment based in Vancouver, British Columbia, the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. When the initial appeal for volunteers was made he joined, as an original member, the newly formed 16th Batt, Canadian Infantry on 23 September 1914 at Camp Valcartier (Québec). The 16th Batt was made up of Militia men from Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia; Winnipeg, Manitoba and Hamilton, Ontario. He then went to France as a member of The Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force.

The 16th Battalion had been cobbled together from units in four other highland regiments. They were companies drawn from Vancouver's Seaforth Highlanders, the Gordon Highlanders of Victoria, Winnipeg's Cameron Highlanders and Hamilton's Canadian Highlanders.

Circumstances of Death file: Died of wounds at No 10 C.C.S.

16th Battalion CEF (Manitoba Regiment) were known as The Canadian Scottish. They were in 3rd Brigade, 1st Canadian Division.

ADAM CRUICKSHANK

Private, 16897, 2nd Bn., Scots Guards, died on Sunday, 31 March 1918. Age 19.

Son of William and Barbara Cruickshank, of Douglas Buildings, Kirkhill, Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire.

He was born at Huntly and enlisted at Aberdeen. Died of Wounds, served France & Flanders.

Adam died in No 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital, Doullens due to wounds received during the German Spring Offensive which started on 21st March 1918. It was fought on the British held Arras sector of the front line.

Details in Huntly Express confirm family at Douglas Buildings and that Adam had been a farm servant.

Details from Service Record

Attested at Aberdeen 13 June 1917, age 19 years 49 days, 5ft 10 in. NOK Mr Wm Douglas, father, Douglas Buildings, Kirkhill, Kennethmont. Disembarked at Havre 30 Dec 1917, joined battalion in field 1 Feb 1917. Wounded in Action 30 March 1918, admitted to No 3 CSH, Doullens on same day with GSW (back, axilla), died same day. Served 294 days, of which 94 with BEF in France. War & Victory Medals issued and received by mother.

Army Returns: Died at No 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital, Doullens, France of wounds received in action.

No 3 CSH, Doullens. At Doullens the old fort, which housed the hospital, lay well apart from the town, and was surrounded by fields. It has from the beginning been used for hospital purposes alone, and there was no railway or military material in the vicinity

JAMES DAUN

Lance Corporal, 11518, 1st/6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 2 November 1915. Age 26.

James Daun was born at Brackla in the Parish of Premnay on 12th July 1889, the son of William and Ann Daun. Known to family and friends as Jimmy he was the 4th eldest of a family of ten he had five brothers and four sisters. His father was tenant in the farm of Brackla on the Brindy Hill. Brackla was on the Leith Hall Estate and it is known that James was working as a farm servant at Leith Hall Home Farm when he went off to fight in The Great War.

It is known that three workers from Leith Hall went away to the war and that all of them died in the conflict. The others were George Gordon and William Anderson. Jimmy enlisted at Huntly but was not a member of the original 6th Batt, Gordon Highlanders (Territorial Force) who arrived in France in November 1914. He volunteered later and did basic training, possibly at Aberdeen. By February 1915 Jimmy is at Bedford where the Gordon Brigade in the Highland Division were based during WW1. It is very likely that James and William Anderson left Leith Hall, enlisted together at Huntly and trained together. Both arrived in France on 10th March 1915, the day the five day Battle of Neuve Chapelle started. As part of a new draft they may have gone straight up to the front to join the battalion in the field.

Following Neuve Chapelle the 6th were next into action in the attack on the German line in front of the village of Festubert, 16th-18th May.

It is known that James came unscathed through The Battle of Loos, 25/9/1915. During October 6 GH were in the line south of the La Bassee Canal near Cambrin or alternating in billets. He fell sick and eventually found himself in one of the medical facilities in Rouen.

80 miles back from the front Rouen was the Base Supply Depot for the 6th Gordons in The British Expeditionary Force (BEF). The 3rd Echelon of General Headquarters was also established there. Supplies, equipment, new drafts, etc destined for 6 GH at the front passed through their base at Rouen. They then went "up the line" to the front. "Down the line" meant movement back from the front to the Base.

Several British camps and hospitals ( hospitals included eight General, five Stationary, one British Red Cross, one Native Labour Hospitals and No. 2 Convalescent Depot) were established in, and around, the race course on the Southern outskirts of the city. It was in No 9 General Hospital that James died due to pericarditis on 2nd November 1915 having been passed "down the line" from a Dressing Station or Field Hospital at the front.

ALEXANDER DOUGLAS

Private, S/11238, 1st Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 18 July 1916. Age 25.

Alexander Douglas , the eldest son of John and Elizabeth Douglas was born at Kirkhill, Kennethmont on 26th May 1890. His father, a farm servant at Netherton, Clatt and then Seggieden, died six years later. Having been called up or by volunteering Alexander enlisted in the 1st Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders at Inverurie. The letter S in his army service number S/11238 indicates his was a wartime enlistment. At that time his widowed mother and her four sons were living at Craigton Cottage. All of them were to join up with the Gordon Highlanders.

The People's Journal, January 1917.

George in 6th Batt, Gordon Highlanders was wounded in action near Bethune, died a Prisoner of War on 11th April 1918 ,and is buried in Tournai Communal Cemetery Allied Extension. Brothers James and John both served with the 6th Batt, Gordon Highlanders and survived the Great War.

The 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, a regular army battalion in the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division, were sent to help defend France and Flanders following the German invasion of Belgium on 4th August 1914. They landed at Boulogne on 14th August 1914 and by forced marches," this contemptible little army " as the German Kaiser scoffingly called the British force, arrived near Mons in Begium on 22nd August. There they lined the Condee - Mons Canal near Nimy Bridge. This salient was to become the main point of the German army thrust at 9am the following morning. Bitter fighting followed in which the Gordons suffered very heavy casualties. At 3pm the 3rd Division was ordered to retire. Then began the long march back to Le Cateau where they were to stand their ground against the invader on the night of 25th August in defensive positions in front of Audencourt and Caudry.

When a general retirement was ordered on the afternoon of 26th August the order failed to reach the Gordons who fought on and were eventually cut off and forced to surrender during the night of the 27th. Although they became prisoners for the duration their action gained time for large numbers of men of the 2nd Army to get away.

It is ironic that same fate was to befall the 1st Gordons again in a similar retreat from Mons at the start of the Second World War in June 1940. There, in the British Expeditionary Force, they fought a rearguard action from Mons back to the French coast which allowed thousands to be evacuated at Dunkirk and other Channel beaches before the entire 51st Highland Division were forced to lay down their arms at St Valery.

Following the disaster at Le Cateau the 1st Gordons were reorganised and was eventually to be joined by Alexander Douglas. The beginning of 1916 finds the 1st Gordons repeating the routine of trenches and billets south of Ypres in Belgium. From billets in Reninghelst, La Clytte and Locre they moved in and out of trenches at Kemmel and St Eloi.

They were relieved at Kemmel at the end of May and rested in billets at Bailleul. On 11th June they begin the combination of exercises and training marches arriving at the final training area at Moulle, Somme on 18th June. The rest of June was spent there in training for the attack and musketry practice on the ranges. 1GH were not involved in the disastrous Somme assaults of July 1st 1916. They were a few miles behind the lines at Franvilliers at this time and from 7th July at Bronfay Farm, Bray-sur-Somme practising assaults night and day. They moved up the line to trenches at Caterpillar Valley near Longueval, so called due to the long narrow caterpillar shaped wood which ran alongside it, on the 13th. They took part in the general attack on the German positions at 3.25 the following day in the sector of front which was to see the fiercest conflict of all.

By the 14th the greater part of Longueval village had been captured. On 15th July The South African Brigade, attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division, were ordered to clear Delville Wood. Three times the Africans swept through the wood but were driven out by concentrated artillery and machine gun fire. Only 143 of the original 3,150 men came out of the trenches when they were relieved on the 20th.

The 1st Gordons were called upon to attempt the task and at 3.45 on 18th July they stormed Longueval village, the orchard to the north and Delville Wood. They penetrated through the wood to the crest line beyond, falling on the slopes before a raking machine gun fire. They withstood a concentrated bombardment and repulsed repeated counter attacks for 8 hours. Then, having suffered very heavy losses, including Pte Alexander Douglas who was posted "missing in action", they were forced to withdraw to trenches at the south end of the village.

The Battalion War Diary entry for that day records 18 July - Caterpillar Valley Day wet in forenoon but clearer later. Moved forward to position of assembly at 2am. Assault took place at 3.45am. Village was successfully carried, but several strong points N of DELVILLE WOOOD remained in enemy's hands. About 4.30 pm the troops were forced to evacuate all but the southern end of the village and wood owing to continuous and intense bombardment lasting some seven hours followed by strong and determined counter- attack. Casualties - 4 officers killed, 7 wounded. 321 other ranks killed, wounded or missing.

They were relieved on 26th July.

The strength of this infamous German position can be gauged by the fact that it was not wholly in British hands until August 25th 1916. Due to the horrors which occurred there as it changed hands many times Delville Wood was known to the soldiers as Devil's Wood.

Alexander Douglas has no known grave and is commemorated with 74,000 other men on the nearby Thiepval Memorial who are also "Missing on the battlefields of the Somme".

GEORGE DOUGLAS

Private, 266365, 1st/4th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 23 April 1918. Age 24.

George Douglas, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Douglas, was born at Kirkhill, Kennethmont on 23rd October 1893. His father, a farm servant at Seggieden, died three years later. During WW1 George enlisted in the 6th Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders at Huntly. At that time his widowed mother and her four sons were living at Craigton Cottage. All of them were to join up with the Gordon Highlanders.

The People's Journal, January 1917

. Pte George Douglas Alexander in 1st Batt, Gordon Highlanders was killed in action on the Somme on 18th July 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated by name on The Theipval Memorial to the Missing. Brothers James and John both served with the 6th Batt, Gordon Highlanders and survived The Great War of Nations. It is known that George was in the France and Flanders theatre between 1st Jan 1916 and 1st March 1917. On the latter date the Gordon Highlanders service numbers were changed. George previously had the number 12273. The series of numbers 265001-290000 was allocated to 6th Gordons. This confirms that on 1st March 1917 George was with the 6th Battalion. At some point he was posted to the 5th Gordons and was injured with them at Cambrai on 21st Nov 1917 as a member of B Company. If a man moved between Territorial Force battalions in the same regiment he kept the new issue number.

This later picture of George was possibly taken around the end of 1916. It is known that at New Year 1917 he was receiving treatment for injuries at Southport Hospital. He must have received a "Blighty", an injury at Cambrai which saw him invalided back to the UK for treatment, before returning to the front again when he had fully recovered. If is likely he was posted (attached) to the 4th Gordons on his return to the Front. Around the time of his death, from wounds received in action, George's battalion were involved in the Battles in the area of the River Lys, 9th-29th April 1918. The Germans made considerable advances in Flanders in an attempt to gain the important rail junction of Hazebrouck and then on to the Channel ports. This coincided with the German Spring Offensive further south when they overran the former battlefields of the Somme. The 4th Gordons went into action at 4am on 11th April in a section by the La Bassee Canal between Bethune and Locon. The battalion suffered very heavy losses and it was probably during this action that George was wounded and taken prisoner by the Germans before before being moved back along their lines to Tournai. WILLIAM DOUGLAS

Private, 11526, 6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on Friday, 4 June 1915. Age 28.

William Douglas was born on 12 Aug 1886 at Buckfoot, Cabrach, the son of Maggie Douglas

Pte. 6 GH, Bogieside Croft, enlisted Huntly, killed in action, served France & Flanders.

He is recorded on the family headstone of William Joss, Mains of Craighall in Kennethmont CY (Old) His mother married Wm Joss.

He worked for Mr Leith Hay at Leith Hall HF, enlisted October 1914, killed by a bomb during a trench attack. See Wm B Anderson entry.

1914/15 Star, War & Victory Medals, France 10/3/1915

William Douglas, 6 GH fell in action near Givency 4 June 1915 age 28.

William did not proceed to France with BEF in Nov 1914. Book, 6 GH in F & F

Army Casualty Returns: Wm Douglas 27, e Huntly, KIA 4/6/1915 with BEF

20th Brigade, 7th Division, the Battalion was in reserve at Battle of Festubert, 16-18 May 1915, but was in the line afterwards. Battle ended 25th May.

1/4/1908 The original Volunteer Battalions was reorganised and the 4th became the 6th Batt ( Territorial Force) comprising 8 companies centred in the following areas:

'A' Coy – Banff 'B' Coy - Dufftown, Aberlour and Glenlivet 'C' Coy – Keith 'D' Coy – Buckie E' Coy – Inverurie 'F' Coy - Alford, Kildrummy and Strathdon 'G' Coy – Buckie 'H' Coy – Huntly

During 1914 the 8 Company system of the entire British army was changed to 4, usually 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D'. 'H' Company became part of the new 'A' Company. This became the official designation in 1915. This did not prevent the men using the original lettering which related to their home areas.

WILLIAM DUSTAN

Sergeant, 3/6558, 8th Gordon Highlanders, died on 25 September 1915. Age 33.

Son of John and Elizabeth Dustan (nee Coutts), b 10/8/1882 at Rhynie, B Cert

Sgt 8 GH, Wardhouse on Roll of Honour. Cults on Memorial..

Wm Coutts Dustan b 10/8/1882 at Rhynie, B Cert

Married Adeline Kennedy at Cork Nov 1904, she died at Cork 26 Nov 1905.

27 March 1908 Married Helen Stoddart at Rhynie. Children later born Rhynie, Keith and Glenlivet.

SDGW - born Kennethmont, enlisted Stirling, served France & Flanders.

In Special Reserve, mobilised at Drymen on 16th Aug 1914, Occupation Blacksmith

Commemorated on Drymen War Memorial.

Oct 1916 Helen Dustan residing in Dalkeith.

PRO; 1914/15 Star, War & Victory Medals, France 10/5/1915, L/Sgt- A/Sgt, d on or since 25/9/1915

Army Casualty Returns: Wm Dustan A/Sgt age 33 d 25/9/1915 (Presumed), Died in the field.

William was killed at The Battle of Loos

1901, Kirkhill, age 18 Distillery Worker, unm, b Rhynie / Ab.

From Service Record

Served 7831, Pte, 1st Gordon Highlanders. Enlisted July 1901 for 12 years ( 3 with Colours and 9 in Reserve) at Aberdeen. Discharged unfit at Cork March 1906

Enlisted at Drymen into Special Reserve, 3rd Battn. Gordon Highlanders, 16 August 1914. Occ Blacksmith. Previous T.F. service.

1 Dec 1914 - Appointed Corporal Jan 1915 in 8th Gordon Highlandrs at Aldershot. March / April 1915 at Borden Camp, Hants. 10 May 1915 - B.E.F to France Sept 19 1915 - Appointed Acting Sergeant Sept 25 1915 - Missing in Action Sept 25 1915 - Died, on or since

ALEXANDER GORDON

Sapper, 922575, 3rd Bn.,Canadian Engineers, died on 8 August 1918. Age 29.

Son of William and Catherine Gordon, Seggiecrook, Duncanston, Kennethmont. William Gordon d 2/1/1935 age 73, Catherine Redford d 14/11/1916, interred Insch.

Confirmed by brother Chas Gordon, 23/11/2000, Banff. He worked as a grocer in Insch before moving to Canada.

Alexander Gordon was born at Largie in the Parish of Insch on 1st December 1889.

When the appeal for volunteers was made Alexander joined the 200th Infantry Battalion: Winnipeg Battalion (Manitoba Regiment) on 10 June 1916 at Winnipeg, Canada and went to France as a member of The Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force.

At the time of his death he was in 3rd Batt, Canadian Engineers. This unit was formed from 3rd Field Company, Canadian Engineers in July 1918. They had been used in the line as infantry since April 1915. It is unknown when Aleander transferred to this unit from his original battalion.

The Battle of Amiens started on 8th August 1918 and continued to 15th August.

GEORGE GORDON

Private, 1444, 6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on Friday, 4 June 1915. Age 17.

George Gordon was born on 25th September 1897 at Christkirk, Kennethmont and was the third oldest of a family of three brothers and four sisters. His parents were James Adam and Jeannie Gordon. He was known to his family and friends as Dod. His father was tenant in the farm of Christkirk on the Leith Hall Estate which had been farmed by members of the Gordon family for many years. Dod worked as a farm servant at Leith Hall Home Farm and was one of three workers there who went off to fight in the Great War. The others were James Daun and William Anderson. All of them died in the conflict.

The Imperial Service Badge

As a member of 'H' Company, 6th Battalion (Donside and Banffshire), Gordon Highlanders (Territorial Force) George reported to The Drill Hall in Huntly with his Insch comrades when the Battalion were mobilised in the evening of 4th August 1914. His company marched by road to Keith where all the companies of the 6th Gordons assembled during 6th-7th August, the men being billeted in the school and in private houses. Organisation completed they left Keith by train on 11th August for Perth. On the 16th they moved on to join The Highland Territorial Brigade in The Highland Division at Bedford and were billeted in private houses in the Bromham Road area of the town with their Headquarters in the Girls High School. For three months they trained and prepared for their eventual move to the Western Front and on 22nd October were reviewed by the King. On 9th Nov 1914 the Battalion journeyed to Southampton by train. That evening at the docks they joined the troopship "Cornishman". They disembarked at Le Havre, France next morning and marched to No1 Reserve Camp on top of the hill behind the town.

On the 13th began the journey up the line ending at St Omer where the General Headquarters of the British Army in France was located. For three weeks they received further training for the trenches while billeted in nearby Blendecques. On 6th December the 6th Gordons, in 7th Division - 20th Brigade became the first 51st HD battalion to arrive on The Western Front joining up with regulars of the 2nd Gordons, Scots and Grenadier Guards in the trenches in front of Sailly, near Armentieres. Dod's 'A' Company were the first into the trenches. Four days in the line and four resting in billets to the rear was the usual routine. The battalion were billeted south of the town and much time was spent cleaning up after a tour in the mud swamped trenches.

The 6th remained in the Sailly area until 7th March 1915 when they moved to Estaires in readiness for their first action at The Battle of Neuve Chapelle (10th -15th March). The 6th went forward to make an advance at 09.30 on the 13th. Although they gained some ground in the attack they were unable to advance further. The 2nd Gordons came up to assist them but after being pinned down by shell and machine gun fire in No Man's Land for most of the day both units had to fall back under cover of darkness. The 6th suffered very heavy casualties in the initial stages of the action. This special Order was published by Major-General Capper:

Dod was wounded, probably at Neuve Chapelle, and spent some time in hospital and later rested for two weeks at No 2 Territorial Base in Rouen before returning to the Battalion at the the front at the end of April having been moved to 'A' Coy's No 3 Platoon. Although not involved in an action at this time it is known that the battalion were in front line trenches at "Windy Corner" in the Festubert - Givenchy sector near Cuinchy.

The CWGC record gives Dod's death as 4th June 1915. In a letter to his father Lt D McKenzie, commanding "A" Coy, states that he knew George well as he was his observer. He also states clearly that he was killed during the afternoon of June 3.

He was the victim of a high explosive shell which also killed Sgt John Fraser of Aberlour and wounded two other men. The Imperial War Graves Commission later advised the family that he was buried near Givency - West of La Basee and that the precise location of the grave was known. In December 1919 they advised that a careful search had been made but all trace of it was lost as a consequence of military operations in that area.

Having 'No Known Grave' George Gordon's name is recorded on the Memorial to the Missing at Le Touret Cemetery. Sgt Fraser is also commemorated there.

This sad memorial card bears the photographs and details of the deaths in action of dod and his older brother Pat. Pat Gordon (4th GH), aged 19, was killed at Hooge two weeks after his brother. He too has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing at Ypres, Belgium. Private Robert Patrick Gordon died near Ypres 19 June 1915 aged 19 years. Pte George Gordon died at Givenchy 4 June 1915 aged 17 years

The Gordon Family, Christkirk. c 1911. Jenella, George, Robert, James, Constance, James A Gordon, Christina, John, Mrs Jeannie Gordon (A sister, Lizzie, died in infancy in 1904) Family photographs, letters and medals are reproduced here by kind permission of his nephews George, Robert and James Gordon, Alford.

ROBERT PATRICK GORDON

Private, 1446, 4th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 19 June 1915. Age 19.

Robert Patrick Gordon was born on 5th August 1895 at Christkirk, Kennethmont and was the second oldest of a family of three brothers and four sisters. His parents were James Adam and Jeannie Gordon. He was known to his family and friends as Pat. His father was tenant in the farm of Christkirk on the Leith Hall Estate which had been farmed by members of the Gordon family for many years. As a Student of Arts at Aberdeen University he joined the University company of The Gordon Highlanders on entry to the University in 1912. 'U' company as it was aptly designated was incorporated within 'D' company of the regiment's 4th Battalion (Territorial Force).

On joining the Territorials a soldier agreed to be available for home service only and could not be posted overseas. When the threat of war came in 1914 most of the Territorial Soldiers of The Gordon Highlanders agreed to serve overseas and thus became available for 'Imperial Service'. These men were then entitled to wear The Imperial Service Badge.

At the outbreak of war the battalion were at their summer training camp at Tain where they had been since 18th July. The annual camp was a great attraction for the men as they were away from home for two weeks, and were paid. They were mobilised on 4th August and went from there directly to join the other Gordon Territorial Battalions in The Highland Division at Bedford via Perth. There they trained and prepared for their inevitable move to the Western Front. On 19th Feb 1915 they journeyed to Southampton by train. At the Docks they joined the transport ship Archimedes which left its berth at 7pm and arrived at Le Havre, France next morning.

The Battalion joined 8th Brigade, 3rd Division near Zillebeke, Belgium on 27th Feb. Pat and his comrades in 16 Platoon, 'D' Coy first went into the line in trenches near Kemmel alongside the regulars of the 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders on the evening of 8th March 1915 where they relieved the 1st Grenadier Guards. They served in and out of the line in this quiet sector for the next three months.

Pat Gordon was struck down by severe influenza at the end of April and on 1st May writes home from No 8 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne. He writes that he was sent this far 'down the line' as they were trying to keep the Field Hospitals closer to the front clear owing to the current heavy fighting. He moved to No 2 Territorial Base Camp at Rouen on 8th May. Still there on 4th June he complains of being there for an exceptionally long time as there are not enough men from the 4th battalion to send 'up the line' as yet.

Having heard of his brother’s death he wrote to his sister Jenella from Rouen on 12th June and returned to his unit near Hooge the following week.

4 Battalion GH, 26 May-20 June 1915

The Battalion had been in front line trenches near Hooge for nearly a month. They arrived here from camp at Brandhoek near Vlamertinge and returned here after the battle.

16 June The First Attack on Bellewaarde sometimes referred to as The Battle of Hooge or Menin Road was fought in an area between the Menin Road and the Ypres-Roulers railway line. The German front line of the Ypres Salient ran along the edge of 'Y' Wood ( see plan above). The action began with a highly accurate artillery bombardment which commenced at 2.50am on 16th June. When it stopped at 4.15am 7th Brigade advanced on the German line. At 10.30am 'D' Coy advanced to 'Y' Wood from trenches across the Menin road near Birr Cross Roads undergoing heavy shelling from shrapnel. No room could be found in 'Y' Wood as the trenches were all occupied, with more men being driven back by German bombs, shrapnel and machine gun fire from 'Y' Wood.

At 12.00 'D' Coy, having failed to find unoccupied trenches, start to dig new trenches in 'Y' Wood amid considerable confusion and poor communications. The trenches in 'Y' Wood were severely shelled during the afternoon and evening. At 3pm 42nd Brigade arrive in the front line trenches but are unable to advance due to heavy German shell fire and GAS shells. At 5pm 42nd Brigade withdraw to Ypres. 8-9pm all now quiet. 10-12pm, the wounded are collected. 'D' Coy are relieved in 'Y' Wood. Casualties 4 Officers wounded, 7 men killed, 46 wounded, 1 man missing.

The Gordons advanced from their start point up the similar rising ground of Bellewaarde Ridge from positions to the left of the black car (Birr Cross Roads), to 'Y' Wood. Bellewaarde (42.5m) and the other ridges of the Salient i.e. Frenzenberg, Pilkem, Passchendaele, etc gave the Germans commanding views and defensive positions overlooking the Flanders Plain and was to become the front line for nearly four years. The town of Ypres two miles away was reduced to rubble by shelling but never fell into German hands.

17 June The Battalion are in reserve in GHQ Line. Germans shell communication trench for first time, 3 killed, 5 wounded.

18 June 'A' & 'D' Coys are in CHQ line south of Menin Road. 'B' Coy north of road. 'C' Coy go to 'Y' Wood to bury dead. Quiet day, no casualties.

19 June Battalion distributed as 18th. Some shelling, relieved by KRR (King's Royal Rifle Corps) at 9.30pm and marched back to bivouacs at VLAMERTINGNE. 1 man killed, 5 wounded.

20 June It is interesting to note that the The Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the memorial card record that Pat Gordon died on 19th June. This information will have been supplied by the War Office. The Aberdeen University Roll of Honour states he was 'killed in action in an assault on German lines in a wood near Hooge on 17th June'. From the War Diary it is clear that the action in 'Y' Wood took place on the 16th/17th and on the 18th/19th the Battalion were clearing up with the loss of one man.

In a letter of 20th June 1915 to his father Capt Henderson Begg, OC 'D' Coy states that the company were holding a line of trenches just previous to being relieved and that Pat, having returned from hospital the night before, was hit in the head and killed instantly by a fragment of a shell which fell right into the trench. He writes that Pat was buried in a little garden just behind the trench where others from the company lie and that the grave was marked by a wooden cross bearing his name. His friend Pte (later Sgt) Alec Rule of Huntly wrote to his father on 21st June and confirms that Pat was killed by a shell which burst in the trench traverse where Pat was and that he believed he was nearest it. The others in the traverse were slightly wounded. This ties with the War Diary entry of 19 June - 1 man killed, 5 wounded. Rule writes that Pat returned to the front a day or two earlier.

He describes taking an active part in the burial that same evening. The simple service was conducted by a Sergeant of 'D' Company (a divinity student) and the grave was marked by a wooden cross. A wreath was placed on the grave. The grave was subsequently lost due to the constant military activity in the area during the next three years. Having no known grave the name of Robert Gordon is recorded on The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing at Ypres.

This sad memorial card bears the photographs and details of the deaths in action of Pat and his younger brother George. Dod Gordon (6th GH), aged 17, was killed at Festubert two weeks before his brother. He too has no known grave and is commemorated on the Memorial to the Missing at Le Touret Military Cemetery, France.

This is an extract from the University of Aberdeen Memorial Book. It lists students of the University who fell in The Great War, the majority in 'U' Coy, 4GH. Most have brief details, some including Robert, had a fuller account at the front of the book.

CHARLES DUNCAN GRAY

Private, 27373, 15th Bn., Highland Light Infantry, died on 2 April 1917. Age 20.

Charles Duncan Gray was born at Sunside, Wardhouse in the Parish of Kennethmont on 30th June 1896, the youngest son of James and Ellen Gray. He had five elder brothers and two younger sisters and was known to his family and friends as Charlie. His father was tenant in the farm of Sunside on the Wardhouse Estate. He had worked for and later took over the tenancy of Sunside from his aunt Margaret Howie in the late 1890's. The Howie family had farmed Sunside since before 1841.

Between the outbreak of WW1 in August 1914 and May 1916 is is known that Charlie was initially in the Royal Field Artillery, number 143793 and enlisted in Aberdeen. A photo of him in Regular Army R.F.A. uniform is below. For some reason, possibly relating to his age or health, he must have been discharged and returned to civilian life and in 1916 he was employed in the office of Mr Duguid, Advocate, Union St, Aberdeen.

May 1916 saw universal conscription come into effect with a Military Service Act applying to all men regardless of marital status between 18 and 41 years. According to his diary Charles received his call up papers on Friday May 19th, reported next day and was then given a weekend pass home to Kennethmont. He left for Glasgow in the early hours of Monday and reported to Maryhill Barracks, the regimental headquarters of the Highland Light Infantry (H.L.I.), at 6am and joined "C" Company, 15th (Service) Battalion (1st Glasgow) HLI. 15th H.L.I. was known as the Glasgow Tramways Battalion.

When the battalion was raised by the Lord Provost and City of Glasgow on 2nd September 1914 the vast majority it's volunteers came from the Glasgow Tramways. They arrived in France in November 1915. He began his basic training at Maryhill and was then transferred to Montrose on 20th June having received his inoculations, etc. He was paid 8/- (40p) a week and billeted at Union Mills. On 22nd July he was home for a weekend and started musketry training on 14th August.

As the move to the Front became imminent he was home for the last time on five days embarkation leave commencing 1st September 1916. His battalion moved to Folkestone on the 27th arriving there at 6am next morning. By four in the afternoon they were in France and moved from the port of Boulougne to Base Camp at Etaples next day. After further training at Etaples they finally went into the line in the Arras sector on October 10th at Busnes, near Bethune.

Pte Charles Gray, 15th H.L.I.

Gunner Charles Gray, R.F.A.

Click on image to view large map.

15th H.L.I. were involved in the actions during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line (14 Mar-5 Apr 1917). The German defences of the Hindenburg Line ran from a position east of Arras to near St Quentin on the British sector. The Germans withdrew to these defensive positions.

The Hindenburg Line, or Siegfried Stellung as they called it, was a vast system of defences in Northern France constructed by the Germans during the winter of 1916- 17. It ran from the area around Arras all the way to beyond St Quentin, and consisted of deep and wide trenches, thick belts of barbed wire, concrete machine- gun positions, concrete bunkers, tunnels and command posts. It was considered virtually impregnable by the Germans. The British offensives of late 1917 and 1918 were to prove otherwise.

On the day of his death on April 2 Charlie, in "C" Company, 15th H.L.I, with the 14th Brigade, arrived in the Bois-de-Savy (Savy Wood) on the East of Saint Quentin about 3 on the morning to take up attack positions. The objectives were Holnon and Francilly-Selency, still nearer to St. Quentin on the oblique line of the drive north- east across the town's western approaches. The 1st Dorsets on the left had to seize Holnon. The 2nd Manchesters had to go direct at Francilly, "B" Company of the 15th H.L.I. in support, with orders to consolidate the eastern edge of Francilly. Two other companies of the 15th on the right, "C" and "D" Companies, were to capture the height which runs roughly east from the village. This high ground was to have been taken by the 96th Brigade which had failed. Two platoons of "A" Company were employed as R.E. working parties and a third platoon as Battalion reserve.

At 4.55 a.m. the British artillery laid down a heavy barrage on the village which lasted five minutes. Then the 14th Brigade attacked. The stormers were violently assailed by machine gun fire along the entire front but they swept on purposefully and laid hold of the allotted positions, taking numerous prisoners. "D" Company of the H.L.I. captured three machine guns in a quarry. The 2nd Manchesters were fired at point blank by a battery of six German field guns situated on a slope some hundred yards to the east of Francilly which was in the hands of that Midland battalion.

The gunners decamped, however, under the fusilade of rifle and machine gun fire, abandoning their pieces, whereupon the Manchesters dug their line so as to command the battery position. The 15th H.L.I. had few casualties in the actual assault, but about 6.15 a.m. the Germans opened a severe bombardment, smashing shells into Francilly and battering the heights. On this wet and dreary morning "B" and "C" Companies were frenziedly digging to consolidate. The shelling went on all day but did not turn the companies from the construction of very fine trenches. They dug and dug with shell-bursts all around them, dug for dear life. But they suffered 40 casualties before they had prepared a position in which to resist counter-attack.

15 HLI Diary entry. April 2. Bois-de-Savy. Attack and capture of Francilly. Casualties for April : Officers, 2 killed, 3 wounded; other ranks, 42 killed, 124 wounded.

It is not known whether Charlie was killed during the attack on the ridge at Francilly or during the later shelling of their trenches. He and seventeen of his comrades who died that day were buried in a grave near the railway line beside the Holnon - Savy road in the battlefield cemetery that was to become known as Savy Wood North Cemetery. It's 44 burials were subsequently all moved to Savy British Cemetery in 1920.

To the Memory of NCO's & Men of 15th HLI. Killed in Action. 2/4/17

1395 Cpl T 13753 L/Cpl C Miller Crabb

13539 Cpl G 42062 L/Cpl D Bertram Third Ptes 40656 R Ptes McFarlane 41150 D Pollock 13866 R 40650 J C King Kettles 41273 P Allen 33338 W 42168 W Cairns Ferrier 40595 T 42801 W Ewing Henegan 27393 C Gray 3089 F Kerr 42277 F McNiven

The original grave and marker by the Holnon - Savy Road with the railway embankment to the left. The photo was supplied to his father by The Graves Registration Service in late 1917.

It was the practice of the time to commemorate a death on a Memorial or Death Card. The card on the left is tri-fold and double sided ( both sides shown). It bears a picture of Charles, details of his death and a verse. They would have been given to family members and friends.

JAMES INGRAM

Driver, 131787, 2nd Div. Ammunition Col., RFA, died on 7 September 1918. Age 20.

Son of James and Elsie Ingram, of Waulkmill Cottage, Insch, Aberdeenshire.

Jas Ingram, Old Toll, Driver RFA. Brother of John Ingram. He was born at Premnay and enlisted at Aberdeen, killed in action, served France & Flanders.

His father was a railway wayman. His parents Elsie Martin d 18/3/1946 age 86. James C Ingram d 3/1/1949 age 83. Both interred Insch Cemetery.

Was a farm servant in the district.

War & Victory Medals

B Cert : Born Kennethmont 18/12/1897

Service Notes Divisions had Brigades of artillery in support and in general the Artillery Brigade consisted of A, B, C and D Batteries. A, B and C were usually 18 Pdr Field Gun Batteries and D was usually 60Pdr Howitzer Battery. In the later years of the War X,Y and Z Batteries were added these being Trench Mortar Batteries.

The really heavy guns were operated by The Royal Garrison Artillery.

Brigade Ammunition Column The Ammunition Column numbered 158 heads. Commanded by a Captain, with 3 Lieutenants or Second-Lieutenants, the job of the BAC was to bring ammunition and other supplies to the Battery positions from the Divisional dumps. It was divided into two sections. BAC establishment also included a Battery Sergeant-Major , a Battery Quartermaster Sergeant , a Farrier-Sergeant, 4 Shoeing Smiths (of which 1 would be a Corporal), 2 Saddlers, 2 Wheelers, a Trumpeter, 4 Sergeants, 5 Corporals, 5 Bombardiers, 30 Gunners, 96 Drivers and 3 Gunners acting as Batmen. Brigade Ammunition Columns disappeared in May 1916, when they were reorganised into Divisional Ammunition Columns.

7/9/1918. According to the book History of 2nd Div by E Wyrell "During the night of the 7th a rain of heay shells fell about 99th Infantry Bde HQ which were in a dugout on the Doignies-Demicourt road. The brigade transport was passing at the time". Amongst those killed were Capt R M Vaisey and the brigade mess cook a Cpl N G Short. As a Driver James Ingram may also have been killed at this time.

JOHN MARTIN INGRAM

Lance Corporal, 266325, 6th Gordon Highlanders, died on 31 July 1917. Age 19.

Son of James and Elsie Ingram, of Waulkmill Cottage, Insch, Aberdeenshire. Brother of James Ingram. His father was a railway wayman. His parents Elsie Martin d 18/3/1946 age 86. James C Ingram d 3/1/1949 age 83. Both interred Insch Cemetery. John Martin Ingram and his sister Bella Simpson Ingram were baptised at Slack 26/6/1898.

Pte 6 GH, Old Toll. He was born at Leslie and enlisted at Insch, killed in action, served France & Flanders.

On the day of his death 6GH were involved in an attack over the River Steenbeeke at Pilkem Ridge during the opening of 3rd Ypres. This action, 3 miles NE of Ypres began at 3.50am and was their first time in the trenches of the Ypres Salient and became known as The Battle of Pilkem Ridge.

6GH Battalion War Diary entry, July 1917 11-23 - LEDERZEELE - In Billets training for the attack. 23-19 - St JANSTER BIEZEN - In Camp - Huts and Canvas. 30-31 - In the Line.

Battalion moved off at 7.30pm on the 30th to Assembly Position preparatory to the attack. The Battalion was distributed as follows:

To Front Line - "A" & "D" Companies. To Hardy's Trench - "C" Company and "B" Company (less one Platoon). To "X" Line - One Platoon of "B" Company. The night was quiet, and no difficulties were experienced from enemy shelling. All Companies had been reported in position by 1.30am. Shortly before ZERO Hour (3.50am) the enemy shelled the Front Line and ground in rear of it, but not heavily. A few casualties were sustained by Companies in the Front Line. From 4.10am onwards, our Front Line was heavily shelled, and the trench was very much knocked about, but Companies moved into No Man's Land, and thus avoided loss.

At 4.20am "A" & "D" Companies moved forward in three waves as per programme, and passed through the BLUE LINE (already captured by 1/5th SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS). At 4.20am two platoons of "B" Company detailed for VON WERDER'S HOUSE and ADAM'S FARM moved from HARDY'S TRENCH, and overtook "A" & "D" Companies on the BLUE LINE.

The whole moved forward under the barrage at 5.13am and parties detailed for ASCOT COTTAGE, GATWICK HOUSE, NEWSON'S HOUSE and MINTY'S FARM occupied these points without resistance.

A Machine Gun in action between ASCOT COTTAGE and the BLACK LINE was dealt with by means of Rifle Grenades. About twelve of the enemy were killed or captured here.

The BLACK LINE was reached by "D" Company at 5.25am close under the barrage. At this time the BLACK LINE was on the left of the Battalion Front had not been occupied. The Platoon of "D" Company was therefore pushed to the left to get touch with the 1/6th SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS. This Platoon captured a Machine Gun in this part of the BLACK LINE. Machine Guns were also active from MACDONALD'S WOOD, and effective fire was directed on these by this Platoon. These Machine Guns were finally destroyed by a Tank.

The two Platoons of "A" Company detailed for HURST WOOD, BUCHCASTEL and KITCHENER'S HOUSE, passed through the BLACK LINE immediately it had been captured, and reached their objectives under the barrage.

Of the Platoons of "B" Company detailed for ADAM'S FARM, half platoon pushed forward beyond KITCHENER'S WOOD and reached ADAM'S FARM. A hostile Machine Gun in action 200 yards in advance of this point was dealt with successfully. One and a half platoons pushed on to HURST WOOD, and assisted in dealing with the two Machine Guns which were active at the North edge of the wood.

Two officers and 30 men were captured at this point. Subsequently one section pushed on to VON WERDER'S HOUSE - the remainder lost direction, and pushing out to the left, reached the neighbourhood of FRANCOIS FARM - two hostile Machine Guns which were in action here were dealt with by this party, and one officer and 50 men were captured. The loss of direction was then discovered, and they proceeded to VON WERDER'S HOUSE, where they consolidated.

"C" Company ( GREEN LINE Company) left HARDY'S TRENCH at ZERO plus 1 hour, and filing up BOAR LANE, assembled in the Front Line Trenches. Then it pushed forward to a point between the BLUE and BLACK Lines. As touch had not been obtained with Battalion on the right (16th R.B.) the officer commanding the company pushed the right flank out as far as RACECOURSE FARM.. A Machine Gun still active between that point and KITCHENER'S WOOD was dealt with by this company. The advance was then continued to a position 500 yards in front of the BLACK LINE where the Company was re-organised preparatory to moving forward to the GREEN LINE under the barrage. At 7.30am the advance was continued and the GREEN LINE was reached at 7.50am.

Consolidation was commenced about 250 yards South West of STEENBECK under observation by hostile aeroplanes. These presently retired, and the front line was moved forward about 100 yards, and the support line withdrawn an equal distance. This move was successful, as the enemy shelled the original position taken up, but failed to locate the new position.

Battalion Headquarters moved from the British Front Line to near KEMPTON PARK at 6.45am. The intention was to move thence to the BLACK LINE (MINTY'S HOUSE) as soon as possible, but hostile shelling did not admit of a telephone line being laid and maintained, until 12.30pm. As communication from the front was fairly satisfactory, Headquarters were not moved forward till that time.

JOHN INNES

Private, 9993, 2nd Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 20 July 1916. Age 27. John Innes was born at Chapelhill in the parish of Mortlach on 23rd July 1888 the eldest son of James Innes and his wife Maggie. His father was a stillman at this time, most likely employed at a distillery in nearby Dufftown where John started school. It is believed he was one of the original staff members and moved to William Teacher's new distillery at Ardmore when it started production in 1899, his eldest son James starting at Kennethont School on 23rd May of that year. In the 1901 Census James and his family are living at No 1, Ardmore Cottages, Kennethmont where his occupation is given as Maltman. James became known locally as Matty Innes due to the local Doric pronunciation of the word malt -"mat".

It is known that John had joined the 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders as a regular soldier possibly joining 1904/05. It is also known he was serving at Cawnpore, India in February 1912 as a member of C Company of the 2nd Gordons. His service number, 9993 was the same as he had in 1914. On leaving the Army John went to British Columbia, Canada. It was normal to sign on for seven years and on leaving a man remained on reserve for five years. During this period a man was liable for recall to his regiment in time of emergency.

At the outbreak of the Great War on 4th August 1914 the Gordon Highlanders consisted of two regular battalions, the 1st and 2nd. The 1st Battalion, stationed in Plymouth, land at Boulogne ten days later and took part in the initial actions of the war at Le Cateau and Mons, Belgium. The 2nd Battalion was stationed in Cairo, Egypt. During the next few weeks they made arrangements for returning the 1,000 man battalion, officers and it's equipment to the UK and reservists were contacted and instructed to report for duty.

The battalion sailed from Alexandria bound for Southampton on 13th September and arrived there on 1st October, marching to Lyndehurst in the New Forest nine miles away where they joined 20th Brigade, 7th Division assembling there.

It is believed that John joined the regiment at Lyndhurst having crossed back from Canada. He may have arrived at a Scottish port and visited his family before travelling to the Hampshire base. The 7th Division entered the fray the following week when they landed at the Belgian port of Zeebrugge on 7th October 1914. The Division ( known as the " Fighting Seventh" ) were to take part in the defence of Antwerp but as the German advance progressed swiftly through Belgium they were instead ordered to hold certain important bridges and other places that would help the westward evacuation of the Belgian army. Once the Belgians were through, the Division entrenched in front of Ypres, the first British troops to occupy that fateful place. There the Division took the brunt of the first Battle of Ypres, suffering grievous losses, between 19th October and 22nd November 1914.

For three weeks they held the line against a force six times its strength. The men endured a desperate battle to halt the German army in its attempts to take Ypres and move on to the Channel port of Calais. Following first Ypres the opposing armies dug in and the trench lines of The Western Front were established creating the infamous Ypres Salient. Although the size of the Salient was to change many times from now to the Armistice of 1918, Ypres and that small piece of Belgium around it never fell to the invader. Two VCs were won by the battalion during the battle.

Drummer William Kenny Captain James A O Brooke (promoted posthumously)

On 28th October the Gordons marched down the Menin Road and took over trenches at the Kruseik cross roads. The German assault on the line on both sides of the Menin Road began next day at 5.30am and during the next five days the battle raged during which time the German Kaiser was present at the front to stimulate his forces in one supreme attempt to take Ypres and move on to the Channel before winter set in. The assault, under cover of a thick fog, fell directly upon the Grenadiers, 2nd Gordons and Scots Fusiliers to the south of the road and the Black Watch, Coldstreams and Scots Guards to the north of it. By noon the situation seemed desperate when a series of incidents, in two of which the Gordons played a central role, brought about a marked improvement.

"C" company , under Capt B G R Gordon has clung on in their original trench positions. The Germans had not anticipated their tenacity when they proceeded to mass a battalion within 300 yards of their position. Within five minutes their battalion was wiped out, 850 dead and wounded were later found on the spot.

Nearer Gheluvelt some detachments in partial reserve, including 2nd Gordons, were under the temporary command of Major Craufurd of the Gordons. They opened a murderous fire on the advancing Germans who were thrown into confusion and brought to a halt. Craufurd's men charged the retreating enemy.

On 31st Oct, 2nd Gordons were ordered to retire to the crossroads at Zillebeke. In carrying out the order they suffered severely from German Machine Gun fire. This order was later rumoured to have been given by a German wearing a British Staff Officer's uniform. A counter attack through Zwarteleen Woods was quickly organised and the Gordon Highlanders, now reduced to 300 men, in the centre of the assault cleared the enemy with hundreds of his force killed and wounded. In the aftermath, whilst 870 prisoners were taken, Lieut Grahame of the Gordons was shot dead by a German officer who had surrendered to him.

At the end of The First Battle of Ypres the battalion strength had been savagely reduced with only 3 officers and 110 men reporting for duty at roll call. One of those who did not answer when his name was called was 9993 Pte John Innes who had been wounded in one of these engagements.

The extent of John's injuries are not known but he will have received treatment in the organised process of medical care and evacuation that led from the battlefield to the rear. Casualties were taken initially to their Regimental Aid Post by stretcher bearers where they were examined and given basic First Aid treatment before being stretchered back to an Advanced Dressing Station. Here they were examined further ( wounded and walking wounded ) and their injuries classified before being sent back to a Casualty Clearing Station. There were a great number of CCS and they often specialised in particular types of injury. The doctors at the ADS would decide which CCS to send the man to. He would be moved there by ambulance ( motor or horse drawn) or along the network of light railways which moved men and materials to and from the front.

A CCS was usually located at a main railhead well back from the front line beyond the range of enemy artillery and was essentially a tented hospital with operating theatres, etc. The lives of many seriously injured soldiers were saved at the CCS due to the skill of the doctors, surgeons and nursing staff. A considerable number could not be saved and military cemeteries in which they were laid to rest were established next to medical facilities. One such cemetery is at Lijssenthoek in which over 10,000 are buried. A number of clearing hospitals were located nearby from 1915 onwards.

The sick and injured moved from the CCS to one of the many Stationary and General Hospitals established at main bases including Rouen, Abbeville, Etaples, Calais, Le Havre, etc to supplement existing civilian facilities. The injured were carried to them by vehicle convoy or special ambulance trains as some of these hospitals could be well over 100 miles from the front. Injured men were eventually shipped back across the Channel to "Blighty" to recover in numerous civilian and specialist military hospitals. The Red Cross established large numbers of small convalescent hospitals throughout the country, including one in the Mansion House at Leith Hall.

Pte John Innes. 1914, taken whilst John was recovering from the injuries received in action at Ypres. It was sent to his brother James who was also serving with the Gordon Highlanders.

It is known that John returned to the Front in April 1916 as the British Army prepared for the " Big Push " that would become known to history as The First Battle of the Somme ( July - Nov 1916 ). It is likely he had returned to his regiment prior to this date, having recovered from his injuries, but had not been passed fit for overseas service. The battle was preceded by a continuous heavy artillery bombardment on the German lines which began on 24th June and lasted for a week. The wire will be destroyed and nothing will survive on the German line the soldiers were told. Get out of your trench and " stroll " across no mans land and secure the German line they were told. Reality was to be very different. When they " went over he top " at 7.30am on Saturday July 1st, 1916 that day was destined to become the blackest one in British military history with 60,000 casualties. The German line was far from devastated, as the men slowly crossed " no man's land " the defenders got out of their deep concrete bunkers, set up their machine guns and rained murderous fire on the advancing troops. The battle began for the 2nd Gordons at 7.30am in trenches in front of the village of Mametz, which was their objective. Three lines of trenches had to be captured and crossed before the village was reached. Two companies reached the sunken road in front of Mametz by 8am but the other two companies, on their left, were held up by heavy machine gun fire from which they suffered severely. The troops in the sunken road came under extreme pressure and called for reinforcements. None was available, they were ordered to hold on at all costs. At 3.40pm they were reinforced by two companies of 2nd Warwicks. Together they stormed Mametz which was soon in their hands with 600 prisoners taken. The severity of the action can be judged by the Gordon's casualties: 16 officers and 450 other ranks, killed wounded or missing.

The Gordons rested at Ribemont after the battle where they were greeting by the 1st Battalion as they moved up on 6th July. The two battalions bivouaced together at Bronfay Farm on July 12th, the first time this had happened since the Boer War in 1901. It is likely that John met up with a few old pals from his time in the 1st Battalion.

John Innes and his comrades were next into action on 14th July at Bazantin-le-Petit where the Germans launched a heavy counter attack following attempts by 6th Devons to push them back at Mametz Wood. The Gordons came on the scene at 3.30pm and at 5.15pm one company advanced and cleared the village taking 22 unwounded prisoners. By 7pm the Germans had been driven out of the wood and the line restored by morning. They were relieved later that day. After the eventual success in capturing Mametz Wood the battle moved forward, in particular towards High Wood. However, the unexpected length of time it had taken the 38th (Welsh) Division to capture the Mametz Wood area, gave the Germans defending High Wood ample time to prepare for the British assault. This delay was to cost the British dearly, as Division after Division attempted to take the strongly defended wood during the months following.

The first attacks on the heavily defended High Wood were undertaken, along with other units, by the 9th Battalion Highland Light Infantry (Glasgow Highlanders). On the evening of the 14th July 1916 the HLI went on the attack. Unfortunately, it was at this moment that the German counter-attack mounted from High Wood got underway and the Glasgow Highlanders came under withering fire taking very heavy casualties. The supporting battalions (1st South Staffords and 1st Queen’s) were forced on the defensive by the precision attacks of the German storming parties but nevertheless managed to enter the dark interior of the wood. The 2nd Gordons went into the line at High Wood with orders to capture two roads, Black Road and Wood Lane which ran SE of High Wood. This was part of an operation by the 7th Division to clear the enemy out of High Wood. They were finally driven out after two months of desperate fighting.

After a barrage 8th Devons and 2nd Gordons started crawling towards Black Road 20 minutes before zero hour at 3.25am. When the barrage lifted they captured the objective. They then attacked the second objective, Wood Lane but almost immediately came under very heavy rifle and shell fire, one platoon reached it's objective, but was wiped out. The Germans had many machine guns and after an hour the survivors of the attack were forced to fall back to Black Road as they could not proceed. Reinforcements were sent up and the battalion was able to hold this position and consolidate it by nightfall. They were relieved the following day. After just three weeks on The Somme the battalion could now only muster a quarter of its original strength.

Casualties between 14-21 July- killed 29, wounded 183, missing 50.

The final capture of High Wood was not achieved until the 15th September 1916. Even today there are parts of the wood which contain live ammunition and large areas would be quite unsafe to walk. High Wood was never thoroughly cleared of bodies and debris after the war. A conservative estimate suggests that it holds the remains of some 8000 German and British soldiers who were killed in action there. Among their number is John Innes who has no known grave and is commemorated with 74,000 other men on the nearby Thiepval Memorial who are also "Missing on the battlefields of the Somme"

Maggie and James Innes with James and Janet (Netta). Note James wears two overseas service chevrons on his sleeve. One was issued after Feb 1918 for each year a man served overseas.

JAMES LEITH

Private, 85861, 24th Bn., Machine Gun Corps, died on 21 March 1918. Age 20.

James Leith, the third son of John and Jane Leith, was born on 3rd November 1897 on the family farm of Courtieston, Leslie. John Leith died at Courtieston aged only 43 in 1904. Shortly after, his widow and four sons moved to the farm of Piperwell at Duncanston, Kennethmont. It was from Piperwell that James and his elder brother John left to go on active service. John served in the Royal Field Artillery and was also killed in action. This accounts for the brothers being commemorated by name on both the Leslie and Kennethmont War Memorials. James was working as a farm servant at Newbigging, Leslie when he was mobilized and posted to the 3rd Battalion Gordon Highlanders at Aberdeen on 30th Nov 1916. He had already enlisted for Military Service in June 1916 and was given the service number 15919 shortly after universal conscription came into effect with the Military Service Act of May that year. Conscription applied to all men regardless of marital status between 18 and 41 years. Working at home on the farm may have been classed as a ' reserved occupation ' prior to this date.

While with the Gordons James became a member of the battalion's specialist Machine Gun section. on 11th February 1917 he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps and trained at Grantham. At the beginning of WW1 each infantry battalion was equipped two Maxim Machine Guns served by of an officer and twelve other ranks. This was increased to four guns in February 1915. However, production of weapons did not keep up with the expanding army, and the BEF was still 237 guns short of the full establishment in July 1915. The Vickers Company could, at most, produce 200 new weapons per week, and struggled to do that. The experience of fighting to date had proved that machine-guns required special tactics and organisation. was also established at Grantham, Lincolnshire.

On 2nd September 1915, a definite proposal was made to the War Office for the formation of a single M.G. Company per Brigade, by withdrawing the Vickers guns from the Battalions. They would be replaced at Battalion level by Lewis guns. The Machine Gun Corps was created by Royal Warrant on October 14th, 1915, followed by an Army Order on 22nd October. The MGC would consist of infantry machine-gun Companies, cavalry machine-gun Squadrons, and Motor Machine Gun Batteries. The pace of reorganisation depended on the rate of supply of Lewis guns. It was completed before the Battle of the Somme. The Base Depot of the Corps in France was established at Camiers, close to the Infantry Base Depot at Etaples.

When it became apparent late in 1917 that America would join the Allies, sending soldiers in great numbers, they decided to move at the beginning of the year when the worst of the winter weather had passed.

The Hindenburg Line, or Siegfried Stellung as they called it, was a vast system of defences in Northern France constructed by the Germans during the winter of 1916- 17. It ran from a position east of Arras all the way to beyond St Quentin on the British sector, and consisted of deep and wide trenches, thick belts of barbed wire, concrete machine-gun positions, concrete bunkers, tunnels and command posts. It was considered virtually impregnable by the Germans.

The British offensives during the summer of 1918 were to prove otherwise.

James Leith was killed in action on his 224th day in France during the The Battle of Saint Quentin ( 21st - 26th March ) at the beginning of The German Spring Offensive ( 21st March - 5th April 1918 ) when the Germans broke through the British front and overwhelmed the defenders. Following a short, intense bombardment, three German armies (70 divisions), 1700 artillery batteries, and 1000 aeroplanes struck along a 45- mile front near Arras. Within 48 hours, the Germans had penetrated 10 miles, the greatest single day’s advance on the Western Front since 1914. In just three weeks the German army overran over 1500 square miles of territory, including the former Somme battlefields, a gain unequalled since 1914, before they were finally halted on 5th April having pushed the front line back 40 miles. They failed, however, to reach their ultimate objective, Amiens, with its vital rail links to the Channel Ports, Paris and beyond. This ultimately meant that Germany could not win the war. It is known that at the opening of this action the 24th Division were in the line at Le Verguier to the south east of Arras. They fought a fierce battle to defend the village but were eventually overwhelmed and the line broken. At the sharp end of the defensive line their Machine Guns were positioned both to obstruct the attackers as well act as a buffer to allow troops to withdraw behind them and regroup.

In this way they became the first obstacle the advancing Germans had to overcome and put out of action. The guns and their crews became targets of every available enemy weapon. On the same day Lt Allan Ebenezer Ker, 3rd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, attached 61st Battalion MGC (Infantry) was awarded The Victoria Cross for his actions near St Quentin. Lt Allan Ebenezer VC, born 5 March 1883, died 12 September 1958

London Gazette 4/1/1919 – Citation For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On the 21st March, 1918, near St. Quentin, after a heavy bombardment, the enemy penetrated our line, and the flank of the 61st Division became exposed. Lieut. Ker, with one Vickers gun, succeeded in engaging the enemy`s infantry, approaching under cover of dead ground, and held up the attack, inflicting many casualties. He then sent back word to his Battalion Headquarters that he had determined to stop with his Sergeant and several men who had been badly wounded, and fight until a counter-attack could be launched to relieve him. Just as ammunition failed his party was attacked from behind with bombs, machine guns and the bayonet. Several bayonet attacks were delivered, but each time they were repulsed by Lieut. Ker and his companions with their revolvers, the Vickers gun having by this time been destroyed. The wounded were collected into a small shelter, and it was decided to defend them to the last and to hold the enemy as long as possible. In one of the many hand-to-hand encounters a German rifle and bayonet and a small supply of ammunition was secured, and subsequently used with good effect against the enemy. Although Lieut. Ker was very exhausted from want of food and gas poisining, and from the supreme exertions he had made during ten hours of the most severe bombardment, fighting and attending to the wounded, he refused to surrender until all his ammunition was exhausted and his position was rushed by a large number of the enemy. His behaviour throughout the day was absolutely cool and fearless, and by his determination he was materially instrumental in engaging and holding up for three hours more than 500 of the enemy

A total of 170,500 officers and men served in the MGC of which 62,049 became casualties, 12,498 being killed. They well earned the nickname 'The Suicide Club'. Created in time of war the Machine Gun Corps was disbanded in 1922.

James Leith has no known grave. His name is recorded with over 500 of his Machine Gun Corps comrades on The Memorial to the Missing at Pozieres. Two more men from Kennethmont fell in the same area during the 1918 Spring Offensive and also have no known grave. John Stewart from Haremyre with 7th Gordons also fell in action near St Quentin the following day, 22nd March. His neighbour from Braefolds, Alexander Pirie fell on 25th March serving with the 6th Gordons trying to halt the advance near Sailly. Their names are recorded on The Memorial to the Missing at Arras.

James Leith's name is also recorded within the entrance of Insch & District War Memorial Hospital which was built as a memorial to the Fallen of neighbouring parishes including Leslie.

JOHN LEITH

Gunner, 103785, "B" Bty. 107th Bde., RFA, died on 1 June 1917. Age 20

John Leith, the second son son of John and Jane Leith, was born on 6th November 1896 on the family farm of Courtieston, Leslie. John Leith, Snr died at Courtieston aged only 43 in 1904. Shortly after, his widow and her five sons moved to the farm of Piperwell at Duncanston, Kennethmont. It was from Piperwell that John and his younger brother James left to go on active service. James served in the Machine Gun Corps and was also killed in action. This accounts for the brothers being commemorated by name on both the Leslie and Kennethmont War Memorials.

John was working as a farm servant at Tillyangus, Clatt when he enlisted at Aberdeen and was assigned to the Royal Field Artillery, 107th Brigade. It is not known if he enlisted after May 1916 when universal conscription come into effect with a Military Service Act applying to all men regardless of marital status between 18 and 41 years. Working on a farm may have been classed as a 'reserved occupation' prior to this date. It is known he was not in France or Flanders prior to 1916.

The Brigade was the basic tactical unit of the field artillery of the British Army in the Great War of 1914-1918. It was composed of a Brigade Headquarters and a number of batteries of guns or howitzers. At full establishment, a Brigade of 18-lbr field guns consisted of 795 men, of whom 23 were officers. For a 4.5-inch Howitzer Brigade, this was 755 and 22. Usually lettered A, B and C each battery numbered 198 heads at full establishment manning six 18 Pdr Field Guns. The battery was commanded by a Major or Captain, with a Captain as Second-in-Command, and 3 Lieutenants or Second-Lieutenants in charge of 2-gun sections. Battery establishment also included a Battery Sergeant-Major, a Battery Quartermaster Sergeant, a Farrier-Sergeant, 4 Shoeing Smiths (of which 1 would be a Corporal), 2 Saddlers, 2 Wheelers, 2 Trumpeters, 7 Sergeants, 7 Corporals, 11 Bombardiers, 75 Gunners, 70 Drivers and 10 Gunners acting as Batmen. It is known that John was a member of "B" Battery, 107th Brigade in the 24th Division. Prior to his death it is likely the battery were in positions in the Zillebeke area in preparation for the start of the artillery bombarment on the German lines two miles away prior to The Flanders Offensive or Battles of Third Ypres. This offensive opened on 7th June 1915 and culminated in the Battle of Passchendaele in November of that year.

There were no actions taking place on the day on John's death but it is quite likely he was injured by German shell fire directed on his battery's position and evacuated to the Advanced Dressing Station located at a farm, known by the British soldiers as Transport Farm, near Zillebeke Lake. The ADS buried in the cemetery which was established there in 1915. Transport Farm Cemetery is also known as Railway Dugouts Burial Ground owing to dugouts in the adjoining railway line embankment being used to house an ADS which also buried its dead there.

At the outbreak of war, field gun batteries of the Regular Army had 6 guns, and those of the Territorial Force 4 guns. The standard weapons, which did not alter during the war, were the 18-lbr field gun, and the 4.5-inch howitzer. Battalion Transport consisted of 13 riding , and 43 draught and pack horses. The provided the power for drawing the six ammunition carts, two water carts, three General Service Wagons (for tools and machine guns), and the MO's Maltese Cart. The Signallers had 9 bicycles. (Note: the Divisional Train also provided four more two-horsed GS Wagons for each Battalion. Not all ranks carried a rifle. Only 5 men in Brigade HQ, 36 in each Battery, and all the Gunners and Drivers in the BAC were thus equipped. Bayonets were not issued. All NCOs and men wore a bandolier.

Other Brigade equipment, over and above that carried by the man, included 126 shovels, 18 spades, 72 pickaxes, 27 felling axes, 72 billhooks, 54 hand saws, 46 reaping hooks and a crowbar. There was also a plethora of minor stores and spares. The Brigade also carried a certain amount of ammunition, although this was backed up by the echelons of Transport at Divisional and Lines of Communication levels.

Especially as the war progressed, it became rare for a Brigade to be at full establishment with regard to men. Equipment was lost and damaged, and not always replaced quickly or fully. Field guns and howitzers were sometimes lost or abandoned to the enemy, if his infantry penetrated the infantry positions. The guns would almost always be destroyed first, by removing sights or exploding a charge in the barrel or breech.

Each Brigade had a detachment at its Base Depot, which did not take the field when the Battalion was on active service. The Base Detachment consisted - in theory - of a subaltern, 2 Sergeants, 5 Drivers and 41 Gunners to form a first reinforcement (to make good Brigade casualties or other losses); 4 Storemen, and a Sergeant-Clerk (who was on the headcount of the Records Section of the Adjutant-General's Office).

John Leith's name is also recorded within the entrance of Insch & District War Memorial Hospital which was built as a memorial to the Fallen of neighbouring parishes including Leslie.

Photographs of John are reproduced here by kind permission of his nephew Robert Leith, Inverurie.

WILLIAM MIDDLETON

Private, 241236, 9th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 8 December 1918. Age 25.

William Middleton was born on 1st June 1893 at Backburn, Gartly the only son of William and Ann Middleton. His father was a gamekeeper. He had two sisters.

When he enlisted in the 5th Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders at Aberdeen he was working with The Great North of Scotland Railway at Udny Station. He was allocated service number 3672 and it is known he arrived in France, on or before, 27th June 1916. It may be he was involved in the Somme campaign from July to November, he was wounded during the capture of Beaumont Hamel in November 1916. He was later transfered to the 9th (Service) Battalion. His number became 231236 when renumbering took place in 1917.

The 9th Gordons was a Pioneers Battalion and its members would have been involved in general labouring work such as road repairs, construction, etc. in addition to infantry duties when required.

The Middleton Family. Lizzie - Willie - Jane

From the Battalion War Diaries it is known that in early December 1918 the battalion was repairing roads and working on the Scheldt Canal to the south of Lille. 241236 Middleton W, 'H' Coy is recorded as sick and listed in Field Ambulance on 3rd December. In a later entry that day he recorded as lost from 'H' company strength and 'evac sick'. Willie died five days later on the 8th December at No 1 Australian Casualty Clearing Station of Influenza.

Willie Middleton is buried in the Allied Extension of Tournai Communal Cemetery. The Belgian town of Tournai was occupied by the Germans from the beginning of the war until it was liberated on 8th November 1918. Although the Cemetery was later extended by relocated burials from a wide area round Tournai it is likely that No1 ACCS was located near the town after the Armistice. Sick and injured soldiers would have been nursed there and burials made in the local cemetery. The CWGC advise they have no record of his remains being moved to Tournai from another location. It is ironic that he served his country on the bloody battlefields of France and Flanders, where he had been twice wounded by the end of August 1917, but died as a result of the global Flu pandemic which ravaged Europe during the latter part of 1918 and 1919. His home parish did not escape either, a large number of its inhabitants died of the Flu when it spread to Scotland. It was believed the virus was spread throughout the country by returning servicemen. It went on to cause the death of 100 million people world-wide.

At the time of his death the family were in the croft of Midton of Cults, Kennethmont having moved there from Little Shanquhar, Gartly. As a consequence of being born and brought up in Gartly but residing in Kennethmont prior to his death William Middleton's name is recorded on both Gartly and Kennethmont War Memorials.

It is also on recorded on the GNSR Memorial Roll in the concourse of Aberdeen

For reasons unknown Willie Middleton's name was not forwarded to the SNWM prior to 1927. This is most likely due to his name being missing from the official list of casualties published by the War Office. No doubt due to a clerical error, this was one of the main sources used by SNWM to compile their Roll. For a variety of reasons such omissions are not uncommon and SNWM records are updated when they are convinced by factual evidence which support the addition of a qualifying individual.

Prior to publication of the SNWM Roll on the Internet in recent times the only means to view the regimental records was to visit Edinburgh. The omission was discovered in 2004 and SNWM was supplied with considerable supporting evidence, including his Death Certificate sent earlier this year.

In his letter of 8th November 2007 Lt Col I Shepherd, Secretary to the SNWM Trustees confirms that, 80 years after the Memorial was opened, the name of 241236 Pte William Middleton has now been added to The Gordon Highlanders Roll of Honour.

WILLIAM MILNE

Corporal, 265117, 6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 9 April 1917. Age 21.

William Milne was born on the 13th July 1895 at Timberhall near Duncanstone in the Parish of Leslie, the second son of George and and Jane Milne. At this time George was a farm servant and tenant crofter of 7 acres there, by 1901 he was in the neighbouring 50acre farm of Halls of Duncanstone and by 1914 was farming Bogend, Clatt all of which were on the Leith Hall Estate. William had five brothers and three sisters and was a farm servant on the farm of Westfield at Duncanstone, which neighboured his earlier home at Halls, when war broke out. This accounts for his name being on both Kennethmont and Leslie War Memorials.

Willie married his employer George Lobban's daughter Chrissie at Westfield on August 29th 1915 while he was home on leave. They had a son, also William, who was born in 1916.

On joining the Territorials a soldier agreed to be available for home service only and could not be posted overseas unless he volunteered to do so, and even then could only serve in his own unit. When the threat of war came in 1914 most of the Territorial Soldiers of The Gordon Highlanders agreed to serve overseas and thus became available for 'Imperial Service'. These men, including Willie Milne and his older brother, Fred, were then entitled to wear The Imperial Service Badge. As a member of 'H' Company, 6th Battalion ( Donside and Banffshire), Gordon Highlanders (Territorial Force) Willie reported to The Drill Hall in Huntly when the Battalion were mobilised in the evening of 4th August 1914. His company marched by road to Keith where all the companies of the 6th Gordons assembled during 6th-7th August, the men being billeted in the school and in private houses. Organisation completed they left Keith by train on 11th August for Perth. On the 16th they moved on to join The Highland Territorial Brigade in The Highland Division at Bedford and were billeted in private houses in the Bromham Road area of the town with their Headquarters in the Girls High School. For three months they trained and prepared for their eventual move to the Western Front and on 22nd October were reviewed by the King. On 9th Nov 1914 the Battalion journeyed to Southampton by train. That evening at the docks they joined the troopship "Cornishman". They disembarked at Le Havre, France next morning and marched to No1 Reserve Camp on top of the hill behind the town.

Willie and Chris Milne with William, taken late 1916 / early 1917. This photograph is reproduced here by kind permission of Margaret Ann Connelly of Ontario, Canada, his grandniece, On the 13th began the journey up the line ending at St Omer where the General Headquarters of the British Army in France was located. For three weeks they received further training for the trenches while billeted in nearby Blendecques. On 6th December the 6th Gordons, in 7th Division - 20th Brigade became the first 51st HD battalion to arrive on The Western Front joining up with regulars of the 2nd Gordons, Scots and Grenadier Guards in the trenches in front of Sailly, near Armentieres. Willie's 'A' Company were the first into the trenches. Four days in the line and four resting in billets to the rear was the usual routine. The battalion were billeted south of the town and much time was spent cleaning up after a tour in the mud swamped trenches.

On Christmas Day 1914 they witnessed a remarkable event amid the death and destruction - the unofficial Christmas Truce. The truce eventually extended to 3rd January 1915, when normal hostilities resumed. In January 1915 The Huntly Express informed readers that his father, with two sons (Willie & Fred) serving at the front in the B.E.F., had received intimation from the War Office that Pte William Milne has been admitted to a hospital in France, the cause of his illness not yet diagnosed. It is not known when he returned to duty with his unit.

This special Order was published by Major-General Capper –

In May they were again in action at Festubert and Givency and at the end of September attacking in front of Hulluch at The Battle of Loos when the British used Gas for the first time. Both were fierce actions which lasted three days with very heavy loss of life. At Loos the 6th were practically cut off and had to fight their way through the enemy lines in desperate hand to hand fighting.

By December 1915 Wullie has been promoted to L Cpl and is with "D" Company. This promotion and move were probably a result of the heavy casualties the battalion suffered at Loos. It took many months for the 6th to regain full strength and the four companies ( A, B, C & D) were away from the front in Lines of Communications duties at several Base Camps during this period. In May 1916 they joined the newly created 51st Highland Division at Vimy Ridge to the north of Arras. The 6th Gordons were not involved in the Somme Battles which began on 1st July 1916 but were in the line at Mametz Wood at this time. They were in action again during the five day assault on High Wood a month later. On 13th November they took a leading role in the assault and capture of the village of Beaumont Hamel.

Following a period out of the line near Abbeville, Wullie and his comrades started the long march back to the battle lines on February 5th 1917 and on the 17th moved into trenches at Roclincourt - a very quiet part of the front four miles north of Arras. The quiet was to last for two months with the exception of a successful daylight raid on the German line on 5th March.

Having been promoted to Corporal during the previous fifteen months Cpl William Milne fell in action on the first day of The Battle of Arras. He had been on the Western Front for nearly two and a half years and was by now " an old hand ". Fought on a twelve miles front of The Hinderburg Line from Lens to Arras, it started on 9th April at half-past five in the morning. The 6th Gordons in the 51st Division, were in the Roclincourt trenches opposite Thélus and facing the outer spurs of Vimy Ridge, in front of which, to the Division's left, lay four Canadian divisions, while on its right was the 34th Division. A fierce enemy barrage preluded the attack; yet Gordons, Black Watch, Argylls, Seaforths, and Royal Scots swept through the first objective line of the German trenches as though they had been a triumphal arch. The Gordons, with Willie's company in the first double wave, advanced over the same ground as they had covered during the 5th March raid and the three objectives they were set were all taken. The German defences were so complete and well organised that an number of points of strong resistance were encountered. Fierce hand to hand fighting ensued but within half an hour all resistance had been overcome.

The following are the entries from the 6th GH War Diary for the period.

April 1917 1st - ECOIVRES. In "X" Hutments. 2nd - 7th - BOIS de MAROEUIL. In tents. Training and Range Practice, Wire Cutting, Bomb Throwing. Lectures on the "Attack". 8th - 11th - ROCLINCOURT. Took over the trenches on the night of 7th/8th. The Battalion was 670 strong, and was accommodated in FISH TUNNEL and ROCLINCOURT. One company remained in huts at BOIS de MAROEUIL.

On the 9th the BATTLE of ARRAS opened. The objective given the Battalion was the front line system of trenches, viz;- Firing Line, Support Line, and Reserve Line, known as the " Black" Line.

The Battalion assembled for the attack in three double waves, each wave consisting of five Platoons, while the remaining Platoon, organised as three Bombing Squads and one Lewis Gun Squad, was kept in FISH TUNNEL as a reserve. "D" Company and two platoons of "A" formed the right of the attack, "B" Coy the left. These companies formed the first two double waves. "C" Coy with one platoon of "A" Company formed the third double wave. The remaining platoon of "A" Company was the reserve in the hands of the Battalion Commander.

At ZERO the advance was promptly begun, and, immediately the barrage lifted, the objectives were assaulted and cleared up effectively. A good deal of hard fighting took place, but the men had been so thoroughly trained that they were prepared for all eventualities, and speedily got the better of all opposition, though not without heavy loss. One disconcerting incident happened - a minnenwerfer ( trench mortar ) ammunition dump was exploded, and formed a crater about 30 feet deep. Probably 20 casualties were caused by this explosion. About 100 prisoners were captured, as well as three machine guns and a number of trench mortars of varying sizes.

It is unclear whether Wullie was killed during the assault or was the victim of the explosion of a Minenwerfer (Trench Mortar) ammunition dump in a deep dug-out near the enemy third line. It was never known if this was an accident or deliberate act by the Germans but the explosion formed a crater over 20 feet deep and killed or wounded 20 of the battalion as well as a number of the enemy.

The 6th Battalion suffered 16 Officer and 260 Other Ranks casualties on 9th April, nearly half its strength.

The inevitable counterattacking by the enemy followed.

The Milne Family 1908, Meg, William, Jane, George Jnr, John, Fred, George Milne, Mary, Arthur, Jimmy, Jean Milne. Family photographs ( with one exception ) are reproduced here by kind permission of his grandnephew Keith Andreeti.

ALEXANDER PIRIE

Private, 265534, 6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 25 March 1918. Age 30.

Alex Pirie was born in the Parish of Glass in 1889 the eldest son of Alexander Pirie and Margaret Barron. His father was a farm servant at Invermarkie and moved to Kennethmont c 1917-18 when he took the tenancy of the farm of Braefolds. His father died there in the late 1920's, his mother subsequently moved into Huntly.

Both are interred at Wallakirk Kirkyard, Glass. There is no headstone, although Mr and Mrs Alexander Pirie are named on a tablet beside a later family headstone.

As a member of 'H' Company, 6th Battalion (Donside and Banffshire), Gordon Highlanders (Territorial Force) Alex reported to The Drill Hall in Huntly when the Battalion were mobilised in the evening of 4th August 1914. His company marched by road to Keith where all the companies of the 6th Gordons assembled during 6th-7th August, the men being billeted in the school and in private houses. Organisation completed they left Keith by train on 11th August for Perth. On the 16th they moved on to join The Highland Territorial Brigade in The Highland Division at Bedford and were billeted in private houses in the Bromham Road area of the town with their Headquarters in the Girls High School. For three months they trained and prepared for their eventual move to the Western Front and on 22nd October were reviewed by the King. On 9th Nov 1914 the Battalion journeyed to Southampton by train. That evening at the docks they joined the troopship "Cornishman". They disembarked at Le Havre, France next morning and marched to No1 Reserve Camp on top of the hill behind the town.

On the 13th began the journey up the line ending at St Omer where the General Headquarters of the British Army in France was located. For three weeks they received further training for the trenches while billeted in nearby Blendecques. On 6th December the 6th Gordons, in 7th Division - 20th Brigade became the first 51st HD battalion to arrive on The Western Front joining up with regulars of the 2nd Gordons, Scots and Grenadier Guards in the trenches in front of Sailly, near Armentieres. Alex's company were the first into the trenches. Four days in the line and four resting in billets to the rear was the usual routine. The battalion were billeted south of the town and much time was spent cleaning up after a tour in the mud swamped trenches.

This special Order was published by Major-General Capper –

Having survived more than four years on the Western Front Alex was killed in action during the German Spring Offensive over the former Somme and Arras battlefields of 21st - 26th March 1918. At the opening of this action 6GH in 51st Highland Division were in positions astride the Bapaume-Cambrai road south east of Arras. The battalion diary records they went into trenches on 19th March and are working on trenches near the Boursies - Doignes road next day. On 21st March their trenches were attacked and they were eventually driven back to new defensive positions south of Doignies.

On 25th March, the day he was killed, 6GH were again under fierce attack and fought a rearguard action in the direction of Miraumont. They were finally withdrawn to Sailly- au-Bois.

On March 26th the 51st HD reorganised at Sailly and moved back towards Souastre. The German advance was halted.

An appendix to the diary detailing operations of 21st - 28th March is with the original at PRO, Kew.

Battalion casualties: killed 43, wounded 170, missing 27.

Alexander Pirie has no known grave. His is one of the 35,000 names recorded on The Arras Memorial to the Missing.

Two more men from Kennethmont fell in the same area and also have no known grave. James Leith, Piperwell fell during the initial assault on 21 March. His name is recorded alongside his Machine Gun Corps comrades on The Memorial to the Missing at Pozieres. Also recorded at Arras is Alexander's neighbour, John Stewart from Haremyre. He fell on 22nd March, while serving with the 7th Gordons.

PETER ROBERTSON, MM

Private, S/14562, 1st Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 30 May 1918. Age 28.

Son of Peter and Margaret Robertson, of Woodend Cottage, Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire. Native of Kennethmont.

Peter Robertson was born at Brae of Cults on Aug 12th 1889 to Peter Robertson and Margaret Mackie.

He was born at Kennethmont and enlisted in Aberdeen. He died of wounds (gassed) at St John's Hospital, Etaples. Served France & Flanders

War & Victory Medals, Military Medal

Awarded The Military Medal for gallantry in the field. LG 16/7/1918. The heroic deed cannot now be ascertained but almost certainly took place during the gas attack on 19th May at Hinges Chateau. Peter may have gone back for injured gassed comrades or given up his respirator for another man to use. He died 10 days later due to the effects of being gassed.

The letter S prefixing the service number indicates a wartime enlistment.

The Life of a Regiment, entry May 1918 On the night of 19th May, when in reserve, subjected to gas bombardment, a number of men were caught before they could adjust their respirators. That night one officer and and 11 other ranks gassed + 7 wounded. Next day 120 reported to MO.

1 GH, Battalion Diary entry, May 1918, La Bassee Canal near Hinges 19th-20th Church service in orchard beside HQ, 2 working parties on cable laying in Hinges Chateau grounds, 1 party lost 2 officers killed and 7 casualties. Other party suffered gas bombardment, 7 wounded, later over 120 cases of gassing reported. Bn relieved 2nd Royal Scots that evening in Brigade Reserve; they suffered very heavily and much reduced, withdrew to Shropshire line from Suffolk line in Hinges.

It is known that Peter died of wounds ( the effects of gassing) in the St John's Ambulance Hospital at Etaples on 30th May. It is likely these injuries were received during the gas shell attack of 19th-20th May although there were a few casualties from gas shelling on the 26th. He would have been treated initially at a Front Line casualty clearing station before being transferred to Etaples, 45 miles away on the Channel coast.

FRANK SMITH

Private, 12288, 1st/6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 2 July 1916. Age 20.

Son of George and Jane Smith of Seggieden, Kennethmont, They had five sons. Her parents farmed at Seggieden. George Smith d 7/7/1926 age 67. Jane Sangster d 5/12/1943 Edderlick, Premnay age 87. Interred Kennethmont CY(Old). Headstone Francis Smith was born at Seggieden on 2nd May 1896 and baptised there on 14th June 1897. Be started at Kennethmont School on 18/4/1901 War & Victory Medals

Army Casualty Returns: Died of Wounds at 30 CCS, France (30 CCS at Aubigny in 1916)

Frank Smith, Pte 6 GH, Seggieden. Enlisted at Huntly, died of wounds, served France & Flanders

SDGW, Frank Smith, 6GH, e Huntly, DoW, F&F

Frank Smith did not proceed to France in November 1914 with the BEF.

Frank died of wounds in 30 CCS in Aubigny. At the time of his death the 51st HD were in the line holding positions around Arras ( Vimy area) prior the Somme actions of 1st July. 6 GH moved to The Somme area on 20th July and were then involved in actions at Pozieres Ridge on 23rd July.

6 GH War Diary, July 1916 The unit's first time in the line since being transferred to Lines of Communications duties from 5th Jan to 1st June 1916. Companies at Dieppe, Le Havre, Abbeville and Rouen. 1-6 July - In trenches east of Neuville St Vaast ( Sector Left I) with 5 GH on right and 8th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders on left. (Near Arras) 7-12 July - In billets at St Eloy & Bois de Alleux.

1/4/1908 The original Volunteer Battalions was reorganised and the 4th became the 6th Batt ( Territorial Force) comprising 8 companies centred in the following areas:

'A' Coy – Banff 'B' Coy - Dufftown, Aberlour and Glenlivet 'C' Coy – Keith 'D' Coy – Buckie 'E' Coy – Inverurie 'F' Coy - Alford, Kildrummy and Strathdon 'G' Coy – Buckie 'H' Coy – Huntly

During 1914 the 8 Company system of the entire British army was changed to 4, usually 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D', 'H' Company became part of the new 'A' Company. This became the official designation in 1915. This did not prevent the men using the original lettering which related to their home areas. HARRY SMITH

Private, D/19546, 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards, died on 26 September 1918. Age 36.

The memorials in Kennethmont show him as Harry Smith, Post Office, Cpl, 1st Life Guards

He is also commemorated on the Aberdeen City War Memorial Roll. His details are given as Smith Harry J , Cpl. Kings Dragoon Guards, Kirkhill Lodge, Kennethmont

MIC, Awarded 1914 Star, War & Victory Medals. Entered theatre 8 Oct 1914. D/19546 - previous no 5919

SDGW 19546 Private Harry J Smith, 1st King's Dragoon Guards. Born St Nicholas (parish), Aberdeen; enlisted Edinburgh; resident in Aberdeen. Died (of wounds or disease?) on 26 Sep 1918, "France and Flanders."

Army Returns : Harry J Smith, Pte 1st Life Guards, age 36, b Scotland, d 26/9/1918 Germany, Cause - Apoplectic Seizure

REF: History of the King's Dragoon Guards 1685-1912;

5919 L/Cpl H J Smith. Service with the King's Dragoon Guards 1905-1911 (serving in 'A' Squadron). His medal entitlement at this time is given as The Queen's South Africa Medal bars SA1901-1902.(Although he does not appear on the SA medal roll for the KDG, perhaps at this time he was serving with the 1st Life Guards) WW1 Medal roll No 5919 L/Cpl H J Smith. On all info his regimental No is 5919 he appears as a L/Cpl in 1918, deceased on the 26 September 1918. His address in 1911 is given as 2 Regents Quay Aberdeen. (3/6/2004)

The Life Guards and some other Household Battalions had been formed into the Guards Machine Gun Battalion. The Guards Division and 41 others were involved in the Battles of the Hindenberg Line (27 Sep-17 Oct 1918) at the time of his death. The Hindenburg Line was the section of German front line defences and fortifications running from Arras to Laon, built 1916–17

It is likely Harry was with The Kings Dragoon Guards in France prior to the transfer of some members to 1st Life Guards on 7/10/1917. He is buried in a cemetery near Berlin which consists of grouped re-burials from 146 cemeteries in Germany. These included many POW camp burials and is one of four permanent CWGC cemeteries in Germany. It is likely he was taken prisoner prior to March 1918 and died in captivity due to illness or disease. British servicemen are always buried in the country in which they died.

EDWARD ADAM SOUTER

Private, S/19755, 2nd Bn., Black Watch, died on 13 August 1917. Age 21.

Son of William and Margaret Souter, of Woodside Cottage, Wardhouse, Insch, Grampian.

William Souter d Woodside, Wardhouse 22/3/1940 age 82, Margaret Strachan d 12/1/1951 age 82. They are interred Kennethmont CY (New). Son Adam recorded on headstone.

E A Souter, Whiteburn on Memorial. Father farming there 1917-18, V Roll Born Kennethmont, enlisted at Oldmeldrum, died, served in India

Army Casualty Returns: Died in railway accident (3 others listed same cause and date)

Black Watch Archive, during summer 1917 2 Batt stationed at Samarrah, Mesopotamia.A number of personel were given a month’s leave in India.

The letter S prefixing the service number indicates a wartime enlistment.

In The Roll of Railwaymen killed in WW1,The Great North Scotland Railway is shown on pages 46-47 and gives the following details

Name - Souter, E.A. Grade – Clerk Rank - Pte

His name is recorded on the Fallen Employees Memorial on the concourse of Aberdeen Railway Station

12/3/1917 In a letter to her son Charlie (15th HLI, in France) Mrs Gray, Sunside writes that Adam Souter is now at Alloa having previously been at Cambusbarron, Stirling.

Edward Adam Souter, known to his family as Adam, was born at Piperwell, Kennethmont on 27th July 1896 to William and Maggie Souter. His father farmed at Piperwell but had moved to Whiteburn at the time of Adam's death. The family later moved to Woodside Cottage at nearby Wardhouse.

The letter S in his army number indicates a wartime enlistment. Adam was employed as a Clerk by The Great North Of Scotland Railway Company. It is known that he enlisted, probably called up towards the end of 1916, at Oldmeldrum and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, The Black Watch ( Royal Highlanders ). At the beginning of March 1917 Adam was at Alloa having previously been at Cambusbarron, Stirling.

Adam's battalion had been in Mesopotamia ( now Iraq), in the 7th Indian (Meerut) Division, since arriving at the port of Basra in December 1915. During April 1917 they were in action against the Turks at Istabulat and later occupied Samarra. It is known that during the summer the battalion were stationed at Samarra and that a number of the personnel, including Adam, were given a month's leave in India. While in India he was involved in a railway accident at Yermaras in which Adam and three of his comrades died.

S/7305 Cpl John Bannerman, age 25 S/19753 Pte Alexander Ritchie, age 21 S/20012 Pte David Blaik, age 22

Five Seaforth Highlanders also died due to the accident. It may be they were all returning to Mesopotamia at the end of their leave. They too were in the 7th Indian Division at the time. All were buried at Trimulgherry Cantonment Cemetery.

St Andrew's Church, Cubbon Road, Bangalore.

There is a memorial plaque to the them near the main door of St Andrew's Church at Bangalore. St Andrews, as the name suggests is a Presbyterian church and known to all as " the Scots Kirk ". It opened in 1866 and will have been the place of worship, for Scots regiments based at Bangalore garrison throughout the years of British rule in India. Bangalore Cantonment was the most important of the region and it is likely that is why the memorial tablet is in the local "kirk".

WILLIAM STEPHEN

Private, S/25177, 4th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 16 July 1918. Age 25

William Stephen, Pte, 4 GH, Weets. His widow Barbara Bisset d 1953 age 63, daughter Jane d 1920 age 7. Interred Kennethmont CY (Old), headstone

William died at The City Hospital, Morningside, Edinburgh. Cause of death - Cerebro Spinal Meningitis

Son Allan Bisset Stephen baptised Kennethmont Dec 29 1918, father Farm servant, Weets

The letter S prefixing the service number indicates a wartime enlistment.

The 3/4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders was formed in May 1915. On 8/4/1916 it became the 4th (Reserve) Battalion and was stationed in Scotland throughout the War This battalion eventually absorbed the 5th and 6th Reserve Battalions.

JOHN STEWART

Private, S/11401, 7th Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 22 March 1918. Age 24.

John Stewart, the second child of Peter and Isabella Stewart, was born on 24th October 1894 at Windseye, Kearn (Auchindoir) whilst his father was farming there. He had two brothers and a sister.

In 1895 Peter Stewart moved to Kennethmont becoming tenant in the larger farm of Haremyre on the Craighall Estate. John became a member of the Established Church in 1913.

John enlisted in the 7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders at Aberdeen, the letter ' s ' prefixing his serial number indicating a wartime enlistment in Scotland. It is not known if he volunteered early in the war or enlisted after May 1916 when universal conscription come into effect with a Military Service Act applying to all men regardless of marital status between 18 and 41 years. Working at home on the farm may have been classed as a ' reserved occupation ' prior to this date. His elder brother Peter also saw service with The Gordon Highlanders during the Great War. Although hospitalised for a time, due to the effects of gassing, he survived the conflict and went on to farm at Haremyre.

The German High Command had carefully planned to launch a massive offensive, codenamed Operation Michael, from the Hindenburg defences in 1918. The Germans withdrew to these defensive positions in March / April 1917. When it became apparent late in 1917 that America would join the Allies, sending soldiers in great numbers, they decided to move at the beginning of the year when the worst of the winter weather had passed.

The British offensives during the summer of 1918 were to prove otherwise.

John Stewart was killed in action during the The Battle of Saint Quentin ( 21st - 26th March ) at the beginning of The German Spring Offensive ( 21st March - 5th April 1918 ) when the Germans broke through the British front and overwhelmed the defenders. Following a short, intense bombardment, three German armies (70 divisions), 1700 artillery batteries, and 1000 aeroplanes struck along a 45-mile front near Arras. Within 48 hours, the Germans had penetrated 10 miles, the greatest single day’s advance on the Western Front since 1914. In just three weeks the German army overran over 1500 square miles of territory, including the former Somme battlefields, a gain unequalled since 1914, before they were finally halted on 5th April having pushed the front line back 40 miles.

They failed, however, to reach their ultimate objective, Amiens, with its vital rail links to the Channel Ports, Paris and beyond. This ultimately meant that Germany could not win the war.

From the Battalion War Diary it is known that at the opening of this action 7GH in the 51st Highland Division were in Brigade Reserve at London Camp, Beugny to the south east of Arras. At 5.10am on 21st March the enemy began to shell Beugny heavily and it was observed that the whole of the forward area was being very heavily bombarded. The men were ordered to "Stand To" as, due to the large amount of enemy movement the previous day in and behind the enemies lines, a hostile attack appeared imminent. At about 6am orders were received to be ready to move forward at a moment’s notice.

At 7.54am the battalion started to move, with few casualties, to the front line trench a mile further forward astride the Bapaume - Cambrai road between Morchies and Beaumetz. Enemy activity was observed all day and scouts seen close to the wire. It became quieter in the early evening and all companies were issued with rations. At 9.30pm a pocket of the enemy was discovered and driven out. It was relatively quiet during the night.

The morning of John's death began with the ground covered in a thick mist, under cover of which, the enemy tried to cut the wire. When the fog lifted around 10.30am large numbers of the enemy were shot and further concentration was prevented by Machine Gun and Rifle Grenade fire. By 4pm the Germans had made four attempts to advance but on each occasion had been driven back with heavy losses. At 6pm another strong attack, assisted by 30 aeroplanes, broke through the line north of Morchies. At midnight the battalion were ordered to withdraw to Middlesex Camp (3 miles to the rear ) at Fremicourt. During the morning of 23rd March the remnants of the battalion collected there - 8 Officers and 100 Other Ranks.

John has no known grave. His is one of the 35,000 names recorded on The Arras Memorial to the Missing.

Three more men from Kennethmont fell in the same area and also have no known grave.

James Leith, Piperwell fell during the initial assault on 21 March. His name is recorded alongside his Machine Gun Corps comrades on The Memorial to the Missing at Pozieres. Also recorded at Arras are John's neighbours Alexander Pirie from Braefolds and Robert Anderson from Mains of Craighall. Alex fell on 25th March, while serving with the 6th Gordons. Robert with the 1st Gordons fell on 17th June 1917.

MOSES WOOD

Sergeant, 9630, 1st Bn., Gordon Highlanders, died on 26February 1915. Age 32.

Moses Wood was born at 66 High Street Stonehaven, Kincardineshire on 7th November 1883 the son of fisherman, George Wood and his wife Elizabeth. On leaving school he engaged in farm work and in the Census of 1901 Moses is found in the Bothy at Newmains of Fetteresso.

In 1904, aged 21, he joined The Gordon Highlanders and saw service in India and Egypt. On leaving the army, probably after seven years with the colours, Corporal Wood found employment with the General Post Office and it was this work which brought him to Kennethmont.

A popular man in the district he had been working as a postman in Kennethmont for some time when he was recalled to the army following the outbreak of war in August 1914. Being an experienced soldier he spent three months drilling recruits at Aberdeen, being promoted to the rank of Sergeant, before leaving for the Front on 17th December 1914 to join the 1st Batt, Gordon Highlanders.

The 1st Gordons had been alternating between billets at La Clytte and front line trenches near Vierstraat since January 1915 being relieved by the 2nd Suffolk Regiment. The battalion received new drafts at the beginning and end of January. On 27th January 166 men arrived at the front with "very little training".

From the 1st Gordons 1915 War Diary

February 1915, Blue Balmoral bonnets issued replacing the Glengarry, but not to be worn in trenches until Khaki covers arrived; too conspicuous.

24/2 - moved up to trenches near Vierstraat 26/2 - Heavy mist in morning which cleared about midday. Hostile artillery again shelled K2 ( name of trench) but did no material damage. One Sgt and one Pte killed by rifle fire. Inter-company reliefs took place at night without casualty.

The Sergeant killed on 26th February was, without doubt, Moses Wood. He was struck in the head by a rifle bullet as he got out of a dugout or shelter. It is quite likely that Moses and the private who also died that day were victims of an enemy sniper. During the early months of 1915 the Vierstratat section of the front was relatively quiet. New arrivals unaccustomed to trench duties, which involved moving about bent double and avoiding the temptation to look over the parapet, did not often get a second chance if they provided the slightest target for an enemy sniper. It is known they were active in the area at the time and most often their unfortunate victims received a head wound. Records show that only two men from 1GH died that day. The other man was 3/5916 Pte Wiliam Gray of Methlick.

The section of Voormezeele Cemetery where Moses and Pte Gray are buried was created after the Armistice by concentrating burials from battlefield cemeteries in the surrounding area. Moses will have been originally buried by his comrades to the rear of the front and the grave clearly marked with his name, service number and unit details.

It was the practice of the time to commemorate a death on a Memorial or Death Card. The card was folded, the inside and front are shown above. It bears a picture of Moses and details of his death and a verse. They would have been given to family members and friends.

The following accounts are from local newspapers of the time.

Date Mar 11th 1915, THE STONEHAVEN JOURNAL

Major Baird's Tribute to His Men

Stonehaven Gordon Killed

Intimation has been received by Rev. D. G. Barron, minister of Dunnottar, from Major Walter Baird commanding the Gordon Highlanders, and son of Sir Alexander Baird of Urie, intimating the death in action of Sergeant M. Wood, of the 1st Gordon Highlanders, on February 26. Major Baird in his letter wrote: -

Sergeant Wood was in the trenches with his company, and was struck on the forehead with a bullet just as he was getting out of a dug-out. He was quite unconscious and suffered no pain. I would be glad if you would tell his father how deeply grieved I am at the loss of one who was a gallant man and a good soldier. We have a little band of men from Stonehaven serving under my command and in this Battalion. How I wish there were more, but I dare say a great number have gone to the Territorials, or else the new army battalions. This is a rather trying time, but it would be much more so if one had not got such a splendid lot of men as I have under me. I hope someday I may see you and the old town again but there is much to be done and gone through before that day comes.

Yours Very Sincerely, Walter Baird.

The following has been received by Sergeant Wood's father from his Captain:

Dear Sir, I very much regret to tell you that your son, No. 9630, Sergeant M. Wood, was killed in action on the February 26, while the battalion was on duty in the trenches. He was shot through the head by a rifle bullet, and died about 15 minutes later. I am sending you all he had on him at the time, also his small book. Your son was a gallant non-commissioned officer, and I very much regret losing him. I buried him myself in the evening, and his grave is distinctly marked by a wooden cross, marked with his regimental number and name.

Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Yours faithfully

L. Gordon. Captain B. Coy., 1st Gordon Highlanders

Sergeant Wood was a son of Mr and Mrs Wood, fisherman, Old Town, Stonehaven, he was a farm servant, but in 1904 joined the Gordon Highlanders, then being 21 years of age. He saw service in India and Egypt, being made Lance-Corporal and Corporal. At the end of his service he was employed in the post office Huntly, but on the outbreak of war was recalled to the colours, and for a time was engaged drilling recruits at Aberdeen, when he was made Sergeant. He left the city for the front on December 17 last. Much sympathy will be for his parents, who have other two sons in the 7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and a son-in-law in the R.F.A. in Aberdeen.

Moses's parents George and Elizabeth Wood.

Date Mar 12th 1915, THE MEARNS LEADER

County Wars

Stonehaven Man Killed

The news has been received in Stonehaven that Sergeant M. Wood of the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, was killed at the front on 26th February. This first intimation was received by Rev. D. G. Barron, M. A. Parish minister of Dunnottar, who received the letter (from Major W. Baird, commanding the Gordon Highlanders son of Sir Alexander Baird of Urie) Major Baird's letter contained the following:

Sergeant Wood was in the trenches with his company and was struck in the forehead with a rifle bullet just as he was getting out of a dug-out. The poor fellow was killed instantaneously, and suffered no pain. I would be so glad if you would find his father and tell him how deeply grieved I am at the loss of his son, who was a gallant man and a good soldier.

Subsequently the following letter was received by the deceased's father from a comrade of his son:

I very much regret to tell you that your son, No. 9630, Sergeant M. Wood, was killed in action on the 26th February while the Battalion was on duty in the trenches. He was shot through the head by a rifle bullet, and died about 15 minutes later. He was quite unconscious from the moment he was hit. Your son was an excellent non-commissioned officer, and I very much regret losing him. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Sergeant Wood, who was well known in the Stonehaven district, was with his regiment in Egypt and India. After serving his time in the Army he was employed as a postman in the Kennethmont district, where he was exceedingly popular. He was unmarried, and is the first Stonehaven man to be killed in action. Moses is commemorated on the Aberdeen City War Memorial Roll. His address is given as Torry, Aberdeen.

Moses Wood is also commemorated on the War Memorial of his home parish of Dunnottar. The memorial is sited on Black Hill and overlooks the town of Stonehaven.

Dunnottar War Memorial

Photographs of Moses, his parents and Dunnottar Memorial are reproduced here by kind permission of family member John Airth, Stonehaven.