The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:55 am Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

McNISH, JAS. PTE. P.P.C.L.I.
James McNish – age 38 – Private (858) Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
James was educated at the Glasgow Street School in Maxwelltown and took over his late father's shoemaking business in Glasgow Street in 1905 before he left for Canada. He continued in his trade until he enlisted in September 1914 at Levis Camp, Quebec. He had previously served as Private (8013) for 3 years, from 1901, in the Northumberland Fusiliers. He sailed from Canada in October 1914 and landed with the regiment in France on 21 December 1914, making the Patricia’s the first and only Canadian infantry regiment in a theatre of war during 1914.
Born 1876 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of the late James McNish and of Grace Murray (Gracie) McNish of Maxwelltown and of 2 Menzies Street, Airdrie, Lanarkshire. Husband of Jeannie or Jane (Kirkpatrick) McNish of Rosemount Cottage, William Street, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbrightshire who he married in 1904 in Dumfries.
Killed in Action on 16 January 1915 and buried in Voormezeele Enclosure No.3, Ypres, Belgium.
Also listed on the Troqueer Parish Church Memorial.

McQUEEN, FRANCIS. CPL. R.A.M.C.
Francis McQueen – age 32 – Corporal (1015) 11th Motor Ambulance Convoy, Royal Army Medical Corps.
Francis was a baker and had enlisted in the RAMC in November 1906. He was working as a baker in Dumfries when, as a reservist, he was mobilised in August 1914. He was attached initially to the 2nd Connaught Rangers and landed with them at Boulogne on 13 August. He was wounded in May 1915 and evacuated home. He returned to France in August and he was attached to a battalion of the Liverpool Regiment. He served at Mons, the Marne and Aisne.
Born 1884 in Kirkcudbright. Son of the late John McQueen and of Bridget (Gallacher) McQueen of Church Lane, Kirkcudbright. Husband of Ann Jane (McKivet) McQueen of 32 College Street and of Sutherland Terrace, Maxwelltown who he married in 1908 in Kirkcudbright. Later Mrs. Richard Uphill of Church Lane, Kirkcudbright.
Killed in Action on 5 June 1916 and buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium.

McQUEEN, JAS. PTE. R.S.F.
James McQueen – age 19 – Private (41644) 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers.
James was employed on munitions work at Dornock (H.M. Factory, Gretna) until he enlisted in July 1917. He was posted to his battalion in France in April 1918.
Born 1899 in Dumfries. Son of John and Mary (Cairns) McQueen of Seed Row, Millbrae, Maxwelltown.
Killed in Action on 19 July 1918 and buried in La Kreule Military Cemetery, Hazebrouk, France.

McQUEEN, JAS. PTE. K.O.S.B.
James McQueen – age 37 – Private (24966) 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
James was working in his father's Tobacconist business in Friars Vennel, Dumfries when he enlisted in June 1916. His wife Agnes had been an assistant in the shop. He went to France in February 1917. He was wounded on 16 January and had a foot amputated but he died in the 4th General Hospital at Dannes-Camiers.
Born 1880 in Dumfries. Son of Henry and Elizabeth (Wylie) McQueen of 18 Maxwell Street, Maxwelltown. Husband of Agnes (King) McQueen of who he married in 1916 in Dumfries while he was a Private in the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, KOSB.
Died of Wounds on 22 January 1918 and buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Greyfriars Church Memorial in Dumfries.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 10:07 am Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

McRAE, DAVID. L/C. H.L.I.
David Fraser McRae – age 17 – Private (17939) 12th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry.
David enlisted in 1914 when he was only 16 years old and was not yet 17 when he landed with his battalion at Boulogne in July 1915. He was killed two months later during the battle of Loos.
Born 1898 in Ayr. Son of Pipe Major William McRae of 2/5th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers and of Sarah (Tait) McRae of “Braemar”, Pleasance Road. Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 25 September 1915 and named on the Loos Memorial, France.
Also named on the St.Mary's Church Memorial in Dumfries.

McWILLIAM, THOMAS PTE. S.R.
Thomas McWilliam – age 21 – Private (20918) 10th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Thomas was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown. He joined his battalion in France in December 1915. Tom died in the 17th Casualty Clearing Station at Lijssenthoek.
Born 1895 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of Thomas Gray McWilliam and of Ellen (Low) McWilliam of 56 College Street, Maxwelltown.
Died of wounds on 25 July 1917 and buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, Belgium.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:20 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

NEWLANDS, THOS. J. K. PTE. S.R.
Thomas John Kirk Newlands – age 27 – Private (29188) 10th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Thomas was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown. He was a commercial clerk and had worked at Maxwelltown Station and then at Sanquhar Station before being employed in the office of the Sanquhar and Kirkconnel Colliery in Sanquhar. He enlisted in November 1916 and joined his battalion in France in March 1917.
Born 1890 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of Janet Newlands and grandson of the late Thomas and Agnes Newlands, who had all lived at 29 King Street, Maxwelltown.
Killed in Action on 1 August 1917 and buried in Dochy Farm New British Cemetery, Belgium.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial and on the Sanquhar War Memorial.

NICHOLSON, THOS. PTE. BLACK WATCH.
Thomas Nicholson – age 28 – Private (S/8005) 2nd Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Thomas had been educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown and was working as a joiner in Glencaple, Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire when he enlisted in January 1915. He joined his battalion in France in March 1915 and served at Loos and Neuve Chapelle before the battalion moved to Mesopotamia in December 1915.
Born 1888 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of the late Thomas and Catherine McMillan (Moffat) Nicholson 22 Glasgow Street, Maxwelltown who became Mrs. John Carruthers of 54 Glasgow Street,. Maxwelltown. Husband of Flora (McDonald) Nicholson of The Cottage, Shawhead who he married in 1912 in Dumfries.
Missing in Action on 7 January 1916 and named on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial, on the Maxwelltown United Free Church Memorial now Maxwelltown West Church, on the Caerlaverock Parish War Memorial and on the Caerlaverock Parish Church memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:36 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

PATERSON, HUGH. SAPPER R.E.
Hugh Paterson – age 25 – Sapper (66483) 24th Signal Company, Royal Engineers.
Hugh was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown and was employed at Dumfries and Thornhill Post Offices before becoming a telegraphist at Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire. He enlisted in early February 1915 but while in training near Brighton he contacted pneumonia and died in the Shoreham Military Hospital, Sussex.
Born 1889 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of James and of Margaret (Green) Paterson of 18 Market Street, Maxweltown. Husband of Jane Miller (Kennedy) Paterson who he married in 1911 in Durisdeer, Dumfriesshire.
Died on Service on 24 February 1915 and buried in Dumfries Cemetery. (CWG)
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial and on the St. George's Church Memorial in Dumfries.

PATERSON, THOS. S. PTE. K.O.S.B.
Thomas Sturgeon Paterson – age 20 – Private (1197) 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Thomas was a grocer in the St. Michael Street branch of the Dumfries and Maxwelltown Co-operative when he enlisted. He landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle of Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1895 in Alloa, Clackmannanshire. Son of the late Samuel Paterson and of Margaret (Sturgeon) Paterson of 1 Howgate Street, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also listed on the St. Mary's Church Memorial in Dumfries.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:58 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

PEARSON, JOHN H. PTE. M.G.C.
John Henry Pearson – age 23 – Private (130945) Machine Gun Corps.
John was a compositor at the Dumfries Courier & Herald when he enlisted as Private (2245) in the 1/1st Battalion, Lanarkshire Yeomanry in September 1914. He landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in October 1915. After their withdrawal John was transferred to 26th Squadron, MGC, Imperial Camel Corps in Egypt.
Born 1894 in Altrincham, Cheshire. Son of James Henry Pearson and Janet (Beck) Pearson of 7 Maxwell Street, Maxwelltown.
Killed in Action on 27 March 1918 and buried in Damascus Commonwealth War Cemetery, Syria.
Also named on the St. Michael's Church Memorial in Dumfries and on the Imperial Camel Corps Memorial in London.

POTTS, EDWARD PTE. K.O.S.B.
Edward Potts – age 27 – Private (22817) 6th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Edward was a signalman with the Glasgow & South Western Railway Company at Ochiltree in Ayrshire when he enlisted in the 2nd KOSB. He also served with the 1st and 7th/8th Battalions
Born 1890 in Penninghame, Wigtownshire. Son of Andrew and Mary (Hazle) Potts of Cargenbridge, Troqueer.
Missing in Action on 23 September 1917 and named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Also listed on the Troqueer Parish Church Memorial and on the Glasgow and South Western Railway Company memorial now in Ayr Station.

PREACHER, WM. PTE. K.O.S.B.
William Taylor Preacher – age 30 – Private (8589 & 201496) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
William was employed in his father's joinery business when he enlisted, together with his brother James Duncan Preacher, Private (8588 & 201495) in December 1915. He was mobilised in April 1916 and joined his battalion in Egypt in February 1917. He was killed at Katrah in Palestine.
Born 1887 in Maxwelltown,Troqueer. Son of Francis and Jeanie or Jane (Duncan) Preacher of 29 College Street, Maxwelltown. Husband of Jane (Gordon) Preacher of 23 King Street, Maxwelltown who he married in 1910 in Dumfries.
Killed in Action on 13 November 1917 and buried in Ramleh War Cemetery, Israel.
Also listed on the Laurieknowe Church Memorial now in Troqueer Parish Church.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 2:02 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

RENNIE, W. PTE. K.O.S.B.
William Rennie – age 26 – Private (6170) 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Rennie was a gardener and had worked for a number of years at Troqueer Holm before moving to work in Newton Stewart. As a reservist he was mobilised in August 1914 and joined his battalion in France on 26 October 1914.
Born 1888 in Annan, Dumfriesshire as Thomas William Rennie. Son of William and Agnes (Campbell) Rennie of 4 Broom's Road Dumfries and of Fish Green Lodge, Auchencairn, Kirkcudbrightshire.
Missing in Action on 20 December 1914 and named on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

RICHARDSON, WM.W. PTE. R.A.M.C.
Walter William Richardson, Military Medal – age 32 – Private (36280) 2nd/3rd West Riding Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps.
Walter was on the staff of Dumfries Post Office, was President of the Trades Council and served on the Troqueer School Board. He was a well known local ambulance worker and he enlisted in the RAMC in September 1914. He went to the 2nd General Hospital at Le Havre in November 1914. He was awarded the M.M. for actions on the 25 March 1918.
Born 1886 in Kelvin, Glasgow. Son of Hophni and Clara (Champion) Richardson of Cathcart, Glasgow. Husband of Maggie Logan (Rae) Richardson of “1901” Glasgow Street, Maxwelltown who he married in 1910 in Glasgow.
Missing in Action on 12 April 1918 and named on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France.
Also named on the Maxwelltown United Free Church Memorial now Maxwelltown West Church and on the Post Office Memorial in King Street, Dumfries.

RODDICK, GEO. PTE. BLACK WATCH.
George Roddick – age 22 – Private (S/4293) 9th Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
George was educated at the Glasgow Street School in Maxwelltown and served his apprenticeship as a draper in Dumfries before taking up a post in Airdrie, Lanarkshire. He enlisted in September 1914 and landed with his battalion at Boulogne in July 1915. He was wounded by shrapnel in March 1916 and had a leg amputated at the 33rd Casualty Clearing Station but he died.
Born 1894 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of John and Elizabeth (McNaught) Roddick of 56 Glasgow Street, Maxwelltown.
Died of Wounds on 24 March 1916 and buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Maxwelltown United Free Church Memorial now in Maxwelltown West Church and on the Airdrie War Memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 2:29 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

ROTHERY, JOS. PTE. K.O.S.B.
Joseph Rothery – age 23 – Private (4247 & 241075) 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Joseph served his apprenticeship as a grocer in his home town of Maryport and when he enlisted in June 1915 he was employed by Johnstone & Son, Grocers in Dumfries. He joined his battalion at Gallipoli in September 1915 and later served in Egypt and Palestine.
Born 1894 in Maryport, Cumberland. Son of John and Elizabeth (Kirkbride) Rothery of Curzon Street, Maryport, Cumberland.
Missing in Action on 19 April 1917 and named on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.
Also named on the St. George's Church Memorial in Dumfries, on the Maryport War Memorial and on the Lockerbie War Memorial.

ROURKE, CHAS. SAPPER R.E.
Charles Rourke – age 20 – Sapper (95261) 141st Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers.
Charles served his apprenticeship as a plumber in Dumfries. He enlisted in June 1915 and went to France in September where he served for three months before moving to Salonika where he contracted dysentery in June 1916. He was evacuated to hospitals in Malta and then in Manchester in October 1916 before he returned to France in April 1917.
Born 1897 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of Charles and Cornelia (Thomson) Rourke of 1 Welldale Terrace, Maxwelltown.
Killed in Action on 15 October 1917 and buried in St. Julien Dressing Station Cemetery, Belgium.

RUSSELL, GEO. PTE. K.O.S.B.
George Russell – age 21 – Private (360078) 807th Area Employment Company, Labour Corps.
George enlisted as Private (2243) in the 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers in October 1914 and landed with them at Gallipoli in June 1915. He was posted as Private (293307) to the 2/7th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers who had arrived in Egypt in January 1917 for Garrison duty and then was transferred to the Labour Corps. He died of illness in Alexandria.
Born 1896 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of James and Annie (Haining) Russell. Brother of Margaret Russell of 12 Market Square, Maxwelltown.
Died on Service on 31 December 1917 and buried in Alexandria (Hadra) War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

and his uncle

RUSSELL, H. PTE. K.O.S.B.
Henry Russell – age 31 – Private (7713) 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Henry was a reservist who had served with the 1st KOSB for 7 years in India. He was working at the Ironhirst Peatworks when he was recalled to his Regiment in August 1914. The 1st KOSB were in Lucknow, India. They returned to England via Egypt in December 1914 and Henry landed with them at Gallipoli in April 1915.
Born 1884 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of the late James and Agnes (Lynch) Russell of 7 Market Square, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 4 June 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 2:39 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

SERVICE, ROBT. GUNNER CANADIANS.
Robert Service – age 29 – Gunner (1257927) 4th Trench Mortar Battery, Canadian Field Artillery.
Robert had been educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown and at Dumfries Academy. He had been employed at Kew Gardens in London in October 1912 before moving as Horticultural Superintendent to the Department of Science and Agriculture in British Guiana in May 1914. Robert enlisted in February 1917 in St John, New Brunswick, Canada.
Born 1889 in Troqueer. Son of the late Robert Service and of Jemima Margaret (Glendinning) Service of 16 Academy Street, Dumfries and of “Blairgowie”, New Abbey Road, Maxwelltown.
Killed in Action on 28 September 1918 and buried in Bourlon Wood Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial, on the Dumfries Academy memorial, on the Troqueer Parish Church Memorial and on the memorial at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

SHANKLAND, ROBT. L/C. CAMERONS.
Robert Thomas Shankland – age 25 – Lance Corporal (S/12614) 6th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders.
Robert was educated at Dumfries Academy and was an apprentice dentist in Dumfries. He was in his second year at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, studying for his Licence in Dental Surgery, when he enlisted. He landed with his battalion at Boulogne in July 1915.
Born 1891 in Monaghan, Ireland. Son of James Patterson Shankland of “Elsinore” 3 Victoria Avenue, Maxwelltown and of his first wife Mary Ann (Steenson) Shankland. Step-son of Jane Turner (Wallace) Shankland.
Missing in Action on 16 September 1916 and named on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France.
Also named on the Dumfries Academy memorial and on the Greyfriars Church Memorial in Dumfries.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 2:56 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

SHARPE, A. PTE. K.O.S.B.
Alexander Sharpe – age 19 – Private (998) 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Alexander was an apprentice plumber at Rosefield Mills when he enlisted. He landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle of Achi Baba Nullah.
Born c.1897 in Dumfries. Son of James Sharpe and ?
Alexander and his father lived with his James's aunt Mary Ann Sharpe and then with James's mother Margaret Sharpe at 21 Church Street, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

SIMMIE, ROBT. PTE. R.A.M.C.
Robert Hill Leighton Simmie – age 23 – Private (1794) 3rd /1st Lowland Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps.
Robert was living at 26 Staffa Street in Dennistoun, Glasgow and was employed in the office of Messrs Collins and Sons, Stationers when he enlisted in April 1915. He was one of a draft of seventy RAMC men who left Glasgow on 27 July for the Dardanelles and he was drowned when the Troopship Royal Edward was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UB-14 in the Aegean Sea.
Born 1892 in Lochee, St Mary, Dundee. Son of Robert Leighton Simmie and of Jane Stewart (Hill) Simmie of Nelson Street, Maxwelltown.
Killed on Active Service/ Lost at Sea on 13 August 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

SKACHILL, JOHN. CPL. K.O.S.B.
John Skachill – age 21 – Corporal (4325 & 241064) 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
John was employed by the Wet Carbonising Company in Dumfries when he enlisted in May 1915. He joined his battalion in Egypt and served in Palestine where he was severely wounded at Gaza on 19 April 1917. He went to France with his battalion in April 1918 but died in the 7th Casualty Clearing Station at Ligny-St. Flochel.
Born 1896 at 36 College Street in Maxwelltown, Troqueer as John Collins McKinnon. Son of Sarah Jane (McKinnon) Skachill and step-son of Terence Skatchill of 42 College Street, Maxwelltown who married in June 1897 in Dumfries.
Killed in Action on 4 July 1918 and buried in Ligny – St. Flochel British Cemetery, Averdoingt, France.

John's step-father Terence served with the 1st KOSB at Gallipoli where he was wounded.
He enlisted as Private (8542) in March 1915 and landed at Gallipoli on 9 May 1915. He was evacuate home in December 1915 and posted to the 6th KOSB in France in June 1916. He transferred as Private (34880) to the 9th Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment and transferred again as Driver (77156) to the Machine Gun Corps (Heavy Branch) in February 1917. He returned to England in November 1917, now in the Tank Corps, and served until his discharge from the army in March 1920.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 3:25 pm Post subject: WW1 -ALPHA

SMITH, ADAM. PTE. K.O.S.B.
Adam Smith – age 28 – Private (12760) 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Adam was educated at Glasgow Street School in Maxwelltown and was a weaver at Rosefield Mills when he enlisted in the 6th KOSB in 1914. He was posted to the 2nd KOSB in France in May 1915 but died in the 21st Casualty Clearing Station at Corbie after an operation to amputate his leg.
Born 1887 in Dumfries. Son of William and Sarah (Laidlaw) Smith of 2 Old Bridge Street, Maxwelltown. Husband of Isabella (Stott – formerly Mrs. Hope) Smith of 9 Mill Road, Maxwelltown who he married when he was a Private in the 6th KOSB in November 1914 in Dumfries.
Died of Wounds on 7 December 1915 and buried in Corbie Communal Cemetery, Somme, France.
Also named on the St John's Episcopal Church Memorial in Dumfries.

and his brother

SMITH, WILLIAM PTE. K.O.S.B.
William Smith – age 21 – Private (11538) 6th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
William was educated at Glasgow Street School in Maxwelltown and was a millworker when he enlisted in 1913. He was serving with the 2nd KOSB in Dublin and moved with them to France on 15 August 1914 as part of the original British Expeditionary Force.
Born 1896 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer as Willie. Son of William and Sarah (Laidlaw) Smith of 2 Old Bridge Street, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 20 September 1917 and named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Also named on the St John's Episcopal Church Memorial in Dumfries.

SMITH, J. 2nd LT. GORDONS.
James Smith – age 36 – Second Lieutenant: Combined 8th /10th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders.
James was educated at Laurieknowe School, Maxwelltown and at Dumfries Academy. A solicitor, he served his apprenticeship in Dumfries before taking up a post with J&J Turnbull of Edinburgh. He enlisted in October 1914 as a Private (18066) in the Royal Scots and was gazetted as a 2nd Lt. in the Gordons in June 1915. Posted to the 8/10th GH in March 1916, he was killed at Arras.
Born 1881 at Lochrutton, Kirkcudbrightshire. Son of the late James Smith of Lochside, Lochrutton and of Catherine (Wilson) Smith of Fernwood, Cassalands, Maxwelltown.
Killed in Action on 9 April 1917 and buried in Feuchy Chapel British Cemetery, Wancourt, France.
Also named on the Lochrutton Parish War Memorial and on the Troqueer Parish Church Memorial.

SMITH, WM. C. PTE. HANTS. REGT.
William Charters Smith – age 32 – Private (40528) 2/4th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment.
William was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown and was a butcher in the family business when he enlisted as Private (143848) in the Army Service Corps.
Born 1885 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of the late James Smith and of Jane (Laurie or Wilson) Smith of 17 Market Square, Maxwelltown. Husband of Nellie (Hume) Smith of 67 Queensberry Street, Dumfries who he married in 1909 in Dumfries. Later Mrs. Joseph McGown of Guthrie Place, Bellshill, Lanarkshire.
Killed in Action on 12 September 1918 and buried in Lowrie Cemetery, Havrincourt, France.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial and on the Troqueer Parish Church Memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 3:44 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

SPALDING, WM. G. PTE ASC.
Not listed by CWGC/SNWM -
see http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=7034&highlight=spalding
William Gilmour Spalding – age 22 – Private (M2/153812) Army Service Corps.
William was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown. He, and his brothers James and John, were coach-body makers with A.C. Penman at the Queensbury Motor Works in Dumfries and they lived at 19 Market Square, Maxwelltown. William enlisted in December 1915 but, after 18 months in France, he was discharged due to illness in October 1917 and was awarded a Silver War Badge (263188). He died of tuberculosis at the Calside Sanatorium in Dumfries.
Born 1896 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of James Fergusson Spalding and of Jane Halliday (Melville) Spalding.
Died on 16 April 1918 and buried in Dumfries (High) Cemetery.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial.

His brother James Fergusson Spalding enlisted with William and was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal as M2/153811 Pte. J. F. Spalding, R.A.S.C., attached to the 25th (I/2nd Wessex) Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C., T.F. (Dumfries).
“On the River Aisne, on 27th May, 1918, when the enemy attacked in great force, he was in charge of an ambulance-car working between the main dressing-station and at advanced dressing-station at Gernicourt. He drove his car to and fro under heavy shelling between Gemicourt and the main dressing station, mending it when hit by shrapnel, thereby displaying great coolness and gallantry, and rendering invaluable service in the evacuation of the wounded. His admirable behaviour saved a large number of wounded from falling into the enemy's hands.” (Source: London Gazette 2/9/1919 p.11160)

SPENCER, ALFRED. PTE. R.S.F.
Alfred Spencer – age 20 – Private (18302) 6th /7th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Alfred was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown and was employed by Dinwiddie & Co. Hosiery Manufacturer in Dumfries when he enlisted in the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in March 1915. He was posted to the 1st RSF in France in July 1915 but was wounded at Ypres in September and evacuated home. He returned to the front in June 1916 but five weeks later was wounded again and invalided home. He returned in December but was invalided to hospital in England with frost-bite. After returning and being evacuated again, he made his fourth and final return to the front in June 1917.
Born 1897 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of the late William Henry Spencer and of Mary (McKnight) Spencer of 22 King Street, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 22 August 1917 and named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial and on the St John's Episcopal Church Memorial in Dumfries.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 4:05 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

STEEL, HENRY. CPL. K.O.S.B.
Henry Steel – age 21 – Private (4312 & 241054) 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Henry was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown. He was employed by Dinwiddie & Co. Hosiery Manfacturer in Dumfries and was a member of the Dumfries town band when he enlisted in May 1915. He joined his battalion in Egypt in July 1916 but was killed at Gaza in Palestine.
Born 1896 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of George and Elizabeth (Richardson) Steel of 15 Maxwell Street, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 19 April 1917 and named on the Jerusalem Memorial, Israel.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial and on the Greyfriars Church Memorial in Dumfries.

STEWART, C. E. PTE. LONDON SCOTTISH.
Charles Edward Stewart – age 21 – Private (6158 & 512369) 1/14th Battalion (County of London) London Regiment (London Scottish)
Charles was an apprentice draper in Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire before he moved to London in 1914. He enlisted in December 1915 and went to France in April 1916.
Born 1895 at Queen Street, Castle Douglas in Kelton Parish. Son of the late Thomas Stewart of the family firm of W&T Stewart, Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, Castle Douglas and of Sarah Jessie (Grierson) Stewart of Devorgilla Terrace, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 1 July 1916 and named on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.
Also named on the Castle Douglas War Memorial and on the St. Andrew's Church memorial, now in the Castle Douglas Parish Church.

STRINGFELLOW, JOHN T. L/C. R.F.A.
John Taylor Stringfellow – age 38 – Bombardier (L/2283) “A” Battery, 148th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
In 1911 John worked in an iron foundry and lived with his family at 24 Smith Street, Kirkdale, Liverpool. However he was working for the White Star Shipping Line when he enlisted. John's Battery landed in France as part of the 30th Division in November 1915.
Born 1877 in Liverpool. Son of John and Elizabeth or Bessie Stringfellow of Kirkdale, Liverpool.
Husband of Annie McBurnie (Thom) Stringfellow (born in Troqueer) of 10 Morely Lane, Kirkdale who he married in 1901 in West Derby, Liverpool.
Killed in Action on 8 October 1916 and buried in Guards' Cemetery, Lesboeufs, Somme, France.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 4:09 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

TAIT, JAS.E. CPT. V.C. M.C. CANADIANS.

James Edward Tait, Victoria Cross and Military Cross – age 31 – Lieutenant: 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) Canadian Infantry.
James was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown and at Dumfries Academy. He trained as an architect in Dumfries before he emigrated to Canada where he was working as a civil engineer on the Hudson's Bay railway. Having been surveying for 18 months he returned to discover that war had been declared three months earlier. He went to Winnipeg, Manitoba where he was commissioned in February 1916. He sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia in September 1916. He joined his battalion in France in February 1917 and was awarded the M.C. for his actions at Vimy Ridge in April. He was wounded in April 1917 and evacuated to hospital in England. He returned to his unit in June but was wounded again in April 1918 and again evacuated to the Royal Free Hospital in London. He returned to his unit in July but he was killed a month later.
Born 1886 at Briar Bank, Greenbrae, Dumfries. Son of the late James Bryden Tait and of Mary Jane (Johnstone) Tait of 4 Geddes Place, Maxwelltown. Husband of Jessie Spiers (Aitken) Tait of Thelmo Block, Burnell Street, Winnipeg who he married in August 1916 in Winnipeg.
Killed in Action on 11 August 1918 and buried in Fouquescourt British Cemetery, Somme, France.
Also named on the Troqueer Parish Church Memorial, on an individual memorial in the church, on the Dumfries Academy memorial and on the Laurieknowe School memorial. There is also a photographic memorial in Laurieknowe School.

London Gazette 14/8/1917 p.8394 (MC Citation)
Lt. James Edward Tait, Inf. “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Early in an assault he was wounded, and all the other officers killed or wounded, but he led his company with great fearlessness and determination through intense fire to the objective, and, although unable to walk, supervised its consolidation, finally crawling back alone, to leave for others the four bearers.”

London Gazette 24/9/1918 p.11429 (VC Citation)
Lt. James Edward Tait, M.C., late Manitoba Regiment. "For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack. The advance having been checked by intense machine-gun fire, Lt. Tait rallied his company and led it forward with consummate skill and dash under a hail of bullets. A concealed machine gun, however, continued to cause many casualties. Taking a rifle and bayonet, Lt. Tait dashed forward alone and killed the enemy gunner. Inspired by his example his men rushed the position, capturing twelve machine guns and twenty prisoners. His valorous action cleared the way for his battalion to advance. Later, when the enemy counter-attacked our positions under intense artillery bombardment, this gallant officer displayed outstanding courage and leadership, and, though mortally wounded by a shell, continued to aid and direct his men until his death."

TAIT, WILLIAM. PTE. K.O.S.B.
William Tait – age 20 – Private (24984) 6th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
William was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown and was an apprentice joiner in Maxwelltown when he enlisted in June 1916. He joined his battalion in France in January 1917.
Born 1898 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of William and Ada or Adelaide (Smith) Tait of 17 Galloway Street, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 20 September 1917 and named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial and on the St. Michael's Church Memorial in Dumfries.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 3:04 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

TAYLOR, WILLIAM. CPL. A.& S.H.
William Taylor – age 24 – Corporal (S/7704) 1/8th (Argyllshire) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
William was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown. He was a working as a grocer in the High Street in Dumfries when he enlisted in January 1915 and he joined the 11th Argylls in France in November 1915. He was wounded in September 1916 on the Somme and evacuated home. He was posted to the 10th Argylls in France in January 1917 and was transferred to the 1/8th Battalion in April but was killed a month later.
Born 1892 in Dumfries. Son of John and Annie (Duncan) Taylor of Renwick Bank, Mill Road, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 16 May 1917 and named on the Arras Memorial, France.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial.

TELFER, JAS. PTE. S.R.
James Houliston Telfer – age 25 – Private (32954) 2nd Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
James was a baker in Maxwelltown and later in Moniaive and then in Penpont, Dumfriesshire. He enlisted in early 1917 and joined his battalion in May. He was killed by a sniper two months later.
Born 1892 in Cargenbridge, Troqueer. Son of David and Mary Ann (Houliston) Telfer of 10 Terregles Street, Maxweltown. Husband of Margaret (McCrerie) Telfer of Dunreggan Street, Moniaive, Dumfriesshire who he married in 1914 in Moniaive, Glencairn.
Missing in Action on 30 July 1917 and named on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
Also named on the Troqueer Parish Church Memorial and on the Penpont Parish War Memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 3:28 pm Post subject: WW1 - ALPHA

THOMSON, A. PTE. H.L.I.
Adam Thomson – age 38 – Private (52727) 1/7th (Blythswood) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry.
Adam was a gardener at Terraughtie House, Troqueer when he enlisted in December 1916. He joined his battalion in Egypt and served in Palestine until the battalion moved to France in April 1918. Adam was killed at Menin Hill.
Born 1880 in Crossmichael, Kirkcudbrightshire. Son of the late James Thomson and of Jane (Walker) Thomson of Springholm, Kirkcudbrightshire. Husband of Helen (Dunbar) Thomson of Terraughtie Lodge, Troqueer who he married in 1910 in Parton, Kirkcudbrightshire.
Missing in Action on 28 August 1918 and named on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial, France.
Also named on the Troqueer Parish Church Memorial.

THOMSON, FRANK. L/C. K.O.S.B.
Frank Thomson – age 20 – Lance Corporal (1087) 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Frank was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown. He was a coach painter at Sloan and Sons, Whitesands, Dumfries. He enlisted in August 1914 and landed with his battalion in June 1915 at Gallipoli. He was wounded by shrapnel and evacuated to Tigne Hospital in Malta but died there.
Born 1895 in Dumfries. Son of the late Robert Thomson and of Frances Ann (Carruthers) Thomson of Lewis Place, Ryedale, Maxwelltown.
Died of Wounds on 23 January 1916 and buried in Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial and on the St. Mary's Church Memorial in Dumfries.

and his brother

THOMSON, WILLIAM. SGT. K.O.S.B.
William John Thomson – age 26 – Sergeant (2083) 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
William was educated at Laurieknowe School in Maxwelltown and was employed by Maxwell & Son, Publishers, in Dumfries. He had served for 9 years with the Galloway Rifles and the Territorial 5th KOSB and was mobilised in August 1914. He landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915.
Born 1889 in Dumfries. Son of the late Robert Thomson and of Frances Ann (Carruthers) Thomson of Lewis Place, Ryedale, Maxwelltown.
Missing in Action on 21 June 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also named on the Laurieknowe School memorial, on the St. Mary's Church Memorial in Dumfries and on the Maxwell Company memorial.

THOMSON, J. PTE. K.O.S.B.
John Thomson – age 24 – Private (2414 & 240749) 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
John was a dyer at Rosefield Mills and lived with his aunt Mrs Mary Anderson. He landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but was evacuated to hospital in Malta due to illness. He rejoined his battalion in Egypt and served in Palestine, where he was wounded at Gaza.
Born 1892 in Maxwelltown, Troqueer. Son of Robert and Bridget (Quin) Thomson.
Foster son of Mrs. Mary (Thomson) Anderson of 49 English Street, Dumfries.
Died of Wounds on 20 April 1917 and buried in Deir el Belah War Cemetery, Palestine.
Also named on the Maxwelltown United Free Church Memorial now in Maxwelltown West Church.