The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

spoons · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:03 pm Post subject: Annan WW2

An unusual memorial in more ways than one. The memorial takes the form of a footbridge over the river Annan at OS Map Ref: NY 194 676. Surprisingly, it is not easy to find and you cannot get near it by car. The best way to find the memorial is from the centre of Annan, take the B722 north for about a mile, just after Annan Athletic sports ground there is a rough car park on the left of the road, it is before the bridge over the A75. Park there and walk down the partially hidden concrete track to the river, turn right along the riverside walk and the bridge is just a few yards along the track.

The first photo is as it will appear as it comes into view but it is such an unusual memorial that I photographed it from all angles.

The memorial is to "SURGEON LT W G CUTHBERTSON AND THE BURGH AND PARISH OF ANNAN WW2". As it names an individual first it is listed under individuals but I will post a reference under civic memorials.

UKNIWM Ref: 44086

DerekR · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 10:37 pm Post subject:

Very strange. I'm struggling to find words to describe what I feel about this memorial.
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Time but th' impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.

spoons · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:35 am Post subject:

If I were to guess, then it could be that, 12 years after the war ended, the relatives of Cuthbertson got fed up with waiting for a memorial and took on the task themselves. Perhaps they lived in the small house at the other side of the bridge (or Newbie Mill nearby). However, because of its remote location, only a few dog walkers and joggers will ever see it. I expect 90% of Annan residents have never even seen it.
Incidentally, you can actually see it from the A75 (you cannot stop). When travelling west, as you cross the river Annan, look to your left (don't crash!).

DerekR · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:41 am Post subject:

Yes, I have seen the bridge on many occassions from the road and now I know that it's a war memorial I will look on it in a different light.
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Time but th' impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 3:21 pm Post subject:

William Graham Cuthbertson – age 24 – Surgeon Lieutenant, H.M.S. Dainty, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
William was educated at Annan Academy and at Daniel Stewart's College in Edinburgh before attending Edinburgh University. He graduated M.B. & Ch.B. in July 1939 before taking up posts at St. Luke's Hospital in Bradford. He was commissioned in April 1940 and served off Africa, Aden, India and in the Mediterranean. The destroyer “Dainty” had sailed on a patrol from Tobruk in Lybia but was attacked by a German Heinkel 111 aircraft whose bomb caused a magazine explosion. Survivors were taken off by HMS Hastie before the “Dainty” sank.
Born 1916 in Annan. Son of Robert Cuthbertson and of Olive Currie (Graham) Cuthbertson of Annan and of 14 Great Stuart Street, Edinburgh. Nephew of Captain William Cuthbertson M.C. KOSB of Beldcraig, Annan.
Missing in Action/Lost at Sea on 24 February 1941 and named on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.
Also named on the Annan War Memorial, on the Edinburgh University Roll of Honour and on the Old College War Memorial.
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Ken

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

The Bridge was swept away in flooding on 28 October 2021

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

I see that the remains of the bridge were recovered from the river last week. Does anyone know if the plaque was recovered as well, and if so, what is to happen to it.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2022 2:57 pm Post subject:

Got this reply yesterday from the local councillor Richard Brodie:

"Hi Ken

The contractor is aware that we want to salvage the memorial plaque. I don’t know if they have recovered it yet. I will let you know.

Thanks
Richard "
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Ken

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

I have been in person to Annan Museum today and spoken to the duty curator. having photographed the site of the bridge. The Museum is expecting to receive the recovered plaque within the next week. It will feature in an exhibition about the flood at the museum from 6 September 2022 to the end of October.
If and when the bridge is re built it has been decided that the original plaque will remain at the museum and a new plaque will be made for the new bridge.

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

I visited Annan Museum yesterday on the opening day of their exhibition, and have now got images of the plaque in it's new home, bent but otherwise in good condition, which are on War Memorials Online. For anyone in the area it is a good little exhibition, also featuring the now lost lighthouse, the now lost emigration quays at Annan and the former Solway junction railway viaduct