The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Gow67 · Joined: 27 Dec 2016 Posts: 35 Location: Bo'ness

As part of the Bo'ness War Memorial - Without Fear project we have found the following information.

Private Michael Muldoon, 18, Royal Scots Fusiliers, was accidentally killed on 14th November, 1917 at Whinnyhill Range, Burntisland. He was buried with military honours at Bo'ness Cemetery on 17th November, 1917, Section B Lair 197 (thanks to Anne Anderson for help with that). There is no family headstone.

We cannot find Michael on CWGC and, looking at other recent comms, we think there is a good chance he he may be considered a non-comm.

As part of our project this will make an interesting story and we’d like to describe it almost like a case study in finding a non-comm.

We'd be grateful for SMRG help in following this up.

Thanks in advance.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2017 8:00 pm Post subject:

Looking at the Death Register entry, I think that there is ample evidence to refer the case to the In From the Cold Project based on this alone.
He is identified as a Private in the 55th Training Reserve Battalion, that he was shot on the Whinnyhall Range, Burntisland and was stationed at Grangehill, Kinghorn. His death was confirmed by a Captain in the RAMC.
The Army Register of Soldiers effects confirms that he was axccidentally shot at Kinghorn.
How do you want to follow this up??
_________________
Ken

Gow67 · Joined: 27 Dec 2016 Posts: 35 Location: Bo'ness

Thanks Kenneth.

We'd be happy for SMRG to refer this to the In From the Cold Project if that's ok?

I'd like to write this up for our project so it would be great if you could PM me details of the process and if you need any further info?

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:22 pm Post subject:

Have just received this from Terry Denham IFCP:

Ken

I can see no reason why he should not qualify. I will get the DC and submit the case.

Regards
Terry
_________________
Ken

Gow67 · Joined: 27 Dec 2016 Posts: 35 Location: Bo'ness

Great news - many thanks to Anne Anderson and yourself for your help with this.

apanderson · Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:28 pm Post subject:

Our pleasure Alan! Very Happy

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Wed Jul 03, 2019 6:46 pm Post subject:

Michael Muldoon's name was added to the CWGC Debt of Honour Register on 2 July 2019.

Private
MULDOON, MICHAEL
Service Number TR/2/13417

Died 14/11/1917

Aged 18

55th Training Reserve Bn.
Royal Scots Fusiliers

Son of Patrick and the late Helen Muldoon of Bo'ness, West Lothian.

In memory of Anne Anderson.
_________________
Ken

Gow67 · Joined: 27 Dec 2016 Posts: 35 Location: Bo'ness

Many thanks Ken (and Anne looking down).

https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/75463557/muldoon,-michael/

I have received an email from CWGC confirming that they are now looking at providing a headstone at Michael's unmarked grave that we have identified in Bo'ness Cemetery.

I'll keep the group posted.

Gow67 · Joined: 27 Dec 2016 Posts: 35 Location: Bo'ness

Confirmation has now been received from CWGC that Michael's grave is to be marked with a CWGC granite headstone in the near future.

His CWGC record has also been updated at https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/75463557/muldoon,-michael/

Once again many thanks to all those who helped make this happen.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 6:20 pm Post subject:

Nice to see a project come to such a satisfactory conclusion.
Many thanks for the update Alan.
_________________
Ken

Gow67 · Joined: 27 Dec 2016 Posts: 35 Location: Bo'ness

DEDICATION OF PRIVATE MICHAEL MULDOON’S CWGC HEADSTONE IN BO'NESS CEMETERY - Next Saturday 28th May 2022 - 12:00pm noon

Last year we announced that Private Michael Muldoon was to be added to the CWGC roll of honour and be given a CWGC headstone to mark his grave in Bo’ness Cemetery. We are delighted to be able to tell you that the headstone has now been installed.

Furthermore, next Saturday, 28th May 2022, coincidentally during CWGC War Graves Week, there will be a dedication service led by Father Forrest of St Mary's Church, Bo'ness at the graveside commencing 12:00pm noon. We will be joined by Michael’s relatives, the Lord Lieutenant of Stirling & Falkirk Mr Alan Simpson, Patricia Keppie of CWGC, Piper Walter Williamson, Bugler Lauren Robb of Kinneil Band and others.

The service will last about 30 mins, following which there will be a small reception offering teas & coffees at St Mary’s Church Hall, just along from the cemetery.

This notice is an open invitation to all members of this forum and others to join us at the dedication service. All welcome (but it would really helpful if you could indicate in the comments or by private message if you intend to do so).

Gow67 · Joined: 27 Dec 2016 Posts: 35 Location: Bo'ness

See report on Dedication Service in Falkirk Herald at:

https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/people/boness-teenage-soldiers-grave-marked-with-cwgc-headstone-3715615

Thanks again to all from SMRG who helped with this project.