The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

suzebain · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 39

If anyone is interested in the Methlick War Memorial I have a website dedicated to it. Please contact me for the address.

I would be most grateful if anyone has any additional information regarding any of the men listed, in particular I have been unable to positively identify W Mitchell and J Simmers (WWII casualties).[/b]

spoons · Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 9:48 pm Post subject:

I did a quick search in www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk (I don't have any credits spare). There was only one J Simmers who died between 1939 and 1948 if you assume his age was in the range 17 to 60 so this could be your man. You will need to buy some credits to check the record of death. He is certainly not listed on CWGC or SNWM.

\Paul

suzebain · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 39

Paul,

Thanks for helping. I had found James Simmers from Methlick on Scotlands People. His occupation was Storekeeper and his cause of death was asthma & bronchitis myocarditis. My problem is that I don't know why he would be on the war memorial. Any suggestions??

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

This seems very odd, I note you assume this is a man

No one of that initial and surname name is listed in the CWGC database, which would have included him / her even if they were a civilian casualty.

Is there anything else at Methlick to record the WW2 dead ie, roll in kirk, etc? That failing, it looks like a trawl of the local papers might be required.
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

suzebain · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 39

Jas,

The WWII plaque inside Methlick kirk states 'James Simmers'. I think you're right though, a trip to the library to trawl through the papers might be the only way to solve the mystery !
Thanks for your help.

spoons · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 4:21 pm Post subject:

It might also be worth turning the question around. Why wasn't he on CWGC and should he have been? The rules for listing there are quite straightforward, for example if he was still serving in the forces and died between the right dates, he should be listed. As he died of Asthma etc, he was presumably buried locally so it may be worth checking if there is anything of note on his gravestone.
There was no one set of rules for inclusion on war memorials so you cannot say with certainty who should and should not be listed, but it is always possible that records of the memorial committee may have survived, perhaps in council or library records?

\Paul

suzebain · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 39

James Simmers does have a grave at Methlick but it only states his date of birth & wife's name. (died 1 April 1946 aged 51).
Just a thought, what if he had previously been involved in the TA's. Would I be able to find this out anywhere? Any suggestions gratefully received !

Susan

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

Susan

As Paul points out, if a serviceman, Simmers would have been on the CWGC roll if he had died during war service or injury / illness caused by his service. The cut off date was 31st Dec 1947. He died well before this date which suggests he was discharged fit.

There would be a case to have him included by CWGC if the Death Cert tied the death to War Service
He may, of course, have been a civilian.

In either case the addition of a name at Methlick will have been organised by locals who may have concluded he merited being there.

Are you in touch with any of his relatives?
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

suzebain · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 39

Thanks for that. I'm not in contact with any family members though I have recently contacted the Methlick Heritage Society in the hope they may have some local knowledge, however I will also check out the Buchan Observer for that time.

Thanks also, I now have 5 posts so can upload some photos - if I can figure out how to do it!

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

Susan

What are the details from the kirk of W Mitchell?
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

spoons · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 8:11 pm Post subject:

suzebain · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 39

The plaque in the church gives his name as William Mitchell. There are a few Mitchell graves at Methlick but none of them refers to a William.

spoons · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 9:35 pm Post subject:

I found this guy on SNWM

Surname MITCHELL
Firstname William M
Service number 1919066
Date of death 14/12/1944
Decoration
Place of birth Aberdeenshire
Other
SNWM roll ROYAL ENGINEERS
Rank Spr
Theatre of death United Kingdom

I cannot find him on CWGC which is strange - not saying that he IS your man, but worth checking out I think - perhaps SNWM could tell you how he got onto their roll?

\Paul

kinnethmont · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 1649 Location: Aberdeenshire

I also wondered about this man.

He is listed with CWGC but no address for NOK. His must be a home death as he was cremated at Aberdeen.

Name: MITCHELL, WILLIAM HAY
Initials: W H
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sapper
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers
Age: 42
Date of Death: 19/12/1944
Service No: 1919066
Additional information: Son of Charles and Margaret Mitchell; husband of Janet Mitchell.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Cemetery: ABERDEEN CREMATORIUM
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

spoons · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 9:51 pm Post subject:

That's interesting - we have come up with the same man (same regimental number) but with different dates of death Shocked

\Paul