The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Malcolm · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Edinburgh

Kirknewton and East Calder Memorial
Kirknewton

Malcolm · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Edinburgh

Malcolm · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Edinburgh

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:44 am Post subject:

Here's a man with a Kirknewton connection but isn't listed on the memorial.

TODD, THOMAS
Rank: Driver
Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery
Unit Text: 305th Bde.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 13/08/1917
Service No: 837201
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Todd, of Humbie Farm, Kirknewton, Midlothian.
Place of birth: Channelkirke
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. E. 17.
Cemetery: MENDINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 9:36 am Post subject:

The Auchencairn War Memorial in Dumfries & Galloway is almost identical in design and was made by Messrs William Kirkpatrick Ltd. of Manchester so I assume this memorial was also made by the same company.

Regards

Adam

MagsD · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 171 Location: West Lothian

Thought this article from Midlothian Advertiser may be of interest. The Aberdeen brothers are named on Braehead Memorial LKS. Alex Jack is on West Calder Memorial. Still looking for Alex Gold.

Scottish Rural Workers Friendly Society –
Kirknewton Branch

Roll of Honour

We give below a list of the gallant members of the above branch who made the supreme sacrifice up to the time when the Armistice was signed on 11 November.
Pte. Alex. Gold – killed 4 May 1915
Pte. Wm. Tait – killed 1 July 1916
Pte. Wm. Aberdeen – killed 17 July 1916
Pte. George Gardiner – killed 26 April 1917
Pte. Archibald Aberdeen – died of wounds on 22 Dec 1917
Sergt. Alex. B. Jack – killed 12 April 1918
Pte. Jas. Milligan – killed 19 July 1918
Pte. George Wilkie – died of wounds 24th August 1918
They all fell in France, and their ages range from 18 to 33 years, Pte. Milligan being the youngest and Sergt. Jack the oldest.
What more can we say but that the gallant dead are enshrined within our hearts forever.

Midlothian Advertiser
(6 December 1918)

ADP · Joined: 13 Jun 2008 Posts: 467 Location: Edinburgh

MagsD · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 171 Location: West Lothian

Hello, Have info on Alex Gold. Need to find him on a memorial. Sorry for typo - typed 1915 instead of 1916. Must check news article to see date printed. Thanks
*Checked and newspaper says 1915, must be misprint.

MagsD · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 171 Location: West Lothian

I have researched this memorial. Should I post all info in this section or list each man and info separately? Thanks
Margaret

MagsD · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 171 Location: West Lothian

This may be of interest. 23 March 1943, a German plane crashed in Pentlands. For more info

www.peakdistrictaircrashes.co.uk/pages/scotland/scotland3ehm.htm

The men were buried in Kirknewton Cemetery. As a child I stayed for holidays with a great aunt at Kirknewton. I remember the men being moved from Kirknewton to Cannock Chase, Staffordshire. A plaque hangs in the cemetery to remember them. I have the death certificates for three of the men. However, am unable to find Willi Euler. I find this strange as the other deaths were registered at the same time. Deaths were registered at Penicuik. Certificates state causes of death as " Due to war operations, multiple injuries caused by explosion following aircraft crash"

David McNay · Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:28 am Post subject:

MagsD · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 171 Location: West Lothian

This is the basic information I have for the men on the memorial. Will update as and when I have something to add. Will add the news articles as I finish typing them. The names are listed as on the memorial.

44 man of the Parish are remembered from World War 1.

“To Our Glorious Dead Who Fell In The Great War”
World War 1

Frank Smith
Captain, Military Cross, Royal Garrison Artillery. No further information currently available.

Wilmot Babbington Parker-Smith
Lieutenant, 1st/3rd Scottish Horse. Died 12/09/1915, aged 30. Son of the Rt.Hon. James Parker-Smith of Jordanhill and Mary I Hamilton, his wife, of the Bombay Company, Calcutta. Buried Pieta Military Cemetery, Grave B. X11. 6
Medals: Victory; British War; 15 Star

Robert Hilary Lockhart Whitelaw
Second Lieutenant, Household Battalion, Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line. Died of wounds, 28/05/1917, aged 22. Native of Monkland, Nairn. Son of William and Gertrude Whitelaw of Hatton House, Kirknewton, Midlothian. Buried St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen. Officers, Grave B. 7. 21.
Medals: Victory; British War

Alexander Stevenson
Second Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders (Banff and Donside) (Territorial). Killed in action, 09/12/1916, aged 31. Son of Alexander Stevenson and Cecilia Marshall Stevenson of West Calder; husband of Isabella Kemp Stevenson of Richmond, Huntly, Aberdeenshire. Buried Ovillers Military Cemetery, Grave I. A. 7.

Geoffrey Lacey Whitelaw
Second Lieutenant, Household Battalion, Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line. Died 14/04/1918, aged 19. Born: Edinburgh. Son of William and Gertrude Whitelaw (nee Thompson) of Hatton, Kirknewton,
Midlothian. Buried Nairn Cemetery, Grave B3. 223
Medals: Victory; British War

William Preston
Sergeant, 4970, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards. Killed in action, 25/11/1917. No age given. Born: Mid Calder. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: Mid Calder. Buried Anneux British Cemetery, Grave I. H. 8
Medals: Victory; British War; 14 Star

James Hunter
Lance Corporal, 12338, 12th Battalion Royal Scots. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 6/07/1916, no age given. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: East Calder, Midlothian. Residence: Kirknewton. Commemorated Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
Medals: Victory; British War; 15 Star

James Hutchison Hogg
Lance Sergeant, 27625, 6th Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 24/03/1918, aged 24. Born: Garvald, East Lothian. Enlisted: Glencorse, Midlothian. Residence: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Son of Annie Hogg, of Wallace Place, Pathhead Ford, Edinburgh and the late James Hogg. Commemorated Pozieres Memorial, Panel 37.

Matthew Flynn
Lance Corporal, 20249, 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards. Killed in action, France and Flanders, between 14/09/1916 and 17/09/1916, no age given. Born: Shanestmore, County Mayo. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Commemorated Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 8 D.
Medals: Victory; British War; 15 Star

Robert Gray
Lance Corporal, S/5358, 9th (Service) Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Killed in action, France and Flanders, 27/04/1916, no age given. Born: East Calder, Midlothian. Enlisted: East Calder, Midlothian.
Commemorated Loos Memorial, Panel 78 to 83.

George Hope
Lance Corporal, 12559, 62nd Company, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). Killed in action, France and Flanders, 25/09/1916, no age given. Born: Camps Station, East Calder, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: East Calder, Midlothian. Buried Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourte-L’Abbe.
Supplementary Note: Formerly 7311, Gordon Highlanders. Medals: Victory; British War

Robert Ballantyne
Private, 3949, 9th Battalion Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). Killed in action, France and Flanders, 23/07/1916, aged 19. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Son of Mrs Jessie Ballantyne, of Springfield, East Calder, Midlothian. Commemorated Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
Medals: Victory; British War

James Bishop
Private, 37302, 1st Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Died of wounds, Home, 22/10/1918, aged 27. Born: Livingston, West Lothian. Enlisted: Uphall, West Lothian. Residence: Mid Calder. Son of John and Rachel Bishop; husband of Catherine White Mu?? Fairyhill Cottage, Carluke, Lanarkshire. Buried East Calder Churchyard, Grave 1412.
Medals: Victory; British War

John Bryce
Private, 2629, 2/10th Battalion Royal Scots. Died of wounds, France and Flanders, 24/09/1916, aged 19. Enlisted: Bathgate. Son of Mr and Mrs William Bryce, The Cottage, Kirkgate, West Calder. Buried Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension Cemetery. Grave 111. C. 31
Medals: Victory; British War

John Campbell
Private, 793, No. 2 Company Machine Gun Guards. Died of wounds, France and Flanders, 22/09/1917, aged 39. Born: Limekiln, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Son of James and Margaret Campbell of “Illieston”, Mid Calder, Midlothian; husband of Annie Campbell, of Springfield, East Calder, Midlothian. Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Grave XXV1. C. 9A.
Medals: Victory; British War

Michael Flynn
Sapper, 79904, 254th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 16/04/1916, no age given. Born: Foxford, County Mayo. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Brother of Mr T Flynn of 150 Oakbank, Mid Calder, Midlothian. Buried Gorre British and Indian Cemetery, Grave 1. D. 17.
Medals: Victory; British War; 15 Star

James Moir Forbes
Private, 3/6968, 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 16/05/1915. No age given. Born: New Deer, Aberdeenshire. Enlisted: Aberdeen. Commemorated Le Touret Memorial. Panel 39 to 41.
Medals: Victory; British War; 14 Star

George Collins Gardiner
Private, 19218, 16th Battalion Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). Killed in action, France and Flanders, 28/04/1917, aged 23. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Son of Mr and Mrs J Gardiner of Wester Causewayend, Kirknewton, Midlothian. Commemorated Arras Memorial, Bay 1 and 2.
Medals: Victory; British War

Robert Gifford
Private, S/11932, 3rd Reserve Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Died 01/07/1917, Home, aged 23. Born: Leith, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Son of James and Margaret Gifford, of Overton, Kirkliston, West Lothian. Buried Kirknewton Parish Churchyard, Grave 298(A).
Medals: Victory; British War

David Bain Graham
Private, 315619, 13th (Scottish Horse) Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Killed in action, France and Flanders, 03/10/1918, aged 22. Born: Mid Calder, Midlothian. Enlisted: Dunkeld, Perthshire. Son of Elizabeth Graham of 12 Kitchener Street, Dalmuir, Glasgow and the late Thomas Graham, Native of Oakbank, Mid Calder, Midlothian. Buried Unicorn Cemetery, Vend’huile, Grave 1V. E. 28. Also 2nd Scottish Horse, 5640.
Medals: Victory; British War

Alexander Stewart Laird
Private, S/3412, 8th (Service) Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). Killed in action, France and Flanders, 14/07/1916, no age given. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: East Calder, Midlothian. Commemorated Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 10A.
Medals: Victory; British War; 14-15 Star

Daniel MacBeth
Private, 42129, lst Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 16/10/1918, aged 18. Born: Edinburgh. Enlisted: Glencorse, Midlothian. Residence: East Calder, Midlothian. Son of David and Margaret MacBeth, of Main Street, East Calder, Midlothian. Buried Dadizeele New British Cemetery, Grave 111. B. 8
Medals: Victory; British Wa

John Martin
Private, 133, “A” Company, 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Albany’s). Killed in action, France and Flanders, 10/11/1914, aged 23. Born Alloa, Clackmannanshire. Enlisted: Edinburgh, Midlothian. Son of John and Annie Martin of 47 Oakbank, Mid Calder, Midlothian. Commemorated Le Touret Memorial, Panel 38 and 39.
Medals: Victory; British War; 14 Star

William Morrison
Private, 123243, 18th Battalion Canadian Infantry (West Ontario Division). Died 21/08/1917, aged 32. Born: Oakbank, Midlothian. Residence: London, Ontario, Canada. Husband of Margaret Morrison, 1226 Florence Street, London, Ontario. Buried in Barlin Communal Cemetery Extension Grave 111. D. 26.

James Milligan
Private, 53718, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 19/07/1918, aged 18. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Son of John Milligan of Camps Junction, Kirknewton, Midlothian. Buried in Meteren Military Cemetery, Grave 11. A. 55.
Medals: Victory; British War

Hugh McDermott
Private, 13186, 2nd Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 18/04/1915, aged 21. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh, Midlothian. Residence: Mid Calder, Midlothian. Son of the late Hugh McDermott of East Calder, Midlothian. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Panel 22.
Medals: Victory; British War

James Richardson McDowall
Private, S/2763, 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 06/05/1915, aged 19. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: East Calder, Midlothian. Son of James and Margaret McDowall, of 12 Oakbank, Mid Calder, Midlothian. Commemorated on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial Panel 38.
Supplementary Note: Family Grave, East Calder Cemetery: “Also our children, James, who fell in action at Ypres, 6 May 1915, aged 19 years”.
Medals: Victory; British War; 15 Star

John McKellar
Private, 3/5874, 1st Battalion Cameron Highlanders. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 03/09/1916, no age given. Born: Barony, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. Enlisted: Edinburgh, Midlothian. Residence: East Calder, Midlothian. Commemorated Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15 B.
Medals: Victory; British War, 14 Star

William McKie
Private, S/21255 6th Battalion Cameron Highlanders. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 30/06/1916, aged 25. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: West Calder, Midlothian. Residence: Mid Calder, Midlothian. Son of James and Elizabeth McKie of 133 Oakbank, Mid Calder, Midlothian.
Commemorated on Loos Memorial, Panel 119 to 124.
Medals: Victory; British War

William J McIntyre
Private, 3411, 1st Battalion Black Watch. Died 20/03/1916, aged 21. Son of Alexander and Mary Graham Fulton McIntyre of 116 Oakbank, Mid Calder, Midlothian. Buried Lilliers Communal Cemetery, Grave 1V. E. 51.
Medals: Victory; British War; 15 Star

James McLuskey
Gunner, 69267, 121st Siege Bty, Royal Garrison Artillery. Died 28/12/1916, aged 24. Son of John and Agnes McLuskie, of Loop Cottage, Bridge of Dee, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire. Buried Quarry Cemetery, Montauban, Grave IV. J.11.

David Newton
Private, 21012, 11th Battalion Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). Killed in action, France and Flanders. 03/07/1916, no age given. Born: Whitburn, West Lothian. Enlisted: Broxburn, West Lothian. Residence: East Calder, West Lothian. Commemorated Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
Medals: Victory; British War; 15 Star

Thomas Peden Philp
Private, 19895, 16th Battalion Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). Killed in action, France and Flanders, 04/08/1916, aged 22. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Son of James and Agnes Philp, of Elmbank, Wilkieston, Midlothian. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
Medals: Victory; British War

James Reid
Private, S/18255, 5th Battalion Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 17/07/1916, aged 29. Born: East Calder, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh, Midlothian. Residence: East Calder. Son of Mrs Alison Dick Reid of Main Street, Mid Calder, Midlothian. Commemorated on Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15 B.
Medals: Victory: British War; 15 Star

James Renwick
Private, S/22810, 7th Battalion Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 20/08/1917, aged 20. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: Mid Calder. Residence: East Calder. Son of John and Jessie Renwick, of Thistle Cottage, East Calder. Commemorated on Tyne Cot Memorial, Panel 136 to 138.
Medals: Victory; British War

Adam Stewart
Able Seaman, Clyde Z/4531, Hawke Bn. Royal Navy Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Died 04/02/1917, aged 21. Enlisted: 18/5/15. Brother to Mrs. Joan Bell of “Dunallan”, Main Street, Kirknewton, Midlothian. Buried Queens Cemetery, Bucquoy (FR 514).
Medals: Victory; British War; Star

William Sutherland
Private, Gordon Highlanders. No further information currently.

William Tait
Private, 19668, 16th Battalion Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). Killed in action, France and Flanders, 01/07/1916, no age given. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Commemorated Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
Medals: Victory; British War

John Watt
Private, 5455, 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers. Died, France and Flanders, 28/07/1918. Born: Penicuik, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Son of Mr David Watt, Calderhall Lodge, Eas Calder. Buried Berlin South-Western Cemetery, Grave X. C. 7.
Medals: Victory; British War; 14 Star

William Watt
Guardsman, 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards. No further information available.

David Whigham
Private, S/7451, 2nd Gordon Highlanders. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 25/09/1915. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Commemorated Loos Memorial, Panel 115 to 119.
Medals: Victory; British War; 15 Star

George Wilkie
Guardsman, 14301, “B” Company, 1st Battalion Scots Guards. Died of wounds, France and Flanders, 24/08/1918, aged 29. Born: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Son of Jane and the late James Wilkie, Burnside, Kirknewton, Midlothian. Remembered with honour Bagneux Cemetery, Gezaincourt.
Medals: Victory; British War

William Wilson
Trooper, GS/12052, 5th Dragoon Guards (Princess Charlotte of Wales). Died 10/11/1917, aged 25. Son of Stewart Wilson and Catherine Wilson of Corston, Mid Calder, Midlothian. Native of Camilty, Midlothian. Buried Etaples Military Cemetery Grave XXX N. 9.
Medals: Victory; British War; 15 Star

James Waddle Young
Guardsman, 7770, 1st Battalion Scots Guards. Killed in action, France and Flanders, 28/10/1914. Born: Edinburgh. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Residence: Kirknewton, Midlothian. Remembered with honour Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
Medals: Victory; British War; 14 Star

World War 2

The Second World War added a further 22 names:

John Arbuthnott
Sergeant (Pilot), 564104, 229 Squadron Royal Air Force.
Died 04/02/1941, aged 26. Son of William Arbuthnott and of Margaret Arbuthnott of Kirknewton, Midlothian. Buried Carluke (Wilton) Cemetery. Grave: Section E, Grave 89.

Walter Gowans Brown
Pilot Officer (Air Gunner), 151776, 102 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 07/09/1943, aged 27. Son of Walter and Mary Wallace Brown of Mid Calder, Midlothian. Buried Durnbach War Cemetery, Collective Grave 7. G. 12-17.

William Noel Caldwell
A.L.A., Fleet Air Arm. Died 13/05/1942, aged 23, Boggie Farm (V.R. R.N.A.S., Arbroath). Son of Andrew Fisher Caldwell.

Angus Whitson Elliot
Aircraftman 2nd Class (Wireless Operator), 626895, 82 Squadron Royal Air Force. Died 22/05/1940, no age given. Buried Neufchatel-Hardelot (Neufchatel) New Com Cemetery.

James Falconer
Sergeant, Royal Air Force. No further information currently available.

Alexander Forrest
Rifleman, 3254271, 12th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Died 02/09/1945, aged 24. Son of John and Jessie Cameron Forrest, of Toravon, Stirlingshire. Buried Munster Heath War Cemetery, Grave 2. E. 18.

Alan Gibson
Gunner, 1640944, 241 Battery, 77 H.A.A. Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died 04/02/1940, aged 30. Son of Jessie McCormick Gibson; husband of Janet K. Gibson of Mid Calder, Midlothian. Buried Jakarta War Cemetery, Sp. Mem. 3. L. 3.

John Robert Hogg
Trooper, 3060643, 43rd (2/5th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment) Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C. Died 24/06/1944, aged 27. Son of Mrs E. Hogg; husband of Isabella Hogg, Kirknewton, Midlothian. Commemorated Bayeux Memorial, Panel 6.

William Lawson
Company Quartermaster Sergeant, 2926632, 5th Battalion Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Died 03/01/1945, aged 40. Son of William and Elizabeth Lawson; husband of Jessie Carruthers of Mid Calder, Midlothian. Buried Fayid War Cemetery, Grave 5. B. 7.

James Marshall
Company Quartermaster Sergeant, 1869550, 551 Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers. Died 15/06/1944, no age given. Buried Naples War Cemetery, Grave I. M. 18.

George Murdoch
Private, 3060674, 8th Battalion Royal Scots. Died 14/09/1944, aged 28. Son of William and Margaret Murdoch of Mid Calder, Midlothian. Buried at Kasterlee War Cemetery, Grave I. B. 9.

William McGill
Leading Aircraftman, 1561243, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 11/04/1944, no age given. Buried Camelon Cemetery, Section 12, Grave 561.

Francis McNairney
Leading Aircraftman (Observor), 1371126, 658 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 24/03/1945, aged 23. Son of Anthony McNairney and of Catherine McNairney (nee Miller); husband of T. E. McNairney of Polbeth, Midlothian. Buried Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Grave 1.A.2.

Andrew Nicol Marshall Ramsay
Sergeant, 3194444, 5th Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers. Died between 03/11/1945 and 02/01/1946. Son of Andrew Nicol Ramsay and Agnes Storrie Allan Ramsay; husband of Mary Davida Ramsay of Bathgate, West Lothian. Buried Munster Heath War Cemetery, Grave 2. A. 13.

James Reid Russell
Corporal, 2879717, 1st Battalion The London Scottish, Gordon Highlanders. Died 06/11/1943, aged 33. Son of John S. and Annie G. Russell of Kirknewton, Midlothian. Buried Naples War Cemetery Grave III. J. 16.

John Rhind
Squadron Leader, 41954, Royal Air Force. Died 10/07/1945, aged 25. Son of John and Mary Jane Rhind; husband of Rosemary Constance of Forgandenny, Perthshire. Commemorated Singapore Memorial, Column 445.

Edward Sharkey
Corporal, 3059784, 1st Battalion Royal Scots. Died 21/08/1944, aged 24. Son of William and Bridget Sharkey of East Calder. Buried Imphal War Cemetery, Grave 2. C. 11.

George Allenby Tennant
Sergeant, 619067, Royal Air Force. Died 13/10/1944, aged 25. Son of George and Alice Fleming Tennant; husband of Georgina White Tennant of Edinburgh. Buried Ancona War Cemetery, Grave 1V. D. 15.

James Toolin
Sergeant, 3186729, Army Catering Corps. Died 13/02/1945, aged 37. Son of Bernard and Mary Toolin; husband of Elizabeth Toolin of Hartlepool. County Durham. Buried Schoonselhof Cemetery, Grave V. B. 57.

John Knox Watson
Sergeant, 1369957, 61 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Died 01/09/1943, aged 20. Son of George and Catherine Watson of Mid Calder, Midlothian. Buried East Calder Cemetery, Section E, Northern Extension, Grave 67.

Thomas Falconer Wilson
Gunner, 14582223, 86 (The Hertfordshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment. Died 22/04/1945, aged 25. Son of George and Mima Wilson of Linburn, Midlothian. Buried Becklingen War Cemetery, Grave 3. J. 10.

William Whitelaw
Able Seaman, P/JX 527816, H.M.S. President 111, Royal Navy. Died 06/01/1944, aged 18. Son of James and Mary Whitelaw of East Calder, Midlothian. Buried Penzance Cemetery, Section F. Row A. Grave 14.

Sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
www.ancestry.com
Soldiers Died in the Great War
Midlothian Advertiser
The Scotsman

MagsD · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 171 Location: West Lothian

Kirknewton and East Calder War Memorial

On Sunday last was unveiled the memorial which has been erected on a site close to the King's Highway near Mid Calder Station to the memory of the gallant heroes who gave their lives in the Great War. A short service was conducted by the ministers in the district including the Rev. George Gardiner D.D., Parish Church; Rev. William Cherry, U.F. Church, East Calder; and the Rev. Robert Ferguson, U.F. Church, Wilkieston. A united choir led the praise. After Lady Davies had unveiled the memorial, the Rev. Dr. Gardiner spoke the words of solemn dedication. The following list of fallen whose names are engraved on the bronze tablet was read by Mr Macconochie Welwood:

List of fallen as on photograph of memorial.

A bugler having sounded the Last Post, Lt.-General Sir Francis Davies, commanding the Forces in Scotland, briefly addressed the huge throng present. He vividly contrasted the devastated areas of the Somme district in France with our peaceful districts and homes, thus bringing home to those present in a very pointed way what was likely to have been their portion had the enemy been victorious. He trusted as the people passed the memorial in their daily routine they would spare a thought to the memory of those who so gallantly fought and died to prevent such a disaster. He concluded by handing the memorial over to the custody of the Parish Council.
Mr. A. O. Cassells, chairman, accepted.
Later Sir Francis Davies chatted personally with each unit of a company of the comrades of the Great War who acted as a guard of honour under the command of ex-Sergt-Major James Hally. A company of Boy Scouts was also present.
(Courier Friday 24 June 1921)

MagsD · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 171 Location: West Lothian

I have deleted this post as it was a news article from the Scotsman 1919. Unsure of copyright.

MagsD · Joined: 10 Mar 2012 Posts: 171 Location: West Lothian

I found the grave of Robert Bond in Kirknewton Cemetery. He has a CWGC gravestone, however is not on the war memorial. The date of death gives thoughts that he must have died of war injury, however a newspaper article tells a different story. A number is unreadable as there is a black line on the paper.

CWGC
In memory of Private R. Bond, S/11061 Seaforth Highlanders transf. To (373493) 750th Coy., Labour Corps, who died age 43 on 29 September 1919. Husband of Margaret Bond, 105 Oakbank, Midcalder Midlothian. Remembered with honour Kirknewton Parish Churchyard.

OAKBANK
LOCAL SOLDIER'S DEATH

On Tuesday of last week quite a gloom was cast over the village when it became known that one of its inhabitants, Mr Robert Bond, had met with a fatal accident by falling over the Tollbridge which spans a branch line of the Caledonian Railway near Cleland. Mr Bond, who was an old soldier, having served with the Seaforth Highlanders, was on a visit to friends at Blackhill Farm, a short distance from the scene of the accident. He went out for a short walk before retiring for the night, and it is thought that owing to the night being extremely dark and not being well acquainted with the district, he must have stumbled and fallen over the bridge, which has a very low parapet, on to the railway beneath, a distance of fully ?0 feet. By the severe injuries he sustained death must have been instantaneous. The last sad fact in connection with the accident was performed on Friday last, when the remains were laid to rest in Kirknewton Churchyard. Through the kind efforts of the secretary of the Discharged and Demobilised Soldiers' and Sailors' Federation, the funeral was partly of a military nature. A detachment of the 4th Edinburgh Garrison Artillery with gun team and carriage were present. A firing party from Bond's old regiment was prevented from attending owing to the railway strike. The coffin, wrapped in the Union Jack, was placed on the gun carriage, and amidst manifest signs of sorrow, was slowly borne to its last resting place, followed by relatives of the deceased, members of the Discharged and Demobilised Soldiers' and Sailors' Federation, and a large concourse of the general public. The Rev. Dr Gardiner officiated at the graveside and made fitting reference to the service Bond had rendered to his country during the South African and European Wars. Bond leaves a widow and large family to mourn his loss and to whom the utmost sympathy will be extended.
(Midlothian Advertiser 10 Oct 1919)