The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

David McNay · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:16 pm Post subject:

Just a thought - are there any photographs of this memorial in "happier times" - perhaps from the unveiling? It would be good to see it as it should be.

dhubthaigh · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:16 pm Post subject:

There is a picture of the memorial in the paper, resplendant and adorned with flowers. I only have a photocopy but will try and post this later.

Mark

David McNay · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:19 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mark, looking forward to seeing it.

Could you perhaps email it to Adam as well? we can add it to our display on this memorial at the conference on Saturday

dhubthaigh · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:26 pm Post subject:

David,

I'll get that done

David McNay · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:30 pm Post subject:

Press release from the council which adds nothing new to the debate. I'm also concerned at his comment of "radical thinking". To my mind that can be read as "tear this memorial down and replace it with a nondescript plaque".

If that's what they are considering then it cannot be allowed to happen.

Does anyone know any experts who could advise on repairs to sandstone? I think we should try and build a factfile to strengthen our case for restoration rather than replacement.

dhubthaigh · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 4:15 pm Post subject:

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

Dreadful, the Council should be ashamed of themselves for letting it get into this state of neglect. It should be repaired, certainly not replaced with an inferior memorial plaque.

If caught I would send these idiots out to Afghanistan with a catapult to defend themselves. No, I am not referring to the Councillors.

dhubthaigh · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:08 pm Post subject:

Surname LOW
Firstname Harry
Service Number 33998
Date Death 29/09/1918
Decoration
Place of birth Dundee
Other 6th (Service) Bn. formerly 230048 Royal Engineers.
SNWM roll SCOTTISH CASUALTIES EXTRACTED FROM ENGLISH REGIMENTS
Rank Pte
Theatre of death F.& F.

Surname SUTHERLAND
Firstname William
Service Number 305229
Date Death 28/05/1918
Decoration
Place of birth Mains of Strathmartin Forfarshire
Other (T.F.).
SNWM roll ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
Rank A/L/Cpl
Theatre of death F.& F.

Surname JACK
Firstname James
Service Number S/17974
Date Death 06/12/1917
Decoration
Place of birth Mains Forfarshire
Other 6th Bn.
SNWM roll THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS
Rank Pte
Theatre of death F.& F.

David McNay · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:46 pm Post subject:

Having looked at the photographs here, I think that Bob Duncan is being slightly misleading in his assessment of this memorial.

While I agree that the two panels of text are very badly damaged, it would not be out of the ordinary to have replacement panels grafted on top of the existing panels. I have seen this in a number of memorials where erosion has almost removed the names. These replacement panels could be of granite, metal, or some other kind of stone.

The main body of the fountain seems to be in reasonably good condition, albeit with some chips here and there. I'm no expert but I think it would be possible to clean this memorial without too much permanent damage.

This should of course be carried out in conjunction with relocation to a safer area.

I will try and make contact with some experts who could perhaps give a better assessment of this memorial. If anyone knows of someone suitable (stonemason? architect? I'm unsure who would be best to give an opinion) then please let me know. Ideally someone local to the memorial who could perhaps give an on the spot assessment.

I am reluctant to accept the opinion of the council at this stage as I believe that they will be strongly in favour of demolition.

spoons · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:04 pm Post subject:

As the War Memorials Trust are involved with conservation and renovation, they may be able to advise on who might help.

There is one thing that could be done to cover the graffitti, although I am loathe to suggest it, sandstone gravestones around here are often painted white with the inscription then painted in black. I personally don't like that idea for a memorial but I think it would be a little better than replacing the whole memorial with a steel plaque screwed to a wall somewhere.

\Paul

David McNay · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:04 pm Post subject:

David McNay · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:12 pm Post subject:

Think this might be G Glen:

CWGC:

Name: GLEN
Initials: G
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Highland Light Infantry
Unit Text: 9th (Glasgow Hds.) Bn.
Date of Death: 12/10/1918
Service No: 3969
Additional information: Son of George Glen, of Whitfield Cottage, Dundee.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 4-.
Cemetery: MONTAY-NEUVILLY ROAD CEMETERY, MONTAY

SNWM:

Surname GLEN
Firstname George
Service Number 3969
Date Death 12/10/1918
Decoration
Place of birth Dundee
Other 9th Bn. (T.).
SNWM roll THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY
Rank Pte
Theatre of death F.& F.

dhubthaigh · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:49 pm Post subject:

dhubthaigh · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:55 pm Post subject:

New name panels have been cut in to replace the sandstone at Leslie, Fife. I remember the 'before and after' pics. See here;

http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?p=11264#11264

Roxy · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:10 pm Post subject:

Good effort folks! Hopefully, we will prevail.

Roxy
_________________
Remembering my ggf, Pte Thomas Roberts, 10 SR, killed 25 Sep 15 at Loos.
Also remembering Flt Lt Al Squires and CXX/3 killed 2 Sep 06 in Afghanistan.