The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

spoons

UKNIWM Ref 57154

Location in Stranraer High Kirk (formerly Sheuchan Parish Church) at OS Map Ref NX 056 609

The memorial consists of two stained glass windows and a commemorative roll.

Base of the left window: For with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it.

Base of the right window: Where soever the gospel shall be preached be told for a memorial.

Board: Sheuchan Parish Church/ "We who remember them give God thanks for them"/ THE WINDOWS IN THE CHANCEL OF THIS CHURCH ARE PLACED THERE BY THE/ MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION IN MEMORY OF THOSE OF THEIR NUMBER WHO/ WENT FROM THEIR MIDST DURING THE WAR 1914-18 TO RETURN NO MORE./ NAVY ARMY ARMY ARMY/ (NAMES)/ "LET THOSE WHO COME AFTER SEE TO IT THAT THEIR NAMES BE NOT FORGOTTON"

Adam Brown · Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 6:05 am Post subject:

That's a very useful Roll of Honour. The burgh memorial doesn't give ranks or units, only names so this may help identify common names.

I'm surprised at the number of Seaforth Highlanders listed. It's a long way from Fort George.

Thanks

Adam

spoons · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:29 pm Post subject:

a further picture of the 2 windows together

Mike Morley · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 3:38 pm Post subject:

Name: FINDLAY, ALEXANDER
Initials: A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Service Number: 22524
Regiment/Service: Highland Light Infantry, 15th Bn
Date of Death: 11/9/1916
Grave Reference: IV A 53
Cemetery: Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery

Wigtownshire Free Press (21/9/1916): Official intimation has been received by Mrs Findlay, 116 Watt Street, Glasgow, that her husband, Private Alex Findlay, has died of wounds received in action. Private Findlay was wounded on 21st August, and was sent to St Omas Hospital, France, where he died on the 11th inst. He was a son of Mr and Mrs Charles Findlay, Agnew Terrace, Stranraer, and his photograph appeared in our issue two weeks ago. Private Findlay was highly respected by all who knew him, and his chaplain and officers spoke highly of his conduct in the army.

Also named on Stranraer Burgh War Memorial and the 15th Highland Light Infantry Memorial at Glasgow Transport Museum.

Mike Morley · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 10:18 am Post subject:

Navy

Engineer Lieutenant John Wilson RNR
Boatswain Hugh J McKay HMT Polandia
AB John Houston HMT Polandia
AB Thomas Robinson HMT Polandia
AB David Hall Royal Naval Division
Sailor William Gibson HMS Sycamore
Deck Hand John McClymont RNR
Deck Hand John Palmer RNR
2nd Engineer William H Caldwell SS Adela
2nd Officer Samuel Caldwell SS Teelinhead
Engineer Thomas Hamilton HMT Demurtha [Don Arturo]

Army

Reverend Herbert Dunn 2nd Lieut Scottish Rifles
Captain Robert McHarrie Royal Scots Fusiliers
2nd Lieut John Forrest McCredie Machine Gun Corps
2nd Lieut Alan Hill Whyte A & S Highlanders
Trooper Peter Collins Ayrshire Yeomanry
Private Daniel Torrance Royal Marine Light Infantry
Private Thomas Baird Rifle Brigade
Sergeant William Campbell Canadian Contingent
Private John Dougan Canadian Contingent
Private William Logie Motor Transport
Private Hugh Neil Motor Transport
Private John Preston Hughan Royal Scots
Private Robert McCracken Royal Scots
Private David Govan Black Watch
Corporal John Hamilton Seaforth Highlanders
Corporal Robert Rennie Seaforth Highlanders
Private Samuel Campbell Seaforth Highlanders
Private John Gillespie Seaforth Highlanders
Private David Murdoch Seaforth Highlanders
L Corporal Alexander Rennie Royal Scots Fusiliers
L Corporal William Rennie Royal Scots Fusiliers
Private Thomas Brydon Royal Scots Fusiliers
Private James Laurie Royal Scots Fusiliers
Private Hugh Snodgrass Royal Scots Fusiliers
Private Thomas Wallace Royal Scots Fusiliers
Lance Corporal William Alexander Highland Light Infantry
Private Alexander Findlay Highland Light Infantry
Private John Hall Highland Light Infantry
Private Charles Hollis Highland Light Infantry
Private Hugh Allison Highland Light Infantry
Private John Pirrie Scottish Rifles
Sapper Robert Auld Royal Engineers
Sapper Gilbert Neil Royal Engineers

Mike Morley · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 10:18 am Post subject:

Name: BAIRD, THOMAS
Initials: T
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment/Service: Rifle Brigade, 10th Bn
Age: 30
Date of Death: 28 October 1916
Service number: B/200173
Additional information: Son of James and Jane Gilmour Baird; husband of Elizabeth Wilson McKie Baird. Born at Stranraer.
Grave reference: 153
Cemetery: Stranraer (Sheuchan) Cemetery

Wigtownshire Free Press (9 November 1916) carried a photograph of Rifleman Baird and reported: It is with much regret that we have to announce the death, at Bellahouston Hospital, on 28th ult, from wounds received in action, of Rifleman T Baird, P.O. Rifles. For many years Rifleman Baird was employed at Stranraer Post Office and for some time he had been one of the burgh postmen. Of a quiet, unobtrusive nature, always courteous and obliging, he was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. Rifleman Baird joined the Army in June, and had only been a few weeks at the front when he was wounded. He leaves a widow and two young children, for whom much sympathy is felt. The funeral at Stranraer Cemetery on Wednesday last was largely attended.

Also named on Stranraer Burgh War Memorial.

Mike Morley · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 10:37 am Post subject:

Name: CALDWELL, WILLIAM HENDERSON
Initials: WH
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Second Engineer
Regiment/Service: Mercantile Marine, SS Adela (Dublin)
Age: 33
Date of Death: 27 December 1917
Additional information: Husband of Jane Wotherspoon Caldwell (formerly Baxter, nee Forrester), of 165, Delamore St., Kirkdale, Lancs. Born at Govan, Glasgow.
Memorial: Tower Hill Memorial

The Adela was a cargo ship on the Dublin/Liverpool service. On the 27th of Dec 1917 the defensively armed Adela was 12 NW of Skerries when without warning she was torpedoed and sunk by U-boat 100. 24 lives were lost.

Wigtownshire Free Press, 31 January 1918 reported: Lost at sea on 27 December through enemy action, William H Caldwell, second engineer, grandson of the late Hugh Caldwell, 11 Hanover Street, Stranraer.

Name: CALDWELL, SAMUEL
Initials: S
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: 2nd Mate
Regiment/Service: Mercantile Marine, SS Teelin Head
Date of Death: 21 January 1918
Grave Reference: Benjamin’s. 13.5
Cemetery: Portsmouth (Kingston) Cemetery

SS Teelin Head was a British steamer built in 1883. On January 21 1918 the ship, en route from Belfast with a cargo of potatoes, was sunk by German submarine UC-31 12 miles SSW of the Owers lightvessel. 13 lives were lost.

Wigtownshire Free Press, 31 January 1918 reported: Died at Portsmouth on 22nd inst after being rescued from torpedoed ship, Samuel Caldwell, second officer, youngest son of the late Hugh Caldwell, 11 Hanover Street, Stranraer.

Also named on Stranraer Burgh War Memorial and on the family gravestone in Sheuchan Cemetery.

Mike Morley · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 10:45 am Post subject:

Name: COLLINS, PETER
Initials: P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Highland Light Infantry, 12th Bn
Age: 21
Date of Death: 12 January 1917
Service Number: 42410
Additional Information: Son of Charles Collins, of "Allanbank". London Rd., Stranraer, Wigtownshire.
Panel Reference: Pier and Face 15C
Memorial: Thiepval Memorial

Also named on Stranraer Burgh War Memorial and on the family gravestone in Sheuchan Cemetery.

Mike Morley · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 1:12 pm Post subject:

Name: HALL,DAVID
Initials: D
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Able Seaman
Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Howe Bn R.N. Div
Age: 20
Date of Death: 8th June 1917
Service Number: Clyde Z/5057
Additional Information: Son of James and Hannah Hall, of 33, Dalrymple St., Stranraer.
Grave Reference: IV. F. 48
Cemetery: Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun

Name: HALL, JOHN
Initials: JC
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Highland Light Infantry, 15th Bn
Age: 23
Date of Death: 4th October 1918
Service Number: 36651
Additional Information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Hall, of 33, Dalrymple St., Stranraer, Wigtownshire.
Grave Reference: A. 13
Cemetery: Sequehart British Cemetery No 2

Wigtownshire Free Press (31 October 1918) reported: Killed in action in France on 4th October, Private John C Hall, Trench Mortar Battery, beloved son of Mr and Mrs Hall, 3 Dalrymple Street, Stranraer.

Also named on Stranraer Burgh War Memorial and on the family gravestone in Sheuchan Cemetery.

Mike Morley · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 1:15 pm Post subject:

Name: HOLLIS, CHARLES
Initials: C
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Highland Light Infantry, 15th Bn
Age: 26
Date of Death: 28 August 1916
Service Number: 13166
Additional information: Son of Robert Hollis, of 52, Sun St., Stranraer.
Grave Reference: Q 55
Cemetery: Cambrin Churchyard Extension

Also named on Stranraer Burgh War Memorial and on the family gravestone in Sheuchan Cemetery.

Mike Morley · Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2016 1:40 pm Post subject:

Name: NEIL, GILBERT BINGHAM
Initials: GB
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sapper
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers, 218th Field Coy
Age: 22
Date of Death: 9th July 1917
Service Number: 93258
Additional Information: Son of Mrs. Ellen Neil, of 11, Sheuchan St., Stranraer, and the late Hughes Charles Neil.
Grave Reference: I. D. 7
Cemetery: Coxyde Military Cemetery

Name: NEIL, HUGH
Initials: H
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Army Service Corps
Age: 32
Date of Death: 20/12/1917
Service Number: DM2/170788
Additional Information: Son of Helen Neil and the late Hugh Neil.
Memorial: United Kingdom Book of Remembrance

Hugh Neil is commemorated on both Wigtown and Stranraer War Memorials. Born 18 Aug 1886 he joined the Army Service Corps (Service number 170788) but was discharged in 12 September 1917 with tubercolosis. His discharge papers stated that this was not the result of, but aggravated by, ordinary military service. He died on 27 December 1917 at the family home in Stranraer and is buried in Sheuchan Cemetery.

Mike Morley · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 7:56 pm Post subject:

Name: WALLACE, TOM
Initils: T
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots Fusiliers, 5th Bn
Age: 24
Date of Death: 1st January 1916
Service Number: 7398
Additional Information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wallace, of 36, High St., Stranraer, Wigtownshire.
Grave Reference: J. 89
Cemetery: Lancashire Landing Cemetery

Also named on Stranraer Burgh War Memorial and on the family gravestone in Sheuchan Cemetery.

Mike Morley · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 8:00 pm Post subject:

Name: WHYTE, ALAN HILL
Initials: AH
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 11th Bn
Age: 29
Date of Death: 9th April 1917
Additional information: Son of Isabella Victoria Whyte, of The Park, Stranraer, Wigtownshire, and the late John Whyte.
Grave Reference: XVII. J. 45
Cemetery: Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez

Wigtownshire Free Press (19/4/1917):

Wigtownshire Free Press, 26 April 1917 reported: Killed in action on 9th April, Alan Hill Whyte, 2nd Lieutenant, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, younger son of Mr John Whyte, The Park, Stranraer.

Also named on Stranraer Burgh War Memorial, Merchiston Castle School memorial and Clydesdale Bank memorial. Also on the family gravestone in Sheuchan Cemetery.

Mike Morley · Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 8:06 pm Post subject:

Name: AULD, ROBERT
Initials: R
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sapper
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers
Unit Text: Training Centre (Newark)
Age: 33
Date of Death: 24/01/1918
Service No: 177744
Additional information: Son of Robert Auld; husband of Mrs. Auld.
Grave/Memorial Reference: P. 3. 49.
Cemetery: STRANRAER (GLEBE) CEMETERY

Also named on Stranraer Burgh War Memorial.

Mike Morley · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2016 6:51 pm Post subject:

Name: MCKAY, H
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Boatswain
Trade: Bosun
Regiment/Service: Mercantile Marine, "SS Polandia" (Liverpool)
Date of Death: 24/11/1917
Age: 41
Additional Information: Husband of Mrs. McKay, of 37, Agnew Crescent, Stranraer. Born at Islandmagee.
Memorial: Tower Hill Memorial.

Wigtownshire Free Press (19/7/1917): At sea on the 10th March, by the supposed loss of HM Transport, Hugh John McKay, husband of Jeanie K Robinson.

Note: meseysiderollofhonour.co.uk states that S.S. Polandia was built at Hamburg in 1898 by Blohm & Voss for the Woermann Linie. Her original name was the Paul Woermann and she operated on the East African routes for the company. In the first year of the war was she captured at Douala, Cameroon by H.M.S. Cumberland. Her name was changed to Polandia. On the 10th March 1917 she was en route from Birkenhead to Cherbourg, France, with government material when she disappeared without trace. Thirty-one crewmen were lost.

There is also discussion on the Great War Forum about the Polandia and speculation that CWGC has the date of death of Boatswain McKay wrong as it is 8 months after the ship sank.