The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Kenneth Morrison

On the Maxwelltown/Troqueer WM in Dumfries is
FETTES, ROBERT L/C R.E.
On 4 February 1918 at 35 Glasgow St. Maxwelltown, Troqueer
Robert Jackson Fettes, a Mason and Sapper Royal Engineers, Single and aged 34 died of Valvular Heart Disease (Heart Block)
The death was registered by his sister Sara M Fettes.
I cannot find him on CWGC/SNWM/SDGW nor can I find a MIC.

Can someone double check please?
_________________
Ken

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

Ken

This man served as Robert Jackson and will have go forward by this name. He was discharged a month before he died due a heart related condition. I have been able to confirm that he is the same man and that the condition was related to his service.
He is a non comn but we need to locate his grave. Will e-mail you on this.

Robert Jackson served in the units below:
Kings Own Scottish Borderers 20508
Royal Scots Fusiliers 4569
Labour Corps 175467
Royal Engineers 304545

Well done in finding him.
_________________
Jim

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

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 12:27 pm Post subject:

Jim - I have e-mailed the detail of this.
This man's military history is getting more and more odd.
Based on something Jim said and on a internet search, I checked the Canadian Records and found Robert Fettes of Maxwelltown enlisting in the CIF on 24/9/1914
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e.php?image_url=http://data2.archives.ca/cef/gpc004/326021a.gif&id_nbr=389841

The Canadian Great War Project has him with the 6th Battalion which
sailed from Canada arriving at Plymouth on the 14th of October. Training continued at West Down South Camp Salisbury Plain until the 15th of December 1914 when the Battalion left the Brigade in order to convert back to the cavalry role as the Depot for the Canadian Cavalry Brigade. The Battalion disbanded with excess personel being transfered to the 8th and 10th Battalions.

I wonder if he transferred to the British army or did a runner?
Could explain why he served under his mother's maiden name.
_________________
Ken

Stewartry · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 274 Location: nr Nottingham

Hi Ken,

If it's any help, the issue of his KOSB number dates to mid-June 1915.

Stuart
_________________
www.sonsofgalloway.org.uk
5th KOSB
Stewartry RoH
ATC Auchencairn book

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

Robert Jackson enlisted at Leeds on 14th June 1915.

He could have come across with the C.E.F. and then transferred. As you say, he could have left them by other means and could account for the name change.

The 6th Battalion Canadian Infantry was originally mounted. It was broken up and disbanded in England early in 1915. This might have led to the move to the old regiment, KOSB although that would not explain the assumed name.

His C.E.F. record would confirm his service with them. I note he states he was six years in the K.O.S.B. before 1914.
_________________
Jim

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

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 3:53 pm Post subject:

Robert Jackson Fettes is now known to be buried in Troqueer Cemetery.
Note CWGC have redesignated the Troqueer Churchyard and the Troqueer New Burial Ground as Troqueer Cemetery.
_________________
Ken

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

304545 Sapper Robert Jackson, Durham Fortress Coy., Royal Engineers has been forwarded as a case to CWGC / MOD as a non comm post discharge death due to service related causes (Cardiac Disease ).

As already detailed his burial place is known. I have indicated his true name was Robert Jackson Fettes, but it is up to the military authority how they wish him to be commemorated. He will go forward as Fettes, served as Robert Jackson.

Well done Ken in finding him.
_________________
Jim

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

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

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

The name of Robert Jackson Fettes ( served as Pte. Robert Jackson) was added to the CWGC Debt of Honour register today.

FETTES, ROBERT JACKSON

Rank: Private
Service No: 304545
Date of Death: 04/02/1918
Age: 34
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers
Durham Fortress Coy.

Panel Reference
Memorial UNITED KINGDOM BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

Additional Information: Son of James and Mary Fettes (nee Jackson), of Troqueer, Dumfriesshire.

The United Kingdom Book of Remembrance commemorates United Kingdom casualties of the two World Wars who were not formerly recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The men and women remembered here are presently commemorated soleley by their database and register entry. The Commission will continue to investigate the grave location details.

CWGC are aware he is buried at Troqueer

MISSING NO MORE
_________________
Jim

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

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 3:53 pm Post subject:

WOW

That was quick. Well done that man. Very Happy

It would be kind of nice if CWGC can do something with the grave marker

_________________
Ken

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 1:49 pm Post subject:

An update, 2 years on (to the day):

FETTES, ROBERT JACKSON.
Rank:Private
Service No:304545
Date of Death:04/02/1918
Age:34
Regiment/Service:Royal Engineers
Durham Fortress Coy.
Grave ReferenceSection A. Lair 61
Cemetery TROQUEER CEMETERY.
Additional Information:
Son of James and Mary Fettes (nee Jackson), of Troqueer, Dumfriesshire.

N.B.
Recent research has shown that Private Fettes is buried here. The Commission is in the process of producing a headstone to mark his grave.
_________________
Ken

Stewartry · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 274 Location: nr Nottingham

Well done, Ken and Jim.

It will be interesting to read his CEF service file once the LAC has completed its digitisation project.

Stuart
_________________
www.sonsofgalloway.org.uk
5th KOSB
Stewartry RoH
ATC Auchencairn book

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 3:02 pm Post subject:

Called in to the cemetery yesterday (25 March 2014) but a new stone has not yet been installed.
A CWGC gardener was working in the cemetery and told me that there is a back log of work to engrave new stones.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the invasion of France and, as this is about the life-span of Portland Stone grave markers, there are a significant number which require replacement.
_________________
Ken

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

Ken

If CWGC have only just moved commemoration in the Register to the cemetery it will take some considerable time yet for a headstone to be erected. Give it time.
_________________
Jim

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

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2015 10:36 am Post subject: