The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 1:34 pm Post subject:

PRIVATE ALEX. MARTIN
Alexander Martin – age 23 – Private (7631) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
In 1911, age 18, Alexander was an apprentice baker, boarding at Easter Street, Duns. He emigrated to Canada but returned to enlist in December 1914 and he landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915. He was wounded during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah and was evacuated to hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. Alexander returned to Gallipoli but was accidentally killed.
Born 1892 in Dublin as Alexander Hamilton Martin. Son of John Martin of 1 Charlemont Place, Dublin and of Mary E. Martin of 3 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin. John was born in 1859 in Duns and in 1901 & 1911 was a coachman at Fitzwilliam Square Dublin.
Died on Active Service on 21 November 1915 and buried in Redoubt Cemetery, Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial.

LC-CPL. ARCH. MARTIN
Archibald Martin – age 36 – Lance Corporal (6766) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Archibald served his apprenticeship as a plumber in Duns and served with the KOSB Volunteers, including during the South African War. He was employed at the Chirnside Mills near Duns and, as a member of the National Reserve, he volunteered for service at the outbreak of war. William landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1879 in Coldingham, Berwickshire. Son of Alexander and Annie (Thorburn) Martin of 6 Murray Street, Duns. Husband of Rachel (Simpson) Martin of Station Cottages, Chirnside and of the Blue House, Coldingham who he married in 1901 in Langton, Berwickshire.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also named on the Edrom Parish War Memorial.

and his brother

PRIVATE WM. MARTIN
William Martin – age 21 – Private (4411) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
William was a tailor in South Castle Street, Duns and was a member of the Territorial 4th KOSB. He was mobilised in August 1914 and he landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was wounded during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah in July and became a prisoner of war. William died at the camp at Belemedik in the Taurus Mountains. These railway work camps were under control of the German construction company and were associated with the construction, or running, of the Baghdad Railway.
Born 1894 in Duns. Son of Alexander and Annie (Thorburn) Martin of 6 Murray Street, Duns.
Died on Service on 10 October 1916 and named on the Basra Memorial, Iraq.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 1:40 pm Post subject:

PRIVATE W. MIDDLEMAS
William Middlemiss – age 20 – Private (375686) 1/9th (Highlanders) Battalion, Royal Scots.
William was brought up by his aunt and uncle, Mary (Renton) Kerr and George Kerr of North Street, Duns. He died in the 29th Casualty Clearing Station at Grevillers.
Born 1897 in Greenlaw, Berwickshire. Son of the late James Middlemiss (died 1899) and of Margaret Purves (Renton) Middlemiss (died 1906)
Died of Wounds on 5 December 1917 and buried in Grevillers British Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial, and on the Lauder Parish War Memorial and the Lauder Parish Church memorial as William Middlemiss.

PRIVATE G. E. MILLER
George Edward Miller – age 32 – Private (S/13654) 5th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders.
George was educated at the Berwickshire High School in Duns and by 1911 had become a drapery salesman in Glasgow. He enlisted in September 1914 and he landed with the 6th Camerons at Boulogne in July 1915. He was wounded in April 1917 and after treatment in Le Treport he was evacuated to the 1st Western General Hospital in Liverpool. After he had recovered he was posted to the 5th Battalion in Belgium in September but within a month he was killed.
Born 1885 in Duns. Son of the late George Edgar Miller (died 1914) and of the late Sarah (Evans) Miller (died 1905) formerly of Duns. Husband of Annie Robina Brisbane (Roy) Miller of 111 Cardross Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow and of Bowen Street, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.A. who he married March 1916 in Glasgow.
Missing in Action on 12 October 1917 and named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Also named on the Berwickshire High School memorial and on the Glasgow Roll of Honour.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 1:54 pm Post subject:

PRIVATE J. NELSON
Joseph Nelson – age 32 – Private (245982) 1st Battalion, Cheshire Regiment.
Joseph served his apprenticeship as a baker in Duns and was employed there for a number of years before moving to Dunbar in East Lothian. He enlisted as Private (8134) in the King's Own Scottish Borderers in Duns in November 1915 and was posted as Private (204346) to the South Lancashire Regiment in France but was transferred to the 10th Cheshires. Joseph was wounded in May 1918 and then posted to the 1st Battalion in September but was fatally wounded a few weeks later and died in one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Awoingt near Cambrai.
Born 1886 in Elphinstone, Tranent, East Lothian. Son of the late Joseph Nelson (died 1915) and of Janet (Wood) Nelson of 31 North Street, Duns and of Elphinstone, Tranent.
Died of Wounds on 24 October 1918 and buried in Awoingt British Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial and on the Elphinston Village War Memorial.

PRIVATE J. NEWBIGGING
John Newbigging – age 41 – Private (24890) 6th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
John was a plumber who had served his apprenticeship with his father in Duns and who continued the business with his brother David after his father's death. He enlisted in the summer of 1916.
Born 1877 in Duns. Son of the late Peter Newbigging (died 1912) and of the late Mary Roger (Stark) Newbigging (died 1885)
Missing in Action on 3 May 1917 and named on the Arras Memorial, France.

PRIVATE A. NICHOL
Alexander Nichol – age 19 – Private (S/3546) 11th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Alexander was an apprentice butcher in Duns when he enlisted in September 1914. He landed with his battalion at Boulogne in July 1915.
Born 1895 in Duns. Son of Annie Nichol of Broom House, Duns. Grandson of Andrew Nichol of 9 North Street, Duns.
Missing in Action on 15 September 1916 and named on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 2:11 pm Post subject:

SERGT. E. O' BRIEN
Edward O'Brien – age 34 – Private (11410) 6th Battalion (Pioneers) East Yorkshire Regiment.
Edward was in the National Reserve having served in both the KOSB and the Royal Scots. He had been educated at the Berwickshire High School in Duns before serving his apprenticeship as a joiner in Duns and had worked for some time as a joiner in the building trade in Wales. He enlisted in Hull in September 1914 and he landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in August 1915 but he became ill and was evacuated to hospital in Malta and then home. Edward was discharged from the army in March 1916 and he was awarded a Silver War Badge (96385) He died at his home in the Sculcoates area of Hull.
Born 1883 in Duns. Son of Edward and Bridget (Feeney) O'Brien of Clockmill, Duns. Husband of Julia (Loftus) O'Brien of Hull and of Rock Cottage, Bedlington, Northumberland who he married in 1913 in Darlington, County Durham.
Died on 14 August 1917 and buried in Hull Northern Cemetery. (CWG)
The grave marker has a personal inscription -
“Also Edward O'Brien age one year & nine months. Died 21st January 1917”
Also named on the Berwickshire High School memorial in Duns and Our Lady Immaculate & St Margaret's Catholic Church memorial in Duns.

and his brother

PRIVATE P. O' BRIEN
Patrick O'Brien – age 37 – Private (8421) 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Patrick was an iron moulder who had served his apprenticeship at the Cammo Foundry, Clockmill, Duns and at Alnwick. He was working in Stockton-on-Tees and living with his wife and family in Wren Street when he enlisted in January 1915 and he joined his battalion in France in June.
Born 1879 in Duns. Son of Edward and Bridget (Feeney) O'Brien of Clockmill, Duns. Husband of Jane Blanche (Caldwell) O'Brien who he married in 1901 in Darlington, County Durham.
Killed in Action on 8 June 1916 and buried in Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France.
Also named on the Our Lady Immaculate & St Margaret's Catholic Church memorial in Duns and in the Stockton-on-Tees Book of Remembrance.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 2:21 pm Post subject:

PRIVATE J. H. PATTERSON
Thought to be:
John Huggan Patterson – age 22 – Sergeant (S/2132) 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders.
John was a plate-layer on the railway when he enlisted in the Gordons as a regular in August 1914. He transferred to the 8th Battalion at Bordon Camp in Hampshire and landed with them at Boulogne in May 1915. He was wounded twice. John was a Sergeant in the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion based at Victoria Road School, Torry, Aberdeen when he married in December 1916.
Born 1895 in Bunkle and Preston Parish, Berwickshire. Son of John Huggan Patterson and Christina (Elliott) Patterson of Bonkyle Cottage, Bunkle and Preston, and of Windywalls Farm, Sprouston, Roxburghshire. Husband of Bathia Jane Sinclair (Gray) Patterson of 88 Victoria Road, Torry, Aberdeen who he married in 1916 in St Machar, Aberdeen.
Missing in Action on 17 June 1917 and named on the Arras Memorial, France.
Also named on the Sprouston Parish War Memorial, on the Kelso and District War Memorial and on the Aberdeen Roll of Honour.

PRIVATE W. S. PATTERSON, D.C.M. (sic)
James Shearlaw Patterson, Distinguished Conduct Medal – age 31 – Private (67538) Royal Fusiliers, posted to 2nd/2nd Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)
James enlisted as Private (S4/122274) in the Army Service Corps. He was transferred to the Royal Fusiliers and joined his battalion in France in July 1917. He was awarded a DCM in 1918 as G/67538 Pte. J. Paterson, Lond. R. (Duns.).
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a relief a platoon of the relieving unit came under heavy shell fire and had several casualties. This man, who was one of the outgoing platoon, voluntarily went to the assistance of the wounded and remained for nine hours after his platoon had been relieved, bringing in and attending to the wounded. During the whole of this period he was in the open under continuous and frequently heavy shell fire, and on three occasions was blown off his feet. His fortitude and self-sacrificing spirit were most praiseworthy.”
Born 1887 in Gordon, Berwickshire. Son of the late Jane Luke (Shearlaw) Patterson (died 1887 in Gordon) and of William Patterson of 17 Bridgend, Duns.
Missing in Action on 21 March 1918 and named on the Pozieres Memorial, France.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 3:03 pm Post subject:

LIEUT. JAS. N. PAYNE
James Nelson Payne – age 27 – Lieutenant, 8th Regiment, South African Infantry.
James was educated at the Berwickshire High School in Duns and served his apprenticeship as an engineer at the Cammo Foundry near Duns before taking a position in Peebles. He was on his way to join an electrical engineering project in Johannesburg when war was declared and he enlisted as Private (1349) in the 8th Regiment when it was formed in November 1915. He was promote to Sergeant in the Machine Gun Section in January 1916 when the Regiment went to German East Africa and he was commissioned in November. The Regiment was withdrawn to Durban in February 1917 and James was promoted to Lieutenant just before they returned to East Africa in June. He was fatally wounded at Narungombe and he was buried in Kilwa Kivinje Cemetery.
Born 1889 in Edinburgh. Son of James and Margaret (Moffat) Payne of Manderston Stables, of 26 Castle Street and of 16 Langtongate, Duns.
Died of Wounds on 20 July 1917 and buried in Dar Es Salaam War Cemetery, Tanzania.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial and on the Berwickshire High School memorial.

and his brother

2nd LT. JOHN R. PAYNE
John Robert Payne – age 32 – Second Lieutenant, 82nd Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
John was educated at the Berwickshire High School in Duns and served his apprenticeship in the Royal Bank of Scotland in Duns. By 1911 he was with the bank in London and was living in Islington. He had served with the Lothians and Border Horse Yeomanry before moving south and he enlisted in the West Kent Yeomanry (Queen's Own) in September 1914. He landed with the 1/1st Battalion at Gallipoli as Lance Corporal (1261) in October 1915 and he then served in Egypt and in Palestine as L/Cpl. (245125) before he was commissioned in the RFA in January 1917. John joined his brigade in France in February 1917 but he was badly wounded in October and died a week later in the 2nd Red Cross Hospital in Rouen.
Born 1884 in Edinburgh. Son of James and Margaret (Moffat) Payne of Manderston Stables, of 26 Castle Street and of 16 Langtongate, Duns.
Died of Wounds on 4 November 1917 and buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial, on the Berwickshire High School memorial and on the RBS Memorial in Edinburgh

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 3:09 pm Post subject:

PRIVATE R. A. PONTON
Richard Aitken Ponton – age 19 – Private (40800) 11th Battalion, Royal Scots.
Richard and all of his siblings were born in Duns but by 1901 the family were at Widows Row, Tyninghame, Prestonkirk, East Lothian where their father was an estate joiner. By 1918 the parents were back in Duns.
Born 1897 in Duns. Son of Richard and Isabella Graham (Ford) Ponton of 70 Castle Street, Duns.
Died of Wounds on 6 April 1917 and buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Also named on the Whitekirk and Tyninghame Parish War Memorial.

PRIVATE J. REDDEN
James Redden – age 20 – Private (40072) 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
James enlisted in November 1915.
Born 1896 in Duns. Son of Henry and Jane (Russell) Redden of Clockmill, Duns.
Missing in Action on 25 September 1916 and named on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial.

GUNNER W. J. REID
William John Reid – age 24 – Gunner (5145) Forth Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.
William was on sentry duty at the Rosyth Naval Base when his rifle accidentally discharged. He was taken to hospital in Dunfermline but he died.
Born 1892 in Duns. Son of the late William Scott Reid (died 1907) and of Isabella Darling (Wilkinson) Reid of Bridgend, Duns and of Ladykirk, Norham-on-Tweed, Northumberland.
Died on Service on 15 July 1915 and buried in Duns Cemetery. (CWG)
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial and on the Berwickshire High School memorial in Duns.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 3:17 pm Post subject:

PRIVATE WM. RENTON
William Renton – age 26 – Private (22757) 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
William was a tailor by trade but was an insurance agent with the Prudential Insurance Company when he enlisted in November 1915. He became ill while in training at Portobello and he was discharged from the army on 21 August 1916 for medical reasons. William died of tuberculosis in the following year at the family home at Crumstane, Duns.
Born 1891 in Edrom, Berwickshire. Son of James and Agnes (Coulter) Renton of Railway Cottages, Crumstane, Duns.
Died on 13 October 1917 and buried in Duns Cemetery. (CWG)
Also named on the Boston United Free Church memorial in Duns.

LC-CPL. A. ROBERTSON
Adam Robertson – age 30 – Lance Corporal (4459) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Adam had served his apprenticeship at the Cammo Foundry in Clockmill, Duns and he was an engineer there when he enlisted in the Territorial 4th KOSB in 1913. He was mobilised in August 1914 and he landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1885 in Duns. Son of the late William Robertson (died 1904) and of Margaret (Logan) Robertson of Berrywell Cottage, Duns.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial.

SERGT. JOHN RODGER
John Rodger – age 25 – Sergeant (20588) 11th Balloon Section, Royal Air Force.
John was an apprentice grocer in Duns when he enlisted in the Territorial 4th King's Own Scottish Borderers in December 1910. He was mobilised in August 1914 and as Private (4333) he landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was badly wounded during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah in July and he was evacuated to hospitals in Cairo. He sailed for home on 1 December and, as his term of engagement had expired, he was discharged from the army on 19 December 1915. He re-enlisted as an Air Mechanic Rigger in the Royal Flying Corps in February 1916 and went to France in May. He was promoted to Sergeant in August and was transferred to the Royal Air Force in April 1918. After the war had ended John contracted influenza and died of pneumonia in the 4th Stationary Hospital at St. Omer.
Born c.1893 in Anderston, Glasgow. Son of Duncan and Jane (Lauder) Rodger of 16 Bridgend, Duns.
Died on Service on 18 February 1919 and buried in Longuenesse (St. Omer) Souvenir Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 4:06 pm Post subject:

STAFF SERGT. J. SCOULLER
James Todd Scouller – age 36 – Fitter Staff Sergeant (90532) “C” Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
In 1901 James was an engineering fitter, living with his family at the Schoolhouse in Duns. By 1911 he was a draughtsman with the North British Locomotive Company in Springburn, Glasgow and was living at Broomfield Road in Springburn when he enlisted. He landed in France in September 1915. James was wounded on 10 April 1917 and evacuated to Gilroes Hospital at Barrow-upon-Soar, Leicestershire where he died.
Born 1881 in Duns. Son of the late Jane Matthews (Kerr) Scouller (died 1894) and of John Scouller, retired headmaster of Duns Public School, and of Victoria Lodge, Gavinton, Langton, Berwickshire. (he died in August 1917)
Died of Wounds on 9 June 1917 and buried in Duns Cemetery. (CWG)
Also named on the Langton Parish War Memorial and on the North British Locomotive Company memorial (as HLI).

GUNNER A. SHEARLAW
Adam Shearlaw – age 33 – Gunner (109242) “B” Battery, 107th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
In 1901 Adam was a ploughman in Whittinghame. East Lothian. He enlisted in November 1915.
Born 1884 in Coldingham, Berwickshire. Son of the late George Shearlaw of Paxton, Hutton, Berwickshire (died 1915) and of Janet (Johnston) Shearlaw of Greenhead Farm, Reston, Houndwood, Berwickshire and of Lumsden, Coldingham. Husband of the late Helen or Nellie (Tait) Shearlaw (died 1914) of Cheeklaw, Duns who he married in 1909 in Garvald, Haddingtn, East Lothian.
Died of Wounds on 16 April 1917 and buried in Aix-Noulette Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial and on the Houndwood Parish War Memorial together with his brother George who died as a Prisoner of War in 1918 and who is also named on the Reston Church memorial.

George Shearlaw – age 24 – Private (124805) 50th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps.
George enlisted as Private (5684) in the Gordon Highlanders and was posted to the MGC in France.
He was made a prisoner of war in May 1918 but he died two months later and was buried in St Michel Communal Cemetery German Military Extension, Aisne. George was re-interred in 1924.
Born 1894 in Whittingehame, Haddington, East Lothian.
Died on Service – 26 August 1918.
Commonwealth War Grave – Grand-Seraucourt British Cemetery, France.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 4:26 pm Post subject:

PRIVATE H. SIMPSON
Henry Simpson – age 19 – Private (55205) 1/7th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry.
Henry was employed at Cumledge Mill near Duns when he enlisted in February 1916. He was posted to the 2nd HLI in France in February 1917 and attached to the 5th Machine Gun Company, but he was evacuated home a month later suffering from gas poisoning. He returned to France in May 1918.
Born 1899 in Duns. Son of John and Esther (Hay) Simpson of Cumledge Mills, Duns.
Killed in Action on 27 September 1918 and buried in Moeuvres British Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Boston United Free Church memorial in Duns.

LC-CPL. W. H. SKINNER, M.M.
William Hugh Skinner, Military Medal – age 36 – Lance Corporal (242209) 1st Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.
William was an Associate of the London College of Music and was Organist and Choirmaster of Duns Parish Church. He and his wife Mary taught music from their home at 48 Easter Street in Duns until her death in May 1916. He enlisted as Private (4/7276) in the 1/4th Northumberland Fusiliers, transferred as Private (5/6986) to the 1/5th Battalion and transferred again to the 1st Battalion. His award of a M.M. was announced in March 1918. William died in the Red Cross Hospital at Etaples.
Born 1881 in Dunfermline, Fife. Son of Andrew and Jessie (McKay) Skinner, of Halkettshall, Limekilns, Fife. Husband of the late Mary McKeand (Myers) Skinner (died 1916) who he married in 1912 in Kelton, Kirkcudbrightshire.
Died of Wounds n 19 December 1917 and buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial.

PRIVATE T. STEVENSON
Thomas Stevenson – age 21 – Private (204528) 1st Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Thomas served his apprenticeship as a fishmonger in his father's business in Duns and he enlisted in the Territorial 4th King's Own Scottish Borderers in the spring of 1914. Although he was mobilised in August 1914 he was unable to go overseas due to having to undergo a major operation at Craigleith Military Hospital in Edinburgh. It was the summer of 1917 before he was drafted as Private (200307) to the 1st KOSB in France but he was transferred to the 1st RSF.
Born 1896 in Dumfries as Thomas Andrew Stevenson. Son of John and Isabella (Mundell) Stevenson of Black Bull Street, Duns and of 31 Stewart Terrace, Edinburgh.
Missing in Action on 26 September 1917 and named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 4:31 pm Post subject:

LC-CPL. J. A. STOREY
John Alexander Storey – age 36 – Private (14293) 10th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
John was a stone mason when he enlisted as Private (8468) in the King's Own Scottish Borderers in February 1901. He served in the South African War from March 1901 until June 1902 when he was discharged at the end of his term of engagement. He re-enlisted at the outbreak of war and he landed with his battalion at Boulogne in July 1915 but he was killed just over two months later during the battle of Loos.
Born 1879 in Duns. Son of the late Agnes (Purves) Storey (died 1895) and of the late John Storey (died 1906) formerly of South Street, Duns. Husband of Mary (Anderson) Storey of 10 South Street, Duns who he married in 1907 in Chirnside, Berwickshire.
Missing in Action on 25 September 1915 and named on the Loos Memorial, France.
Also named on the Duns Parish Church memorial.

PIPER G. TERNENT
George Ternent – age 26 – Private (10072) 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders.
George was an iron moulder and had been employed at the Cammo Foundry near Duns for a number of years before he enlisted in the Gordons in July 1906. He was posted to the 1st Battalion in November 1906 and to the 2nd Battalion in India in September 1910 where he qualified as a piper. They moved to Egypt in December 1912 and were in Cairo until September 1914 from where they returned to the UK before landing at Zeebrugge in Belgium in October. George was wounded in March 1915 but recovered only to be killed during the battle of Loos.
Born 1889 in Duns. Son of the late Janet (Robson) Ternent (died 1911) and of John Ternent of 6 Newtown Street, Duns.
Missing in Action on 25 September 1915 and named on the Loos Memorial, France.
Also named on the Boston United Free Church memorial in Duns.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 4:38 pm Post subject:

PRIVATE R. WADDELL
Ralph Waddell – age 19 – Private (4499) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Ralph was serving his apprenticeship as a baker in Duns and was a member of the Territorial 4th KOSB. He was mobilised in August 1914 and he landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1896 in Edrom. Berwickshire as Ralph Mitchell Waddell. Son of James Tait Waddell and Mary Ann (Davison) Waddell of 12 South Street, and of 3 Golden Square, Duns,
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also named on the Berwickshire High School memorial and on the Boston United Free Church memorial in Duns.

and his brother

PRIVATE WM. WADDELL
William Waddell – age 21 – Private (S/11087) 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders.
William served his apprenticeship in Duns and was an assistant grocer in Aberfeldy, Perthshire when he enlisted February 1915 in the Royal Army Medical Corps. A month later he transferred to the Gordons and joined his battalion at the Front in August 1915.
Born 1894 in Edrom, Berwickshire. Son of James Tait Waddell and Mary Ann (Davison) Waddell of 12 South Street, and of 3 Golden Square, Duns,
Missing in Action on 2 March 1916 and named on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
Also named on the Boston United Free Church memorial in Duns, on the Aberfeldy War Memorial and on the United Free Church memorial there.

PRIVATE C. W. WAITE
Charles Walter Waite – age 29 – Private (21098) 12th Battalion, Royal Scots.
Charles was a carter and he had been working in Ontario, Canada, but he was residing at Castle Street, Dunbar, East Lothian when he enlisted in April 1915. He joined his battalion in France in October 1915. Charles died in the 8th Casualty Clearing Station in Bailleul.
Born 1886 in Duns. Son of the late Elizabeth (Paton) Waite (died 1906) and of Alexander Waite of Market Place, Duns. He named a Lizzie Ann Gray of 18 Castle Street, Dunbar as his next of kin. Dependent payments were made to her in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada after she returned there in 1915.
Died of Wounds on 12 March 1916 and buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France.
Also named on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.

and his brother

PRIVATE J. K. WAITE
James Kinghorn Waite – age 29 – Private (69293) Royal Fusiliers. Posted to 2/2nd Battalion, London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers)
James enlisted as Private (T4/198250) in the Army Service Corps and went to France in November 1916. He was transferred to the Royal Fusiliers in February 1918.
Born 1889 in Duns. Son of the late Elizabeth (Paton) Waite (died 1906) and of the late Alexander Waite (died August 1918) formerly of Market Place, Duns. Husband of Jane (Young) Waite of Willis Wynd, 49 Newtown Street, Duns who he married in 1914 in Edinburgh.
Killed in Action on 27 August 1918 and buried in Peronne Road Cemetery, Maricourt, France.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 4:41 pm Post subject:

LC-CPL. W. WALLACE
William Wallace – age 21 – Lance Corporal (12/876) 12th Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
William had served his apprenticeship as a gardener at Manderston House, Duns and was employed in the Pontefract area of West Yorkshire when he enlisted. He landed with his battalion in Egypt in December 1915 but they moved to France in March 1916. William was serving in the battalion's Signalling Section when he was killed in Picardy.
Born 1895 in Edinburgh. Son of James and Margaret Rodger (Gibson) Wallace of 19 Bridgend and of 25 Market Square, Duns.
Killed in Action on 31 July 1916 and buried in Vieille-Chapelle New Military Cemetery, Lacouture, France.
Also named on the Boston United Free Church memorial in Duns.

PRIVATE J. WHITEHEAD
James Whitehead – age 19 – Private (201880) 6th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
James was educated at the Berwickshire High School in Duns and was a clerk in the National Insurance Office when he enlisted in February 1915 but he was found to be underage and was discharged. He was employed by the Post Office when he re-enlisted about a year later.
Born 1898 in Duns. Son of John Whitehead and of Alice Moffat (Whitehead) Whitehead of 57 Castle Street, Duns.
Missing in Action on 27 March 1918 and named on the Pozieres Memorial, France.
Also named on the Berwickshire High School memorial in Duns,

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 4:46 pm Post subject:

SERGT. R. WIGHTMAN
Robert Wightman – age 23 – Sergeant (29377) 7th/8th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Robert was employed by a grocer in Duns when he enlisted in June 1915. He joined his battalion in France in early 1917 and was wounded in July. A year later he was leading a patrol which was ambushed and all of the men were wounded but they were rescued and sent to the 57th Casualty Clearing Station at Aubigny. Robert and one of his comrades died there.
Born 1895 in Duns. Son of Alexander and Magdalene (Laing) Wightman of 5 Easter Street, Duns.
Died of Wounds on 13 June 1918 and buried in Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

PRIVATE J. D. L. WILKINSON
James Darling Lawrie Wilkinson – age 27 – Private (18317) 6th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders.
James was a rural postman at Duns Post Office when he enlisted in May 1915. He joined his battalion in France in March 1916 but he was killed just over two months later.
Born 1889 in Duns. Son of the late Euphemia Paterson (Lawrie) Wilkinson (died 1914) and of William Wilkinson of 44 Easter Street, Duns.
Killed in Action on 4 June 1916 and buried in Vermelles British Cemetery, France.

Com. S.MAJ. JOHN WOOD
John Wood – age 26 – Company Sergeant Major (4032) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
John was educated at the Berwickshire High School in Duns and was a rural postman at Duns Post Office. He had a long association with both the Volunteers and the Territorial 4th KOSB and he was mobilised in August 1914, landing with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1889 in Duns. Son of Andrew Laurie Wood and of Agnes Penny (Blaikie) Wood of Easter Street, Duns. Husband of Mary Grace (Elliot) Wood of Blanerne, Edrom, Berwickshire who he married in October 1914 in Bunkle and Preston, Berwickshire.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also named on the Berwickshire High School memorial,

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun May 23, 2021 4:47 pm Post subject:

1939 - 1945

C.S.M. H. ANDERSON.
Henry Anderson – age 41 – Warrant Officer Class II (2809571) 8th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Henry was brought up by his grandparents James and Catherine (Smith) Anderson and after the First World War Henry enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders and served for 13 years, including in India. He became an electrician in Duns and later with the Scottish Southern Electric Company. He was a member of the Territorial 4th KOSB and as a Staff Sergeant he went to Brittany in France in June 1940. He was serving as Company Sergeant Major with the 8th Home Defence Battalion on Orkney when he died of heart failure.
Born 1900 in Coldstream, Berwickshire. Son of Jane Anderson. Husband of Isabella Heatlie (Aitken) Anderson of 39 Easter Street, Duns who he married in 1939 in Edinburgh as Harry Anderson.
Died on Active Service on 9 October 1941 and buried in Duns Cemetery. (CWG)

2nd LIEUT. D.M.H. BAILIE.
Douglas Michael Hugh Bailie – age 21 – Lieutenant (219058) 1st Battalion, Scots Guards.
Douglas was educated at Eton College and he was commissioned in November 1941. The 1st Scots Guards landed at Anzio on 22 January 1944 and Douglas was killed a week later.
Born 1922 in Abingdon, Berkshire. Son of Major Charles William Hugh Bailie and Nancye Laura (Ferrar) Bailie of Manderston, Duns.
Killed in Action on 30 January 1944 and buried in Anzio War Cemetery, Italy.
Also named on the Episcopal Christ Church memorial in Duns and on an individual plaque there

L/BDR. G. BEDWORTH.
George Bedworth – age 26 – Lance Bombardier (3187909) 3 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery.
George had been living at 9 Pinders Garth, Ferrybridge, Knottingly, Yorkshire when he enlisted. He became a prisoner of war in March 1942 after the fall of Singapore and he died of dysentery in the Kanburi Base Hospital on the Burma-Siam railway. He was re-interred in January 1946.
Born 1918 in Duns. Son of George and Janet Stewart (Robertson) Bedworth of 16 North Street, Duns who had married in 1915 in Duns.
Died on Service on 26 July 1944 and buried in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand.