The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Mike Morley

Thought I'd pass on a bit of good news. Over the past few years we've been going down to St Medans beach to run the dog. As you go down you pass the Maxwell Mausoleum and cemetery, including the memorial to Francois Thurot. On our early visits the poor condition of the mausoleum struck us and that condition continued to deteriorate. Close inspection inside was not possible because it was locked up and suurounded by an enormous steel fence with padlocked gate.

About three years ago the gate had been broken down and the door stood ajar. Curiosity got the better of us a we peeped inside. Slated were off the roof and, consequently, water and ivy were getting in. On the wall were a number of plaques including one to Aymer Maxwell, killed in the Battle of Antwerp in 1914 (and father of author Gavin Maxwell) and another to Herbert Maxwell of the 88th Connaught Rangers. Both were showing the effects of water ingress.

However, in this week's Wigtownshire Free Press there is a report of the restoration of the chapel. Photographs show the interior as clean and secure. The wall plaques appear to have been restored. Should the building be opened at any time to the public I'll try and get photos.