The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 2:25 pm Post subject: Gordon brothers?

Thanks to Alisatair McEwen for bringing this one to my attention. This entry on the CWGC database lists a soldier who died in 1928 being buried in the same grave as a soldier who died in 1919. Is it his brother? Alexander was 21 in 1919 making his year of birth around 1898, James was 26 in 1928 making his year of birth around 1902 which of course means he wouldn't be on the 1901 census.

7th Gordons were a TA unit so I don't think he would have died on active service in 1928.

GORDON, ALEXANDER
Initials: A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 28/08/1919
Service No: 26509
Additional information: Son of Helen Gordon, of Main St., Newmills, Dunfermline, Fife, and the late James Gordon. (In the same grave is buried:-Pte. James Gordon, 291978. 7th Bn. Gordon Highlanders. 19th Oct., 1928. Age 26.).
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: G. 26.
Cemetery: Torryburn Cemetery, Dunfermline

Thanks

Adam

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

Adam

They may well be brothers and this might account for CWGC noting the detail in the Additional Information section ( unusual ) at the request of Alexander Gordon's NOK.
If the lair is privately owned CWGC would have no interest in Pte James Gordon since he died after 1921. The owner could inter therein whoever they wish.

Do you happen to know if a CWGC headstone is erected here as that would assist further in confirming the position?

291978 James Gordon (formerly S/10737) served during WW1 and landed in France on 18th Oct 1915. He was discharged on 17 Dec 1918.
_________________
Jim

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

www.kinnethmont.co.uk