The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

apanderson · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 5:19 pm Post subject: Falkirk Erskine Church, WW1

Now amalgamated with Falkirk Old and St. Modan's Church and re-named Falkirk Trinity Church.

The Erskine Church is/was located on Hodge Street, Falkirk.

UKNIWM No: 57612

apanderson · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 5:22 pm Post subject:

apanderson · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 5:23 pm Post subject:

They whose names are set forth below laid down their lives
For King and Country in the Great War
1914 – 1918

1915
Pte. John Cowan, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Sergt. William Dick, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Pte. Thomas Hetherington, Seaforth Highlanders
Pte. James A. Liddell, Cameron Highlanders
Pte. William Millan, Highland Light Infantry

1916
Pte. Harry Begg, Argyll& Sutherland Highlanders
Pte. John Brown, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Pte. John Hetherington, Highland Light Infantry
Pte. Richard Leishman, Royal Warwickshire Regiment
Pte. Henry Meek, Gordon Highlanders
Cpl. Andrew M. Morrison, Highland Light Infantry
Pte. James Stewart, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Sapper James Walker, Royal Engineers

1917
Pte. William Fleming, Highland Light Infantry
Pte. James Hay, Royal Army Service Corps
L/Corpl. William Kirk, Gordon Highlanders
Sub-Lieut. James McCulloch, Royal Naval Reserve
Pte. Charles Wylie, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Pte. Hugh B. Wilson, King’s Own Scottish Borderers

1918
Pte. Thomas Aitken, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
L/Corpl. John Burns, Seaforth Highlanders
Gunner James Crawford, The Tank Corps
Gunner James B. Galbraith, Royal Field Artillery
Pte. John Kemp, The Royal Scots
Lieut. Robert Morrison, Machine Gun Corps
Captain John Nelson, S.S. Duva

Their fellow members of this Congregation have erected this Memorial
To the Glory of God as a thanksgiving that such men were of their number.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 7:09 pm Post subject:

Anne - The last name, Captain John Nelson, SS Duva - It's a bit odd Confused

From: http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=20580
S.S. DUVA built by Campbeltown Shipbuilding Co,
Last Name: MADAME MIDAS (1918)
Launched: Friday, 05/03/1909
Owner History:
J T Salvesen & Co., Grangemouth
1916 T.G.Beatley & Son, London
Status: Torpedoed & Sunk - 23/03/1918
Remarks: Torpedoed by UB55 when 38 miles S by W of the Lizard on passage Cardiff for La Rochelle with coal

From:http://www.uboat.net/wwi/ships_hit/3803.html
Name Madame Midas
Type Steamer
Builder Campbeltown SB. Co., Campbeltown
Operator T. G. Beatley & Son, London
23 Mar 1918 UB 55
Sunk Torpedoed 38 miles off the Lizard
Cardiff - La Rochelle
Casualties 0

Not on SNWM and CWGC is off air Confused

_________________
Ken

apanderson · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:39 pm Post subject:

Yes I know about this man Ken.

I've been in touch (back and forwards a few times) with the folk who were compiling research on the men of both Falkirk Old & St. Modans's, now called Falkirk Trinity now that the Erskine Church has amalgamated with them and their memorials are housed there too.

I have a wee file on this man somewhere, but where, I can't put my finger on right now.

I've been trying to arrange a tete-a-tete with one of the researchers (who has very kindly kept me a copy of their recently published book) but as usual, I'm meeting myself coming back and haven't had the time to arrange anything.

Anne Smile

apanderson · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:43 pm Post subject:

Found it!!!

This particular research was carried out by a lady called Winnie McPherson.

"John, born in Glasgow in 1868 was the son of John Nelson, Iron Moulder and Jeanie Nelson (nee Logan). On 21st September 1892 John Nelson, Seaman was married to Elizabeth Russell Shanks, Teacher, at Dalderse Avenue, Falkirk by Rev. Jas. Aitchison, Erskine UP Church. The 1901 Census records the family living at 36 Watson St., Falkirk - Lizzie (Master Mariner’s wife), and children John (Jack) (7), Annie (6) and James (4). By 1911, still at 36 Watson St., Robert (Bertie) (9) completed the family. All the children were baptised at Erskine Church. Sons, 2nd Lieut. Jack Nelson, K.O.S.B. and Pte. J.S. Nelson, Black Watch are recorded on the Erskine ‘Roll of Honour’.

John gained his Masters Certificate in 1892 and was the Captain of the ‘S.S. Duva’. On 23rd March 1918 the ‘Duva’ was torpedoed and sunk by UB55 when 38 miles South by West of the Lizard on passage Cardiff for La Rochelle loaded with coal. Captain John died of Pleura Pneumonia/Cardiac Syncope on 30th August 1918, aged 49, at 36 Watson St., Falkirk. On 14th September 1953 his wife, Elizabeth Russell (Shanks) Nelson, died, aged 87, in Edinburgh (usual residence given as 113 Dalkeith Rd., Edinburgh). The informant was son, John Nelson, 107 Chertsey Rd., Twickenham.

Erskine Kirk Session Minutes, on 30th August 1918, recorded the death of a John Nelson, a member of the church.

Falkirk Herald 7th September 1918
Obituary
The Late Captain John Nelson –

To many friends in Falkirk and Grangemouth a deep sense of loss has been occasioned by the death of Captain John Nelson, which sad event occurred last Friday at his residence, 36 Watson Street, Falkirk. Captain Nelson had borne a full share of the dangers and hardship which those engaged in the mercantile marine have been called upon to undergo during the war, and his death at the comparatively early age of 49, is attributable to the strain of his war service.

Since his ship was torpedoed and sunk in March this year, his health had given cause for anxiety and it was apparent that he was suffering from the effects of his experience on that occasion. After the ship had been disposed of by the enemy, Captain Nelson was ordered on board the submarine. He was released, however, and along with the crew was picked up later by a French trawler, after a period of exposure in the lifeboats.

Born in Glasgow, Captain Nelson became associated with Falkirk in infancy. Choosing a seafaring career, he earned his apprenticeship on the ‘Gryfe’ sailing ship, under the late Captain Roberts of Falkirk. He made rapid progress and while yet a young man he began to sail as captain and served in this capacity with Messrs. Thomas Cowan and Co., Leith and then with Messrs Salvesen, Grangemouth, of one of whose steamers he was in command on the outbreak of war. The ship was then in the Baltic and was interred until twenty-two months later – in June 1916 – Captain Nelson succeeded in bringing his ship through the enemy blockade. He had the distinction of being the first to do so. The ship was sold thereafter to Messrs Beatley and Son, London and was put on Admirality service, Captain Nelson continuing in command.

Of a genial and friendly disposition, Captain Nelson was very popular wherever he went and locally he was much esteemed".

So there you have it!!

Anne Smile

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 7:56 am Post subject:

What an interesting story. Thanks ever so for posting it Anne.
_________________
Ken

anne park · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 8:15 am Post subject: Henry Meek

Henry Meek Private S/7775 2nd Bn. Gordon Highlanders b Falkirk,Stirling e Stenhousemuir Age 22Killed in Action F & F 25/09/1915 Loos MemorialKilled Panel 115 to 119. Panel 115 to 119.
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Researching WWI info from Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Kincardineshire & Morayshire.

anne park · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 8:19 am Post subject: William Kirk

William Kirk L/Cpl 238048 4th Gordon Highlanders b Falkirk,Stirlingsh. e Edinburgh Died of Wounds F&F 26/04/1917
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Researching WWI info from Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Kincardineshire & Morayshire.

anne park · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 9:07 am Post subject: William Kirk

I have spent a wee while looking for info on CWGC and other places for info about him but came up with nothing can anyone help?
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Researching WWI info from Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Kincardineshire & Morayshire.

apanderson · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 11:28 am Post subject:

Not immediately Anne, but once I get my copy of the booklet, I'll add any details found.

Anne Smile

anne park · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2014 12:41 pm Post subject: William Kirk

I went into CWGC again and there it was I had trouble this morning.
ACHIET-LE-GRAND COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION I D 10
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Researching WWI info from Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, Kincardineshire & Morayshire.

Mike Morley · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2017 2:06 pm Post subject:

Name: McCULLOCH, JAMES
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sub Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Reserve, HM Yacht "Kethailes"
Date of Death: 11/10/1917
Age: 30
Additional Information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. James McCulloch, of Drummore, Wigtownshire; husband of Helen K. McCulloch, of "Blairmount," Rennie St., Falkirk.
Panel Reference: 27
Memorial: Portsmouth Naval Memorial

Wigtownshire Free Press (25/10/1917): Sub-Lieutenant James McCulloch, RNR (killed) was 28 years of age and, prior to joining the RNR was third officer with the Anchor Line on their New York to Liverpool and Glasgow service. He was a native of Drummore, where his mother resides, and leaves a widow who resides at Blairmount, Rennie Street, Falkirk.

Also named on Drummore war memorial.