The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

DerekR

The Hawick Roll of Honour carries the name of "Lieutenant Donald MacDonald - unknown Regiment".
And the "Hawick News" of November 10th, 1916 has the following:

I can't trace anyone vaguely similar.
Can anyone help?
_________________

Time but th' impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.

dhubthaigh · Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 10:22 am Post subject:

I think your man could possibly be;

McDONALD, D(onald)

Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 15935
Date of Death: 04/10/1916
Regiment/Service: Border Regiment 8th Bn.
Grave Reference: VIII. E. 7.
Cemetery: REGINA TRENCH CEMETERY, GRANDCOURT

Born: Dingwall, Inverness
Residence: Galashiels
Enlisted: Workington, Cumberland

You will see that at the time of enlisting he is residing in Galashiels so we are in the 'right area', and being killed on 4th October, 1916 the right time period.

The man who wrote the letter is;

STEWART, JOHN EBENEZAR

Rank: Captain
Date of Death: 26/04/1918
Age:29
Regiment/Service :Border Regiment 8th Bn. attd. South Staffordshire Regiment
Awards: M C
Panel Reference: Panel 85 to 86.
Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Additional Information:Son of William A. Stewart, of 37, Kildovan St., Coatbridge, and the late Isabella Shaw Stewart.

both McDonald and Stewart are both therefore 8th Border Regiment.

I don't think Stewart would refer to a fellow officer as "boy" and "good lad" so I think the newspaper has got Lieut. wrong and should have been L/Cpl.

The following is a transcription I found for the diary and it refers to shelling taking place intermittently.

October 1916

OVILLERS
1st- In dugouts in old farm on front line and North side of road. Working parties supplied for carrying rations stored up to Mouquet Farm.
2nd --- do. --- [ditto]
3rd --- do ---
4th ---do--- Lt Parkinson hit in leg
5th ---do--- Ordered to relieve Canadians on right of Pozieres. In relief 2 Lieut Turner was wounded.

TRENCHES
6th -Trenches were shelled intermittently shelled throughout the day. CSM of D Coy killed [Company Sergeant Major of D company CWGC states he died 5/10/16 - NOLAN, PATRICK JAMES Company Serjeant Major. 6453.THIEPVAL MEMORIAL] 2 Lt. Lewis wounded & 2 Lt. Wilson [Presumably- WILSON Stanley Wright 2nd Lt. KiA 18/11/1918 Died with 11th Border formerly 8th Border. Age 22. Son of John Wright Wilson & Margaret Wilson, of Ravenstone, Penrith, Cumberland. Theipval memorial,Also on Shap St Michaels Church Memorial Plaque] . Relieved by the 9th L.N.L. [Loyal North Lancs] 74th Brigade. Proceeded to Crucifix Corner.

Captain Stewart is mentioned in the diary for the 21st October, 1916 as follows;

Capt Stewart [STEWART John Ebenezar Cpatain MC. 8th Bn. Border Regiment attd. South Staffordshire Regiment. 28/4/18 TYNE COT Memorial. Son of William A. Stewart, of 37, Kildovan St., Coatbridge, and the late Isabella Shaw Stewart] realized what was happening and stopped a good many from going forward and got them to work at once in the trench. He found he was in touch with the 8th S.Lancs on the left but the right was held up. He ordered a block to be made up till he could collect some men as the line was thin & sent back a written report of the situation which was most useful as it arrived soon after a report came from Lt. (Willard) as to the situation on the right.

Casualties for 8th Border Regiment on 4/10/1916 are Mcdonald and;

KENNETT, JOSEPH

Rank: Private
Service No: 12116
Date of Death: 04/10/1916
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: Border Regiment "C" Coy. 8th Bn.
Panel Reference: Pier and Face 6 A and 7 C.
Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Additional Information: Son of Frank and Margaret Kennett, of Whitehaven.

WALSH, DAVID

Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 27396
Date of Death: 04/10/1916
Age: 31
Regiment/Service:Border Regiment 8th Bn.
Grave Reference: VIII. C. 22.
Cemetery: COURCELETTE BRITISH CEMETERY
Additional Information:Son of James and Alice Walsh, of 21, Elizabeth St., Atherton, Manchester.

DerekR · Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 1:48 pm Post subject:

Mark,

Thanks very much for this. It is certainly very plausible.
I'll see if I can delve into the census returns and see if there is a trail to follow there.
Much appreciated!
_________________

Time but th' impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.