The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

apanderson · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 1:37 pm Post subject: Killed in action - Aldershot?

Doing a wee bit of research on Denny's war memorials, I'm finding that according to SDGW, many of these men are being listed as being killed in action at Aldershot?

One example is Pte. John (Rough) Stewart, S/17160, 2nd Bn. Cameron Highlanders, died 1st/2nd October 1916 age 21.

CWGC states he's buried at Struma Military Cemetery, Greece and SNWM states Theatre of Death as Salonika, so why would Aldershot be listed on SDGW.

Am I missing something?

Anne

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

Anne

You do not say where you are getting this info but I suspect it must be Ancestry online. It is now a well known cock up on the part of Ancestry who have thousands died at Aldershot.
We pay them good money for a service and get nonsense for our trouble, the same is true of their Census records.

The CWGC details are the most accurate you will find. Even the correct SDGW details have to be treated as suspect, the same true for SNWM who appear use the same info.

The SDGW CD has him KIA, France and Flanders which confirms my point.
_________________
Jim

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

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

apanderson · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 3:26 pm Post subject:

Spot on - Ancestry on-line.

I wasn't aware of the Aldershot bloomer up to now, so thanks for letting me know about that. I've had fun and games with Census Returns (again on Ancestry) trying all sorts of combinations and managing (just) to find most folk. I'm resisting the temptation to use SP - I'd end up skint!

Anne

spoons · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 4:16 pm Post subject:

And the Ancestry indexes for the Scottish census records have a lot of errors. If you cannot find someone you are looking for, try his wife, mother or father then look for others in the same household, that sometimes finds people that the indexes don't Evil or Very Mad

\Paul

apanderson · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 4:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks Paul,

Yes, I know about al the transcription errors. Rolling Eyes

If you have a look at the actual images, how in the name of the wee man they have come up with some of the transcriptions - I'll never know!

Every time I see "Unfortunately, we are unable to display the accompanying images of this census at present, despite extensive negotiation with the General Register Office for Scotland. Permission from them has not, as yet, been forthcoming. For this reason, and to enable you to continue with your family history research, Ancestry has heavily transcribed the Scottish Census records to ensure you have access to all key areas of information contained within this collection. " I try not to scoff.

Did they use the method of scanning images where handwriting is supposedly recognised or did they actually transcribe them?

Whatever way, leaves a lot to be desired!

Anne

spoons · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 4:35 pm Post subject:

I understand the transcription was done in India although usually the people employed to do such things are highly qualified, often up to degree level but nonetheless where English is your second language and the handwriting differs so much, perhaps it is not a surprise. Doesn't excuse Aldershot though.

\Paul

apanderson · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 4:42 pm Post subject:

Would just be like phoning a call centre then - in the vain hope that someone on the other end can not only understand what you're saying, but can help you fix sky tv or the like.

Anne Laughing

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

Paul
Even if they have a degree that would struggle with places like Cairntradlin, Clashindarroch and occupations like settmaker, tacksman, scavenger, etc if badly written.

You cannot beat local knowledge for this sort of thing as was proved by the 1881 Census transcriptions, that said Ancestry's Census efforts are much worse.
The same happens to true of this project.
_________________
Jim

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

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

apanderson · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 4:57 pm Post subject:

What Project do you mean?

(Or am I again missing the point? Confused

)

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

This forum ie. The Scottish War Memorials Project
_________________
Jim

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

www.kinnethmont.co.uk

apanderson · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 5:12 pm Post subject:

Oh right.

I wasn't sure whether you meant that our Projects were 'as good as' Ancestry - I realise now that you meant our local knowledge can usually sort things out.

Sorry!!!

Anne