The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

dalblair · Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Posts: 564 Location: coupar angus

The Lodge in Gray Street contains a marble tablet

1914 To the Glory of God 1918
and in memory of

David Aitken HMS Ajana
Thomas Ferguson Captain Black Watch
William Lowson Sergeant Canadian Contingent
Edward Wright Royal Engineers

"they gave themselves willingly"

Picture will be posted shortly.

dhubthaigh · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:23 pm Post subject:

Photograph courtesy of Hugh Macrae.

dalblair · Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Posts: 564 Location: coupar angus

Thanks Mark for posting the pic.Can any of the sleuths find Edward Wright
with any certainty?
Hugh

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 9:43 am Post subject:

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 10:25 am Post subject:

The only LOWSON serving with the Canadians to die in WW1 was

LOWSON, WILLIAM JAMES
Rank:Corporal
Service No:2731054
Date of Death:11/12/1918
Age:32
Regiment/Service:Canadian Engineers
Grave ReferenceS. A. G 243.
CemeteryHALIFAX (FORT MASSEY) CEMETERY
Additional Information:
Husband of Maud Lowson, of Laurentian View, Carleton Co. Ont.

but he was born in Woolwich, London.
_________________
Ken

dhubthaigh · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 10:57 am Post subject:

Captain Ferguson is listed on Scone War Memorial. Further detail here;

http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=271&highlight=scone

dhubthaigh · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 10:59 am Post subject:

BLAIRGOWRIE ADVERTISER 09.11.1918
COUPAR ANGUS

Boatswain David Aitken, fourth son of Mr W. Aitken, Strathmore Hotel, was accidentally killed on board a troopship at Manchester on Saturday. For nine years he had led a seafaring life, and during the war was engaged in conveying troops from Australia to this country. The funeral took place to Balgay Cemetery, Dundee, yesterday. A brother, Harry, was killed in France early in March.

dhubthaigh · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:04 am Post subject:

Name: LAWSON, WILLIAM HOY
Initials: W H
Nationality: Canadian
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment)
Unit Text: 5th Bn.
Age: 40
Date of Death: 22/05/1915
Service No: 12938
Additional information: Son of the late Thomas and Margaret Lawson, of 13, George St., Coupar Angus, Scotland. Served with the Royal Scots (Volunteers) in the South African Campaign.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Cemetery: VIMY MEMORIAL

BLAIRGOWRIE ADVERTISER: 12.06.1915
COUPAR ANGUS SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION

On Thursday Mrs Lowson, George Street, Coupar Angus, received notification that her son, Corpl. Wm. Lowson, of the Canadian Light Infantry, had been killed in France, and when the sad news spread a feeling of the deepest regret prevailed in town, as the deceased soldier was a general favourite. Although never in the Regular Army, Corpl. Lowson, who was a born soldier, and saw a good deal of war service. In the early stages of the South African War, he joined the Royal Scots as an Active Service Volunteer, and had a hard time with the 1st Contingent of that body.Returning home for a few months, he rejoined with the 3rd Contingent, and served with this until the conclusion of the war, when he received both the Queen's and King's Medals for South Africa, with Bars.
Some years ago he emigrated to Canada, and was one of the first to enlist in his country's service on the outbreak of the present war. Coming to this country with the grear contingent of Canadians, he spent several months in training on Salisbury Plain, and was among the first batch of Canadians to be sent to the front. No details as to his end are forthcoming but, being a young man of magnificent physique and fearless temperament, one can imagine him meeting a great soldier's death, fighting bravely in full front of the battle. Corpl. Lowson was unmarried and the deepest sympathy is felt for his widowed mother and other relatives.

DelBoy · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 2:54 pm Post subject:

There are five E. Wright's of the Royal Engineers on CWGC, of these three have an English connection.

One of the other two, Edward De Lessa Wright is buried at Aberdeen having died of illness and was formerly a postman. He was aged 32 and married. So no obvious connection to Cupar Angus.

WRIGHT, E
Rank: Pioneer
Service No: 406379
Date of Death: 22/09/1918
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers
Grave Reference: P. 182.
Cemetery: ABERDEEN (SPRINGBANK) CEMETERY

The other man isn't on SNWM or a war return, so probably not Scottish born.

WRIGHT, EDWARD HENRY
Rank: Pioneer
Service No: 321564
Date of Death: 24/03/1918
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers 1st Special Coy.
Panel Reference: Panel 10 to 13.
Memorial: POZIERES MEMORIAL

So assuming he was a R.E. and is on CWGC ten there's only one Scottish contender.

Derek.

Kenneth Morrison · BLAIRGOWRIE ADVERTISER 09.11.1918

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

WMR 82040