Armadale & District Roll of Honour 1914 - 1919
WW1 Dale Boys
McADAM HENRY
12th Battalion
Rank Private
Service number 17532
Date of death 13/08/1916
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age
Resided Wishaw
Enlisted Dunoon
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 15 C.
Cemetery: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Henry arrived in
McALPINE KENNETH
9th Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS (LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 300654
Date of death 23/04/1917
Place of birth
Age 19
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 1 and 2.
Cemetery:
Son of William McAlpine, of 150, Unity Terrace, Armadale,
Kenneth enlisted in the Royal Scots in 1914 when he was only 17 years old, he was transferred to the “Dandy Ninth” and went to
Mr. William McAlpine received official intimation that his son was reported wounded and missing on the 23rd April 1917, he was given no further details.
Kenneth was last seen by a chum retiring from the firing line wounded and going to the dressing station under a heavy fire. Nothing being heard of him since, it was feared he had been hit by a shell.
Kenneth appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Bathville Colliery. It does not state anything about him being killed.
McCLORY WILLIAM
2ND Battalion
KINGS OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS
Rank Lance Corporal
Service number 25406
Date of death 19/09/1918
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 22
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: XIII. C. 23.
Cemetery:
Son of John and Catherine McClory, of 27, Bathville Row, Armadale, Linlithgowshire,
Mrs. McClory received the following letter from Chaplain P J Roberts:
“19th September
Dear Mrs. McClory
I very much regret to say that your dear son, Lance Corporal McClory, K.O.S.B was brought into hospital very seriously wounded in the chest on the 18th September. He was quite cheerful when brought in, and when I told him I write to you he said- “Tell her I am in the pink”, poor boy he was mortally wounded, but he would not have you think he was so ill. He was only a few hours in hospital. Everything possible was done to save his life, but he passed away peacefully in the early hours of this morning. He was buried today in a military cemetery. May the God of all comfort you and all who were dear to you son in your and their great hour of sorrow.”
William served over 2 years in the Army and he had been in
William McClory appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Bathville Brickworks and dying of wounds Bapaume. He was a brick moulder with Messrs Robertson, Love and Coy, Bathville.
William was the only support of his aged parents, William’s brother also served in
McCOLLUM WILLIAM
1st Battalion
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Rank Private
Service number 21927
Date of death 14/10/1918
Place of birth Antrim
Age 27
Resided Blackridge /
Enlisted Bathgate
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 70 to 72.
Cemetery:
William resided in Upper Craig Terrace before enlisting, at the time he was killed his wife and two children resided with her parents in
William was employed in the Craigs pits as a miner before he enlisted, he was one of the first locally to attest under the
William was the brother of Mr. George McCollum,
McCONNELL EDWARD
SCOTS GUARDS
Rank Guardsman
Service number 17101
Date of death 07/12/1918
Place of birth
Age
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. D. 5.
Cemetery:
McCORD ALEXANDER
15th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Lance Corporal
Service number 375165
Date of death 13/07/1918
Place of birth Fauldhouse
Age 24
Resided Blackridge, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death
Grave/Memorial Reference: IX. C. 2.
Cemetery:
News was received through the Red Cross International Prisoners of War Agency by Mr. & Mrs. William McCord, Westrigg that their son Alexander had died of wounds in
L/Cpl Alexander McCord was taken prisoner on the 22nd March 1918 during the German Offensive. He had sustained a fractured wrist and a fractured left upper thigh. It was the latter that proved fatal.
Alexander had sent a postcard and a letter from
Alexander was a baker to trade, and after serving his apprenticeship with Mr. John Brown Blackridge, Alex moved to Mr. Kay, baker Whitburn. During his Army training at Berwick on tweed he was for 18 months officers cook, and continued in that capacity while in the front line. He had one brother also serving as a dispatch rider with the Tank Corps and two somewhere in
McCORMACK JOHN
12th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 251485
Date of death 12/10/1917
Place of birth Cleland, Lanarkshire
Age 20
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Linlithgow
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 11 to 14 and 162.
Cemetery:
Son of Mr. and Mrs. George McCormack, of 8,
McCUBBIN ROBERT
11th Service Ordnance Coy
ROYAL ARMY ORDANANCE CORPS
Rank AMT/Q.M.S (Armament Quartermaster Serjeant)
Service number T/106
Date of death 31/07/1915
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 48
Resided Blackridge, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Woolwich
Medal Entitlement 1914 Star and Bar, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death Gallipoli
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 59.
Cemetery:
Son of John and Agnes Thornton McCubbin, of Armadale, West Lothian; husband of Louise M. A. Else (formerly McCubbin), of Ashfield House,
McDERMID JAMES
16th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 25021
Date of death 30/11/1915
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age
Resided
Enlisted
Theatre of death Home
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 94/13.
Cemetery:
McDONALD ALEXANDER
11th Battalion
CAMERONIANS
(SCOTTISH RIFLES)
Rank Sergeant
Service number 15049
Date of death 01/05/1917
Place of birth Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Age
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death Salonica
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 178.
Cemetery:
Husband of Christina McDonald, of 3 McDonald's Square, Armadale.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, of Armadale;
Alexander enlisted in the Army in the Early Days of the War. For a time he was stationed with the 11th Cameronians at Sutton Veny, Warminster, Wiltshire. Alexander first saw service in
Alexander for a couple of years worked in
During the period when Armadale Loyal Orange Lodge flute band was in existence, he for a time was a member of the committee, and because of that connection he was mulcted in, for a working man, a large amount, to meet the bill for bandsmen’s uniforms. This sum, it is hoped, members of the L.O.L will see is refunded to his widow and six children.
Sergeant McDonald was a keen angler, and for a long period was the secretary of the Armadale and District Angling Club.
Alex McDonald appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Blackrigg 1 Colliery and being killed in action
McEWAN ALEXANDER
2nd Battalion
ARGYLL & SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS
(PRINCESS LOUISE’S)
Rank Private
Service number 1097
Date of death 21/10/1914
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 23
Resided
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement 1914 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: F. 23.
Cemetery: LE
Son of Robert and Hannah Lawson McEwan, of Crosscroes Rows, Avonbridge, Stirlingshire.
Native of Armadale,
Alexander arrived in
McEWAN
2nd Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 2909
Date of death 13/11/1916
Place of birth
Age
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference:
Cemetery:
Son of the late
Duncan was a native of Dundee, but prior to enlisting in the Army in June 1914, he had for four years worked in the moulders department of the Atlas Steel Company Ltd., when war broke out he was one of the first drafts to be sent to France, he arrived in France on the 19th December 1914.
McGLASHAN ROBERT
1st Battalion
BLACK WATCH
(ROYAL HIGHLANDERS)
Rank Private
Service number 9707
Date of death 10/11/1914
Place of birth
Age
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement 1914 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death
Grave/Memorial Reference:
Cemetery:
Husband of Mrs McGlashan, Railway cottage, Station Road Armadale.
Robert was a reservist and he was called up at the outbreak of war, he was one of the first called to the colours, and he arrived in
Robert died in Hospital from wounds received, his wife first got a postcard from him stating he was wounded and in hospital, two days later she got word that he died from his wounds.
Prior to being called up Robert was chief signalman at Armadale Railway Station.
McGAW WILLIAM
2nd Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 16252
Date of death 22/07/1916
Place of birth Cambusnethan
Age
Resided Armadale & Fauldhouse, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Fauldhouse
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6D and 7D
Cemetery: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
William arrived in
Mrs. Evans of High Street, Bathgate, received a letter from her oldest brother, Private James McGow, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, notifying her the sad fact that her other Brother William McGow Royal Scots well known in Armadale and Breich districts had been killed by a Sniper on 22nd July.
James under the date 28th July writes as follows:
“It is with sadness and regret that I write to inform you that brother Willie was killed on Saturday, 22nd July by a Sniper. His regiment came out on 27th July, for a rest to a village near where we were. At night I cleaned myself, and went up to see him, and that was the sad news I got. He was killed just five days before the Regiment came out for a rest. Hard lines after us looking for one another for so long, that the first opportunity I had of meeting, him I should have met with such a disappointment. We have no controlling of our destinies or things would be different. It was not fated that we should meet in life. I need not say I an in no trim for writing. It does not give one much heart to know their brother has been killed, almost by ones side, and to have never seen him, though I could not have done anything for him. I only wish I had seen him before this happened. I know you will be greatly upset, but the lords ways are not our ways, and many a bonnie lad has fallen here, and there will be many a sorrowful home before this war is over. I hope this finds you all in the best of health as this leaves me so at present.”
Private James McGow also sent at the same time a letter in somewhat similar terms to his other sister, Mrs. Hugh Brown, Fauldhouse. In a closing sentence in this letter he wrote:
“Willie died a soldier’s death on the battlefield doing his duty for King and Country and You. His loss is hard to bear, but we should be proud of the fact that he met his death doing his duty like a Man”
Private Charles Robertson, under the date, 26th July wrote:
“Dear Mrs. Evans
I am extremely sorry to inform you that your brother Pte William McGow, was killed on 22nd July whilst in action. We were caught in a terrible machine gun fire during an attack. He died a hero’s death, and accounted for a good many Germans before he was hit by a bullet in the head. He suffered no pain whatever. We all join in sending our heartfelt sympathy in your loss.”
William McGow enlisted at Woodmuir, Fauldhouse in November 1914. he had prior to that date resided for about a year in Fauldhouse and prior to that resided in Armadale first with his sister Mrs. Hugh Brown, and after Mr. & Mrs. Brown went to Fauldhouse, he resided with Mrs. White. Then after a time he to went to Fauldhouse, residing again with his sister before joining the Army. Though he was through many engagements he was never wounded.
McINULTY ALEXANDER
12th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 273117
Date of death 07/05/1917
Place of birth Shotts, Lanarkshire
Age 19
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. K. 37.
Cemetery:
Son of Alexander (Purdie) McInulty, of 185,
Alexander’s father was himself a piper in the Army during the Great War.
Alexander first joined the Yeomanry, and later transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers, and when only six weeks in the Army he volunteered for the front, and was drafted into the Royal Scots. He was only three months and twelve days in the Army when he died.
Alexander was a miner and exempted, but preferred to do his bit in the Army.
McINULTY HENRY
11th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 13342
Date of death 27/09/1915
Place of birth Shotts, Lanarkshire
Age
Resided Blackridge, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 10 to 13.
Cemetery: LOOS MEMORIAL
Son of Alexander (Purdie) McInulty, of 185,
Private Henry McInulty, Westrigg was reported missing after the battle of Loos on 25th September 1915, on the 17th March 1916 Mrs. McInulty, Westrigg was officially notified that Henry had been killed in action on that date (25th September).
Henry enlisted in December 1914 and went to
Mrs McInulty received a note from one of Henry’s comrades informing her that the were returning from the trenches, congratulating each other on their escape, when a bomb dropped and killed McInulty.
Henry McInulty appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Blackrigg 3 Colliery and being killed in action
McKECHNIE WILLIAM
1/7th Battalion
ARGYLL & SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS
(PRINCESS LOUISE’S)
Rank Private
Service number 2437 / 275991
Date of death 23/04/1917
Place of birth
Age 25
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Avonbridge
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 9.
Cemetery:
Husband of Catherine Martin Smith (formerly McKechnie), of 3,
Son of John McKechnie, of 5, Capper's Rows, Armadale,
William had been a member of Armadale Football club before the War, and he was a married man with two of a family.
William McKechnie appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Bathville Colliery and being killed in action
McKELVIE DAVID
ROYAL ENGINEERS
Formerly Pte 2572
9th
Rank Lieutenant
Date of death 16/09/1918
Decoration MC
Place of birth
Age
Resided Armadale
Enlisted
Medal entitlement Military Cross, 1914 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Theatre of death Home
Grave/Memorial Reference:
Cemetery:
David McKelvie a native of
In late April 1915 David returned to Armadale on a weeks leave in order to get rigged out in accordance with his rank as a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, to which he had been promoted. While in no way inclined to dwell upon the operations at the front, he makes no bones about expressing the fact that the folk at home have simply no conception of what war means.
It was while at Loos in September 1915 he gained his military cross for especially successful work in cutting and firing mines in enemy territory.
MC. (LG 00/01/1916)
For the admirable manner in which he carried out the arduous and dangerous work of laying four mines under the German trenches, south of hooge. The long period of delay in exploding the mines placed a very heavy strain on those concerned, but due to the keenness and vigilance the operation was an unqualified success, and the success of yesterdays (25th September, 1915) operations was greatly due to the work so admirably performed.
Temp. 2nd Lt. D. McKelvie, M.C., relinquishes his command on account of ill health and is granted the hon. rank of 2nd Lt. 9th June, 1916.
Lt McKelvie MC died of double pneumonia whilst in civilian employment, as a result of the wounds he received in battle.
Lt McKelvie received his discharge from the Army and he became a manager of Uddingston Colliery.
He contracted a chill, and this followed by an attack of double pneumonia. He succumbed after a few days illness.
Prior to enlisting David was employed as principal surveyor at the United Collieries, Armadale District, he appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Bathville Colliery.
McKENNA WILLIAM HENRY
14th Battalion
ARGYLL & SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS
(PRINCESS LOUISE’S)
Rank Private
Service number 278293
Date of death 27/03/1918
Place of birth Killylea, Co
Age
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Glencorse
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 9.
Cemetery:
William was a married man who resided with his wife in West Main Street Armadale.
Before enlisting William was employed as a grocer at Armadale Co-operative Society, Ltd. He entered the Army in November 1916.
William was reported missing on the 21st March 1918, the first day of the German spring offensive, after the Government Authorities received no word about William he was presumed killed in action.
McKEOWN JOHN
15th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 30237
Date of death 30/07/1916
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age
Resided
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: XXX. A. 12.
Cemetery:
McKEOWN THOMAS
2nd Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 13780
Date of death 25/09/1915
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 20
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F.& F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 11.
Cemetery:
Son of Thomas and Eliza McKeown, of Cappers, Armadale, and nephew of John McKeown mount Pleasant Armadale.
Thomas enlisted in September 1914 and he was sent to
The first intimation of Tom’s death was from Private Teddy Gilligen who wrote that Private Tom McKeown was killed on the morning of the 25th September while engaged in charging the enemy. The members of 15 Platoon sent their deepest sympathy to his relatives.
Thomas’s brother James also served during the War; he was a Gunner in the Royal Field Artillery and served in the Dardanelles and in
Tom’s uncle Patrick McKeown Dublin Fusiliers was reported as missing on the 15th August 1915 at the
McKINNON HUGH
7/8th Battalion.
KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS
Rank Sergeant
Service number 202122
Date of death 19/08/1917
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 37
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 66 to 68.
Cemetery:
Son of
Hugh’s wife and children were residing in Bo’ ness with her sister who was recuperating from illness when Hugh was killed.
Hugh was an old Territorial with the 10th Royal Scots, he was mobilised in September 1914, and had spent a long period on home defence on the East Coast of Scotland, and he had been in
Hugh had two brothers also serving in the Army,
Pte Robert McKinnon Royal Scots who was wounded three times during the war, Robert joined up under the Derby Scheme his wife resided in
Pte John McKinnon Royal Scots who was also wounded ten months prior to Hugh’s death, at the time of Hugh’s death John was under Doctors orders at East Linton.
McKINNON HUGH
1st /5th Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 1001
Date of death 28/06/1915
Place of birth Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Age
Resided
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death Gallipoli
Grave/Memorial Reference:
Cemetery:
Son of
Hugh had served 10 years in the Territorial’s with the 5th Royal Scots prior to war, and he was employed with Edinburgh and District Tramway Company.
McLACHLAN HUGH
12th Battalion
Rank Private
Service number 19300
Date of death 17/09/1918
Place of birth Dumbarton
Age
Resided Blackridge, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted
Theatre of death F. & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: XVI. H. 15.
Cemetery: VLAMERTINGHE NEW
Son of Alexander McLachlan, of 5, Burnside St., Dumbarton; husband of Janet Jack McLachlan, of 15, Burnside St., Dumbarton
McLAREN DAVID
1st/8th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 348014
Date of death 23/07/1918
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 20
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Linlithgow
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F. & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: V1 A. 2.
Cemetery:
Son of William McLaren,
David was killed whilst returning to a dressing station, after being wounded in action.
In a letter to Mrs. Mclaren, Lt WD Armstrong a son in law of Mrs. McKeown, Westrigg writes:
“I offer you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son, who was serving in our Battalion. I had seen him frequently during the last few months, and he seemed quite happy and content with his lot. Two days before he was killed he was one of a party I took out to reconnoiter a wood for our Battalion to rest in. He was wounded in the attack on the 23rd July. While returning to the dressing station he was hit again. His death was instantaneous. He was buried on the field by our Battalion Chaplain. His Platoon and company Commander speak very highly of his services in the line, and out of it. Will you please accept and convey to the members of your family my sympathy with your sorrow.”
David joined the Army in early 1916, prior to this he was employed at Polkemmet Colliery.
McLAREN MATHEW
2nd Battalion
GORDON HIGHLANDERS
Rank Serjeant
Service number 1494
Date of death 19/06/1916
Place of birth Slamannan Stirlingshire
Age
Resided Blackridge, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted
Theatre of death F. & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: V. B. 2.
Cemetery: CITADEL NEW
Son of Mr. & Mrs. Mathew McLaren Westrigg.
Mathew enlisted in the army on the 12th August 1914, and went to
After the battle of La Bassee he was invalided home with frozen feet, when he left the firing line he said his legs were black up to his knees with frost.
After the battle of Loos in Sept 1915 he was home for a well earned leave.
On the 5th October 1915 after the battle of Loos Lance Sergeant Mathew McLaren wrote the following letter home:
“I have been through the great advance, and come out without a hurt. On the morning of Saturday, 25th September, we were in the fourth line of trenches. We followed the lead and were soon in the centre of the enemy fire – Swiss-Bangs, shrapnel, machine gun, and rifle fire. One of my chums – Calder of Broxburn- was wounded, but I expect he will get home to recuperate. He and I were charging together when he fell. I stopped and dressed him. A bullet struck his left breast, but fortunately a packet of letters kept it from inflicting little more than a deep flesh wound. It was lucky he had that packet of letters.
I am still in the trenches. The place we are holding is only 30 Yards from the enemy, so we have to be on the alert all the time.”
Following the official news of his son’s death Mr. McLaren received the following letter from Captain H Brian – Brooke 2nd Gordon Highlanders:
“It is with the deepest and most profound regret that I sit down to write you today to tell you the sad news of the death of your gallant son Colour Sergeant Mathew McLaren (No 1494). I know that no words of mine can in any way lessen the great sorrow which the loss of such a son must mean, but as his Company Commander I feel I must drop you a short line to convey to tell you any point concerning your poor boys death which may be of interest to you.
It was the day before yesterday, 19th June, 9:30 a.m. a heavy high explosive shell fell in our trench,
killed one man, mortally wounded your son and the Company Sergeant Major, and severely wounded two others, who will recover. I was the first to arrive on the spot after the explosion and was with your son from then on until within a short time before his restful death. He lived about half an hour after being wounded. What with the shock at first and the morphia the doctor gave him as soon as he arrived your son suffered comparatively no pain. He was conscious up to the end, and died a brave calm death. We bound him up and sent him off on a stretcher on which he passed peacefully away before he reached the hospital behind the trenches.
I cannot tell you, Mr. McLaren how deeply the whole company feel the loss of your son. As to his platoon (No5) I have never in all the war seen men so cut up. His Platoon Commander told me that night that his men had simply adored him and would have done anything in the world for him and would have done anything in the world for him.
The loss of my own brother, who was killed with the battalion at the beginning of the war, makes me capable of fully entering into the sorrow of others, and I know what grief yours must be. But I can assure you it is shared by every officer, NCO and man in the regiment. As his Company Commander I feel his loss most deeply, both as the loss of a very fine soldier and one of my most efficient NCOs and also in the loss of a man whom I had become tremendously attached to, as did everyone came in contact with him.
Your son was in my company at
If there is anything I can do, please let me know.”
McLAUGHLIN HENRY
2nd Battalion
Rank Private
Service number 12319
Date of death 29/09/1917
Place of birth Airdrie
Age
Resided Blackridge, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement 1914 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: L. 29.
Cemetery:
Henry arrived in
McLAUGHLIN JOHN
15th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 14191
Date of death 17/04/1918
Place of birth Monkland, Lanarkshire
Age 28
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 11 to 14 and 162.
Cemetery:
Husband of Rose Ann Sykes (formerly McLaughlin), of 40,
Son of John McLaughlin, of 48,
John enlisted into the Royal Scots in September 1914, and he arrived in
Prior to enlisting John was employed as a Miner.
McLURE DAVID
2nd Battalion
King's Royal Rifle Corps
attd. 4th
Rank 2nd Lt
Service number
Date of death 08/03/1918
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F. & F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. F. 62.
Cemetery: LONGUENESSE (ST. OMER)
Son of Jane McKee (formerly McLure), of 36A,
David joined the Royal Scots in early 1915, he arrived in France on the 1st June 1915, and he served two years in the ranks, (20507 L/Cpl D McLure was wounded in August 1916) and following an act of great gallantry he was promoted from the ranks. He followed the occupation in civil life of a miner.
Writing to Mrs. McKee, an officer says:
“I deeply regret having to inform you that Lieutenant McLure has died of Pneumonia at an
McMASTER WILLIAM
Middlesex
1st Lowland brigade
ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY
Rank Gunner
Service number 1577
Date of death 28/07/1916
Place of birth Shotts Lanark
Age 22
Resided
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. B. 7.
Cemetery:
Son of
William was a Blacksmith before enlisting in the Army, and he was employed by United Collieries.
William arrived in
William McMaster appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Westrigg Colliery and being killed.
McMILLAN ARCHIBALD
15th Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 34050
Date of death 09/04/1917
Place of birth Torphichen, Linlithgowshire
Age 27
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F. & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. C. 1.
Cemetery:
Husband of Barbara McMillan of Muirs Brickwork Cottage, Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Son of Archibald and Janet McMillan 74 East Main Street, Armadale.
Mrs. McMillan, Muir Cottage,
“It is my painful duty to inform you of your husband’s death. He was killed in the afternoon of 12th April. He suffered no pain. I can only offer my deepest sympathy in your great loss and trust you will have strength to bear the trial. Your husband was always bright and cheery, and will be missed by his comrades here”
Until two weeks before entering the Army Archie was a dresser in the atlas foundry, then he commenced work as a miner owing to his eyes failing him at the furnace, he enlisted in June 1916, and was sent to
Archie and his wife Barbara had one son (Archie) born 4th July 1915 at 35 Etna Cottages,
Barbara Archie’s widow died on 6th March 1920 of Phthisis TB at her parent’s home
Archie’ s body was never recovered and he was remembered on a memorial to the missing at Arras, however in 2002 his body was recovered and identified and he has since been buried in France, his 80 year old son and his grandchildren attended his burial.
Archie’s brother and Nephew also served with the Royal Scots during the War, his brother Piper John McMillan 13th Royal Scots and the Pipers son Sergeant John McMillan DCM & bar also 13th Royal Scots both resided in Blackridge.
McMILLAN JAMES WILSON
13th Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number 14752
Date of death 28/01/1917
Place of birth Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Age 22
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F. & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
Cemetery: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL
Son of Mr.& Mrs. William McMillan South Street Armadale.
Mrs. William McMillan received a word from Captain Gardner, late schoolmaster,
Capt A. Gardner MC, TMB 45th GB BEF writing from
“Dear Mrs. McMillan,
I am deeply grieved to inform you that your son, Pte James McMillan, Royal Scots attached to the Trench Mortar
I remain yours sincerely
A Gardner (Captain)”
James enlisted shortly after war broke out; he had been in
His last furlough before his death was May 1916. James was unmarried and resided with his parents in
In the Christmas 1915, he and a German exchanged photographs in “no man’s land” but the incident had led to him getting a reprimand, as an order had been previously issued against exchanges of courtesies with the enemy
McNEIL HUGH
Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS
(LOTHIAN REGIMENT)
Rank Private
Service number
Date of death 1918
Place of birth
Age 19
Resided
Enlisted
Theatre of death F. & F
Grave/Memorial Reference:
Cemetery:
Son of Mr & Mrs. Hugh McNeil Woodend Armadale.
Before he was called to the colours in late 1917, Hugh was employed as a clerk with the Atlas Steel Foundry and Engineering Company Ltd at Armadale.