Armadale & District Roll of Honour 1914 - 1919

Military Medal

5792 Sgt William Allan

9^th Royal Scots

MM. (LG No 62)

Son of William Allan West End Blackridge.

Medal entitlement of Sgt William Allan:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

Sapper John Anderson

Royal Engineers

MM. (LG 00/00/1917)

Whilst on a daring mission he was knocked out, and he stated it was for this mission he was awarded the Military Medal.

John was wounded several times whilst serving in France, though he was never wounded seriously.

John was brought up in Armadale all his days, but was in England when War broke out, he promptly enlisted whilst there, it was only when John was wounded for the first time that his father found out he was serving.

Son of William Anderson Mill Road Armadale, and brother of James Anderson East Main Street Armadale.

Medal entitlement of Sapper John Anderson:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

15632 Sgt John Bennett

13^th Royal Scots

MM. (LG 14/9/1916)

The Honour was gained for special and successful bombing work done on the 11^th May 1916.

It was at the Hohenzollern Redoubt, he with six men was guarding a sap. A general attack on the redoubt was made by the Germans, and the sap was a vulnerable point. When the Germans essayed to enter the sap, sergeant Bennett at once ordered five of his men to take cover in the traverse. He with the sixth soldier assisting, started throwing bombs into the oncoming ranks of the oncoming foe. He kept up the bombing for two hours, and with such success that he and his comrades were left the victors of the situation.

His parents resided 26 South Street Armadale. His wife resided East Main Street Armadale.

Pte Bennett enlisted in October 1914, he arrived in France on the 9^th July 1915, he was seriously wounded in May 1916, whilst serving with the 11^th Royal Scots. Sgt Bennett was again wounded in February 1917.

Medal entitlement of Sgt John Bennett:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

826407 Pte William Bonar

47^th Canadian Battalion (Western Ontario Regiment)

MM. (LG 03/07/1919)

Lt Colonel W Menzies in his dispatch says:

“For conspicuous courage and devotion to duty during the Operations before Valenciennes on 1^st November 1918. Pte Bonar has been awarded the Military Medal.

This soldier displayed splendid courage and initiative during the progress of the attack. Owing to casualties amongst stretcher bearers, he was placed in charge of two stretcher parties, and for several hours moved about over the whole of the left sector of the attack, especially in the neighborhood, Hont Hony searching for and brining in wounded both of his own and other units.

During the whole of this time he was exposed to heavy shell fire and Gas, but in spite of this persisted in his work until the area had been entirely cleared. It is owing to the personal example set by him, and the coolness, courage and resource that he displayed throughout that his work was accomplished and several lives saved. This soldier was not himself a stretcher bearer, but volunteered to carry out the above task”

William resided British Columbia, Son of Mrs. Bonar Elm cottage Armadale.

William and his wife Mary (nee Saunders) also from Armadale moved to Canada with their children 14 years before War broke out.

Medal entitlement of Pte William Bonnar:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

18151 Sgt John Conner

1^st Royal Scots Fusiliers

MM. (LG 11/10/1916)

John resided in Armadale, he arrived in France on the 21^st June 1915, John later served with the Labour Corps as 407335.

Medal entitlement of Sgt John Conner:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

60880 Acting Battery Sergeant Major John Connor

226^th Siege Battery

MM. (LG 20/08/1919)

John Connor resided Woodend, Armadale.

Medal entitlement of Sgt John Connor:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

12323 L/Cpl Thomas Davidson

1^st Royal Scots Fusiliers

MM. (LG 16/07/1918)

Son of Mr. Davidson Unity Terrace Armadale, Thomas arrived in France on the 11^th May 1915.

Medal entitlement of LCpl Thomas Davidson:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal & Mention in Dispatches

15831 Pte George Dennaird

12^th Royal Scots

MM. (LG 11/10/1916)

MiD (LG 15/06/1916)

Employed Southrigg Colliery, George arrived in France on the 11^th May 1915.

Medal entitlement of Pte George Dennaird:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal & Oak leaf spray (emblem for MiD)

Military Medal

46138 Pte Robert Donaldson

9^th Royal Scots

MM. (LG 12/12/1917)

For Gallantry, in carrying successfully dispatches under heavy Shellfire.

Robert was Chief Clerk at Armadale Railway Station

Medal entitlement of Pte Robert Donaldson:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Distinguished Conduct Medal & Military Medal

T4132 / 412653 Sgt William Yuill Dow

409^th (Lowland) Field Company

Royal Engineers (TF)

DCM. (LG 10/01/1920)

For marked gallantry south of Catillon on 4^th November, 1918.

His section Officer and Senior Non – Commissioned officer becoming casualties, he led the remainder of the party forward, successfully placing his bridge under heavy fire. Noticing another bridging party had been put out of action, he took his own party back through the enemy barrage, and successfully brought forward and launched the second bridge.

MM. (LG No 59)

The Bridge that William placed successfully under heavy fire

William standing on his Bridge

William was the son of Robert & Annie Dow Woodhead, Armadale.

William was born at Slammannan in 1893, prior to coming to Armadale the family resided Craigview Cottage, Blackridge.

Medal entitlement of Sgt William Dow:

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

43011 Pte Robert Dryburgh

Scottish Rifles

MM. (LG no 59)

Robert was awarded the Military Medal for carrying in wounded under heavy shell fire on the 22^nd September 1918.

Son of Pte James Dryburgh of Bathville, Armadale, Robert arrived in France on the 11^th May 1915.

During the battle of Loos Robert was wounded in his right foot, and was sent to Craiglieth Hospital to recover.

Formerly 13372 11^th Royal Scots

Medal entitlement of Pte Robert Dryburgh:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal & Mention in Dispatches.

17466 Private Edward Friel

8^th Coy Machine Gun Corps

MiD. (LG 15/06/1916)

MM. (LG 27/10/1916)

At Loos in September 1915, Pte Friel did a very gallant deed, while in charge of a Machine Gun something went wrong with one of the parts. Despite the fact he was under heavy fire he coolly repaired his Gun and then, in the nick of time, was able to turn it on the Germans, who were calculating on an easy capture.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Friel ho resided 69 East Main Street Armadale.

Edward Friel joined the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion Royal Scots in September 1914. He was transferred from the 3^rd Reserve Battalion to the 2^nd Battalion and landed in France on the 22^nd February 1915.

Edward was a Machine Gunner with his Battalion and on the formation of the 8^th Company the Machine Gun Corps 22 January 1916 was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps.

Edward was previously mentioned in dispatches for Gallantry in saving his Machine Gun and turning it on the enemy with satisfactory results.

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Friel received the following Letter from Capt EF Petie, Edwards Company Commander:

“In the field 15^th July,

Dear Mrs. Friel,

            I am afraid I have to break the sad news to you that your son, Private Friel, of this Company, was killed in action yesterday evening in the great advance. I am afraid I cannot, with my clumsy pencil, help you much in your bereavement, but you might like to know that he was killed doing his duty like a true British soldier.

            He was, and has been for the past ix months one of my best men, and has nobly upheld the great name of the great regiment to which he belonged; so much so that I have recommended him for special decoration, and I am in the hope that it is likely to come, s that you may have something by which to remember him.

            On behalf of myself and the other officers ad men of this company, we offer you our tenderest and sincerest sympathy at your sons death, and if I can help you in any way don’t hesitate to write me.

Believe me Mrs. Friel, with deepest sympathy.

Yours sincerely, Edward F Petie, 8^th Coy., M.G. Corps”

Medal entitlement of Private Edward Friel:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Distinguished Conduct Medal & Military Medal

7635 / 278859 Cpl Hugh Friel

7^th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

DCM. (LG 03/09/1918)

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This Non Commissioned officer remained in a most exposed position under heavy fire for hours covering the withdrawal of troops with the fire of the Lewis gun of which he was in charge. He did not retire until almost surrounded by the enemy, whose advance was disorganized and delayed by the heavy casualties he inflicted on them. He set a fine example of coolness and courage throughout the operations.

MM. (LG 23/07/1919)

Son of the late James Friel who resided at East Main Street Armadale.

Hugh was well known in junior football circles, he moved to Whitburn Road Bathgate with his Stepmother after his father died, he enlisted in the Argyll’s shortly after war was declared.

His DCM was awarded for his Action in March 1918, at the retiral from the Cambria Sector.

A group of wounded soldiers with their Nurses at Oakbank War Hospital. 

Hugh Friel is seated to the right of the nurse seated in the middle of the picture.

Photo courtesy of  Chris Friel, Great Grandson of Hugh Friel.

Military History Summary

Hugh enlisted at 26 years of age with the 3rd Argylls on the 27 May 1915 at North Shields. He had previously served with the 8th Royal Scots (TF)

Next of Kin Winifred Friel, Mother

18/05/1916 he went to France with the 10th Argylls, transferred to the 7th Argylls on 31/08/1916

LCPL  08/06/1917

CPL    08/09/1918

LSGT  08/09/1918

Silver War Badge Certificate (Badge no 158288)

Date of discharge 19/2/19

Address 19 Whitburn Road, Bathgate.

Disabilities: Gun Shot Wound Thigh and Scrotum

Degree of Disablement: 40% - 30%

Armadale's Provost Grieg wrote to the war Office Concerning Hugh's Medals. (The Provost presented Hugh with them at the Armadale War Hero's Dinner)

Medal entitlement of Cpl Hugh Friel:

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

352571 Pte George Hart

9^th Royal Scots

MM. (LG 09/07/1917)

George was awarded the Military Medal for holding his position against a large enemy force with his machine gun.

Resided with his parents Mr and Mrs Charles Hart Lower Bathville, Armadale.

George arrived in Gallipoli on with the 7^th Royal Scots on the 3^rd September 1915, he later went on to serve in France with the 9^th (Highlanders) Royal Scots.

His parents were informed that he had been killed in Action on the 1^st Aug 1918, but two weeks later received a postcard from him stating he was a prisoner of war in Germany.

George's brother Hugh was killed in the Gretna train crash of 1915, another brother James also served in France during the War.

Medal entitlement of LCpl George Hart:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

R.M.A.1390(S) Gunner Alexander Hutchison

Royal Marine Artillery

MM. (LG 28/09/1917)

Before enlisting Alex was a Clerk at the Atlas Foundry in Armadale.

Alex resided with Mrs. Boyd Falias Cottage Armadale, prior to this he resided in Greenock.

Medal entitlement of Gunner Alexander Hutchison:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal & French Military Medal

5898 L/Cpl Alex Kirk (Paterson)

2^nd Cameron Highlanders

MM (LG 23/02/1918)

MM for conspicuous bravery on the Field in the Balkans Front.

Médaille d’Honneur avec Glaives en Bronze. (LG 21/07/1919)

Alexander Kirk's Regimental Name was Alexander Paterson. 

Born Northrigg, Armadale.

Alex was a Reservist with the Cameron Highlanders. His Regimental name Paterson, he having slipped out of the Militia into the Regulars in 1901.

L/Cpl Kirk completed 17 years service. He arrived in France on the 13^th September 1914, whilst he was in France he was wounded and took a considerable time to recover, he then later in Salonica.

Medal entitlement of LCpl Alexander Paterson:

Military Medal

1914 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

French Medal of Honour

Distinguished Conduct Medal & Military Medal

6511 Private John Lambie

86383 Sapper John Lambie

1^st Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

171st Tunneling Company Royal Engineers

DCM. (LG 23/05/1915)

For conspicuous courage and resource on the night of the 10^th – 11^th April, 1915, while engaged in operations in a mine gallery full of poisonous air, in going to the assistance of a man at the head of the gallery who had been rendered unconscious, and although nearly overcome himself, he dragged him along to the shaft, thereby undoubtedly saving his life.

MM (LG 23/02/1918)

John was born in Armadale in 1885, and he had his schooling at Armadale Public School.

John was a Coal Drawer in Armadale before he enlisted into the Army, he served with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders for over 17 years.

After leaving the Army John settled in Longriggend near Caldercruix, it was whilst he was residing here that he re-enlisted once again into the Army.

Glasgow Evening News 14th May 1915

A letter was received from Private J Lambie 6511, 171st Mining Company, Royal Engineers, who has had over seventeen years’ service with the 1st and 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, stating that he has been wounded.
He came from India to France in the end of 1914, and has been through much of the fierce fighting. He came through the Boer War without a scratch, and he possesses the King’s and the Queen’s medals and clasps.
He is of a fighting stock. One brother was killed at the battle of Paardeberg.
He was a noted boxer in India some years ago, when he won the Army cup.
Private Lambie was at one time Lance-Sergeant in the Argylls and a capable soldier.
His native place is Longriggend. His brother-in-law resides in Kilmaars.

John was the son of the late Thomas and Janet Lambie, long residents in 72 East Main Street Armadale, and a cousin of Ex-Ballie Lambie, Whitburn.

Medal entitlement of Sapper John Lambie

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Military Medal

QSA

KSA

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

7723 Sgt Adam MacDonald

65^th Brigade Royal Field Artillery

MM (LG 17/09/1917)

Adam was awarded the Military Medal in September 1917 as a Corporal whilst serving with a Heavy Trench Mortar Battery, later in the October he was wounded by shrapnel.

Son of Alexander and Jeanie MacDonald, of Mashona Cottage, South St., Armadale, Linlithgowshire.

Adam enlisted in September 1914, and he arrived in France on the 24^th July 1915.

Whilst home in December 1917 on sick leave, he was honoured by the people of Dykehead and Shotts, who presented him with a gold hunting lever watch. He returned to France in January 1918.

Mrs MacDonald received the following letter from Major W Pollock:

25^th May 1918

I very much regret having to inform you that your son Sergeant A MacDonald was killed in action, on the 2^nd May. He was struck by an enemy shell. It may be some little consolation to you to know that he was spared any suffering, death being instantaneous. His body is interred in a military cemetery, where a cross will be erected on his grave. A burial service was conducted by an Army Chaplain. Sergeant MacDonald’s death is a great loss to the Battery. I had only recently promoted him Sergeant. He in every way justified promotion, he was a brave and gallant soldier, very much liked and respected by all the officers in the Battery. I very much regret his death, and write to convey my own sincere sympathy and that of all the Officers of the Battery, in the loss which you have sustained.

Adam was the cousin of John Muirhead MM Scots Guards, from Armadale who was also killed whilst serving in France. See below

Medal entitlement of Sgt Adam MacDonald :

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

86133 Cpl Daniel McLaughlin

170^th Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers

MM. (LG 11/12/1918)

Resided  Cappers Armadale

Formerly 5128 Cpl Irish Guards, served four years in France enlisted in September 1914, transferred to the Royal Engineers in early 1915.

Medal entitlement of Cpl Daniel McLaughlin:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

12071 LCpl John Muirhead

2^nd Scots Guards

MM. (LG 03/06/1916)

John was awarded the military medal for his smart reconnaissance work done near Ypres.

The Scots Guards were attacked on the site of a brickfield. After a long engagement ammunition gave out, but aided by the butt of their  rifles and the cold steel, with quantities of bricks as missiles the Germans were kept at bay until reinforcements arrived which forced the enemy to beat a hasty retreat.

John had on several occasions had the opportunity to return to his old position, as electrical engineer on the coal cutting apparatus at Bathville pit, but he resolutely refused himself to be transferred from his regiment. It is noted that John was a lad of straightforward honesty, and at every turn sought to do well the duty that lay to his hand.

John was the son of William and Helen Muirhead, 129 South Street Armadale. He was born in Armadale in 1892.

John (Left) was the one three good friends the Dale who were all serving together in the Scots Guards, the other two Robert Darling (Seated) and Mathew Campbell (Right) all three pals were killed.

Private Muirhead was one of the first Boy Scouts in Armadale, and was later a Scoutmaster with the Armadale Boy Scouts.

John was wounded in April 1915 and was sent to Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow to recover from his wounds.

After John’s death the following letters were received by his mother:

Capt E Knollys writes:

            “Dear Mrs. Muirhead

                        It is very difficult for me to write this letter, to tell you of the death of your son. To me he was a personal friend, I have been with him so often in the little over a year I have been out here. It was while he was looking for me (I had got separated from the company while trying to find some trenches we had to take over) that he got shot. He and his friend Corporal Drummond got too near to the German trenches, and when they found out there mistake, and made to turn back, your son was shot by a German sniper. He was killed instantaneously. Perhaps it has been some little consolation that he was home so recently. All the time he has been my orderly he has never failed to do his duty and more than his duty. His death is a loss not only to me, but to the whole Company and Battalion. In getting the Military Medal it showed the appreciation his officers had for him, and I am glad that the General himself pinned the ribbon on, and personally thanked him.”

Charles Hughes wrote:

“Corporal Drummond, Corporal Muirhead, Murray (Linlithgow), and myself were great chums. It is with a sad heart I write. You must be brave to be able to bear to read the worst news a mother can get about her son. Poor Jack met his death on Tuesday, 15th November, about 10pm, whilst on patrol duty. He was shot when less than 100 yards from the German trenches. He died a glorious death …………. Your son was a man to be proud of. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He knew no fear, and was a credit to his regiment, and he will always be held up as an example to others in the Battalion. We will miss him as a chum, he was a good one. We could not help but be happy when in his company. Ours is a great loss.”

Medal entitlement of Lance Corporal John Muirhead:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal & Mention in Dispatches

40943 Cpl James Neally

17^th Royal Scots

MM. (LG 19/11/1917)

Son of George and Margaret Neally, of East Main St., Armadale, Linlithgowshire, West Lothian.

Husband of Mrs. James Neally, Mount Pleasant Armadale.

Mrs. Neally received the following letter from Sergeant Thomas Simpson, of Bo’ness:

“I deeply regret to send you the sad news of the death of your husband. While in charge of his Platoon, on 30^th September, taking part in the great offensive, he fell. Death was instantaneous. Your husband had been specially mentioned the day before for his good work. Your husband, while leading his platoon towards a nest of enemy machine guns, met his death in the hour of victory. He was buried on the field of battle by the men of his Platoon. Your husband was a great favourite with both officers and men. Please accept the deepest sympathy from officers, NCO’s and men”

James joined the 7^th Royal Scots in December 1914, after surviving the Gretna Rail Crash he was interviewed by the Linlithgowshire Gazette, he said

 “He had never seen or heard of anything more terrible than that which had happened. There was about 500 of us together, eight in each compartment, most of us were sleeping. The other boys were sitting up smoking and talking. Then came the awful smash. My god what a Smash it was. When the collision happened there were awful explosions in all directions, and the train burst into flames at once. Men were thrown in all directions and were crushed to pieces against the goods train. It was horrible. I would far rather have been out in Flanders. We bandaged one another up as best we could, and the flames were bursting out around us.”

James was sent to France in around August 1916. He was wounded during the battle of Cambrai but never left France.

In a Divisional order, issued on 24^th September 1917, James was specially mentioned for gallant conduct. He again in September 1917 received special mention, and was awarded the Military Medal. He was promoted Sergeant the day before his death.

James leaves a widow and one child to mourn his loss. His brother George was also killed in action.

James Neally appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Armadale Colliery and being killed in action

Medal entitlement of Cpl James Neally:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

300682 Pte Peter Ramsay

7^th Royal Scots

MM. (LG 25/04/1918)

Awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry, he carried in wounded soldiers under very trying conditions in Palestine, whilst he was a stretcher bearer.

Son of William Ramsay, South Street Armadale.

Peter served in Gallipoli he landed with the 7^th on the 3^rd September 1915, he later went on to serve in Egypt, Palestine, and on the Western Front.

Peter’s father was a Long Service Medallist of the local Volunteer Company, and was for a long time Colour Sergeant of Armadale Company.

Peter was one of three brothers who served in the Army during the Great War.

Medal entitlement of Pte Peter Ramsay:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

3739 Sgt / acting CSM Robert McKay Ramsay

11^th / 13^th Royal Scots

MM. (LG 2/11/1917)

Resided Westrigg,

Robert arrived in France on the 11^th May 1915, he was Commissioned 2^nd Lt on the 28^th May 1918.

Medal entitlement of Lieutenant Robert MacKay Ramsay:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Distinguished Conduct Medal & Military Medal

7306 / 202547 Sgt Malcolm Ross

2^nd / 5^th Royal Warwick’s

MM. (LG 21/09/1916)

On the 8^th August 1916, Cpl Malcolm Ross was responsible for saving the situation after having been blown up by a mine; he used Bombs to keep the Enemy from entering the crater left by the Mine.

DCM. (LG 06/02/1918)

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in a successful raid. He effected an entry only after severe hand to hand fighting, in which he killed three of the enemy, capturing twelve others. He also carried out three successful patrols' on the night prior to the raid, bringing back valuable information.

Son of Walter Ross Alberta Cottage, James Street, Armadale.

He was a very active member of the 1^st Armadale Boys Brigade.

A member of the C (Armadale) Company 10^th Battalion Royal Scots, he was sent to France attached to the 2^nd / 5^th Royal Warwickshire’s after serving on the East Coast of Scotland.

Malcolm was in a very critical condition after suffering wounds to his face from shrapnel, he spent sometime in Hospital in France. Malcolm also saved the life of a fellow soldier in Hospital by allowing a large quantity of his own blood to be transferred to him, and thereby endangered his own life for a considerable time.

Malcolm was medically discharged from the army as a result of wounds along with his medals he received a silver war badge (which he can be seen wearing on his right lapel in the above photo).

Medal entitlement of Sgt Malcolm Ross:

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Silver War Badge

Military Medal

2752 / 202551 Pte James C Smith

10^th Royal Scots / Royal Warwickshire Regiment

MM. (LG 14/01/1918)

James was the son of John and Eliza Smith Blackridge.

James was born in Armadale in 18888, prior to enlisting he resided Blackridge, and he was employed at Blackrigg 3 Colliery.

James was a territorial in the Armadale Company of the 10^th Royal Scots, and he volunteered for overseas service on the outbreak of War and was attached to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

Medal entitlement of Private James Smith:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

34303 Sgt Arthur James Steer

33^rd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery

MM. (LG 19/03/1918)

The Military Medal was awarded to Arthur for his work in saving four guns from the Germans, after two futile attempts. His final attempt, with picked men, was made at 11pm, under heavy fire, and the operation took them to 3am, and they succeeded, with the loss of only one man.

Sgt Steer after spending eight years in the Royal Artillery came to Armadale as a Reservist some years before the War, and he resided at the Beeches, West Main Street Armadale.

Arthur was employed as a miner, when he was called back to the colours in August 1914, for the first year he was employed as an instructor in England, going over to France on the 9^th August 1915.

Arthur’s brother Albert Steer also resided at the Beeches, West Main Street.

Medal entitlement of Sgt Arthur James Steer:

Military Medal

1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal

58963 L/Cpl Alexander Ure

5^th/6^th Royal Scots

MM. (LG 24/01/1919)

The deed that earned Alex the Military Medal was bringing in wounded under heavy shell fire, at great personal risk.

Husband of Mrs. A Ure 101 Westrigg.

Medal entitlement of LCpl Alex Ure:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Military Medal & Belgian Croix de Guerre

6846 Gunner John Ronald (Wallace)

55^th Divisional Ammunition Column

Royal Field Artillery

MM. (LG 14/01/1918)

John’s medal was awarded for blowing up an enemy ammunition dump in France.

Belgian Croix de Guerre. (LG 15/04/1918)

Son of Thomas Ronald the Marches Armadale. Served Salonica and France.

Ronald was a fruit hawker before he enlisted into the Army, and he was a well known Armadale man.

Ronald first saw service in Salonica, from where he was invalided home and was later sent to the western front.

Medal awarded for work done on 22^nd September.

Medal entitlement of Gunner John Ronald (Wallace):

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Belgian Croix de Guerre

Military Medal

2764(S) Signaller/Gunner Robert Watson

Royal Marine Artillery

Attached 527^th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery

MM. (LG 17/06/1919)

Military Medal awarded for gallant work done by Robert at the taking of Lens on the 1^st September 1918.

Robert was born in Edinburgh on the 3^rd March 1887.

Robert was the proprietor of the large saleroom and pawn broking business in West Main Street Armadale, and he had no hesitation in donning the Khaki when he was called to do so, Robert enlisted on the 12^th November 1917, although it seemed like a making a big business sacrifice.

Trench fever caused Robert to be invalided home, he left hospital and was recuperating in England when war ended, and he later recovered and received his discharge early 1919.

Medal entitlement of Gunner Robert Watson:

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal