Dalmeny War Memorial
Unveiling Ceremony at Dalmeny
General Sir Francis Davies, KCB, KCMG, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in
Scotland, unveiled the war memorial at Dalmeny in the presence of a large gathering
on the village green. The memorial stands on a site granted by Lord Rosebery. It is
in the form of a Mercat Cross, and is of the finest Cullalo freestone. A shaft rises
from steps and plinth, and is surmounted by a lion rampant, supporting four shields
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with appropriate heraldic devices. A bronze tablet on the plinth records the names of
33 inhabitants of the parish who fell in the war. General Davies said they did well to
pay honour to the fallen, as they had brought great honour to these who remained.
The day must be one of sad memory to many people present, but he asked these
who had relations commemorated by the monument to believe him when he said
that when they passed it they might hold their heads high. A little more than eight
years ago the men they now commemorated were living there amongst them, most
of them educated in their schools and worshipping in their church. When the call
came they did not hesitate. They went forth and gave their lives. There was more to
be done than putting up the monument. He asked them to remember these whom
the fallen had left behind, and also these who had returned from the war and needed
their help. They who put up the monument were not likely to forget what it meant, but
as time went on the reason of the memorial might be forgotten. He asked, therefore,
that the children should be taught how the call, when it was made, had been
answered, and how they, if the call should come again, would have to do the same.
If that was done their comrades would not have died in vain, and their sacrifice would
be an inspiration to generations to come. The names of the fallen having been read
by Mr A D Walker, the memorial was dedicated by the Reverend Dr Dunn, and
thereafter the Dalmeny Pipe Band played "The Flowers of the Forest", and buglers
sounded "The Last Post". A number of beautiful wreaths were placed at the foot of
the memorial, and an impressive ceremony terminated with the benediction being
pronounced by the Reverend W Bower Wilson. General Davies afterwards inspected
a number of ex-service men of the parish, who were paraded near the memorial.
We believe that we have correctly identified all but five of the men on the
memorial. The five in question are R. Campbell. J. Mackay, J. Cullen, J. C.
Nelson and A. Rutherford. Please email [email protected] if you can help to
identify them.
Private Peter Anderson, 12th Royal Scots, born at Selkirk in 1893 was the younger
son of George Anderson, a Baker, and Ann Anderson, of Jessiefield, Stow. After
Ann's death, George married Marjory Yule, and they resided at 100 Dumbiedykes
Road, Edinburgh.
His siblings were Annie, George and Peter, and step siblings Elizabeth, Marjory,
Margaret, Ann, Robert and Mary.
His brother, Thomas Anderson, a Baker, lived at 13 The Loan, South Queensferry.
He married Margaret R Meikle, on 3 May 1915. She lived at 9 Prospect Street, then
70 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh. She received a pension of 18/9 for herself and one
child.
Before enlisting on 28 April 1915 at Edinburgh, he was employed as a Coal Miner.
He served in the 11th Royal Scots, entering France as a theatre of war on 28 August
1915. He received a gunshot wound in his left wrist on 14 July 1916 and was sent
back to the UK, returning to France on 25 December 1916 and being posted to the
12th Royal Scots.
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He was killed in action on 5 June 1917, age 23, and is commemorated on the Arras
Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Lance Corporal James Beveridge, 2nd Royal Scots, born at Uphall in 1887, was
the fourth son of Peter Beveridge, a Coal Miner, and Agnes Martin Beveridge, of
North Lumphinnans, Ballingry, Fife.
His siblings were William, Peter, Agnes, Jane, Robert, Ann, George, John,
Alexander and Gavin.
He was employed as a Miner, and on 22 September 1903, he enlisted as a regular
soldier in the Royal Scots.
Before enlisting in the 3rd Royal Scots on 22 September 1903, he was employed as
a Shale Miner in the Dalmeny Crude Oil Company. He served at home as a Private
until he was discharged to the Army Reserve on 22 September 1906, and was
recalled on 9 August 1914, joining the 2nd Royal Scots as a Private and entering
France as a theatre of war on 11 August 1914. He was promoted to Lance Corporal
on 18 September 1915
On 5 July 1907, he married Margaret Taylor Crane, of 7 Back Row, Dalmeny, and
they had three children, Peter, William and Margaret.
He was killed in action close to Longueval on 18 July 1916, aged 29, during the
Battle of the Somme, and is buried in Quarry Cemetery, Montauban, France. He was
mentioned in a casualty list in The Scotsman on 16 August 1916, and the West
Lothian Courier on 4 August 1916.
His wife remarried, becoming Mrs Margaret Miller, of 24 Bread Street, Edinburgh,
and received a letter dated 27 June 1921 informing her that her former husband's
body had been exhumed and reburied in Quarry Cemetery, Montauban, France. It
was stated that "the removal has been conducted with every measure of care and
reverence and the reburial was conducted by a Military Chaplain".
Private Robert Phorson Brown, 14th Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps,
born at Dalry, Edinburgh in 1895, was the third son of George Brown, a Wood
Sawyer, and Margaret Brown, of 148 Baird Street, Glasgow.
His siblings were George, William, Agnes, Janet, Margaret, Isabella, Richard and
Euphemia.
After enlisting at Edinburgh, he served as a Private in the 14th Field Ambulance,
Royal Army Medical Corps, entering France as a theatre of war on 20 August 1914.
He was killed in action on 19 May 1915, age 20, and is buried in Perth Cemetery
(China Wall), Ieper, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. He was mentioned in death notices
in The Edinburgh Evening News on 5 June 1915 and 9 June 1915.
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Private James Cameron, 6th Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, born at Dalmeny
in 1897, was the second son of McKenzie Cameron, a Mason, and Martha Cameron,
of Long Green, Dalmeny House, Dalmeny.
His siblings were Martha, McKenzie, Janet, Agnes.
Before enlisting at Edinburgh, he was employed as an Apprentice Mason on
Dalmeny Estate.
He died of wounds on 14 July 1916, age 19, and is buried in Lillers Communal
Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. He was mentioned in the West Lothian Courier on
21 July 1916 and 18 August 1916, the Edinburgh Evening Dispatch on 26 July 1916,
and a casualty list in The Scotsman on 16 August 1916.
Private Andrew Campbell, 8th Black Watch, born at Blair Atholl in 1891, was the
fourth son of Archibald Campbell, an Estate Labourer, and Jessie Campbell, of
Woodend, Blair Atholl.
His siblings were Catherine, John, Duncan, Alistair and Archibald.
He was educated at Blair Atholl Public School and in 1911 was employed as a
Gardener at Dalmeny Park, also living on the Estate. Before enlisting on 8 February
1916 at Paisley, he was employed at Ferguslie House, Paisley.
He served as a Private in the 8th Black Watch, entering France as a theatre of war
on 20 September 1916.
He was killed in action on 24 March 1918, age 27, during the German Spring
Offensive of 1918, and is commemorated on Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France.
He was mentioned in De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour 1914-1918.
Lieutenant William Campbell, MC, 9th Royal Scots, born at Edinburgh in 1895,
was the only son of Bruce Campbell, a Bank Clerk, and Emeline Campbell, of 10
Greenbank Place, Morningside, Edinburgh. He was the grandson of William
Campbell, Clerk of Works on Dalmeny Estate, and Charlotte Campbell, of Long
Green Cottages, Dalmeny Park.
His siblings were Charlotte and Mary.
Lieutenant Campbell was educated at George Watson’s College from 1910 to 1912
where he was a member of the Officer Training Corps and was an outstanding
golfer. He became an apprentice in the Scottish Widow’s Fund, training as an
Actuary, before enlisting in the 9th Royal Scots during 1913. He was commissioned
as a Second Lieutenant in July 1915 and served in “D” Company entering France as
a theatre of war during March 1916.
The Military Cross was awarded for conspicuous gallantry and skill in the attack on
Roeux on the banks of the Yser Canal. "He led his platoon with great bravery,
picking up a Lewis gun and inflicting heavy casualties with it on the enemy, and
although wounded he remained in command until relieved the following day."
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He was killed in action on 31 July 1917, age 22, and is buried in Essex Farm
Cemetery, Ieper, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. He was mentioned in a biographical
note in The Scotsman on 6 August 1917, and the Watsonian War Record 19141918. He is also remembered on the Cramond Kirk Memorial.
Sergeant Richard John Dickson, 7th Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, born at
East Carigie, Dalmeny in 1894, was the only son of John Dickson, a Shepherd, and
Annie Dickson, of Home Farm, Dalmeny.
His siblings were Annie and Isabella.
Before enlisting at Glasgow on 24 September 1914, he was employed as a Bank
Clerk in the Clydesdale Bank. He enlisted at Glasgow on 24 September 1914,
served as a Private in the 7th Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, was promoted to
Lance Corporal on 18 February 1915 and entered France as a theatre of war on 8
July 1915, before being promoted to Sergeant on 7 December 1915. He was
wounded in the hand and right knee on 17 May 1916 and was sent back to the UK
on 20 May 1916. He returned to France on 5 December 1916 briefly serving with the
1st QOCH before being posted back to his original battalion, the 7th QOCH.
He was killed in action on 23 April 1917, age 22, during the Battle of Arras, and is
buried in Tank Cemetery, Guemappe, Pas de Calais, France. He was mentioned in a
death notice in The Scotsman on 12 May 1917 and is remembered on the Cramond
Kirk Memorial.
After his death, a New Testament, one photograph and some correspondence were
returned to his father.
Private Alexander D Halliburton, 6th Black Watch, born at Errol in 1886, was the
son of George Halliburton, a Farm Servant, and Mary Halliburton, of Cothouse,
Burnside, Angus.
His siblings were Elizabeth, Jemima and George
Before enlisting at South Queensferry, he was employed at Dalmeny Crude Oils
Company as a Retortman at the Dalmeny Crude Oils Company, and lived with his
wife, Jessie, at The Rows, Dalmeny, with their daughter, Mary. He served as a
Private in the 6th Black Watch.
He died of disease in Germany between 23-24/07/1918, age 32, and is buried in
Sedan (St Charles) Communal Cemetery, Ardennes, France.
Gunner Henry John Iorns, 11th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, born at Tooting,
Surrey, in 1886, was the son of Lewis Goddard Iorns, a Master Baker, and Annie
Elizabeth Iorns, of Tooting.
He married Mary Dickson Coull on 17 August 1912 at South Queensferry, they had a
son, Robert John, and a daughter, Ann, and lived at 10 Forth Terrace, Dalmeny.
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Before enlisting on 19 June 1915 at Edinburgh, he served as a Sick Berth Steward
aboard Royal Fleet Auxiliary Hospital Ship Maine and was then employed as a
Rigger. After enlisting, he initially served as Gunner in the 2nd/1st Lowland Brigade,
Royal Field Artillery, being promoted to Acting Bombardier on 20 November 1915.
He was later posted to the 25th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, and then on 29 July
1916, he was posted to the 65th Divisional Ammunition Column. On 9 October 1916
he was posted and served in the 3rd Battery of the 7th (London) Brigade, Royal Field
Artillery and entered France as a theatre of war on 25 November 1916. His last
posting was to “D” Battery, 11th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery
He died of wounds received in action on 10 October 1917, aged 31, and is buried in
Dozinghem Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. He was
mentioned in the Linlithgow Gazette on 19 October 1917.
Gunner Cummings Johnstone, “C” Battery, 64th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery,
born at Pinkie, Musselburgh, in 1891, he was the second son of Cumming Johnston,
a Gardener, and Janet Stuart Johnston, of Stenhousemills, Gorgie, Edinburgh.
His siblings were Andrew, Janet, Wilfred, Jane and Robert.
He was resident at Cramond Bridge at one time according to a casualty list in The
Scotsman and was employed as a Ploughman. He enlisted at Edinburgh and served
as a Gunner in “C” Battery, 64th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
He was killed in action on 14 July 1917, age 26, and is buried in Ypres Town
Cemetery Extension, Ieper, Belgium. He was mentioned in a casualty list in The
Scotsman on 27 August 1917, and is also remembered on the Corstorphine
Memorial.
Corporal John Kennie, 8th Seaforth Highlanders, born at Loanhead in 1891, was
the eldest son of Michael Kennie, a Labourer, and Rosanna Kennie, of Old Toll,
Kirkliston.
His siblings were James, Andrew and Mary.
Before enlisting at Gorebridge on 2 September 1914, he was employed by the
Gorebridge Coal Company. He served as a Corporal in the 8th Seaforth
Highlanders, entering France as a theatre of war on 9 July 1915.
He was killed in action in the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915, age 24, and is
commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. He was mentioned in
the West Lothian Courier on 6 October 1916, and is also remembered on the
Kirkliston Memorial.
Corporal John Livingston, 2/10th Royal Scots, born at Glasgow in 1895, was the
eldest son of George Livingston, a Pit Fireman at Dalmeny Crude Oil Company, and
Jane Livingston, of 5 Railway Cottages, Dalmeny.
His siblings were James, Jane, William, Adam and Georgina/
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During his leave after being wounded in France, he married Agnes Smith Aitchison
by Declaration within the Signet Library, Edinburgh. She lived at 6 Moncrieff Terrace,
Edinburgh.
Before enlisting at Kirkliston on 8 May 1914, he was employed as a Hutch Braker at
the Dalmeny Crude Oil Company. He initially served as a Private in the 1/10th Royal
Scots (Lewis Gun Section). Entering France as a theatre of war on 29 July 1916, he
was posted to the 2nd Royal Scots on 10 August 1916. He was appointed Lance
Corporal on 21 April 1917 and received a serious gunshot wound in his left thigh on
26 September 1917, returning to the UK on 8 October 1917. He was declared unfit
for front-line duty, was posted to the 2/10th Royal Scots on 3 September 1918 and
served with his unit in Russia from 20 September 1918, being promoted Corporal on
25 October 1918.
He was killed in action on 11 November 1918, age 23, during a Bolshevik attack on
his blockhouse, near Troitsa, 200 miles south of Archangel on the River Dwina, and
is buried in Archangel Cemetery, Russia. He was mentioned in the Linlithgow
Gazette on 20 December 1918, the West Lothian Courier on 12 October 1917 and
27 December 1918, and a casualty list in The Scotsman on 3 November 1917.
Second Lieutenant William Mackie, 3rd/6th Royal Scots, born on 22 May 1892 at
South Queensferry, was the son of William Mackie, a Distiller’s Manager, and Annie
Bonar Mackie of Woodburn, Dalmeny and Burnshangie, South Queensferry.
His siblings were Ethel, Helen, Ann, James, David, Isabella and Charles, and a stepsibling, Robert Yule.
Lieutenant Mackie was educated at Daniel Stewart’s College and later employed as
a Distillers Clerk.
During the Great War he enlisted on 18 January 1915 and initially served as Lance
Corporal 8348 in “B” Company of the 2/5th Scottish Rifles. He was commissioned as
a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd/6th Royal Scots on 3 November 1915. This unit was
formed at Peebles during July 1915 serving at Galashiels then shortly afterwards at
Peebles.
He died of sarcoma of the lung, cardiac and respiratory failure on 29 April 1916,
aged 23, in the military hospital at Craigleith, Edinburgh, is buried in Queensferry
Cemetery, and is remembered on the South Queensferry Memorial and Dalmeny
Memorial. He was mentioned in the Linlithgow Gazette on 5 May 1916, and a
biographical note in The Scotsman on 1 May 1916.
His brother, James, served in the Veterinary Corps in Egypt. After the war he went
into Veterinary practice, and one of the present partners is his grandson.
Private Hugh MacDiarmid, 1st Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, born at
Shillelagh, County Wicklow, Ireland, in 1889, was the eldest son of Hugh McDiarmid,
and Margaret McDiarmid, of 21 Boswell Terrace, Wardie, Edinburgh, and also
Dalmeny Park.
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His siblings were Margaret, William, Duncan, John and Ann.
Before enlisting at Edinburgh, he was employed as a Gamekeeper in Dalmeny Park,
and served as a Private in the 1st Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, entering
France as a theatre of war on 10 May 1915.
He was killed in action on 22 November 1916, age 27 and is buried in Warlencourt
British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. He was mentioned in a death notice in The
Scotsman on 9 December 1916, and is also remembered on the Cramond Kirk
Memorial.
Lance Corporal John McKinlay, 8th Black Watch, born at Cramond in 1894, was
the elder son of Andrew McKinlay, an Enginemen, and Margaret McKinlay, of 36
Dean Street, Edinburgh and The Rows, Dalmeny.
His siblings were William, Agnes and Jane.
Before enlisting at Edinburgh, he was employed as an Apprentice Blacksmith at
Dalmeny Crude Oil Works. He served as a Lance Corporal in the 8th Black Watch,
entering France as a theatre of war on 10 May 1915.
He was killed in action on 27 September 1915, aged 21, at the Battle of Loos and is
commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France. He was mentioned in
a casualty list in The Scotsman on 6 November 1915..
Private Robert William Middleton, 13th Royal Scots, born at Newton, West
Lothian, in 1886, was the only son of William Middleton, a Shale Miner, and Jane
Middleton, of 13 Stone Row, Dalmeny.
Before enlisting at Edinburgh, he was employed as a Pit Brakeman, and resided at
13 Stone Row then The Rows, Dalmeny. He served as a Private in the 13th Royal
Scots, entering France as a theatre of war on 2 September 1915.
He was killed in action on 11 May 1916, age 30, and is commemorated on the Loos
Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
Lance Corporal Charles Moodie, 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers, born at North
Queensferry in 1895, was the younger son of Peter Moodie, a Painter, and Margaret
Moodie, of 7 Rosshill Terrace, Dalmeny.
His siblings were Helen, Jane and John.
Before enlisting at Kirkliston, he was employed as a Porter at Dalmeny Station, and
initially served as a Private in the Royal Scots before being transferred and serving
as a Lance Corporal in the 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers.
He was killed in action on 7 June 1918, age 23, and is buried in Sandpits British
Cemetery, Fouquereuil, Pas de Calais, France. He was mentioned in the Linlithgow
Gazette on 21 June 1918 and 5 July 1918, the West Lothian Courier on 28 June
1918, and a casualty list in The Scotsman on 11 July 1918.
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Lance Corporal Walter Pearson, 2nd Royal Scots, born at South Queensferry in
1885, was the only son of Janet Pearson, a Laundry Worker, of West Terrace, South
Queensferry.
Janet Pearson died in 1899, and in the 1901 Census, Walter was living with his
grandmother at West Terrace and employed as a Grocer's Message Boy. Residing
later at 14 Rosshill Terrace, Dalmeny, he was employed as a Plumber before
becoming a Regular Soldier.
Prior to joining the army he had served in the 8th Volunteer Battalion, Royal Scots
then enlisted on 12 October 1903 at Edinburgh and served as a Private in the 3rd
Royal Scots. He joined the regular army on 24 November 1903 and served as a
Private in the 1st Royal Scots in India from 28 February 1906 to 17/01/1912, being
transferred to the Army Reserve on 19 January 1912. After the outbreak of the Great
War he was mobilized on 5 August 1914 and appointed as a Lance Corporal serving
in the 2nd Royal Scots, entering France as a theatre of war on 11 August 1914.
He was killed in action on 26 August 1914, age 29, and is commemorated on La
Ferte Sous Jouarre, Memorial, Seine et Marne, France.
Guardsman Angus Robertson Ramage, 2nd Scots Guards, born at Dunbar,
Haddington in 1888, was the fifth son of Andrew Ramage, a Railway Gatekeeper,
and Isabella Ramage, of Bielside Crossing, Dunbar, and later Dalmeny where they
both died.
His siblings were Alexander, Duncan, George, Jane, Andrew, William, Robert,
James and Lachlan.
Before enlisting, he was a Police Constable in the West Lothian Police Force,
stationed at South Queensferry. He was an Army Reservist, re-enlisted at Edinburgh
and served in the 2nd Scots Guards, entering France as a theatre of war on 7
October 1914.
He was killed in action on 26 October 1914, age 26, and is commemorated on the
Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. He was mentioned in the
Linlithgow Gazette on 20 November 1914, and the West Lothian Courier on 14
December 1914.
Lance Sergeant James Reilly, 8th North Staffordshire Regiment, born at Johnston,
Renfrewshire, in 1896, was the elder son of John Reilly, a Railway Platelayer at the
Dalmeny Crude Oil Company, and Sarah Reilly, of The Park, Dalmeny.
His siblings were Elizabeth, Sarah Jane, Mary Ann and John.
Before enlisting at Glasgow on 25 September 1915, he was employed as a Plate
Layer and resided at 15 Stone Row, Dalmeny. He initially served as a Sapper in the
Lowland Division, Royal Engineers before being transferred on 9 December 1916
and serving as a Private in the 12th Training Battalion. On 28 January 1917 he was
transferred and served as a Private in “B” Company of the 8th North Staffordshire
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Regiment, entering France as a theatre of war on 7 January 1917. He was appointed
Lance Corporal on 21 July 1917 and was wounded soon afterwards. He was
promoted to Corporal on 31 October 1917 and appointed Lance Sergeant on 3
December 1917.
He was killed in action on 4 November 1918, aged 22, and is buried in Wargnies le
Grand Churchyard, Nord, France. He was mentioned in the Linlithgow Gazette on 22
November 1918 and 29 November 1918, the West Lothian Courier on 29 November
1918, and a casualty list in The Scotsman on 27 August 1917.
Sergeant Robert Robertson, 9th Black Watch, born at Liberton in 1878, was the
eldest son of James Robertson, a Shale Miner, and Jane Robertson of Burdiehouse,
Liberton.
His siblings were Ann, Henry, James and John.
Before enlisting as a Regular Soldier, he was employed as a Miner and had served
in the 8th Volunteer Battalion Royal Scots. He enlisted on 16 November 1900 at
South Queensferry and served in the 2nd Black Watch in South Africa during the
Boer War from 8 January to 28 October 1902, was then posted to the 1st Black
Watch serving in India from 6 February 1904 to 22 October 1908, before being
discharged to Army Reserve on 15 November 1908. During the Great War he reenlisted at Edinburgh and served as a Sergeant in the 9th Black Watch, entering
France as a theatre of war on 27 June 1915.
He was killed in action on 26 August 1917, age 39, and is commemorated on the
Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Throughout his military career he
was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal with 3 clasps, the 1914-1915 Star,
British War Medal & Victory Medal. He is also remembered on the Liberton
Memorial.
Private William McDonald Ronaldson, 2nd Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders,
born at Edinburgh in 1891, was the eldest son of John Ronaldson, a Railway
Surfaceman, and Jessie Ronaldson, a Shopkeeper, of 2 Little Brick Row, Dalmeny.
His siblings were Peter, Alice, Donald, Robert and Jessie.
After enlisting as a Regular Soldier at Edinburgh around 1910, he served as a
Private in the 2nd Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, entering France as a theatre
of war on 19 December 1914.
He was killed in action on 23 April 1915, age 24, and is buried in Larch Wood
(Railway Cutting) Cemetery, Ieper, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. He was mentioned in
the Linlithgow Gazette on 28 May 1915.
Corporal William Russell, 9th Gordon Highlanders, born at St Cuthbert’s,
Midlothian in 1887, was the elder son of Peter Russell, a Wool Carter, and Isabella
Russell, of 16 Springfield Street, Leith.
His siblings were Mary, Helen and Peter.
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He was the husband of Elizabeth Hill Russell (later Lawler) of 8 South Richmond
Street, Edinburgh.
Corporal Russell enlisted at Edinburgh and served in the 9th Gordon Highlanders,
entering France as a theatre of war on 9 July 1915.
He died of wounds received in action on 25 September 1915, age 28, during the
Battle of Loos and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Private James Scott, 12th Highland Light Infantry, born at Dalmeny in 1895, was
the fourth son of Adam Scott, a Farmer and Dairyman, and Grace Scott, of
Bankhead Farm, Dalmeny
His siblings were John, William, Ann, Grace, Adam, Isabella, Robert and Agnes.
After enlisting at Kirkliston, he served as a Private in the Royal Scots before being
transferred and serving as a Private in the 12th Highland Light Infantry.
He was killed in action on 16 September 1916, age 22, and is commemorated on the
Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. He was mentioned in the Linlithgow Gazette on
1 January 1915 and 6 October 1916, the West Lothian Courier on 6 October 1916
and 27 October 1916, and a casualty list in The Scotsman on 21 October 1916.
Private John Smith, 11th Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), born at South Queensferry
in 1884, was the younger son of John Smith, a Shale Miner, and Ann Smith, of
Covenanter's Close, South Queensferry.
His siblings were Mary Ann, Peter, Jane and Catherine.
Before enlisting at Kirkliston, he was employed as a Retortman. He served as a
Private in the 11th Scottish Rifles, entering France as a theatre of war on 19
September 1915.
He died of malaria on 17 September 1916, age 32, and is buried in Salonika (Lembet
Road) Military Cemetery, Greece. He was mentioned in the West Lothian Courier on
6 October 1916 and 20 October 1916, and a casualty list in The Scotsman on 30
October 1916. His brother Peter was a Great War casualty.
Private John Duthie Swayne, 7th Seaforth Highlanders, born at Perth in 1899, was
the third son of William Swayne, a Gardener, and Mary Swayne, of The Lodge,
Ashburnham, Dalmeny.
His siblings were William, Vivian, Gertrude and Eric.
After enlisting at Perth, he initially served as a Private in a Training Reserve Battalion
before being transferred and serving as a Private in the 7th Seaforth Highlanders.
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He was killed in action on 11 April 1918, age 18, and is commemorated on the Tyne
Cot Memorial, Zonnebeke, West Vlaanderen, Belgium. He is also remembered on
the South Queensferry Free Church Roll of Honour.
Private Robert Todd, 9th Royal Scots, born at Peebles in 1887, was the youngest
son of Robert Chalmers Todd, a Ploughman, and Agnes [Kerr] Todd.
His siblings were Richard, John, Margaret, Jessie, Agnes and Elizabeth.
Before enlisting at South Queensferry, he was employed as a Railway Signaller and
resided at Wester Dalmeny then 19 Montpelier Park, Edinburgh. He was married to
Mary Murray Todd, who resided at 22 Lennox Street, Edinburgh, after the war.
He was killed in action on 22 March 1918, age 33, and is buried in Marteville
Communal Cemetery, Attilly, Aisne, France.
Private William Trotter, 8th Scottish Rifles, born at Currie in 1899, was the younger
son of George Trotter, a Ploughman, and Jane Trotter, of Craigbrae, Dalmeny.
His siblings were Mary and William.
After enlisting at Edinburgh, he initially served as a Private in the Highland Light
Infantry before being transferred and serving as a Private in the 8th Scottish Rifles.
He was killed in action on 29 July 1918, age 19, and is commemorated on Soissons
Memorial, Aisne, France. He was mentioned in the West Lothian Courier on 13
September 1918 and 25 July 1919.
Private William Turner, 1st Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, born at Longton,
Midlothian in 1889, was the fourth son of James Turner, a Shepherd, and Mary
Turner of East Samuelston, Haddington.
His siblings were Mary, James, Alexander, John, George, Darling, Archibald and
Andrew.
Before enlisting at Edinburgh on 10 November 1914, he was employed as a
Shepherd on Dalmeny Estate and lived at Dalmeny Park. He served as a Private in
“D” Company of the 1st Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, entering France as a
theatre of war on 22 February 1915.
He was killed in action on 13 October 1915, age 26, and is commemorated on the
Loos Memorial, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Gunner William Brown Wales, 1st/2nd (Lancs) Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison
Artillery, born at Old Machar, Aberdeen in 1877, was the eldest son of David Wales,
a Slater, and Margaret L Wales of 24 Wardlaw Place, Gorgie, Edinburgh, then Stable
Yard, Dalmeny Park, and later North Mortonhall Lodge, Liberton.
His siblings were Alexander, Williamina, George and Christina.
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Gunner Wales was employed as a Forester before enlisting at Glencorse.
He was killed in action on 12 August 1917, age 41, and is buried in Vlamertinghe
New Military Cemetery, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. He is also remembered
on the Liberton Memorial. He was mentioned in a casualty list in The Scotsman on
17 September 1917, the Edinburgh Evening Dispatch on 25 September 1917, and a
death notice in The Edinburgh Evening News on 15 April 1918.
His brothers Lance Corporal Alexander Wales, 5th Royal Scots, and Private George
Wales, 6th Seaforth Highlanders, were killed in action on 18 June 1915 and 25
March 1918, respectively.
Private James Wilson, 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers, born at Cumnock in 1890, was the
son of John Wilson, a Ploughman, and Mary Wilson, of Toddshills, Ayrshire.
His siblings were Elizabeth, John and David.
Before enlisting, he was employed as a Second Coachman and lived at Craigiehall.
He was killed in action on 3 May 1917, age 27, and is commemorated on Le Touret
Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
Private George Shearlaw Young, 1st Scots Guards, born in 1897 at Gladsmuir,
Midlothian was the son of John Young, and Mary Young, of of 12 Mayfield Place,
Corstorphine, then 5 Hope Street, Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
Before enlisting during September 1915 at Edinburgh, he was employed as a
Gardener by the Earl of Rosebery at Dalmeny. He served as a Private in “B”
Company of the 1st Scots Guards, was wounded, and suffered from trench foot
during late 1916 and early 1917.
He was killed in action on 27 February 1918, age 21, and is buried in Fampoux
British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. He was mentioned in the Edinburgh
Evening Dispatch on 19 March 1918, and the West Lothian Courier on 12 January
1917 and a biographical note and death notice in The Edinburgh Evening News on 6
March 1918 and 7 March 1918. He is also remembered on the Corstorphine
Memorial and a family gravestone in Corstorphine Hill Cemetery.
Copyright 2014 © Garry A Ketchen and Alistair McEwen