Dingwall WW I Page 2
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Photo: #5991
Bombardier Alexander Finlayson
Date of Paper: 09.11.1917
Surname: Finlayson
First Name(s): Alexander
Rank: Bombardier
Regiment: Royal Field Artillery
Home Address: Pitglassie, Dingwall
As briefly recorded recently, Bombardier Alexander Finlayson, R.F.A., Pitglassie Dingwall, whose photograph appears to-day, died in a Casualty Clearing Station of wounds received in action. The circumstances connected with his death are pathetic and tragic. Home on leave, and married on Friday, he left for France on Monday, was in action on Thursday, and died of wounds on Friday, just a week after he wedded his young wife.
Deceased, who was 25 years of age, joined up early in August, 1914, answering the call instantly. He had been two years and three months on active service, and had shared in some of the bitterest fighting of the New Army. Originally a painter with Mr J. Ross, Dingwall, his health gave way, and he took to outdoor life. He was employed as a ploughman in the Black Isle, working at Kilcoy. When he joined up he was serving at Balloan.
The son of Mr Finlayson, cattleman, Pitglassie, his young widow, who was Miss Lizzie Paton, was a daughter of Mr Paton, cattleman, Ellis Farm, Avoch. She is employed in general service in the Black Isle. With the relatives there is widespread sympathy. Deceased, as his prompt response to the call to arms shows, and his splendid work with his battery proves, was a virile type of manhood, inspired by a chivalrous and patriotic sense of duty.
Photo: #6046
Private Duncan Finlayson
Date of Paper: 06.10.1916
Surname: Finlayson
First Name(s): Duncan
Rank: Private
Regiment: Canadians
Home Address: Lochiel Place, Dingwall
THE LATE PTE. DUNCAN FINLAYSON
[See also Sergt. Hector Finlayson, Dingwall]
Above will be found a portrait of the late Private Duncan Finlayson, Canadians, who, as we reported in our issue of the 23rd inst., was killed in action on the 8th inst. In his 29th year, the deceased was the youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs Finlayson, Lochiel Place, Dingwall, and nephew of Mr and Mrs Hector Finlayson, 5 Blackwell Street, Dingwall.
A plasterer to trade, he was employed in Dingwall by Messrs Mackay & Sons. About 7 years ago he migrated to Canada, settling in Vancouver. On the outbreak of war he joined the Canadians, and crossed to England with the first contingent. He was over a year in France, during which time he spent a few days in Inverness and Dingwall, when on furlough.
His sister, Mrs Annie Cameron, was for a long period employed by Mr George Souter, stationer, at Dingwall and Strathpeffer.
Much sympathy is expressed with Mrs Cameron and his aunt and uncle and family in their sad loss.
A brother of the deceased, Private Donald Finlayson, is also serving with the colours.
The relatives of Pte. Finlayson have received a letter of sympathy from the Rt. Hon. Robert Munro, K.C., Lord Advocate [remainder missing].
Photo: #8013
Sergeant Hector Finlayson
Date of Paper: 06.10.1916
Surname: Finlayson
First Name(s): Hector
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: 1/4th Seaforths
Home Address: Blackwell Street, Dingwall
[See also the late Private Duncan Finlayson, Dingwall]
A cousin of the deceased, of whom also we reproduce a photograph, is Sergeant Hector Finlayson, of the Seaforths, son of Mr and Mrs Finlayson, Blackwells Street, Dingwall, who is at present at home time-expired on a month’s furlough, and who has voluntarily rejoined. A plumber to trade, Sergt. Finlayson was working in Invergordon when hostilities broke out. He immediately joined the Invergordon company, and proceeded to France in 1914, with his unit, and has been there ever since. His brother, Private Geo. Finlayson, was wounded at Neuve Chapelle, and has been discharged. He is now employed at Invergordon.
Photo: #6007
Driver Alexander Fraser
Date of Paper: 14.11.1918
Surname: Fraser
First Name(s): Alexander
Rank: Driver
Regiment: Ross Mountain Battery
Home Address: Seaview, Craig Road, Dingwall
Photo: #6002
Corporal Daniel Fraser
Date of Paper: 14.11.1918
Surname: Fraser
First Name(s): Daniel
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: B Coy., Seaforth Highlanders
Home Address: Seaview, Craig Road, Dingwall
DINGWALL SEAFORTH'S DEATH
"A TOWER OF STRENGTH TO HIS COMRADES"
Mrs Fraser, Seaview, Craig Road, Dingwall, whose son, Corpl. Daniel Fraser, as recently reported, was killed in action on 31st August, has received the following letter, under date September 16, from the Rev J. Grey, C.F. “Dear Mrs Fraser, It is with very great regret that I send you this letter. Your gallant son, 18758 Corpl. D. Fraser, was killed in action on 31st August 1918. The battalion was in the line at the time, taking part in a most successful advance. While your son was at his post with his men he was hit by machine gun fire. Death was instantaneous. He was reverently buried by his comrades before they moved forward.
“The grave was marked by a cross, and we hope later – as soon as possible – to place a battalion cross on the honoured spot. It will be possible later on to get a photograph of the grave by writing to the Director of Graves, Registration and Enquiries, War Office, Winchester Square, St James Square, London S.W.1.
“While nothing we can say will make up for the loss of your gallant and devoted son, it may comfort you to know that he was held in the highest regard and affection by the battalion
“His officers placed the utmost confidence in him, he was so concientious, reliable and courageous, and he was a tower of strength to his comrades. The whole battalion, officers and men, sincerely mourn ‘a good soldier, faithful unto death’ and they join in sending you and yours deepest sympathy in your irreparable loss. It is our prayer that you will be comforted in your time of great sorrow, for your boy, who has fought the good fight.
“With sincere condolences.”
A photograph of Corpl. D Fraser, along with one of his elder brother, Driver Alex. Fraser, Ross Mountain Battery, appears today.
They are sons of the late Mr Thomas Fraser, carpenter, Dingwall. It will be recalled that Corpl. Fraser who was 21 years of age joined the colours in March 1917, was trained at Cromarty, and went to France on June 21 of the same year. Smart, alert, soldierly, he got his corporal’s stripes in a battalion famed for the high efficiency demanded of its NCO’s. In 1917 he saw much bitter fighting. He shared in the action of October 4, going over the top with several Dingwall boys, some of whom will, like himself, return no more. He was in the thick of the German offensive in March last, when his regiment added greatly to its proud traditions, and subsequently shared in the great advance which the British and Allied Armies have made.
Before joining up he was a carpenter and the main support of the home. He served his apprenticeship with ex-Dean of Guild Maclennan, Dingwall, subsequently finding employment at Invergordon.
The Chaplain’s testimony today supplements and confirms the fine soldierly message sent by a comrade who conveyed the news to the mother. Corporal Fraser was a fine, manly, likeable lad who has left behind him memories of the most pleasant kind. His loss, greatly mourned by his mother and three brothers and two sisters, who survive, is regretted also by many of his comrades in his native district.
Driver Alex. Fraser is on service in the East. One of the Dingwall Ammunition column of the Ross Mountain Battery, he returned from Kirkcaldy where he was practising his profession as a dentist and mobilised with his unit at the outbreak of war. Trained at Bedford, he proceeded overseas and shared in the landing at Gallipoli in 1915. He passed through the bitter experiences on the Peninsula and subsequently served in Egypt and Salonika. Time expired in 1916, he re-enlisted for the duration of the war and after a month’s leave spent at home returned to the East, and is meantime serving with a unit which is sharing in the great advance into Bulgaria.
A capital type of soldier, he has written with freedom and point on campaigning experiences in the East. Driver Fraser served his professional apprenticeship with Messrs Dewar and Hay, Dingwall, from whose establishment has gone several men to serve their country. A safe and speedy return is the wish of all his many friends.
Photo: #6039
Private Donald Fraser
Date of Paper: 24.12.1915
Surname: Fraser
First Name(s): Donald
Rank: Private
Regiment: H Company, Seaforths
Home Address: Dingwall
2475 Private Donald Fraser, H Company, of whom the above is a portrait, was killed in action at Hooge by shell fire on 18th August 1915 and is buried in Vielle Chapelle Cemetery, grave no 19. Only a year ago he joined the colours and proceeded to France with the second draft in March. He had taken part in the trench warfare since then, and in the battle of Festubert in May. He had just been appointed to the transport of the battalion, and the sad news of his death at the early age of 30 came as a great shock to his relatives and friends, and to the Wester Ross district, where he was well known. Letters from the Rev John Macleod, chaplain, and Colonel Cuthbert show that he was a good soldier. Before the outbreak of war he was a motor driver with Mr W.D. Mackenzie, Garve Hotel, having served his time two years ago with Messrs Claud Hamilton and Company, motor engineers, Aberdeen.
Captain Gilbert Fraser
Date of Paper: 03.08.1917
Surname: Fraser
First Name(s): Gilbert
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Seaforths
Home Address: Craig Road,Dingwall
2/1st NORTHERN COUNTIES HIGHLAND VOLUNTEER REGIMENT
THE NEW ADJUTANT
Captain Gilbert Fraser, Seaforths, arrived in Dingwall at the week-end to take over the adjutancy of the Ross-shire Battalion, 2/1st Northern Counties Highland Volunteer Regiment. Colonel Stewart-Mackenzie of Seaforth is commandant of the Corps, and Major T. W. Cuthbert, C.M.G., D.S.O., Seaforths, is officer commanding the battalion.
Sergeant instructors have arrived in Ross-shire, and in a short time the more intensive work of recruiting and organisation will be in full swing.
Captain Fraser, the first adjutant, is the son of Mr and Mrs John Fraser, Craig Road, Dingwall, and is well-known to Ross-shire Seaforths, and particularly well-known in the Dingwall district. Mobilising with the county battalion three years ago, he proceeded to France, and went through the first winter in the trenches, taking part in the battle of Neuve Chapelle. Subsequently he was wounded in the head, and although he has made a good recovery, he has never recovered his original Army category. For about two years he has been with the reserve battalion, performing important work in the training of men and having charge of a company which includes men who are temporarily unfit for general service. He is recognized as a smart, intelligent officer, and is highly qualified for the duties of his new appointment.
A photograph of Captain Fraser appears to-day.
Photo: #6052
Private James Fraser
Date of Paper: 19.01.1917
Surname: Fraser
First Name(s): James
Rank: Private
Regiment: Seaforths
Home Address: Canada (formerly Roselea Cottage, Burnside, Dingwall)
THE LATE PRIVATE JAMES FRASER, DINGWALL
We reproduce this column a photograph of Private James Fraser, Seaforths, who was killed in action on 6th December. Deceased was 26 years of age and was the youngest son of the late Mr Rod Fraser, Poyntzfield, Resolis. He was well known in Dingwall where his brothers and sisters have resided at Roselea Cottage, Burnside, for many years. Pte Fraser was at one time a vanman with Mr MacMillan, grocer, Dingwall, but emigrated to Vancouver some years ago. At the outbreak of war he volunteered for service but was rejected. Undaunted he returned to Scotland and was subsequently accepted for service in the Seaforths. His constitution did not fit him for the trenches but his chance came one day when volunteers were asked for France. He offered himself for a draft and was accepted, proceeding overseas in July last.
Deceased was of a quiet and unassuming disposition, and was very popular, his ever ready smile providing a welcome for him no matter where he went.
A brother, William, whose portrait is also published, arrived home last weekend on furlough from the front, where he has been with the Canadian Pioneers since over a year. He also was in the employment of Mr MacMillan. Alexander and Roderick, along with the sisters, are still in Dingwall and for them the utmost sympathy is felt in their bereavement. Another brother, Evan, is an assistant in the Bangour Military Hospital, Edinburgh.
Photo: #8014
Private William Fraser
Date of Paper: 19.01.1917
Surname: Fraser
First Name(s): William
Rank: Private
Regiment: Canadian Pioneers
Home Address: Canada (formerly Roselea Cottage, Burnside, Dingwall)
Photo: #8015
Lance Corporal A. Geddes
Date of Paper: 26.10.1917
Surname: Geddes
First Name(s): A.
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment: Camerons
Home Address: 2, Lochiel Place, Dingwall
No newspaper extract available
Photo: #6062
Private Kenneth Gordon
Date of Paper: 08.03.1918
Surname: Gordon
First Name(s): Kenneth
Rank: Private
Regiment: 2nd Seaforths
Home Address: 3, Lorne Place, Dingwall
MISSING DINGWALL SEAFORTH
To-day is reproduced a photograph of 202829 Pte. Kenneth Gordon, 2nd Seaforths, son of ex-Sergt. And Mrs John Gordon, 3 Lorne Place, Dingwall, who was reported missing on 4th October last, and of whom so far no further information has been received. The parents are not altogether without hope that Pte. Gordon may be a prisoner of war in Germany, and would be grateful to anyone who can give them any information on the subject. Pte. Gordon, like his father, is a painter to trade. He is now 20 years of age. Joining up at 18 years and 8 months, he was trained with the 4th Seaforths at Ripon. In April, 1917, he proceeded to the Western front, and was posted to the 2nd Seaforths. A nice, frank young lad, he held the esteem of his fellows, who even thus late hope that word may yet be received that he is safe. His father mobilised with the 4th Seaforths in 1914, and was discharged time-expired last year, returning to his civil duties.
Photo: #6016
Gunner Kenneth M. Gordon
Date of Paper: 20.09.1918
Surname: Gordon
First Name(s): Kenneth M.
Rank: Gunner
Regiment: Tank Corps
Home Address: Warden Street, Dingwall
THE LATE GUNNER KEN. GORDON, DINGWALL
As recently reported, intimation has been received by Mr Roderick Gordon, carter, and Mrs Gordon, Warden Street, Dingwall, of the death in action of their youngest son, Gunner Kenneth M. Gordon, 19 years, Tank Corps. Before joining up, Gunner Gordon (whose photo. Appears today) was employed as a butcher, formerly with Mr Allan and latterly with Mr Mackay. He was a very fine young fellow, and is much mourned by a large number of his former comrades, and great sympathy is felt with the bereaved parents. 2/Lt. Roberts, Tank Corps, in a letter to the mother, says: “It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you that your son, Kenneth, was killed in action on 21st August, 1918, at about 7.30 a.m., while helping to clear an enemy machine gun emplacement. He was immensely popular, and a keen and energetic worker, and was always ready to perform any duty. It was only his second time in action with me, and both times he behaved splendidly, and showed no fear at all. Besides being in my crew, he was my best man, and I would rather have lost anyone than Kenneth. He died painlessly after being hit with a machine gun bullet, just under the heart. I am not in a position to tell you exactly where he fell, but if I can let you know any further particulars later I will willingly do so. As he died a hero, all the crew join me in sending our deepest sympathy in your sad loss. We buried Kenneth to-day (27/8/18) on the field of battle, the chaplain of the battalion conducting a short service.”
The Chaplain, writing on 28th August, says: “My dear Mrs Gordon, I am sending just a line to you which I hope will bring a little comfort with it. We recovered your lad’s body yesterday and buried it, putting a little cross to mark the site. His officer has written to you, so I need not say anything about his actual death. Its all a fearful mix-up, one’s heart bleeds to see the dear old lads being slaughtered day after day. May God comfort you in the loss of your lad. He only can. It’s all to horrid to express.”
Mr and Mrs Gordon’s other two sons are with the Colours, Donald in the Canadians, and William with the Scottish Rifles. William was home on leave this week.
Photo: #6132
Private Colin Graham
Date of Paper: 21.07.1916
Surname: Graham
First Name(s): Colin
Rank: Private
Regiment: Seaforth Highlanders
Home Address: Mountrich, Dingwall
THE LATE PTE. COLIN GRAHAM
The death by shell shock of Pte. Colin Graham on the 25th of June has added the name of yet another Evanton boy to Britain’s long and lengthening Roll of Honour. Pte. Graham was attached to the Seaforth Highlanders, which formed part of the first British Expeditionary Force sent to France at the outbreak of war, and had consequently been through all the principal engagements on the Western frontier, from the famous retreat of Mons to the brilliant sally at the Marne, and the bloody after-fighting before Ypres in the Huns’ desperate but futile bid for Calais. Pte. Graham went through it all unscathed to be knocked out just as we were entering another, and, to be hoped, final phase of the war. He was a very likeable lad, very popular with all, and is deeply mourned by his sister and sorrowing mother, Mrs Macdonald, Mountrich, Dingwall, and his grandmother, Mrs Graham, Balconie Street, Evanton. Pte. Graham was 21 years old.