Stanley War Memorial

STANLEY LADS

This page has been compiled by Willie Wann who was researching for information about his Great Great Grandfather Willie (Pop) Wann who was the Stanley Postie from 1919 to1951.  Prior to World War 1 he was the postie at Meikleour and there are photos of him on the website.  (Thanks Willie for your great efforts in compiling this very informative page and sharing it with us).  Quite appropriately this page was uploaded to the Stanley website in November 2011. 

 

In Flanders Fields


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
 

 

Written on  3rd May 1915 by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae Canadian Expeditionary Force

 

Stewart Brodie (no photo)

 

Cemetery

Couin British Cemetery

Country France
Area Pas de Calas
Rank Lance Corporal
Number: 3489
Unit 6th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Force Army
Nationality British

Lance Corporal Brodie, aged 34 died of wounds in France 19th November 1916.  He was the son of the late Mr David Brodie, Plasterer, Stanley.

John Thomas Bryson

Cemetery

Country
Area
Rank Chief Stoker
Number: 289361
Unit HMS Queen Mary
Force Royal Navy
Nationality British

Killed in action in the Battle of Jutland 31st May 1916.

Donald Campbell

Another gallant Stanley lad Leading Seaman Donald Campbell Royal Navy Division has given his life for his Country. He was previously reported missing and now official information has been received of his death in action Donald was a fine specimen of manhood Joined RND after the outbreak of war.  He was 26 years of age and in civil life was employed as a foreman twistee in Stanley Mills where he resided with his Grandmother Mrs Gairns, Store Street, Stanley.

 

William S Carmichael

Cemetery

Queant Road Cemetery Buissy

Country France
Area Pas de Calais
Rank Private
Number: 13959
Unit XV11 Corps Cyclist Bn Army Cyclist Corps
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed 4th September 1918 - age 22.   Son of Mr and Mrs William Carmichael, 12 Store Street Stanley.

 

James Christie

Cemetery

Vimy Memorial

Country France
Area Pas de Calais
Rank Private
Number: 907054
Unit 5th Bn Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan
Force Army
Nationality Canadian

Killed 28th April 1917 - age 41.  Son of Mr and Mrs James Christie of Stanley, husband of Elizabeth McPherson Sinclair (nee Christie of Chamberlain Sask).

 

George Craigie

Cemetery

Vimy Memorial

Country France
Area Pas de Calais
Rank Private
Number: 760079
Unit 75th Bn Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment )
Force Army
Nationality Canadian

Killed 31st March 1917 - age 29. 

 

John Craigie

Cemetery

Vimy Memorial

Country France
Area Pas de Calais
Rank Private
Number: 760080
Unit 75th Bn Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment )
Force Army
Nationality Canadian

Killed 31st March 1917 - age 21.   Information was received by cablegram that two Stanley brothers Private George Craigie and Private John Craigie of the Canadian Contingent had been Killed in Action, both the lads were sons of the late Arthur Craigie and Grandsons of Mr John Carmichael Slater, Stanley.  Their widowed mother Mary Craigie resides in Vancouver. Both spent a short furlough at Stanley before going to the front.

 

William Cuthbert (no photo)

Cemetery

Nieppe-Bois (Rue-du-Bois) British Vieux-Berquin

Country France
Area Nord
Rank Private
Number: 47431
Unit 13th Bn Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed in Action 27th August 1918 - age 40. Son of James Cuthbert, 35 Store Street, Stanley.  Husband of Isabelle Cuthbert of Smithy Cottage, Cults, Aberdeen.

 

Robert Duff

Cemetery

Rifle House Cemetery

Country Belgium
Area Comines-Warneton Hainaut
Rank Private
Number: 23144
Unit 11th Bn Royal Scots
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed 13th May 1916 - age 25. Son of Mr & Mrs Charles Duff, 11 Store Street, Stanley. 

Douglas Heggie
Cemetery

Thiepval Memorial

Country France
Area Somme
Rank Corporal
Number: 2119
Unit 6th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed in Action 13th November 1916 - age 21.  Mr Duncan and Mrs Catherine Heggie, Atholl Cottage, Strathord, Stanley. were informed on Tuesday that their son Corporal Douglas Heggie had been killed in action.  In a sympathetic letter, the Commanding Officer stated that he was killed while gallantly advancing in the front ranks.  He was an engineer at Luncarty before joining the colours in 1914 and was a young man held in high esteem by all who knew him.  An elder brother has been at the front in the A.S.C for about two years.

 

John Henderson

Information has been received this week of the death of Private John Henderson 1st Battalion Royal Highlanders a Prisoner of war in Germany.  Private Henderson has been missing since the battle of Mons and this is the first intimation his relatives have had of him. Private Henderson enlisted in the Black Watch three years ago prior to which he was employed at Stanley Mills. His father and mother died while he was young and Henderson was brought up by his grandmother Mrs Stewart, Whites Cottage, Stanley, for whom much sympathy is expressed in the loss of her gallant soldier grandson.

 

John N Lindsay

Cemetery

Thiepval Memorial

Country France
Area Somme
Rank Private
Number: 1838
Unit 6th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed in Action 13th November 1916 - age 22.  Pte John Lindsay Black Watch son of Mr and Mrs J Lindsay, Brougham Street, Stanley has been killed in action.  The sad news came in a letter from Colonel Booth to his parents, in the course of his letter the Colonel said he died a hero’s death in the forefront of the battle and the bravery of himself and the men of his company contributed greatly to the victory we gained.  Pte Lindsay was 22 years of age and enlisted in the Black Watch in August 1914 he had been twice previously wounded the first time severely.  He was a young man of great promise and was educated at Stanley and Perth Academy.

 

William Logan

No further information.

 

Duncan McGregor

Cemetery

Hunters Cemetery

Country France
Area Somme
Rank Corporal
Number: 2801
Unit 6th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed 13th November 1916 - age 30 years.  Mrs McGregor, King Street, Stanley has been the recipient of sad news her husband Cpl Duncan McGregor Black Watch having fallen in the great assault.  The gallant soldier had been two years at the front.  In civil life he was employed at Luncarty where his parents reside.  Much sympathy is expressed for his young widow and two children who are 5 and 2 years respectively.

 

Fraser McIntosh

Cemetery

Fampoux British Cemetery

Country France
Area Pas de Calais
Rank Private
Number: 266513
Unit 1st/6th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed in action 23rd April 1917 - age 22.  Son of Donald and Jane McIntosh of Cleikim Inn, Stanley. He was a Joiner to trade and was employed with Mr J Mitchell, Murthly Station.

Alexander McKendrick
Cemetery

Houplines Community Cemetery Extension

Country France
Area Nord
Rank Private
Number: 345662
Unit 14th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Force Army
Nationality British

Died of wounds 16th October 1918 - age 24.  Wounded in 1916. Pte Alex McKendrick Black Watch, only surviving son of Mr and Mrs John McKendrick, King Street, Stanley has been seriously wounded.  In a letter received by his parents on Saturday the Chaplain says the wound which was in the back of the shoulder was serious but it was impossible for the doctor in the trenches to find out how far the fragment of shell had penetrated Alex. In civil life he was employed at Luncarty Bleachfield.  He had been a private in the Black Watch for some years before the outbreak of war and was home on furlough in the early summer this year.

James McLauchlan
Cemetery

Bunyons Cemetery Tilloy-Les-Mofflaines

Country France
Area Pas de Calais
Rank Driver
Number: 104475
Unit 12th Div Ammunition Col. Royal Field Artillery
Force Army
Nationality British

Died from wounds 3rd June 1917 - age 22.  Driver James McLaughlan  Army Service Corps, second son of Mr James McLauchlan, Burnmouth, Stanley has died from wounds received serving with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. The sad news was received by his parents last week. Driver McLauchlan enlisted last March.

Peter McLauchlan
Cemetery

Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

Country Belgium
Area West-Vlaandren
Rank Private
Number: 63720
Unit 45th Coy. Machine Gun Corps
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed 31st July 1917 - age 26.  Husband of Elizabeth J McLauchlan, King Street, Stanley.

William Menzies
Cemetery

Soissons Memorial

Country France
Area Aisne
Rank Private
Number: 201577
Unit 6th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed 20th July 1918.  Private William Menzies, son of Mr James Menzies, Store Street, Stanley.  He was formerly employed at Luncarty Bleachfield.

D Stevenson

Mrs R Smith, Percy Street, Stanley was officially informed yesterday that her son Private David Stevenson, Black Watch was Killed in Action in France on 30th July.  Private Stevenson was formerly in the army.

Ebeneezer G McKay
Cemetery

Salonika (Lambet Road)  Military Cemetery

Country Greece
Area
Rank
Number: S/17629
Unit 10th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Force Army
Nationality British

Died 7th November 1916.

William Sinclair McKenzie (no photo)
Cemetery

Arras Memorial

Country France
Area Pas de Calais
Rank Second Lieutenant
Number:
Unit 4th Bn Royal Scots
Force Army
Nationality British

Killed 28th April 1917.

Also there are other Stanley lads not on the War Memorial.
Alexander McEwan

Mrs Duncan Phillips, Gladstone Terrace, Stanley has received word from the war office that her brother Corporal Alexander McEwan, Canadian Mounted Rifles has been killed  in France on the 16th September.  He was 30 years of age and was formerly employed with Messrs Pullar & Sons, Dyers, Perth. He was the youngest son of the late Mr John McEwan, Lochty Bank, Almondbank.

Military Medal - Stanley Soldier's Gallantry 1917
William Fenton MM

Private William Fenton has been awarded the Military Medal for services rendered.  Private Fenton is a native of Stanley, where he was born 25 years ago.  He is the younger son of Mr and Mrs David Fenton, North Street, Burrchan.  He served his apprenticeship with Mr Fraiser, Engineer, Rattray and in October 1914 joined the A.S.C Motor Transport.  He has been with the Tanks since they went out to France.  The fact that a Stanley born lad has won this distinction has given much satisfaction in his native place.

Michael Garrigan - MM 1917

Michael Garrigan, Royal Scots Fusiliers has been awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry in Action.  He is 21 years of age and prior to the outbreak of the war was employed in Stanley Mills.  His widowed mother resides in Store Street, Stanley.  Private Garrigan is at present in Hospital in England having been wounded for the second time.

Thomas Clinton MM

L/Cpl Thomas Clinton, Gordon Highlanders  has been awarded the Military Medal. When a lad he was employed at Luncarty.  His widowed Mother resides at King Street, Stanley.

William Sinclair Mackenzie DSO

Lieutenant William Sinclair Mackenzie, Seaforth Highlanders has been awarded the  Distinguished Service Order for Conspicuous Gallantry in the field.  Lieutenant Mackenzie is the youngest of Mr and Mrs Angus Mackenzie, Well Brae Cottage, Stanley.   He has risen from the ranks having joined the Seaforths as a Private, he has seen much active service and hard fighting and his commission was recently conferred on him for service in the field. He holds the Delhi and other medals. His brother Captain Angus Mackenzie of the Manchester Regiment also joined the ranks as a Private in the Seaforths.

William Smith Croix de Guerre 1916

A gratifying episode is honour that fell to one of the boys. For seven hours Sergeant (then Corporal) William Smith lay beside Lord Sempill the Colonel of his regiment who was severely wounded at the Battle of Loos.  Lord Sempill was unable to move and the devotion of his orderly saved his life. Under cover of nightfall Willie Smith crawled back to the British Lines secured a rescue party and had his master and superior officer carried to safety. For this brave act of devotion he has been given the Croix de Guerre for gallantry at Loos.

Stanley widow gives five sons to the Forces

They are - L to R: Thomas Bryson ASC, Alex Bryson RFA Canadian Expeditionary Force, Petty Officer Stoker John Bryson, Andrew Bryson, 3rd Royal Scots and Sergeant Charles Bryson ASC.

* * *

Stanley district has done exceedingly well in recruiting. And perhaps the best-known record is that of Mrs Bryson widow of St Helens Cottage, Stanley who has five sons presently doing duty in the service of their country. Alex Bryson joined the Royal Field Artillery when in Canada and came across with the first Expeditionary Force. He is now serving in France. Petty Officer Stoker John Bryson who has been in the Navy for 16 years is presently serving on board HMS Queen Mary. Charles Bryson is a Sergeant Wheeler in the Army Service Corps, while Thomas Bryson is attached to the Mechanical Transport of the Army Service Corps. Andrew Bryson is in the 3rd Royal Scots.

* * *
Stanley brothers meet at the Front 11th November 1916 and wish for home made scones.

Two Stanley brothers had a glad meeting the other day Private Tom Bryson, of the Mechanical Transport. And his brother Private Andrew Bryson, of the Royal Scots have been at the front for some time but were unaware of the whereabouts of each other till they met almost accidentally in a certain village. And had a happy though brief time together. Tom in a letter to his mother Mrs Bryson, St Helens Cottage, Stanley, tells how he and his chums got into the village on the Thursday evening and how to his great surprise and delight, his brother’s battalion arrived next morning.  He lost no time in making inquiry for his brother, but was disappointed to find he had not arrived. Andrew however, turned up later in the day and learning Tom was in the village hastened to find him. The reunion was a happy one and the two, who had been without their knowledge been close to each other for some time, had much to say in the all too brief time at their disposal for a “home crack” as Andrew had to move off “back to the line” next morning. They celebrated their unlooked-for meeting by spending the afternoon and evening and having a good tea together.  Both though the fraternal meal would have been much better had they had some of their mothers home-baked scones and home-made jam. Nothing like the home made article in a far country. Andrew and his battalion went in the morning and Tom was there to bid him good-bye.  Quite a simple little scene a glimpse of home a passing episode in the lives of two brave lads fighting for their King and Country.  Both are fit and well “alive and kicking” to use Tom’s phrase and in the best spirits.  Mrs Bryson who is a widow, has another  two sons in the Army- Ned, a Wheeler with the A.S.C.  in Africa and Alex, who is a member of the first Canadian Contingent. John the eldest son, a chief stoker, went down in the Queen Mary.

 A fighting Stanley family

Four Stanley Brothers who have given their service to the country along with their nephew Sergeant Findlay, the proud possessor of the Victoria Cross. (1) Sergeant Findlay Scottish Horse, went through the Boer War, and is now at the Dardanelles. (2) Private James Findlay, South African Light Horse, went through the Boer War and is serving under Botha during the present campaign. (3) Private Robert Findlay went through the Boer War, is a member of the 3/4th Black Watch and is a prisoner in Germany. (4) Private Alexander Findlay, Canadian Highlanders, now in England-all brothers are residents of Stanley. (5) Lance-Corporal David Findlay of the 2nd Black Watch, who won the V.C at Rue du bois, where he led a bombing party, a nephew of the first four men, George Findlay, being a brother of theirs.

Patriotic Stanley family's good example

From L to R:  Private James Panton, Scottish Horse, Private William Panton, RAMC, Alexander Panton, 6th Black Watch, Private William Carr, Royal Scots.

Three Stanley brothers James, William and Alexander Panton and their brother-in-law, William Carr, are serving their King and Country with the forces, All have enlisted since the outbreak of the war, of the brothers, William is a private in the Royal Army Medical Corps; James is a private in the Scottish Horse, and Alex ,a very young soldier, is a private in the 6th Black Watch,  Private Carr is in the Royal Scots.  William and Alex Panton were previously employed at Luncarty,  Bleachfield and James was a weaver at  Stanley Mills.  Private Carr was also a weaver at Stanley Mills, but latterly was a miner at Dysart.  The three brothers are sons of Mr and Mrs William Panton, Duchess Street, Stanley. William Carr is their daughter’s husband.

William Stewart

James Bisset of Edinburgh sent this on 1st July 2016.   

Today being the 100th anniversary of the Somme, it's appropriate I share what little I know of William Stewart, my great-uncle.  Born  1st October 1898 (at number unknown), Brick Buildings, Store Street.  The only son, and second youngest, among nine daughters of my great-grand parents, Willie and Annie Stewart.  

He enlisted, under age, only fifteen, on 13th August 1914.  Army number 265502, regimental number 1945, 6th Black Watch Royal Highlanders.  He landed in France 2nd May 1915 and was killed at the Somme 31st July 1916.  He was 17 years old.  My great grandfather never talked about him, only my mother ever mentioned him.  I was given his medals, Pip, Squeak and Wilfred.  The 1914/18 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.  Also the "Death Penny".  Over the years I've moved house so many times I've lost the Star and Victory Medals.  His name is on the memorial at Thievpal as he was one of the "Missing".

 

Second Lieutenant John Dow 12th Kings Royal Rifle Corps

Thanks to Bruce Thomson for providing the above information on his Great Uncle John Dow.

 

THE AULD BRAE WELL

 

We a' hae fond remembrances

That stir the heart for aye

And O! what memories gather round

The wee well on the brae.

The loved, the lost, the wandered far

We still can feel their spell

As they played as bonny bairnies

Roon the Auld Brae Well.

 

The trees that rustle ower our heids

The Auld Kirk on the Knowe

The rowin' river king o' a'

The rivers that may row.

Wi' music and wi'melodie

In Nature's voices tell

O' the frien's that played as bairnies

Roond the Auld Brae Well.

 

They've wandered monie a weary road

They've sailed ower monie a sea

An' followed round the rowin' earth

The footsteps o' the free.

They've crossed the wide Atlantic's wave

An' the Pacific's swell

Wha' hae played as bairnies

Roond the Auld Brae Well.

 

But aye whaure'er they bare their broos

An' swell their hymn o' praise

Their beatin' hearts are ever here

'Mang Stanley's bonnie braes.

An' a' the winds frae oot the West

Sweet messages can tell

O' the frien's that played as bairnies

Roond the Auld Brae Well.

 

 

An' see them lift their buirdly breasts

Upon the battle plain

When shot an' shell flew thick and fast

An' bluid fell like the rain.

Among the best an' bravest there

They bauldly fightin' fell

Wha' hae played as bonny bairnies

Roond the Auld Brae Well.

 

 

Their hearts were ever staunch an' true

Their hearts were ever leal

To foes they were as dour as death

To frien's as true as steel.

An' dauntless ever were they a'

Whatever ills befell

Wha' hae played as bonny bairnies

Roond the Auld Brae Well.

 

An' they wha' ne'er gaed frae hame

Oor dearest an' oor best

Oor faithers an' oor mithers a'

Hae' wandered to their rest.

They lie in bonnie Auchterga'en

Kinclaven or Kirkhill

Wha' hae played as bonny bairnies

Roond the Auld Brae Well.

 

While life is lingerin' in my heart

An' memory in my brain

I'll hear the crystal water rin

Reca'in joy and pain.

I'll hear the voices o' the past

In tender accents, tell

O the freends' wha' played as bairnies

Roond the Auld Brae Well.

 

James Ferguson (Nisbet Noble) The Stanley Poet