1916 - Queensferry and Dalmeny Memorials
17 Queensferry Men
The 2/10th (Cyclist) Battalion Territorial Force formed in Linlithgow, September 1914. The 2/10th was originally mobilised as bicycle infantry, but never served in this role. It was the only second-line battalion of the regiment to be sent overseas, attached to the 7/8th Kings Own Scottish Borderers, 46th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. The 7th and 8th Battalions merged in May 1916 to become the 7/8th. The 15th Division was established by the Scottish Command in September 1914, as part of Kitchener's Second New Army. By the early summer of 1915, the Division was considered to be ready for France and embarkation orders were received on 3 July 1915. They landed in France, 7-13 July 1915. The Division served with distinction on the Western Front for the remainder of the war, taking part in most of the significant actions and winning regard by the enemy as one of the most formidable in the British army.
Two Queensferry men, of this Battalion, died in 1916.
Private Patrick Connolly, 2/10th Cyclist Battalion, Royal Scots, a Shale Miner, enlisted in Queensferry. He was killed in France on 21.8.1916 aged 21. He was born on 4.9.1895 in Smith's Land, Queensferry. His Parents were John Connolly, a Shale Miner and Anne Jane McPhillips who died of Pneumonia in 1900. In 1901 Patrick and his Sister Elizabeth were adopted by a Catherine Waddock, ms McPhillips and her Husband, living in Kirkliston. Catherine and Anne Jane were not sisters, having different parents, but may have been related.
Patrick is buried in Grave Ref:111.A29, Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France, and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private Charles Sandercombe, 2/10th Cyclist Battalion, Royal Scots, died on 18.8.1916 in France. He was born on 23.2.1896 in West Terrace, Queensferry. His Parents were Charles, a Painter and Christina Sandercombe, ms Fraser and he had 3 Brothers and 3 Sisters. His Father died, in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, in1900, of a type of Skin Cancer of his Jaw, usual address 13 Rosshill Terrace, Dalmeny. Charles' Brother James of 17th Royal Scots, died 25.9.1918, aged 36, in the Somme.
Charles is buried in Grave Ref: VI. A. 19. – Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
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Private William Bain, 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, a Weaver, enlisted in Lochgelly, Fife. He was killed in action, in Belgium, on 2.3.1916 aged 20. He was born on 23.8.1896 in Catherine Terrace, Queensferry. His Parents were William Aidie Bain, a Master Baker and later an Insurance Agent, and Jane Henderson Bain MS Steven. He had 5 Sisters. William is remembered on Panel 38, Ypres -Menin Gate, Belgium and was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
2nd Corporal James Davidson, a Bricklayer, No:1451 of Reserve Works Company - 1/1st (City of Edinburgh) Field Company Royal Engineers, enlisted in Edinburgh on 24.11.1914. He died of wounds on 24.9.1916 aged 26. At the time of enlisting, his parents were living in 21 Clark Place, Queensferry.
James was born on 14.7.1890 in Hillend, Muiravonside. His Parents were John and Isabella Davidson, ms Wardrop. They married on 9.11.1888 in Muiravonside. John, 26, a Crane Driver, usual address, Dalmeny, and Isabella, 21, a Domestic Servant. James grew up in Muiravonside with his siblings, Mary-c1889, born in Queensferry, John-c1895, born in Muiravonside.
In 1891 aged 9 months, James is in Hillend Cottage with his Parents and sister Mary. Father an Engine Man. In 1901, aged 10, he is in Ballinbreigh, Muiravonside with Parents and siblings. Father a Stationary Colliery Winding Engine Man.
His Company left Devonport on 19.1.1915 and arrived in Port Said, Egypt on 5.1.1916. Leaving Alexandria in April 1916, for France. He was wounded by shellfire in action on 20.9.1916 and died of wounds (compound Fracture of the skull) on 24.9.1916. His next of kin is Mother Isabella Davidson of 8 Forth Terrace, South Queensferry.
Davis is buried in St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Grave Ref: B. 18. 46, He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Private George Charles Earl, 11th Battalion Royal Scots, a Postman, then a Shale Miner, enlisted in kirkliston. He died of wounds, in France on 23.10.1916 aged 33. He was born on 26.3.1883 in Leith but by 1891 the Family were living in Queensferry. His Parents were Thomas William, a Ship's Rigger and Elizabeth Earl ms Cairney. He had 1 Sister and 2 Brothers. In 1903 George married Christina Rintoul and they were living in Hopetoun Road, Queensferry in 1911, with their 4 Children.
He is buried in Grave Ref: 111.H. 31 -Dernacourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France. He is also commemorated on Kirkliston Memorial. George was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private James Lapsley, 23rd Battalion Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), a Slater, was killed in action in France on 15.9.1916 aged 36. He was born on 3.7.1880 in Bellstane, Queensferry. His Parents were William and Margaret Lapsley m.s. Garvie. James had 4 Sisters and 2 brothers. Brother William died of Whooping Cough aged 7 months in 1888 and Brother Robert died in Ypres on 28.10.1914. (see 1914 list).
James is remembered on Pier and Face 12D and 13B, Theipval Memorial, Somme, France. He is also remembered on Queensferry Primary school and St Margaret's Church Memorials. James was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Guardsman Ralph Lawson, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, a Forester, died of wounds, in Somme, France, on 26.7.1916 aged 22. He was born on 29.3.1894 in High Street, Queensferry. His Parents were James, a Baker and Emma Lawson, ms Merker. He had 2 Brothers and 1 Sister. They all lived in bank Buildings, then 28 West Terrace, Queensferry. Ralph is remembered on Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave Ref: V11. D. 7A. He is also remembered on Queensferry Primary School and Queensferry Parish Church Memorials. Ralph was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private David Ley, Royal Scots Special Reserve, a Shale Miner, died an Army Pensioner, on 27.7.1916, age 22 at Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. The cause was Emphysema and Septicemia. His Usual Address was- The Inn, Blackness. He was born on 15.8.1893 in Bellstane, Queensferry. His Parents were George, a Shale Miner, later a Baker, and Margaret Ley, ms Smith. He had 5 Brothers and 2 Sisters. His Mother died in 1904 from Heart Failure.
David first enlisted in 1911 and was declared no longer fit for active service on 16.6.1915, aged 21. The reason was Chronic Mid Ear Suppuration –“ Left ear has discharged since childhood measles. He was in France for 8 months when the discharge increased and deafness was much aggravated, probably due to exposure of shell fire, as the nerve of hearing has been damaged he has only a mere trace of hearing in his left ear now” (from his service record).
David is also Commemorated on Queensferry Primary School Memorial. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
2nd Lieutenant William Mackie, 3/6th Battalion Royal Scots, a Bank Clerk, died on 29.4.1916 aged 23, in Military Hospital, Craiglieth, Edinburgh. Cause- Sarcoma of Left Lung and Cardiac Respiratory Failure. He is also remembered on Dalmeny Memorial and Queensferry Parish Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials. He was born on 22.5.1892 in Lillybank House, Queensferry. His Parents were William, a Manager of Distillery and Anne, previously Yule, Mackie, ms Bonar. He had 5 Sisters and 3 Brothers, and they all grew up in Woodburn, Dalmeny. His younger Sister Mary, died of Bronchitis aged 4 months.
His Brother James started up a Vet Practice in Kirkliston which is still operating today- James Mackie (Grandfather of David Mackie one of the present owners) looked after two mounted sections during the First World War. He gained an excellent reputation in the equine world. On his return to Scotland he worked in a practice in Dunfermline, from there he moved to Kirkliston and bought the veterinary practice. Initially, the practice was based at Rose Cottage in lower Kirkliston. After a few years he moved the family home and business up to Manse Road in Kirkliston. -The Practice is now in Main Street, Kirkliston with an additional branch surgery in Linlithgow).
William is buried in Commonwealth Grave No: 694, Queensferry Cemetery. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Sergeant David Macintosh, 18th Battalion Canadian Infantry, Western Ontario Regiment, was killed in action in France on 15.9.1916. He was born on 2.6.1893 in Queensferry Arms Hotel, Queeensferry. His Parents were Hugh, a Hotel keeper, and Janet (Jessie) Macintosh, ms Fraser. He had 3 Brothers and 3 Sisters. His father died in 1910 of Peritonitis and his Mother died in 1930 in Cramond. David enlisted as a Canadian Citizen. It is possible he emigrated to Canada in 1913, on board S/S Scandinavia of the 'Allan' shipping Line. David’s name is remembered in the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. He is also commemorated on Cramond Memorial, Queensferry Parish Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials and 'Veterans Affairs' Canada. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private Cornelius McPhillips, 3rd Battalion Royal Scots, a Labourer, then a Miner, died on 2.12.1916 aged 40, an Army Pensioner, at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, cause- Pneumonia. Usual Residence, Craws Close, South Queensferry. He was born on 6.2.1876 in Hill Square, Queensferry. His Parents were George, a Quarry Labourer and Anne McPhilips, from Ireland. He had 3 brothers. Cornelius first enlisted in 1895. He received a shrapnel wound to his heart and left lung on 28.5.1915, in France and was in hospital in London, then sent home, attending daily to the Military Convalescent Hospital, Hopetoun House, to have his wounds dressed. He was discharged from the Army on 27.1.1916 as no longer fit for War Service. He died of Pneumonia in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on 2.12.1916 aged 40.
Cornelius was awarded the King’s and Queen’s South African Medal and 1901 and 1902 Clasps for Paardeberg, Dreitfontein, Johanesberg, Diamond Hill, Belfast and Cape Colony. Also the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals. He was also awarded a Silver War Badge No: 5954, on 17.10.1916 for Services Rendered (for his wounds). He is also commemorated on Queensferry Primary School and St Margaret's Church Memorials.
Private David Moig, 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, a Coal Miner, died in Belgium, on 31.1.1916 aged 29. He was born on 13.1.1887 in Edinburgh. His Parents were David, a Flour Miller and Mary Moig, ms Farquhar. His Father died on 12.6.1888 of Congestion of Lungs, Bronchitis and Pleurisy and Mother remarried James Kinnaird, a Market Gardener, on 15.7.1893 in Aberdeen. David had 1 Brother and 1 Sister,also 7 Stepsisters and 3 Step Brothers. David grew up in Aberdeen, married Susan Moig ms Burness in 1908 and they lived in Dalkeith with their 2 Children. His widow later moved to Montrose. David is buried in Grave Ref: 1. D.24, -La Clytte Cemetery, Belgium. He is also commemorated on Queensferry Parish Church Memorial, Montrose Memorial and Aberdeen Roll of Honour. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals. A link to Queensferry is still to be found, but by process of elimination we believe this to be the correct man.
Private John Sanderson, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots, a Slate Miner, died on 22.7.1916 aged 30, in France. He was born on 25.8.1886 in Penicuik. His Parents were James, a Ploughman and Ann Sanderson, ms Murray. He had 2 Brothers and 2 Sisters. In 1901 John, aged 14, was an Agricultural Labourer in Charge of Horses, living in Dalmeny Village, with Parents and Siblings. His Father died in 1908 in Viewforth House, Queensferry, of Pneumonia. Records show his Father James was previously married to Agnes Aitken who is the mother of older Brother James. She died of Smallpox in 1872, aged 27. John is remembered on Panel Ref: Pier & Face 6D & 7D. -Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, also Kirkliston Memorial and he was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private Peter Smith, 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fussiliers, a Shale miner, enlisted in Inverkeithing. He died on 8.9.1916 aged 38, in France. He was born on 11.7.1878 in West End, Queensferry. His Parents were John, a Distillery Labourer, born in Ireland, and Ann Smith ms Heavy, a Washerwoman. He had 3 Sisters and 1 Brother, John, who was killed in Salonika, on 17.9.1916 aged 33, listed below. On 5.11.1910, aged 31, living in Covenanters Land, Queensferry, Peter married Mary Smith, aged 42, a Widow, of McArthurs Land, Queensferry. Peter is commemorated on Panel Ref: Pier & Face 16C. Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Also on the Kirkliston Memorial, St Margaret’s Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private John Smith, 11th Battalion Scottish Rifles (Cameronians), a Quarry Labourer, died on 17.9.1916 aged 32, in Salonika, Greece. He was born on 11.4.1884 in Craws Close, Queensferry. His Parents were John, a Retortman at this time, and Ann Smith ms Heavy, a Washerwoman. He had 3 Sisters and 1 Brother, Peter who is mentioned above, having died on 8.9.1916 in France.
John is buried in Grave Ref: 417, Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery, Greece, and also Commemorated on Kirkliston Memorial, St Margaret’s Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials. John was awarded the Victory and British war Medals.
Corporal George Thomson Stewart, 3rd Special Battalion Royal Engineers, enlisted in Chatham, Kent. He was promoted to Corporal in Chemistry Section immediately and was involved in the development of the British response to the German use of Chlorine Gas. He died on 9.11.1916, aged 19, of wounds received when gassed, in France. George was born on 20.8.1887, in Glasgow. His Parents were George, a Grocer and later a Dairyman, and Agnes Stewart ms Thomson. He had 2 Brothers and they all grew up in Glasgow. Although on Queensferry memorial, no Queensferry link found so far. He is buried in Grave Ref: 1V.A.45. Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, and was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Lance Sergeant George James Stewart, 16th Bat. Manitoba Canadian Infantry, Canadian Expeditionary Force, a Clerk, died on 7.8.1916 in France, aged 37. He was born on 9.5.1879 in West End, Queensferry. His Parents were John, a Gardener and later a Burgh Officer, and Agnes Stewart ms Barker. He had 3 Sisters and 1 Brother. George married Eveline Alice Wright in 1905 in Kent, and they emigrated to Canada between 1905 and 1914. At time of Enlisting (23.12.1914), in Canada, Next of Kin (Wife) Address is 116 Lydia St, Winnipeg, Canada. He is buried in Grave Ref: 1V. G. 10. - Larchwood Railway Cutting Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium, and is also remembered on Kirkliston Memorial, Queensferry Parish Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials. George was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private Charles Stewart Watson, 8th Battalion Royal Scots, died on 3.9.1916 aged 18. He was born in 1898 in Hampstead. His Mother was Mrs Christina Watson, later of the Liberal Club, Edinburgh. In 1911 He was living with the Thornton Family of New Quebec Street, Marlyebone, as a Boarder, aged 13 years. Charles then lived in the Forth Bridge Hotel,Queensferry, with his Aunt, Hilda Watson, a relative of Mrs Mackenzie, who was proprietor.
Charles is buried in Grave Ref: V1.G.17, Abbeville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France, and is also commemorated on Kirkliston Memorial.
He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
6 Dalmeny Men
Lance Corporal James Beveridge, 1/3rd Battalion Royal Scots, a Miner, enlisted in Queensferry on 22.9.1903. He died on 18.7.1916, aged 29, in France. He was born on 22.11.1886 in Uphall, and his Parents were Peter, a Shale Miner and Agnes Beveridge ms Martin. he had 6 Brothers and 3 Sisters. On 5.7.1907 in South Queeensferry, James aged 21, a Shale Miner and Private of 3rd Royal Scots, of Bellstane, Queensferry, married Margaret Crane, a Widow, aged 20, an Upholsterer, of Dowies Hill, Cramond Bridge. They moved to 7 Back Row, Dalmeny. They had 3 children (one Margaret's from previous marriage). On 27.3.1917, Margaret, aged 27, now a widow, married Peter Miller, in Edinburgh.
In 1911 census his brother Peter was living in The Rows, Dalmeny with his wife and 5 children. It would appear brother Robert was also living at the same address with his wife and 2 children. James is buried in Grave Ref I.E.2. Quarry Cemetery, Muntauban, France, and was awarded the 1914 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private James Cameron, 6th Battalion Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, enlisted in Edinburgh. He died on 15.6.1916, aged 19, in France. He was born on 28.2.1897 in Long Green, Dalmeny (Long Green Cottages now a listed building in Dalmeny Estate). His Parents were McKenzie, a Mason, and Martha Cameron ms Connell. He had 2 Brothers and 6 Sisters. James is buried in V.C.22. Lillers Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, and is also commemorated on the Cramond Memorial. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private Hugh McDairmid, a Gamekeeper in Dalmeny Park, 1st Battalion Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, enlisted in Edinburgh. He died of wounds on 22.11.1916 aged 22. He was born in 1889 in Wicklow, Ireland. His Parents were Hugh, a Gamekeeper and Margaret McDairmid. He had 3 Brothers and 2 Sisters.
Hugh is buried in Grave Ref: V11.H.49. Warlencourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France and is also commemorated on the Cramond Memorial. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
2nd Leiutenant William Mackie, 3/6th Royal Scots, died on 29.4.1916. He is also on the Queensferry Memorial, see above.
Private Robert Middleton, a Shale Miner, 13th Battalion Royal Scots, enlisted in Edinburgh. He died on 11.5.1916, aged 30, in France, 8 months after entering the Theatre of War. He was born on 8.2.1886 in Newton Village, and his Parents were William, a Shale Miner and Jane Middleton ms Souness. He had 3 Brothers and 2 Sisters. By 1901, the family were living in 13 Stone Rows, Dalmeny. His father died of Leukaemia on 4.9.1903 aged 61.
Robert is commemorated on Panel ref: 10 -13, Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France and was awarded the 14/15th Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private James Scott, a Farm Hand, 12th Battalion Highland Light Infantry, enlisted in Kirkliston. He died on 16.9.1916, aged 22, in France. He was born on 4.7.1894 in Bankhead, Dalmeny and his Parents were Adam, a Farmer and Dairyman and Grace Scott ms Brown. He had 4 Brothers and 4 sisters. They all worked on Bankhead Farm, Dalmeny. James is commemorated on Panel Ref: Pier and Face 15C, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, and is also commemorated on Kirkliston Memorial. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
© Queensferry History Group 2015
17 Queensferry Men
The 2/10th (Cyclist) Battalion Territorial Force formed in Linlithgow, September 1914. The 2/10th was originally mobilised as bicycle infantry, but never served in this role. It was the only second-line battalion of the regiment to be sent overseas, attached to the 7/8th Kings Own Scottish Borderers, 46th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. The 7th and 8th Battalions merged in May 1916 to become the 7/8th. The 15th Division was established by the Scottish Command in September 1914, as part of Kitchener's Second New Army. By the early summer of 1915, the Division was considered to be ready for France and embarkation orders were received on 3 July 1915. They landed in France, 7-13 July 1915. The Division served with distinction on the Western Front for the remainder of the war, taking part in most of the significant actions and winning regard by the enemy as one of the most formidable in the British army.
Two Queensferry men, of this Battalion, died in 1916.
Private Patrick Connolly, 2/10th Cyclist Battalion, Royal Scots, a Shale Miner, enlisted in Queensferry. He was killed in France on 21.8.1916 aged 21. He was born on 4.9.1895 in Smith's Land, Queensferry. His Parents were John Connolly, a Shale Miner and Anne Jane McPhillips who died of Pneumonia in 1900. In 1901 Patrick and his Sister Elizabeth were adopted by a Catherine Waddock, ms McPhillips and her Husband, living in Kirkliston. Catherine and Anne Jane were not sisters, having different parents, but may have been related.
Patrick is buried in Grave Ref:111.A29, Daours Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France, and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private Charles Sandercombe, 2/10th Cyclist Battalion, Royal Scots, died on 18.8.1916 in France. He was born on 23.2.1896 in West Terrace, Queensferry. His Parents were Charles, a Painter and Christina Sandercombe, ms Fraser and he had 3 Brothers and 3 Sisters. His Father died, in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, in1900, of a type of Skin Cancer of his Jaw, usual address 13 Rosshill Terrace, Dalmeny. Charles' Brother James of 17th Royal Scots, died 25.9.1918, aged 36, in the Somme.
Charles is buried in Grave Ref: VI. A. 19. – Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France and was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
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Private William Bain, 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, a Weaver, enlisted in Lochgelly, Fife. He was killed in action, in Belgium, on 2.3.1916 aged 20. He was born on 23.8.1896 in Catherine Terrace, Queensferry. His Parents were William Aidie Bain, a Master Baker and later an Insurance Agent, and Jane Henderson Bain MS Steven. He had 5 Sisters. William is remembered on Panel 38, Ypres -Menin Gate, Belgium and was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
2nd Corporal James Davidson, a Bricklayer, No:1451 of Reserve Works Company - 1/1st (City of Edinburgh) Field Company Royal Engineers, enlisted in Edinburgh on 24.11.1914. He died of wounds on 24.9.1916 aged 26. At the time of enlisting, his parents were living in 21 Clark Place, Queensferry.
James was born on 14.7.1890 in Hillend, Muiravonside. His Parents were John and Isabella Davidson, ms Wardrop. They married on 9.11.1888 in Muiravonside. John, 26, a Crane Driver, usual address, Dalmeny, and Isabella, 21, a Domestic Servant. James grew up in Muiravonside with his siblings, Mary-c1889, born in Queensferry, John-c1895, born in Muiravonside.
In 1891 aged 9 months, James is in Hillend Cottage with his Parents and sister Mary. Father an Engine Man. In 1901, aged 10, he is in Ballinbreigh, Muiravonside with Parents and siblings. Father a Stationary Colliery Winding Engine Man.
His Company left Devonport on 19.1.1915 and arrived in Port Said, Egypt on 5.1.1916. Leaving Alexandria in April 1916, for France. He was wounded by shellfire in action on 20.9.1916 and died of wounds (compound Fracture of the skull) on 24.9.1916. His next of kin is Mother Isabella Davidson of 8 Forth Terrace, South Queensferry.
Davis is buried in St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Grave Ref: B. 18. 46, He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
Private George Charles Earl, 11th Battalion Royal Scots, a Postman, then a Shale Miner, enlisted in kirkliston. He died of wounds, in France on 23.10.1916 aged 33. He was born on 26.3.1883 in Leith but by 1891 the Family were living in Queensferry. His Parents were Thomas William, a Ship's Rigger and Elizabeth Earl ms Cairney. He had 1 Sister and 2 Brothers. In 1903 George married Christina Rintoul and they were living in Hopetoun Road, Queensferry in 1911, with their 4 Children.
He is buried in Grave Ref: 111.H. 31 -Dernacourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France. He is also commemorated on Kirkliston Memorial. George was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private James Lapsley, 23rd Battalion Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), a Slater, was killed in action in France on 15.9.1916 aged 36. He was born on 3.7.1880 in Bellstane, Queensferry. His Parents were William and Margaret Lapsley m.s. Garvie. James had 4 Sisters and 2 brothers. Brother William died of Whooping Cough aged 7 months in 1888 and Brother Robert died in Ypres on 28.10.1914. (see 1914 list).
James is remembered on Pier and Face 12D and 13B, Theipval Memorial, Somme, France. He is also remembered on Queensferry Primary school and St Margaret's Church Memorials. James was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Guardsman Ralph Lawson, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, a Forester, died of wounds, in Somme, France, on 26.7.1916 aged 22. He was born on 29.3.1894 in High Street, Queensferry. His Parents were James, a Baker and Emma Lawson, ms Merker. He had 2 Brothers and 1 Sister. They all lived in bank Buildings, then 28 West Terrace, Queensferry. Ralph is remembered on Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. Grave Ref: V11. D. 7A. He is also remembered on Queensferry Primary School and Queensferry Parish Church Memorials. Ralph was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private David Ley, Royal Scots Special Reserve, a Shale Miner, died an Army Pensioner, on 27.7.1916, age 22 at Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. The cause was Emphysema and Septicemia. His Usual Address was- The Inn, Blackness. He was born on 15.8.1893 in Bellstane, Queensferry. His Parents were George, a Shale Miner, later a Baker, and Margaret Ley, ms Smith. He had 5 Brothers and 2 Sisters. His Mother died in 1904 from Heart Failure.
David first enlisted in 1911 and was declared no longer fit for active service on 16.6.1915, aged 21. The reason was Chronic Mid Ear Suppuration –“ Left ear has discharged since childhood measles. He was in France for 8 months when the discharge increased and deafness was much aggravated, probably due to exposure of shell fire, as the nerve of hearing has been damaged he has only a mere trace of hearing in his left ear now” (from his service record).
David is also Commemorated on Queensferry Primary School Memorial. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
2nd Lieutenant William Mackie, 3/6th Battalion Royal Scots, a Bank Clerk, died on 29.4.1916 aged 23, in Military Hospital, Craiglieth, Edinburgh. Cause- Sarcoma of Left Lung and Cardiac Respiratory Failure. He is also remembered on Dalmeny Memorial and Queensferry Parish Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials. He was born on 22.5.1892 in Lillybank House, Queensferry. His Parents were William, a Manager of Distillery and Anne, previously Yule, Mackie, ms Bonar. He had 5 Sisters and 3 Brothers, and they all grew up in Woodburn, Dalmeny. His younger Sister Mary, died of Bronchitis aged 4 months.
His Brother James started up a Vet Practice in Kirkliston which is still operating today- James Mackie (Grandfather of David Mackie one of the present owners) looked after two mounted sections during the First World War. He gained an excellent reputation in the equine world. On his return to Scotland he worked in a practice in Dunfermline, from there he moved to Kirkliston and bought the veterinary practice. Initially, the practice was based at Rose Cottage in lower Kirkliston. After a few years he moved the family home and business up to Manse Road in Kirkliston. -The Practice is now in Main Street, Kirkliston with an additional branch surgery in Linlithgow).
William is buried in Commonwealth Grave No: 694, Queensferry Cemetery. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Sergeant David Macintosh, 18th Battalion Canadian Infantry, Western Ontario Regiment, was killed in action in France on 15.9.1916. He was born on 2.6.1893 in Queensferry Arms Hotel, Queeensferry. His Parents were Hugh, a Hotel keeper, and Janet (Jessie) Macintosh, ms Fraser. He had 3 Brothers and 3 Sisters. His father died in 1910 of Peritonitis and his Mother died in 1930 in Cramond. David enlisted as a Canadian Citizen. It is possible he emigrated to Canada in 1913, on board S/S Scandinavia of the 'Allan' shipping Line. David’s name is remembered in the Vimy Memorial, Pas de Calais, France. He is also commemorated on Cramond Memorial, Queensferry Parish Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials and 'Veterans Affairs' Canada. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private Cornelius McPhillips, 3rd Battalion Royal Scots, a Labourer, then a Miner, died on 2.12.1916 aged 40, an Army Pensioner, at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, cause- Pneumonia. Usual Residence, Craws Close, South Queensferry. He was born on 6.2.1876 in Hill Square, Queensferry. His Parents were George, a Quarry Labourer and Anne McPhilips, from Ireland. He had 3 brothers. Cornelius first enlisted in 1895. He received a shrapnel wound to his heart and left lung on 28.5.1915, in France and was in hospital in London, then sent home, attending daily to the Military Convalescent Hospital, Hopetoun House, to have his wounds dressed. He was discharged from the Army on 27.1.1916 as no longer fit for War Service. He died of Pneumonia in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on 2.12.1916 aged 40.
Cornelius was awarded the King’s and Queen’s South African Medal and 1901 and 1902 Clasps for Paardeberg, Dreitfontein, Johanesberg, Diamond Hill, Belfast and Cape Colony. Also the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals. He was also awarded a Silver War Badge No: 5954, on 17.10.1916 for Services Rendered (for his wounds). He is also commemorated on Queensferry Primary School and St Margaret's Church Memorials.
Private David Moig, 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, a Coal Miner, died in Belgium, on 31.1.1916 aged 29. He was born on 13.1.1887 in Edinburgh. His Parents were David, a Flour Miller and Mary Moig, ms Farquhar. His Father died on 12.6.1888 of Congestion of Lungs, Bronchitis and Pleurisy and Mother remarried James Kinnaird, a Market Gardener, on 15.7.1893 in Aberdeen. David had 1 Brother and 1 Sister,also 7 Stepsisters and 3 Step Brothers. David grew up in Aberdeen, married Susan Moig ms Burness in 1908 and they lived in Dalkeith with their 2 Children. His widow later moved to Montrose. David is buried in Grave Ref: 1. D.24, -La Clytte Cemetery, Belgium. He is also commemorated on Queensferry Parish Church Memorial, Montrose Memorial and Aberdeen Roll of Honour. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals. A link to Queensferry is still to be found, but by process of elimination we believe this to be the correct man.
Private John Sanderson, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots, a Slate Miner, died on 22.7.1916 aged 30, in France. He was born on 25.8.1886 in Penicuik. His Parents were James, a Ploughman and Ann Sanderson, ms Murray. He had 2 Brothers and 2 Sisters. In 1901 John, aged 14, was an Agricultural Labourer in Charge of Horses, living in Dalmeny Village, with Parents and Siblings. His Father died in 1908 in Viewforth House, Queensferry, of Pneumonia. Records show his Father James was previously married to Agnes Aitken who is the mother of older Brother James. She died of Smallpox in 1872, aged 27. John is remembered on Panel Ref: Pier & Face 6D & 7D. -Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, also Kirkliston Memorial and he was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private Peter Smith, 8th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fussiliers, a Shale miner, enlisted in Inverkeithing. He died on 8.9.1916 aged 38, in France. He was born on 11.7.1878 in West End, Queensferry. His Parents were John, a Distillery Labourer, born in Ireland, and Ann Smith ms Heavy, a Washerwoman. He had 3 Sisters and 1 Brother, John, who was killed in Salonika, on 17.9.1916 aged 33, listed below. On 5.11.1910, aged 31, living in Covenanters Land, Queensferry, Peter married Mary Smith, aged 42, a Widow, of McArthurs Land, Queensferry. Peter is commemorated on Panel Ref: Pier & Face 16C. Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France. Also on the Kirkliston Memorial, St Margaret’s Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private John Smith, 11th Battalion Scottish Rifles (Cameronians), a Quarry Labourer, died on 17.9.1916 aged 32, in Salonika, Greece. He was born on 11.4.1884 in Craws Close, Queensferry. His Parents were John, a Retortman at this time, and Ann Smith ms Heavy, a Washerwoman. He had 3 Sisters and 1 Brother, Peter who is mentioned above, having died on 8.9.1916 in France.
John is buried in Grave Ref: 417, Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery, Greece, and also Commemorated on Kirkliston Memorial, St Margaret’s Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials. John was awarded the Victory and British war Medals.
Corporal George Thomson Stewart, 3rd Special Battalion Royal Engineers, enlisted in Chatham, Kent. He was promoted to Corporal in Chemistry Section immediately and was involved in the development of the British response to the German use of Chlorine Gas. He died on 9.11.1916, aged 19, of wounds received when gassed, in France. George was born on 20.8.1887, in Glasgow. His Parents were George, a Grocer and later a Dairyman, and Agnes Stewart ms Thomson. He had 2 Brothers and they all grew up in Glasgow. Although on Queensferry memorial, no Queensferry link found so far. He is buried in Grave Ref: 1V.A.45. Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, and was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Lance Sergeant George James Stewart, 16th Bat. Manitoba Canadian Infantry, Canadian Expeditionary Force, a Clerk, died on 7.8.1916 in France, aged 37. He was born on 9.5.1879 in West End, Queensferry. His Parents were John, a Gardener and later a Burgh Officer, and Agnes Stewart ms Barker. He had 3 Sisters and 1 Brother. George married Eveline Alice Wright in 1905 in Kent, and they emigrated to Canada between 1905 and 1914. At time of Enlisting (23.12.1914), in Canada, Next of Kin (Wife) Address is 116 Lydia St, Winnipeg, Canada. He is buried in Grave Ref: 1V. G. 10. - Larchwood Railway Cutting Cemetery, West- Vlaanderen, Belgium, and is also remembered on Kirkliston Memorial, Queensferry Parish Church and Queensferry Primary School Memorials. George was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private Charles Stewart Watson, 8th Battalion Royal Scots, died on 3.9.1916 aged 18. He was born in 1898 in Hampstead. His Mother was Mrs Christina Watson, later of the Liberal Club, Edinburgh. In 1911 He was living with the Thornton Family of New Quebec Street, Marlyebone, as a Boarder, aged 13 years. Charles then lived in the Forth Bridge Hotel,Queensferry, with his Aunt, Hilda Watson, a relative of Mrs Mackenzie, who was proprietor.
Charles is buried in Grave Ref: V1.G.17, Abbeville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France, and is also commemorated on Kirkliston Memorial.
He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
6 Dalmeny Men
Lance Corporal James Beveridge, 1/3rd Battalion Royal Scots, a Miner, enlisted in Queensferry on 22.9.1903. He died on 18.7.1916, aged 29, in France. He was born on 22.11.1886 in Uphall, and his Parents were Peter, a Shale Miner and Agnes Beveridge ms Martin. he had 6 Brothers and 3 Sisters. On 5.7.1907 in South Queeensferry, James aged 21, a Shale Miner and Private of 3rd Royal Scots, of Bellstane, Queensferry, married Margaret Crane, a Widow, aged 20, an Upholsterer, of Dowies Hill, Cramond Bridge. They moved to 7 Back Row, Dalmeny. They had 3 children (one Margaret's from previous marriage). On 27.3.1917, Margaret, aged 27, now a widow, married Peter Miller, in Edinburgh.
In 1911 census his brother Peter was living in The Rows, Dalmeny with his wife and 5 children. It would appear brother Robert was also living at the same address with his wife and 2 children. James is buried in Grave Ref I.E.2. Quarry Cemetery, Muntauban, France, and was awarded the 1914 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private James Cameron, 6th Battalion Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, enlisted in Edinburgh. He died on 15.6.1916, aged 19, in France. He was born on 28.2.1897 in Long Green, Dalmeny (Long Green Cottages now a listed building in Dalmeny Estate). His Parents were McKenzie, a Mason, and Martha Cameron ms Connell. He had 2 Brothers and 6 Sisters. James is buried in V.C.22. Lillers Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, and is also commemorated on the Cramond Memorial. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
Private Hugh McDairmid, a Gamekeeper in Dalmeny Park, 1st Battalion Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, enlisted in Edinburgh. He died of wounds on 22.11.1916 aged 22. He was born in 1889 in Wicklow, Ireland. His Parents were Hugh, a Gamekeeper and Margaret McDairmid. He had 3 Brothers and 2 Sisters.
Hugh is buried in Grave Ref: V11.H.49. Warlencourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France and is also commemorated on the Cramond Memorial. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
2nd Leiutenant William Mackie, 3/6th Royal Scots, died on 29.4.1916. He is also on the Queensferry Memorial, see above.
Private Robert Middleton, a Shale Miner, 13th Battalion Royal Scots, enlisted in Edinburgh. He died on 11.5.1916, aged 30, in France, 8 months after entering the Theatre of War. He was born on 8.2.1886 in Newton Village, and his Parents were William, a Shale Miner and Jane Middleton ms Souness. He had 3 Brothers and 2 Sisters. By 1901, the family were living in 13 Stone Rows, Dalmeny. His father died of Leukaemia on 4.9.1903 aged 61.
Robert is commemorated on Panel ref: 10 -13, Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France and was awarded the 14/15th Star, Victory and British War Medals.
Private James Scott, a Farm Hand, 12th Battalion Highland Light Infantry, enlisted in Kirkliston. He died on 16.9.1916, aged 22, in France. He was born on 4.7.1894 in Bankhead, Dalmeny and his Parents were Adam, a Farmer and Dairyman and Grace Scott ms Brown. He had 4 Brothers and 4 sisters. They all worked on Bankhead Farm, Dalmeny. James is commemorated on Panel Ref: Pier and Face 15C, Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, and is also commemorated on Kirkliston Memorial. He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.
© Queensferry History Group 2015
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