There were several Queensferry and Dalmeny men who were held prisoner in various camps around Europe during the First World War. We have some information on just a few of them.
Corporal E. Garvie, Sergeant P. Duncan and Private John Wilson all from the Royal Scots were Prisoners of War in Germany.
Private Robert Fairlie of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps, was a Butcher to trade and aged 29 when he enlisted in 1915. He was listed as missing, then as a prisoner in Germany. It was stated that Private Fairlie was taken prisoner after rendering efficient service at his post up to the time of his capture. He was repatriated at the end of the War and arrived in Dover in December 1918.
Private Robert Fairlie of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps, was a Butcher to trade and aged 29 when he enlisted in 1915. He was listed as missing, then as a prisoner in Germany. It was stated that Private Fairlie was taken prisoner after rendering efficient service at his post up to the time of his capture. He was repatriated at the end of the War and arrived in Dover in December 1918.
Private John Scott of the Cameronians was listed as missing for some time but was later reported as a POW in Germany.
The first POWs who returned in December 1918 after repatriation began, were Privates Scott, Russell, Sinclair, Harper and McHardy from Queensferry and Thomas Martin who lived in Dalmeny.
Martin was firstly a POW in France before being moved to a camp in Germany. During this time he was with French POWs and later said that he was able to learn French from them.
Life as a POW was often harsh with treatment varying from camp to camp. Prisoners would be put to work by the prison guards. The occasional letters and packages which arrived from home were very welcome.
Martin was firstly a POW in France before being moved to a camp in Germany. During this time he was with French POWs and later said that he was able to learn French from them.
Life as a POW was often harsh with treatment varying from camp to camp. Prisoners would be put to work by the prison guards. The occasional letters and packages which arrived from home were very welcome.
World War 2
Again we have information on just a few men. One remarkable story, below, was reported in the West Lothian Courier of 15.8.1941. Additional information in brackets.
“Mrs McPhillips, widow of John McPhillips, of Inchgarvie Park, cherishes a proud record. She has six sons in the forces and one of them was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar.
Regimental Sergeant Major Patrick McPhillips of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, is believed to be the first South Queensferry soldier awarded the DCM and Bar in this war, ("and bar" means that the award has been bestowed multiple times). He won this in Palestine and added the bar during operations at Sidi Barrat where although wounded he carried on bravely and resolutely in the face of heavy fire.
He has been in the Army for 19 years and has had considerable service in foreign strands including Jamaica and India, China and Palestine – he spent 3 years in the Middle East.
Possessed of good athlete prowess he retains trophies for football and hockey for distinction in regimental sports. He is also splendid swimmer. Mrs McPhillips received a postcard from him last Tuesday.
Taken prisoner at Crete, he was reported missing prior to his being reported as a prisoner of war.
The other five sons are as follows
“Mrs McPhillips, widow of John McPhillips, of Inchgarvie Park, cherishes a proud record. She has six sons in the forces and one of them was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar.
Regimental Sergeant Major Patrick McPhillips of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, is believed to be the first South Queensferry soldier awarded the DCM and Bar in this war, ("and bar" means that the award has been bestowed multiple times). He won this in Palestine and added the bar during operations at Sidi Barrat where although wounded he carried on bravely and resolutely in the face of heavy fire.
He has been in the Army for 19 years and has had considerable service in foreign strands including Jamaica and India, China and Palestine – he spent 3 years in the Middle East.
Possessed of good athlete prowess he retains trophies for football and hockey for distinction in regimental sports. He is also splendid swimmer. Mrs McPhillips received a postcard from him last Tuesday.
Taken prisoner at Crete, he was reported missing prior to his being reported as a prisoner of war.
The other five sons are as follows
Lance Corporal Thomas McPhillips also of the Royal engineers who at one time spent time in the Tank Corps. (Thomas was killed in action in Italy in February 1944, aged 36, leaving a widow).
Daniel McPhillips of the Royal Scots (who was killed in action in India in April 1944 aged 27).
Gunner George Mc Phillips of the Royal Artillery who incidentally met his brother Patrick in the Middle East this year (1941).
Company Sergeant Major Instructor John Mc Phillips who is in the Royal Engineers.
Edward McPhillips who is attached to the NAFFI .”
Some of these names are mentioned below!
Daniel McPhillips of the Royal Scots (who was killed in action in India in April 1944 aged 27).
Gunner George Mc Phillips of the Royal Artillery who incidentally met his brother Patrick in the Middle East this year (1941).
Company Sergeant Major Instructor John Mc Phillips who is in the Royal Engineers.
Edward McPhillips who is attached to the NAFFI .”
Some of these names are mentioned below!
Welcome Home
The Gazette, on 8th June 1945 reported that “the Queensferry Welcome Home Committee, entertained in Rosebery Hall, men of the “Ferry Battery, Heroes of Tobruk, ex prisoners of war belonging to the burgh, men who have won honours in battle and last but not least servicemen personnel home on leave. Wives and sweethearts were there to share the honour conferred on their men folk.
Provost Lawson presided over this unique gathering.
It was the privilege and honour, in the name of the Magistrates, Councillors of the Burgh, Welcome Home Committee and inhabitants of Queensferry, for local boy Duncan Lamont, who was a prisoner of war in Germany for 4½ years, to convey to the men a warm welcome and heartiest congratulations on their safe return to their “Ain Folk”.
The Provost then spoke of the honours the 57th Battery (Queensferry) had won in the field and that those at home were thrilled when they got the news that the men were in Tobruk during their famous siege which was one of the epic defences of the war.
Major Todd, commanding officer of the 57th Battery said they were pleased to see so many of the prisoners of war, including Lieutenant Lamont, returned home and that the people of Queensferry had every reason to be proud of their Battery.
Provost Lawson presided over this unique gathering.
It was the privilege and honour, in the name of the Magistrates, Councillors of the Burgh, Welcome Home Committee and inhabitants of Queensferry, for local boy Duncan Lamont, who was a prisoner of war in Germany for 4½ years, to convey to the men a warm welcome and heartiest congratulations on their safe return to their “Ain Folk”.
The Provost then spoke of the honours the 57th Battery (Queensferry) had won in the field and that those at home were thrilled when they got the news that the men were in Tobruk during their famous siege which was one of the epic defences of the war.
Major Todd, commanding officer of the 57th Battery said they were pleased to see so many of the prisoners of war, including Lieutenant Lamont, returned home and that the people of Queensferry had every reason to be proud of their Battery.
The big event of the evening was the presentation of envelopes containing a gift of £5 for each prisoner of war and each honours man. The prisoners thus honoured were
Company Sergeant Major W Buchanan,
Regimental Sergeant Major Patrick McPhillips
Lieutenant Duncan Lamont,
Sergeant E Thomas,
Sergeant D Sinclair,
Corporal Cameron,
Bombadier D Bryce,
Gunner E McPhillips, (possibly Patrick’s brother Edward)
Gunner J Marshall,
Private J McFarlane,
Private C Calder,
Private J McGill,
It was mentioned that there were four prisoners of war in Japanese hands.
A similar gift was made to the following men who had won decorations in the war: Regimental Sergeant Major Patrick McPhillips, Argyll & Southern Highlanders – DCM- Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar ("and bar" means that the award has been bestowed multiple times).
His brother, Company Sergeant Major John McPhillips, Royal Engineers - MBE - Member of British Empire;
Sergeant G Erskine, Royal Artillery - MM-Military Medal;
Petty Officer Charles Andrews, Royal Navy – DSM-Distinguished Service Medal.
As each name was announced there was a loud outburst of cheering, a special ovation being held for “Kiltie” McPhillips with his double row of ribbon. It was announced amidst applause that had had just completed 22 years service in the Army.
A dance followed"
If anyone can help with more information on these men, please contact us on our gmail address which is [email protected]
His brother, Company Sergeant Major John McPhillips, Royal Engineers - MBE - Member of British Empire;
Sergeant G Erskine, Royal Artillery - MM-Military Medal;
Petty Officer Charles Andrews, Royal Navy – DSM-Distinguished Service Medal.
As each name was announced there was a loud outburst of cheering, a special ovation being held for “Kiltie” McPhillips with his double row of ribbon. It was announced amidst applause that had had just completed 22 years service in the Army.
A dance followed"
If anyone can help with more information on these men, please contact us on our gmail address which is [email protected]
© Queensferry History Group 2019