The Scottish War Graves Project

eastcoaster

Yester Church , located in Gifford , East Lothian , 4 miles south of haddington is a commanding and rather nice church. As you approach gifford from the south on the B6369 , it is on your left and the graveyard surronding it has a mixture of both old and modern graves. The older graves are closer to the church and the modern one's increase as you get further away from it. There are 2 CWGC graves in this churchyard , one from WW1 , the other from WW2.

eastcoaster · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 10:05 am Post subject:

Name: GLASS, STEWART
Initials: S
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Sergeant (Air Bomber)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 51 Sqdn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 31/03/1944
Service No: 1372859
Additional information: Son of Mary Moffat Glass, of Haddington.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Sec. A. Grave 106.
Cemetery: YESTER PARISH CHURCHYARD

eastcoaster · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 11:50 am Post subject:

Name: DONALDSON, JOHN RICHARDSON WALKER
Initials: J R W
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own)
Unit Text: "D" Coy. 2nd/5th Bn.
Age: 34
Date of Death: 09/07/1916
Service No: 3111
Additional information: Son of Alexander and the late Jane Donaldson; husband of Georgina Bisset Donaldson, of High St., Gifford, East Lothian. Born at Gifford.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: C. 27.
Cemetery: YESTER PARISH CHURCHYARD

kenmorrison · Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 747

Flt.Sgt. S. GLASS - I think that this is the same man.
CWGC doesn't list a G.W. GLASS

from lostbombers.co.uk
LW579 was one of six 51 Sqdn Halifaxes lost on this operation.
Airborne 2207 30Mar44 from Snaith. On return, crashed into a wood near Stokenchurch, 16 miles SE of Oxford. Cause of loss not established. All are buried in their home towns. a stone Memorial, approximately 30 inches high and 30 inches wide, is set amongst trees not far from Watlington commemorated the names of this crew. This information was provided to W.Chorley, the compiler of these losses, by a Mr C.Gilligan. P/O J.Brooks KIA Sgt T.S.Connell KIA F/S D.P.McCormack KIA F/S G.W.Glass KIA F/S G.W.west KIA F/S D.A.Churchill KIA Sgt R.F.Kelly KIA "

Ken

eastcoaster · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 3:58 pm Post subject:

thanks for the info ken

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 1:54 pm Post subject:

Yester Parish Churchyard in Gifford is quite picturesque. As previously mentioned there are 2 CWGC stones within the churchyard, but there are also a few family WWI and WWII stones as well as some outwith these periods.

Located at the eastern end of the main street of Gifford, Yester Parish Church was built by architect James Smith (1645 - 1731) and completed in 1710. This unusual church includes an earlier pulpit, which was most likely moved from the original Yester Chapel, now the family chapel for Yester House.

Yester Parish Church 1900s

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:06 pm Post subject:

BALD, ROBERT
Initials: R
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 4th Bn.
Secondary Unit Text:
Age: 28
Date of Death: 12/11/1917
Service No: 200549
Additional information: Son of William Bald, of Gifford, East Lothian.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 10.
Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL

BALD, JAMES
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Army Service Corps
Unit Text: 729th M.T. Coy.
Age: 38
Date of Death: 21/05/1918
Service No: M2/130864
Additional information: Son of William and Marion Bald. Born at Gifford, East Lothian.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: XII. L. 15.
Cemetery: BAGHDAD (NORTH GATE) WAR CEMETERY

Please note that the date of death on the stone states 22nd May and on CWGC records it states 21st May.

MI:
In loving memory of William Bald who died at Gifford 29th June 1905 aged 68 years Marion Robertson his wife died 4th June 1908 aged 56 years also their son Robert 4th Royal scots who fell in Palestine 12th Nov 1917 aged 28 years also their son James M.T.A.S.C died in hospital in Baghdad 22nd May 1918 aged 37 years also their son Alexander died 1st Jan 1926 aged 45 also their daughter Isabella died 5th May 1943 aged 85 also Hannah their daughter died 31st July 1966 aged 81.

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:15 pm Post subject:

BROWN
Initials: W
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 9th Bn.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 09/04/1917
Service No: 351768
Additional information: Son of John Brown, of High St., Gifford, Edinburgh.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 31.
Cemetery: ROCLINCOURT MILITARY CEMETERY

BROWN, MARCUS LESLIE
Initials: M L
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: "B" Coy. 13th Bn.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 31/07/1917
Service No: 15405
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Brown, of High St., Gifford, Edinburgh.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. D. 6.
Cemetery: BRANDHOEK NEW MILITARY CEMETERY

MI:
In loving memory of Jane C Leslie wife of John Brown, joiner Yester died 1st March 1926 aged 63 also their daughter Alexandrina died 26th Feb 1889 aged 2 also their sons William died of wounds in France 9th April 1917 aged 20 Marcus died of wounds in France 31st July 1917 aged 24.

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:38 pm Post subject:

This family memorial is made up of one large central stone with 2 panels on each side.

(Centre panel)

William Montagu Hay 10th Marquis of Tweeddale K.T born 29th Jan 1826 died 25th Nov 1911 "Until the day break" and his wife Candida Louise C.B.E born 3rd May 1854 died 14th Feb 1925 3rd daughter of Vincenzo Bartolucci of Cantiano Italy and his wife Clementino, daughter of Thomas Dundas of Carron Hall Stirlingshire.

William Montagu Hay served in the Bengal Civil Service 1845-62 and was Deputy Commissioner of Simla and Superintendent of Hill States, Northern India. He was a Member of Parliament (Liberal) for Taunton 1865-68 and for Haddington Burghs 1878. He was also appointed Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland 1890-92 and 1896-97 and granted a Knight of the Thistle in 1898.

(centre right panel)

Sacred to the memory of Lord Arthur Vincent Hay, Irish Guards 2nd son of the 10th Marquis of Tweedale KT killed in action in the Battle of the Aisne France 14th Sept 1914 "In such a death there is no sting, In such a grave, ever lasting victory"

HAY, LORD ARTHUR VINCENT
Initials: A V
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Captain
Regiment/Service: Irish Guards
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 25
Date of Death: 14/09/1914
Additional information: Son of the 10th Marquess of Tweeddale and the Marchioness of Tweeddale, of 6, Hill St., Mayfair, London; husband of Lady Arthur Hay (now Mrs. Robert Leatham).
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 5.
Cemetery: SOUPIR COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Biography:
Lord Arthur Vincent Hay born 16th March 1886 killed in action 14th Sept 1914. Son of William Montagu Hay, 10th Marquess of Tweedale and Candida Louise Bartolucci. He married Menda Ralli, daughter of Ambrose Ralli and Christine Alexandra Ralli on 27th May 1911. They had one daughter. Menda Ralli married for a 2nd time on 3rd Jan 1916 to Colonel Robert Edward Kennard Leatham DSO. Menda was born on 24th March 1887 and died 5th Jan 1959.

(far right panel)

David George Montague Hay 12th Marquise of Tweedale A.M, RNR 1939-1945 born 25th Oct 1921 died 23rd Jan 1979

Biography:
David George Montagu Hay, born 25 Oct 1921, died 23 Jan 1979, son of Lt.Col Lord Edward Douglas John Hay and Violet Florence Catherine Barclay. He married twice, firstly on 26th Oct 1946 to Hon. Sonia Mary Peake, daughter of Osbert Peake, 1st Viscount Ingleby and Lady Joan Rachel de Vere Capelle, they divorced in 1958. They have 3 sons. He married for a second time to Nella Doreen Dutton on 14th Jan 1959, they have 2 sons. He reached the rank of Lieutenant in the service of the RNR.
He was awarded the Lloyds Medal and Albert medal for an act of bravery on 29 January 1941. Whilst he was a Cadet in the RNR serving onboard SS Eurylochus, which was sunk by German raider Kormoran (Detmers) on 29th Jan 1941 in the Central Atlantic in 08.19N, 25.01W with the loss of 11 crew. He dived into the shark-infested sea to save a shipmate.

The London Gazette 8th July 1941– (From the ADMIRALTY, Whitehall, S.W.1)
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Award for gallantry in rescuing a shipmate The Albert Medal Cadet David Hay.
Cadet Hay was serving in a Merchantman which was sunk by an enemy Raider. She was heavily shelled and machine-gunned, and many of her crew were killed. Two boats were got away, but the others were shot to pieces. Those of the crew who were left on board launched two rafts, and just before the ship went down they jumped in and swam for them. Cadet Hay reached a raft, but, although sharks were swimming all round him, he dived in again and rescued the Radio Officer. As he swam back to the raft his clothing was torn by a shark

(The Lloyd's War Medal for Bravery at Sea is one of the four Lloyd's Medal types bestowed by Lloyd's of London. In 1939, with the coming of World War II, Lloyd's set up a committee to find means of honouring seafarers who performed acts of exceptional courage at sea, and this resulted in the announcement in December 1940 of the Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea. The first awards were announced in March 1941, and the last in October 1948 – all awards were for acts during the Second World War. In all 541 Lloyd’s War Medals for Bravery at Sea were awarded.)

There was an article in the East Lothian Courier on Thurs 11th Nov 2010 about David Hay's act of bravery. http://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/roundup/articles/2010/11/11/407142-amazing-gallantry-of-littleknown-hero-is-celebrated/
(According to the article they didn't know anything about David Hay and his connection to East Lothian. I stumbled on the connection whilst doing research into his father. I have contacted the Imperial War Museum with what I found and am awaiting a reply - I will keep you posted!).

(far left panel)

Bridget wife of Captain Lord Edward Hay and daughter of Major and The Honorable Mrs Barclay born 8th Oct 1895 died 17th March 1926 and her daughter Marioth born 1st Sept 1918 died 29th April 2006 sister of the 12th Marquis of Tweeddale A.M.

I know Lt.Col Edward Douglas John Hay, husband of Bridget Barclay is not buried here, but he is mentioned on the memorial, so I have included information on him too since he was killed by enemy action and had served during both World Wars.

HAY, EDWARD DOUGLAS JOHN
Initials: E D J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel (Lord)
Regiment/Service: Grenadier Guards
Age: 55
Date of Death: 18/06/1944
Service No: 24133
Additional information: Son of William Montagu Hay, 10th Marquess of Tweeddale and the Marchioness Tweeddale; husband of Lady Hay (nee Latham), of Theydon Mount. Also served in the 1914-18 War. Staff Capt. to General Sir Edmund Ironside, 1921. Military Secretary to Rt. Hon. Sir Herbert Samuel from 1921-1923.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: East of Church.
Cemetery: THEYDON MOUNT (ST. MICHAEL) CHURCHYARD

Biography:
Lt.Col Lord Edward Douglas John Hay was born 2nd Nov 1888, son of William Montagu Hay, 10th Marquis of Tweeddale and his wife Candida Louisa Bartolucci. He was married twice, firstly to (Bridget) Violet Florence Catherine Barclay, daughter of Major Cameron Barclay (10th Royal Hussars) and Hon. Charlotte Ernestine Harsley-Beresford on 18th Oct 1917 and they had 1 son (David George Montagu Hay) and 1 daughter (Marioth Christina Hay). Bridget died on 17th March 1926. He then married for a second time on 5th July 1928 to Audrey Clara Lilian Latham, daughter of Sir Thomas Paul Latham 1st Bt and Florence Clara Walley, they had a daughter (Caroline Susan Elizabeth Hay). He was killed on 18th June 1944 when a German V1 bomb destroyed Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks Westminster London. At this time he was Commanding Officer of the Grenadier Guards and he was walking back to his seat after reading the lesson, when the bomb hit. The funeral service was at his home at Hill Hall, Theydon Mount, Essex, where The Bishop of Barking, The Rev H G Barclay and the Rev E W Grevatt officiated. He is buried in Theydon Mount (St Michael) Churchyard.

Career:
He was educated at Eton and Magdalen College Oxford and was Gazetted Lieutenant, Grenadier Guards in 1913. He served in France, Gallipoli and Egypt during WWI and was promoted to Captain in 1920 and Major in 1928. He retired in 1930, but was re-employed in 1941. He served on the Peace Conference in Paris in 1918-19 and had also served on special missions to Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria and served as Staff Captain to General Sir Edmund Ironside on a special mission to Hungary and Rumania in 1921 and from 1921-1923 acted as Military Secretary to Sir Herbert Samuel when he was High Commissioner in Palestine. For a number of years he had lived at Hill Hall Theydon Mount Essex, formerly the home of Sir Robert and Lady Hudson and was a JP and DL for Essex and served as Lt.Col 4th Battn Essex Regt (TA).

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:42 pm Post subject:

LUGTON, PETER
Initials: P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Cameron Highlanders
Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Age: 31
Date of Death: 24/08/1917
Service No: S/22238
Additional information: Son of Susan Lugton, of School Rd., Gifford, East Lothian, and the late John Lugton. Three years a Telegraph Messenger, 12 years a Postman.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 136 to 138.
Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL

MI:
In loving memory of our parents John Lugton died 17th Oct 1892 interred in Haddington Cemetery his wife Susan Barnett died 4th March 1933 their son Peter killed in action in Ypres 22nd Aug 1917.

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:47 pm Post subject:

NEILSON, ROBERT
Initials: R
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 12th Bn.
Age: 28
Date of Death: 25/09/1915
Service No: 14975
Additional information: Son of Robert and Agnes Neilson, of Newhall, Gifford, Edinburgh.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 10 to 13.
Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL

MI:
Erected by Agnes Cowan to the memory of her husband Robert Young Neilson who died 24th Feb 1927 aged 66 their son Robert, Corpl 12th Royal Scots killed at Loos 1915 aged 28 also the above Agnes Cowan who died 1st Aug 1932 aged 70.

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 2:59 pm Post subject:

RAMAGE, JOHN
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Gordon Highlanders
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Date of Death: 09/09/1914
Service No: 907
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Memorial: LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL

RAMAGE, ROBERT
Initials: R
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment/Service: Gordon Highlanders
Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Date of Death: 16/05/1915
Service No: 692
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 39 to 41.
Memorial: LE TOURET MEMORIAL

RAMAGE
Initials: W B
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)
Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 29
Date of Death: 11/10/1917
Service No: 26028
Additional information: Son of James Ramage, of Beanston Gardens, Haddington; husband of Helen Stewart Ramage, of 10, Kirk St., Leith, Edinburgh.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: IX. H. 19.
Cemetery: DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY

MI:
Erected by James Ramage in memory of his wife Isabella Duncan Brown who died at Longnewton 21st Oct 1894 aged 39 the above James Ramage who died at Sandys Mill 8th Feb 1923 aged 68 also their sons John died of wounds in France 9th Sept 1914 aged 22 James died at Haddington 6th Feb 1915 aged 30 Robert killed in action 16th May 1915 aged 25 William died of wounds in France 11th Oct 1917 aged 29.

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 3:08 pm Post subject:

WATSON, JOHN GALLOWAY
Initials: J G
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Reserve
Unit Text: H.M. Submarine G.8.
Date of Death: 03/01/1918
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 30.
Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL

MI:
In loving memory of my dear husband Andrew Kemp Watson shipmaster who died at Avenue House Gifford 23rd Oct 1921 aged 63 also our eldest son David drowned at Colcol Point Valparaiso 1st Sept 1901 aged 17 and John, Lieutenant RNR who gave his life for his country 14th Jan 1018 on Submarine G.8 aged 28 and of Barbara Galloway wife of the above Andrew Kemp Watson who passed away on 21st Aug 1941.
Please note difference in the date of death, CWGC has 3rd Jan 1918 and family stone has 14th Jan 1918

Thanks to Ken Morrison who did some "digging" and sent me the following message.

Hi - was curious about the dates of death for Lt John G Watson RN and found a thread (quite old) on The Great War Forum.

Submarine "G 8 sailed on 27.12.1917 from Tees for the Kattegat, to leave her patrol area on 03.01.1918 or possibly 48 hours later, should have been back on 06.01.1918 a.m.

Was officially listed as missing per 14.01.1918."

CWGC seem to use "last known" date while the family used the last date.

Ken

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 3:10 pm Post subject:

gourdongirl · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 3:17 pm Post subject:

AITCHISON, FREDERICK THOMAS
Initials: F T
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Gunner
Regiment/Service: Royal Horse Artillery
Unit Text: 3 Regt.
Age: 19
Date of Death: 14/04/1941
Service No: 876830
Additional information: Son of John Aitchison and of Jean Aitchison (nee Selby), of Gifford, East Lothian.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 2. G. 18.
Cemetery: KNIGHTSBRIDGE WAR CEMETERY, ACROMA

MI:
In loving memory of John Aitchison died 22nd Feb 1957 in his 73rd year beloved husband of Jean Selby who died 10th Dec 1936 in her 56th year also their son Frederick Thomas killed in action in Libya 14th April 1941 in his 20th year and her mother Jane Selby died 26th Dec 1936 in her 87th year.