The Scottish War Graves Project

gourdongirl

There are 4 CWGC stones whithin this Parish Churchyard, 2 from WWI and 2 from WWII, there are also several family stones for both World Wars and some other related military ones.

Cockburnspath (pron. CO-burns-path or CO-path) is a village in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It lies near the North Sea coast between Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh, just off the A1. It is at the eastern extremity of the Southern Upland Way, a long-distance footpath from the west to east coast of Scotland, and it is also the terminus of the Sir Walter Scott Way.

The area has many archeological remains which indicate it has been lived in and fought over since the Bronze Age. It lies close to the old invasion route from England into Scotland. Cockburnspath was initially known as Kolbrand’s Path.

Sir Adam de Hepburn (d. before 1371), in the reign of David II, had a charter of the lands of Traprain, and Southalls and Northalls (united as Hailes) in Haddingtonshire, as well as the lands of Mersingtoun, Cockburnspath, and Rollanstoun in Berwickshire. The lands of Cockburnspath must have at some point reverted to the Crown as they were part of the dowry given by James IV of Scotland to Margaret Tudor (daughter of Henry VII of England) on their marriage in 1503. This was known as the Marriage of the Thistle and the Rose, representing the Scottish and English national symbols.The 16th century market cross(seen in the photo above) in the heart of the village has carved emblems of a thistle on two of its faces and a rose on the other two.

The marriage cemented the signing of the Treaty of Perpetual Peace between Scotland and England in 1502; sadly the peace was short-lived and James was killed at the Battle of Flodden, just across the border in Northumberland, in 1513. This dynastic marriage did, however, lead to the Union of the Crowns in 1603 when James VI of Scotland also became James I of England, on the death of Elizabeth I of England.

James Hutton, the father of geology, who did much of his fieldwork in this area, particularly at Siccar Point, challenged Creationist beliefs during the late 18th century, well before Darwin. In the 19th century Cockburnspath was a favourite summer haunt of many Scottish artists who painted the village, farm workers and the surrounding scenery.

The parish church has an unusual round tower. There is also the mediaeval Dunglass Collegiate Church at the border with East Lothian, maintained by Historic Scotland and open to the public.

Nearby Fast Castle was a fictional setting for Walter Scott's novel The Bride of Lammermuir, which in turn inspired Donizetti's opera Lucia di Lammermuir. Lammermuir is the area of high moorland running west from the village on which the Border abbeys had their sheep farms, or walks, in the Middle Ages.

To reach the churchyard you turn off the A1, signposted for Cockburnspath, follow the road into the village and at the War Memorial turn right past a garage on the corner and follow the road till you come to the Mercat cross. The church can be found by following a path opposite the Mercat cross between a house and the shop.

St. Helen's Church, Cockburnspath was originally built in the 14th Century, and is a hidden gem, tucked between buildings opposite the village’s mercat cross. The church has been extensively modernised throughout its history, particularly in the 16th Century after the Reformation. Oliver Cromwell’s troops occupied the church after the Battle of Dunbar in 1650, and the building was severely damaged by them. The church visitors see today has an unusual circular tower at its west end and a stone-roofed burial vault at the east.

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:15 am Post subject: WWI CWGC graves

LAUDER
Initials: A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment/Service: King's Own Scottish Borderers
Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Date of Death: 01/05/1917
Service No: 23804
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 27. 55.
Cemetery: COCKBURNSPATH PARISH CHURCHYARD

MI:
Erected in loving memory of Alexander third son of David and Sophia Lauder who died at Frensham Hill Military Hospital 1st May 1917 aged 20, also the above David Lauder died at Dene House Cockburnspath 10th August 1924 aged 65, also the above Sophia Lauder who died at Dene House Cockburnspath 25th May 1947 aged 84, also their daughter Margaret who died 28th December 1955 aged 68 and their daughter Jane May who died 4th February 1971 aged 66.

Frensham Military Hospital was in Surrey.

Commemorated on the Cockburnspath War Memorial.

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:15 am Post subject:

SCOTT, THOMAS
Initials: T
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Scots Guards
Age: 28
Date of Death: 22/11/1918
Service No: 9605
Additional information: Son of Andrew and Agnes Nichol Scott; husband of Elizabeth Mills Scott, of Cove Farm, Cockburnspath. Born at Galashiels.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 60. 172.
Cemetery: COCKBURNSPATH PARISH CHURCHYARD

MI:
9605 Guardsman T Scott Scots Guards 22nd November 1918 age 25
"In loving remembrance"

Commemorated on the Cockburnspath War Memorial

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:16 am Post subject: WWII CWGC graves

EVANS, ANDREW HAROLD SARGENT
Initials: A H S
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Age: 24
Date of Death: 19/02/1941
Service No: 741895
Additional information: Son of Harold Easton Evans and Mary Helen Evans, of Adelaide, South Australia.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. 80. Grave 220.
Cemetery: COCKBURNSPATH PARISH CHURCHYARD

MI:
741895 Sergeant A H S Evans (of Australia) Pilot Royal Air Force 19th February 1941 age 24
"God will bind the broken chain closer when we meet again" Mother.

Commemorated on the WWII Memorial inside the Church.

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 10:17 am Post subject:

PAXTON, WILSON
Initials: W
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 99 Sqdn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 01/10/1941
Service No: 1051617
Additional information: Son of Helen W. Hood, of Kelso, Roxburghshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Old Part.
Cemetery: COCKBURNSPATH PARISH CHURCHYARD

MI:
1051617 Sergeant W Paxton Royal Air Force 1st October 1941 age 23
"Thy will be done"

Commemorated on the WWII Memorial in the Church.

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:05 am Post subject:

St Helen's Church with its round tower visable.

Views of the Churchyard

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:25 am Post subject: WWI Family graves

ALLAN, ROBERT BEAUSIRE
Initials: R B
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 4th Bn.
Age: 51
Date of Death: 05/04/1918
Additional information: Son of John and Eliza Franceys Allan, of 22, St. Albans Rd., Edinburgh.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. D. 4.
Cemetery: WIMEREUX COMMUNAL CEMETERY

MI:
Erected by John Allan in memory of his father James Allan who died at Redheugh 29th March 1861 aged 68 also his mother Mary Herriot who also died there 14th September 1868 also his daughter Mary Herriot Allan who died in infancy, the above John Allan who died 4th October 1916 aged 90 his second son Robert Beausire Allan Lieutenant 4th Royal Scots died at Wimereux France 5th April 1918 aged 51, Eliza Franceys Beausire wife of the above John Allan who died 4th May 1927 aged 89, John Joseph Allan who died at London October 1936 aged 68, James Herriot Allan who died at Edinburgh October 1939 aged 74, Francis Beauside Allan who died at Edinburgh February 1948 aged 78, William Henry Herriot Allan who died at Toronto February 1949 aged 72.

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:36 am Post subject:

GEDDES, WILLIAM BRYDEN
Initials: W B
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Northumberland Fusiliers
Unit Text: 21st (Tyneside Scottish) Bn.
Secondary Regiment: Royal Engineers
Secondary Unit Text: formerly
Age: 31
Date of Death: 11/09/1917
Service No: 48079
Additional information: Son of George Watson Geddes and the late Catherine Brydon Geddes, of Ramheugh Cottage, Castle Dykes, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 10 B 11 B and 12 B.
Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

GEDDES, GEORGE WATSON
Initials: G W
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: King's Own Scottish Borderers
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 11/04/1918
Service No: 40472
Additional information: Son of George Watson Geddes and Catherine Bryden Geddes, of Ramheugh Cottage, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 5.
Memorial: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL

MI:
In loving memory of Catherine Hay Brydon wife of George Watson Geddes died at Ramheugh Cottage Castle Dykes 20th Oct 1920 aged 66 and his sons Pt William Brydon Geddes N.F missing 11th Sept 1917 aged 31 Pt George Watson Geddes KOSB missing 11th April 1918 aged 23 also the said George Watson Geddes died at Ramheugh 22nd Nov 1939 in his 83rd year and his daughter Jeanie Brydon Geddes who died 7th Jan 1956 in her 78th year.

Both are commemorated on the Cockburnspath War Memorial

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:53 am Post subject:

GRIEVE, JOHN S.
Initials: J S
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 12th Bn.
Date of Death: 08/07/1916
Service No: 15004
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

There are 2 stones, one of which is broken with a part missing.

MI:
In memory of Private John Skeldon Grieve 12th Battn Royal Scots. One of the first to volunteer in the Great War killed in action on the Somme July 8th 1916.

MI:
Erected by James Grieve in memory of his wife Agnes Skeldon died 28th July 1914 aged 53 and of their children Robert died 16th July 1888 aged 2, Agnes died 26th February 1902 aged 7, James died 3rd July 1902 aged 3 weeks..............(broken part).......................
killed in France 8th July 1916 aged 24, Catherine Brown Grieve died 13th Novemeber 1918 aged 30, Martha Isabella Skeldon who died at Belhaven Hospital 16th December 1920 aged 20, Alice Logan Grieve died 4th February 1921 aged 32. The above James Grieve who died at Oldhamstocks 8th July 1932 aged 73.

Commemorated on the Cockburnspath War Memorial

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:02 pm Post subject:

LAING, JAMES JOHN
Initials: J J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 32
Date of Death: 22/07/1916
Service No: 1040
Additional information: Son of Annie Blair Laing, of The Hawthorn's, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire, and the late Thomas Laing.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D.
Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

MI:
In loving memory of my husband Thomas Laing died 24th April 1915 aged 67 also my daughter Magdalene H A Laing died 7th September 1899 aged 19 and my son Cpl James J Laing who fell in action in France 23rd July 1916 aged 32 also her grandson Thomas James Laing who died 4th January 1921 aged 3 years 7 months also Annie Blair wife of Thomas Laing who died 29th October 1931 aged 80 also Annie their daughter who died 7th March 1949 aged 59 and Helen Milligan wife of G F Laing died 20th December 1953 and the said George F Laing died 6th June 1964.

Commemorated on the Cockburnspath War Memorial.

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:11 pm Post subject:

LEARMONTH, THOMAS
Initials: T
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Seaforth Highlanders
Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 32
Date of Death: 23/01/1917
Service No: S/14657
Additional information: Son of David and Ann Learmonth, of Berwickshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. M. 13.
Cemetery: GROVE TOWN CEMETERY, MEAULTE

MI:
In loving memory of Anne Cockburn wife of David Learmonth who died at Cambus West Mains 10th April 1918 aged 63 also Thomas their son who died in France 23rd November 1917 aged 32 also the above David Learmonth who died at Raecleugh Head 22nd May 1928 aged 77 also their daughter Jane who died 19th December 1968 aged 82. Captain Robert Learmonth MBE born 8th October 1904 died 1st November 1990.

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:37 pm Post subject:

LUGTON, GEORGE CROW
Initials: G G
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Deck Hand
Regiment/Service: Royal Navy
Unit Text: H.M.S. Boadicea II
Age: 32
Date of Death: 10/10/1918
Service No: 10306DA
Additional information: Son of John and Eliza Lugton, of 14, Custom House Square, Dunbar, East Lothian.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: SW. N1. 91.
Cemetery: DEAN'S GRANGE CEMETERY

HMS Boadicea II was a shore establishment and parent ship for armed patrol trawlers based at Kingstown (Dún Laoghaire, Ireland) between 1915 and 1919, and Holyhead, in 1915.

MI:
Erected by Eliza Crow in loving memory of her husband John Lugton who died 12th June 1889 aged 40 also their daughter Margaret Calder Lugton died 1st February 1885 aged 9 months and Sophia Miller Lugton died 10th January 1889 in her 18th year also their son George Crow Lugton who died in Monkstown Naval Hospital Ireland 1918 aged 32 also my second husband Thomas Smith who died 15th Novemeber 1922 aged 73.

Commemorated on the Cockburnspath War Memorial

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 1:04 pm Post subject:

MI:
In memory of Christina Douglas Paxton died at Weatherly 25th March 1899 aged 3 1/2 months, James Paxton killed in France 19th December 1914 aged 19, David Paxton died at Linhead 6th June 1915 aged 24, John Purves Paxton died of wounds in France 26th November 1916 aged 28, Gideon Perrie Paxton killed in France 21st March 1917 aged 23 also their father William Paxton died at Old Linhead 1st October 1931 aged 70 also their mother Jane Purves died at Old Linhead 11th April 1940 aged 72.

PAXTON, JAMES
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 8th Bn.
Age: 19
Date of Death: 19/12/1914
Service No: 1047
Additional information: Son of William and Jane Paxton, of Old Linhead, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 1.
Memorial: PLOEGSTEERT MEMORIAL

PAXTON, JOHN PURVES
Initials: J P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
Unit Text: 58th Coy.
Age: 28
Date of Death: 26/11/1916
Service No: 4576
Additional information: Son of William and Jane Paxton, of Old Linhead, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: L. 42.
Cemetery: AVELUY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION

PAXTON, GIDEON
Initials: G
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 11th Bn.
Age: 23
Date of Death: 21/03/1917
Service No: 15993
Additional information: Son of William and Jane Paxton, of Old Linhead, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 1 and 2.
Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL

All 3 are commemorated on the Cockburnspath War Memorial

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 1:24 pm Post subject:

RENTON, GEORGE
Initials: G
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: King's Own Scottish Borderers
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 20
Date of Death: 30/11/1917
Service No: 25791
Additional information: Son of George Renton.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 5.
Memorial: CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL

MI:
In loving remembrance of Marjory Renton wife of James Paterson died at Thornton Loch 7th April 1887 aged 63 also the above James Paterson died at Redheugh 7th November 1891 aged 72 also Janet their fifth daughter died at Old Cambus East Mains 22nd January 1911 aged 48 also Elizabeth their second daughter died at Old Cambus East mains 21st february 1919 aged 69 also John their son died at Old Cambus East Mains 5th November 1919 aged 66 also Margaret their thrid daughter died at Birnieknowes 22nd July 1935 aged 83 Alexander youngest son of the above died at Birnieknowes 21st March 1946 AGED 73 also George Renton their grandson killed in action in France 30th November 1917 aged 20.

Commemorated on the Cockburnspath War Memorial.

gourdongirl · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 1:31 pm Post subject:

RITCHIE, ALEXANDER
Initials: A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 19
Date of Death: 25/09/1915
Service No: 16312
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ritchie, of Thurston Mains, Innerwick, East Lothian. Native of Redburgh, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 11.
Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

MI:
Erected to the memory of our beloved son Alexander killed in action in France 25th September 1915 also his father Thomas Ritchie who died at Birnieknowes 15th July 1942 also Diana Hadden beloved wife of the above Thomas Ritchie who died 14th July 1945.

Commemorated on the Cockburnspath War Memorial