The Scottish War Graves Project

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:53 am Post subject:

CRAIG, JAMES HUBERT
Initials: J H
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flying Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 159 Sqdn.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 28/03/1946
Service No: 184054
Additional information: Son of Hugh and Matty Craig, of Haddington, East Lothian.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Coll. Grave 1. D. 4-19.
Cemetery: RANGOON WAR CEMETERY

MI:
In proud and treasured memory of Flying Officer James Hubert Craig aged 24 Pilot 159 Squadron Bomber Command much loved only son of Hugh and Martha Craig of Harpendean also of his loved and Gallant crew who crashed at Pegu Burma on 28th March 1946 all buried in Rangoon.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn"
also Martha Thomson beloved wife of the above Hugh Craig died 29th August 1960 aged 75 and of the above Hugh Craig died 22nd September 1967 aged 80. Provost of Haddington 1956-59.

Grave can be found at C35.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:18 am Post subject:

EDMOND, JOHN
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Army in Burma Reserve of Officers
Age: 39
Date of Death: 19/04/1942
Awards: Mentioned in Despatches
Additional information: Son of John A. Edmond and Agnes Mathieson Edmond, of Haddington, East Lothian. A.M.I.Mech.E.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 25. G. 20.
Cemetery: TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY

MI:
In loving memory of Agnes Mathieson belved wife of John Edmond who died 25th March 1921 also their beloved eldest son John who died in Burma 19th April 1942 intered at Tillin Burma.
Erected by their eldest son John Edmond, Burma.

Grave can be found at G35.

John was chief engineer at the oilfield in Yenang Yaung and that he actually died on the last day of the battle there. He was in Burma for 15 years prior to the war.

Battle of Yenang Yaung
On 16 April, almost 7,000 British soldiers, and 500 prisoners and civilians were encircled by an equal number of Japanese soldiers from the Japanese 33rd Division at Yenangyaung and its oil field. The 33rd Division had cut the Magwe road between Slim's two divisions, who were now about 50 miles (80 km) apart. The 1st Burma Division was hampered by large numbers of wounded men and short of water. Major General Bruce Scott, commanding the 1st Burma Division, telephoned General Sun Li Jen, commanding the Chinese 38th Division, asking for rescue soon after the 38th Division entered the area.

General Sun requested to lead his entire division to the rescue of 1st Burma Division, but General Lo Cho-ying, commanding the Chinese Expeditionary Force in Burma, refused. On 17 April, General Sun instead led his 113th Regiment with only 1121 men in the rescue mission. Because the Chinese had no artillery or tanks, Lieutenant General Slim assigned the 7th Armoured Brigade commanded by Brigadier John Henry Anstice to General Sun. The brigade consisted of two regiments (battalions) of M3 Stuart light tanks and a battery of 25-pounder guns.

For the next three days the Chinese and British force attacked southwards. The temperatures reaches as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit and pall of smoke from the demolished oil wells and refineries hung over the battlefield.

Meanwhile, 1st Burma Division fought its way to and across the Pin Chaung river where they met with the relief column on 19 April. On the next day, the Allied force attacked south toward Yenaungyaung and Pin Chaung where the Japanese suffered heavy casualties, but the Allied forces were too weak to hold the oil fields and had to retreat to the north.

The rescue mission had been a success, but the 1st Burma Division had lost most of its heavy equipment and was exhausted and disorganised. Many of its Burmese troops had deserted.

King George VI rewarded Sun Li Jen with the CBE, and honoured the Regiment Commander Colonel F.W. Liu and some other officers with medals.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:34 am Post subject:

HARTSHORNE, FRANCIS BYNG
Initials: F B
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers
Secondary Regiment: Indian Engineers
Secondary Unit Text: attd.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 04/03/1943
Service No: 210889
Awards: Mentioned in Despatches
Additional information: Son of John F. B. and Edith A. Hartshorne, of Oxford. Scholar of Eton College.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Face 3.
Memorial: RANGOON MEMORIAL

MI:
In memory of Francis Byng Hartshorne Lieut. Royal Engineers only son of John Byng Hartshorne I.C.S and Grandson of Henry Chisholm Davidson born 6th July 1921 killed in action in Burma 3rd March 1943.
"Blessed are the pure at heart"

Grave can be found at U28, the Davidson Family area.

The Supplement of The London Gazette 31st Octobet 1941 p 6309
Corps of Royal Engineers
The undermentioned Cadets to be 2nd Lts - 12th Oct 1941
Francis Byng Hartshorne (210889)

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:43 am Post subject:

HOGG, WILLIAM CARLYE BLACK
Initials: W C B
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 26
Date of Death: 09/06/1944
Service No: 3059821
Additional information: Son of Robert and Annie Hogg, of Haddington, East Lothian.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 3. C. 16.
Cemetery: KOHIMA WAR CEMETERY

MI:
Erected by Robert and Annie Hogg in loving memory of their son William C Black 1st batt The Royal Scots killed in action in Burma 9th June 1944 aged 26. Interred Kohima Mil. Cemetery Assam India also their infant son Alexander Fairgrieve died 18th May 1920 also the above Robert Hogg died 4th January 1963 aged 82 and his dearly beloved wife Annie Herriot died 28th May 1963 aged 78.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 2:02 am Post subject:

Information from The Labuan War Cemetery Roll of Honour as can't find entry on CWGC or SMWN.

MACKENZIE, Corporal, ALAN SHEPPARD, 80027. 4th (Malacca Volunteer Corps) Bn. Straits Settlements Volunteer Force. 23rd March 1945. Age 39. Son of Dr. William Cossar Mackenzie and Mary Ann Sheppard Mackenzie. L. D. 10.

MI:
In loving memory of William Cossar MacKenzie of Alderston, for 15 years in the Egyptian Government Service, born February 15th 1866 died July 29th 1911 and of his wife Mary Ann Sheppard died February 23rd 1944 and their son Alan Sheppard who died in POW camp Borneo March 23rd 1945 aged 39 also their son John Gurney MacKenzie C.M.G for 27 years in the Colonial Service in Nigeria died 12th September 1975 aged 67 also their son-in-law David Charles Meehan born 24-11-1912 died 26-7-1987 and their daughter Marian Byas Meehan 19.12.09-12.8.86

Grave can be found at F3.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 2:11 am Post subject:

PURVES, THOMAS
Initials: T
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment/Service: Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Age: 36
Date of Death: 04/02/1942
Service No: 2974492
Awards: M M
Additional information: Son of George and Marion Purves; husband of Edith Purves, of Golders Green, Middlesex.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 80.
Memorial: SINGAPORE MEMORIAL

MI:
In loving memory of George H Purves beloved husband of Marion Cunningham died 8th December 1950 aged 76 and of his wife Marion Cunningham died 12th August 1971 aged 90 also their daughter Mary died 15th April 1912 aged 4 1/2 and their son Sgt T Purves M.M A & S Highlanders died in Singapore 1942 also their daughter Anne died 2.8.94 aged 75.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 2:20 am Post subject:

SPARK, GEORGE AYTOUN
Initials: G A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 625 Sqdn.
Date of Death: 29/01/1944
Service No: 155494
Awards: D F C
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 203.

MI:
In loving remembrance of George Spark who died at Somnerfield House Haddington 23rd May 1923 aged 70 also his wife Margaret Wallace Brown who died 18th November 1933 aged 83 also their son George Spark draper beloved husband of Lillias McLean who died at White Lodge Haddington 10th October 1946 and the above Lillias McLean who died 22nd November 1950 also their elder son George Flt Lieut. RAF killed in action 29th January 1944.

Grave can be found at H21.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 2:32 am Post subject:

WATT, ALEXANDER PRYDE
Initials: A P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Signalman
Regiment/Service: Royal Corps of Signals
Secondary Regiment: Indian Signal Corps
Secondary Unit Text: attd. 77th Indian Inf. Bde. Sig. Sec.
Age: 22
Date of Death: 03/07/1943
Service No: 885195
Additional information: Son of Thomas and Margaret H. Watt, of Musselburgh, Midlothian.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sp. Mem. Joint grave 9. D. 7.
Cemetery: RANGOON WAR CEMETERY

MI:
In loving memory of Thomas Watt died 26th August 1928 aged 70 also his son Corpl Peter W Watt 1/5th KOSB drowned at Elarish Egypt 16th January 1917 aged 24 and his wife Marion Young died 14th November 1944 aged 90 also his Grandson Alex Watt Royal Signals who died in Rangoon 3rd July 1943 aged 22 also his son Thomas Watt died 16th July 1980 aged 86 also Marion Young Spillman nee Watt died 13th December 1997 aged 75.

Grave can be found in C27.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 2:42 am Post subject:

WILLIAMSON, WALTER DOUGLAS
Initials: W D
Nationality: Australian
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Australian Infantry
Unit Text: A.C.M.F. 29 Grn. Bn.
Age: 49
Date of Death: 13/02/1943
Service No: W26766
Additional information: Son of Thomas Moncrieff Williamson and Ann Malcolm Williamson.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: G.B.13.
Cemetery: PERTH WAR CEMETERY AND ANNEX

MI:
In memory of Annie Malcolm Watt wife of Thomas Moncrieff Williamson who died at Holme House Haddington on 7th November 1900 aged 49 also the said Thomas Moncrieff Williamson who died at Holme House Haddington on 20th May 1913 aged 63, their son Stewart, late Captain 12th A & S Highlanders who died at Nakuru Kenya Colony on 20th December 1923 aged 36, their son James Watt who died at Haddington on 8th April 1931 aged 45, their son Walter Douglas late lieut. 12th A & S Highlanders who died on active service in Western Australia 13th February 1943 aged 48, Alexander Jeans Lt. Col RAMC died at Frinton 7th June 1946 aged 67.

Grave can be found at J21.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:36 am Post subject:

More views of the Church and Churchyard.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:26 am Post subject: Post WWII CWGC grave

MI:
22417241 C.Sgt L H Hardie The Royal Scots 28th May 1972 aged 39
"May he rest in peace"

Grave can be found at B24

Information from the Armed Forces Memorial
Lawrence Henchelwood Hardie was born 29th June 1932.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 3:01 pm Post subject: Other military graves

MI:
To the memory of Simon Brown late Surgeon in the Royal Navy who died August 11th 1779 in the 50th year of his age. This monument was erected in testimony of her affection by Annie Campbell his widow. She also, the last of her family, after a life of great piety and prudence died on the 26th day of November 1800 aged 61 years.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 3:05 pm Post subject:

MI:
This monument is erected by the Officers of the 25th Regiment to the memory of Captain Hugh Blair Rutherford who departed this life the 29th day of August 1810 aged 24 years.

Grave can be found at S140

Jan 4th.1811 —EDINBURGH HIGH COURT OF JUSTICIARY—TRIAL OF MR CAHILL.—
On Wednesday came on the trial of Alexander Cahill, surgeon of the 2nd Battalion of the 25th regiment of foot, accused of the murder of Captain Hugh Blair Rutherford, belonging to the same regiment.
It appeared from the evidence, that, according to the regulations of the mess of the 25th regiment, no officer was permitted to carry the newspapers out of the mess-room, and that Mr Cahill, who had been sick for some time, had acted contrary to this regulation; that this was made the subject of a motion, on the 29th of August, after Mr Cahill's recovery, by Ensign Burke, who proposed that the doctor should be fined half a dozen bottles of wine for so doing. This motion was carried only by the casting vote of the president of the mess, and Mr Cahill objected to pay the fine until there should be a full meeting of the officers, as he thought it was exacted more through private pique, than from any wish to promote the good of the mess. Ensign Burke, who made the motion, then asked Mr Cahill if he thought he had been influenced by private pique, who said he did not; but on Captain Rutherford calling on him to name the person he referred to, Mr Cahill replied, that he would not say anything behind a man's back, that he would not say to his face, and that he was the person alluded to.—The conversation which ensued was very warm on the part of Captain Rutherford, and was not put an end to by the repeated interference of the major, when Captain Rutherford and Ensign Burke left the room ; and in a short time after, Ensign Burke returned to the mess-room, where Mr Cahill still was, with a message from the captain, requesting that gentleman either to make an apology for what he had said, or give him (Captain Rutherford) a meeting. Mr Cahill declined apologizing, but said he had no pistols; that, however, the captain said, should be no excuse, as he would have one of his. The parties met accordingly, and the distance, measured by the seconds, was fourteen yards, which Captain R. objected to, observing ten would have been better. After they had taken their ground, they fired once, by signal, without effect; and immediately after, Captain Rutherford's second proposed to Mr Cahill to apologize, which he declined ; but added, he would quit the ground, and shake hands with the captain ; this was rejected. On preparing to load the second time, it was found the ramrods were a-missing, which gave the seconds another opportunity of interfering, but still without effect; Captain Rutherford calling out, a twig from a bush might supply the place of the ramrods, and this expedient was adopted. The second shot took effect in Captain Rutherford's groin, who, after he was wounded, on the seconds again expressing a wish to adjust the quarrel, called out, " Load the pistols, load the pistols ;" which being told Mr Cahill, he said he would receive the captain's fire, but not return it. By this time Captain R. had fallen into the arms of his second, and, on Mr Cahill and his second going up, he was laid on his back, and the wound examined by Mr Cahill, who found he could render him no assistance. Aid having been procured, Captain R. was carried to the barracks, where he shortly after expired. Mr Cahill made his escape, but afterwards voluntarily surrendered himself to stand trial. A number of witnesses, examined in exculpation, gave Mr Cahill a most excellent character ; and represented him as a quiet and inoffensive man. After an address on the part of the crown, by J. H. Mackenzie, Esq. ; for the prisoner, by William Erskine, Esq. ; and a few words from the Lord Justice Clerk, the jury were enclosed, and returned the verdict of Not Guilty, with the exception of two dissentient voices. Mr Cahill was acquitted, and dismissed from the bar accordingly.
Counsel for the crown, H. J. Mackenzie and James Wedderburn,Esqrs. ; agent, Hugh Warrender, Esq. W. S.
For the prisoner, William Erskine and John A. Murray, Esqrs.; agent, Mr Donaldson.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 5:08 pm Post subject:

MI:
In memory of Lieut Col John Ainslie of Teviotdale, HEICS born 7th June 1760 died 13th March 1817 and his wife Sarah Geddes born 3rd December 1783 died at Futtycurh India 6th June 1813 and of their children Sarah born 3rd May 1806 died in 1810, John born 30th May 1807 died in June 1844, George Hewitt born 10th November 1809 died 9th February 1850, Robert Forrest born 28th June 1811 died 6th June 1862

William Bernanrd Ainslie C.B Colonel 93rd Regt born 17th August 1812 died Oct 1887. Johanna Falls daughter of Major General Thomas Falls widow of Col William Bernard Ainslie born Aug 1835 d 12th May 1889.

Grave can be found at K25.

In the 1851 Census William Bernard Ainslie was stationed at Edinburgh Castle, he was unmarried aged 38 and a Major in the 93rd Highlanders. He was born in India.

gourdongirl · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 5:54 pm Post subject:

MI:
Sacred to the memory of Dr James Sawers late of the RN who died at Portobello the 10th February 1817 aged 60 years.
"To that place he had gone for the recovery of his health." He was the 4th son of the late Simon Sawers Haddington.
In his life he was much beloved and in his death much lamented.

Grave can be found at S23.