The Scottish War Graves Project

ggarps · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Hi from Stratford,New Zealand
I am a volunteer family history researcher for my local area, with a particular interest in the men & women from our area who have served overseas. One of our late residents, Edward Dennis CANNON was with RAF during WW2 and died as the result of an aircraft accident 9 Feb 1942. He is buried at Stoneykirk Cemetery. Is there a). a general photo of the cemetery available (google hasn't been much help) and specifically a photo of his grave.
I can help with any family history enquiries in New Zealand.
Carol

gourdongirl · Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2009 9:46 pm Post subject:

Here is a link to a photo of the cemetery.

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/699145

Shona

ADP · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 105 Location: Edinburgh

Another view of the group of CWGC headstones in Stoneykirk Cemetery is found on the CWGC website.

http://www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_photos.aspx?cemetery=2047456&mode=1

Name: CANNON, EDWARD DENNIS
Initials: E D
Nationality: New Zealand
Rank: Flight Sergeant (Pilot)
Regiment/Service: Royal New Zealand Air Force
Unit Text: 504 (R.A.F.). Sqdn
Date of Death: 09/02/1942
Service No: 403424
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. C. Grave 134.
Cemetery: STONEYKIRK CEMETERY

ADP

ggarps · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Thanks to Shona and ADP for the links to find photos of Stoneykirk Cemetery.
If I can help with any research in NZ, please let me know.
Carol

ggarps · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

I've just had a look at the photo on the Commonwealth War Graves site and have to wonder if it is actually of Stoneykirk, as the CWGC information says there are 18 Armed Force burials there, but the photo shows a lot more than 18 headstones, in several rows. The other photo I have from a link a kind lister sent me shows the headstones in a completely different formation-all in one row. The church is in the background. Does this mean that there are 2 cemeteries in Stoneykirk with armed forces burials????..........or ????
Carol

David McNay · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 8:21 am Post subject:

CWGC has Stoneykirk Cemetery (containing 18 burials) and Stoneykirk Parish Churchyard (containing 4).

It is possible that they image they have for Stoneykirk Cemetery is a "library" image that is in place until they have a more suitable photograph.

They should ask us for one, really....

ggarps · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Does anyone recognise whether or not the cwgc photo is actually of Stoneykirk?
Carol

spoons · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:04 am Post subject:

Stoneykirk is in my 'patch' and on my to-do list. Now I know that someone is waiting for it, I will bump it up the list so hope to get there in the next few weeks.

\Paul

ggarps · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 5

Thanks. I look forward to hearing from you after your visit.
Carol

Adam Brown · Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 714 Location: Edinburgh

I've just spent two weeks a few miles down the road from Stoneykirk. If only this had been posted a couple of days sooner I would have picked it up before I left. Sad

I'm back down to the Rhinns for the weekend though so I'll see if I can get a close up of the grave in question. I'll not have time to do both cemeteries properly though.

I can confirm that the photo in Shona's link is of Stonykirk Cemetery. The church in the background is now closed and boarded up. I don't know what cemetery the CWGC is using. It looks Scottish, is that a Dutch headstone in the middle of the CWGC headstones which might be a clue?

The MoD has a presence in the area at nearby West Freugh where there is still an airfield. I assume the men buried at Stoneykirk were based there when they died.

Adam

kenmorrison · Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 747

Adam/Paul
If you get the chance could you check a CWG at Stoneykirk Parish Churchyard.
SERGEANT ROBERT McDONALD KOSB - 24 OCTOBER 1915
He was born in Dalbeattie and is listed on the War memorial there but I cannot find an obvious Stoneykirk connection - an adjacent grave might give a clue.
Cheers, Ken

spoons · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:57 pm Post subject:

I hope to cover both Stoneykirk sites on Thursday

\Paul

spoons · Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 9:40 pm Post subject:

Stoneykirk churchyard are now posted at http://scottishwargraves.phpbbweb.com/viewtopic.php?t=915

There were no adjacent graves to McDonald. The graves are well spread out and McDonald is next to Riley (CWGC grave). In fact I did not see another McDonald in the churchyard.

I have also photographed Stoneykirk Cemetery and hope to post them tomorrow.

\Paul

spoons · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 3:36 pm Post subject:

The CWGC photo is definately NOT Stoneykirk. It is actually of Kirkinner Cemetery which I have also posted. I will notify CWGC of the error and offer my pics.

I visited Stoneykirk cemetery yesterday, all photos posted on the forum at http://scottishwargraves.phpbbweb.com/viewtopic.php?t=704. This is extremely well tended after and an excellent example of how war graves should be looked after.

\Paul

spoons · Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 4:00 pm Post subject:

Following my mail to CWGC, they have thanked me and put the correct photo for Stoneykirk cemetery on their website.

\Paul