The Scottish War Graves Project

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

Thanks to Alisatair McEwen for bringing this one to my attention. This entry on the CWGC database lists a soldier who died in 1928 being buried in the same grave as a soldier who died in 1919. Is it his brother? Alexander was 21 in 1919 making his year of birth around 1898, James was 26 in 1928 making his year of birth around 1902 which of course means he wouldn't be on the 1901 census.

7th Gordons were a TA unit so I don't think he would have died on active service in 1928.

GORDON, ALEXANDER
Initials: A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Age: 21
Date of Death: 28/08/1919
Service No: 26509
Additional information: Son of Helen Gordon, of Main St., Newmills, Dunfermline, Fife, and the late James Gordon. (In the same grave is buried:-Pte. James Gordon, 291978. 7th Bn. Gordon Highlanders. 19th Oct., 1928. Age 26.).
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: G. 26.
Cemetery: TORRYBURN CEMETERY

Thanks

Adam

Paul · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 7:00 pm Post subject:

That is something special Adam.

Do you have a picture of this headstone?

Kind regards Paul
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Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts

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

Paul

Unfortunately I haven't. I've only got the entry from the CWGC database with the details.

Regards

Adam

spoons · Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 5:14 pm Post subject:

There are other examples of relatives sharing a grave, even with a CWGC stone. For example Girvan Doune cemetery has Capt Henderson and his father Lt Gen Henderson who died in 1918 and 1921 respectively - both entitled to war grave status.

Pte McFarlane in Dumfries St Andrews has a CWGC stone and his wife is buried in the same grave but with a separate stone.

Also John Allen who is buried in Annan along with his father and mother and whose names have been added (unofficially?) to his CWGC stone.

All the above photos are already posted.

\Paul
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www.ukwarmemorials.co.uk

kinnethmont · Joined: 25 Mar 2008 Posts: 121 Location: aberdeenshire

In the UK many war graves (most) are not owned by CWGC but by the NoK. This being the case, CWGC has no rights - except that, if it has a CWGC headstone, the stone is their property and they can govern what appears on it.

In the home countries CWGC do permit the addition of family member details where the Personal Inscription usually appears. This has to be arranged and funded by the NoK after permission is granted by CWGC. It can happen at any time.
_________________
Jim

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.