The Scottish War Graves Project

Mike Morley · Joined: 09 Jan 2014 Posts: 389 Location: Wigtown

I visited the picturesque little churchyard at Glen App, just north of Cairnryan, today. It is dominated by the graves of the Inchcapes (P&O Shipping magnates ) whose family seat was at Glenapp Castle nearby but there was one grave that may be relevant to the project: Eric Ralph Varley MC. A quick Google reveals the following: "Eric joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1917 and trained as a fighter pilot; he was awarded the Military Cross in March 1918 after being badly wounded. He was one of the last 'flying' officers to receive this award before the introduction of the DFC in April 1918. During the 1939-45 War Eric was a flying instructor with the RAF at No.15 Elementary Flying Training School, Kingstown Aerodrome, Carlisle. Rowland served in the South Staffordshire and RAF Regiments on airfield defence, and later in RAF Training Command" (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/r_m_g.varley/Family_page.html). Before I commit myself to a new thread could anyone verify that this is one and the same Eric Varley, please.

kenmorrison · Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 747

London Gazette Date:21 June 1918 Issue number:30761 Page number:7424
T./2nd Lt. Eric Ralph Varley, Gen. List and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
Observing two enemy two-seater machines, he, by skilful piloting, obtained a position under the tail of one and opened fire at close range, with the result that the hostile plane fell out of control and crashed.
On two later occasions he attacked and destroyed two other hostile machines, the pilot of one being taken prisoner. He has also shown great dash in attacking enemy balloons and hostile troops on the march, and has displayed marked gallantry throughout.

Date:27 September 1940 Issue number:34954 Page number:5720
Appointed Pilot Officer for the duration Eric Ralph VARLEY (84504).
28 August 1940.

kenmorrison · Joined: 05 Oct 2008 Posts: 747

An interesting item:
http://www.edinburgh-gazette.co.uk/issues/18499/pages/764/page.pdf
NOTICE Is Hereby Given, That the Business known as
the KINE RESTAURANT AND SNACK BAR, 9 St.
Andrew Street, Stranraer carried on by the subscriber Mrs
JOYCE VARLEY, Marchburn, Cairnryan Has Been Sold
by her to ROBERT HUGH VARLEY, Fellview Road,
Stranraer, and Others, Trustees of the late Eric Ralph Varley
with effect from 30th September 1966.
All Claims against the business at that date should be
intimated forthwith to Mrs Varley who will be responsible
for settling them and will be entitled to receive all Debts
due to the business at that date. The said Trustees will
be responsible for all Debts incurred after 30th September
1966.
J. VARLEY
Witnesses to the signature of the abovenamed
Mrs Joyce Varley—
NORA RAWLING SMITH, Millbank House,
Girvan, Married Woman.
EFFIE TAIT, 10 Cairnhill Place, Kirkoswald,
Typist.
ROBT. H. VARLEY
For and on behalf of the Trustees
of the late Eric Ralph Varley.

Mike Morley · Joined: 09 Jan 2014 Posts: 389 Location: Wigtown

Thanks Ken, that's really helpful. I'll start a thread for Glenapp.

Mike