The Scottish War Graves Project

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

The Churchyard of St Colmon Parish Church in the village of Colmonell. Number of Commonwealth War Graves: 3.

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

Name: MACKENZIE, DONALD
Initials: D
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Stoker 1st Class
Regiment/Service: Royal Navy, HMS Heather
Date of Death: 2/7/1919
Age: 29
Service Number: SS/107994
Additional information: Son of Donald and Jean Mackenzie, of "Hazelrigg," Vicarton St., Girvan.
Grave Reference: West of Church
Cemetery: Colmonell Parish Churchyard

HMS Heather was an Aubretia Class Sloop.

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

Name: MCCALLUM, JD
Initials: JD
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Seaforth Highlanders, 2nd Bn
Date of Death: 4/11/1919
Age: 22
Service Number: S/17639
Additional information: Son of Peter McCallum, of Laigh Aldons, Pinwherry, Ayrshire.
Grave Reference: North East of Church
Cemetery: Colmonell Parish Churchyard

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

Name: TINN, FG
Initials: FG
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Highland Light Infantry, 5th Bn
Date of Death: 6/11/1916
Grave Reference: South West Corner
Cemetery: Colmonell Parish Churchyard

Also refers to Lieut Col CF Potter (Royal Artillery).

Wigtownshire Free Press (16/11/1916):

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

Name: AITKEN, PETER
Initials: P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots, 16th Bn
Date of Death: 29/1/1918
Age: 30
Service Number: 42429
Additional information: Son of Thomas and Ann Aitken of Barrhill, Ayrshire
Grave Reference: II E 17
Cemetery: Achiet-le-Grand Communal Cemetery Extension

The headstone reads: In loving memory of their father Thomas Aitken d at Barrhill 1 Jul 1907 aged 65y. Also their sister Janet d 1 Mar 1888 aged 16y. Also Peter Aitken, youngest son of the above, d of wounds on France 29 Jan 1918 aged 30y. Also our dear mother Ann Parker d at Barrhill 25 May 1926 aged 80y. Dear Friend.

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

Name: DAVIDSON, JOHN
Initials: J
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Border Regiment, 8th Bn
Date of Death: 15/10/1917
Age: 32
Additional information: Son of the late William and Annabella Davidson, of Colmonell, Ayrshire. M.A. (Hons) Edinburgh
Grave Reference: 8
Cemetery: Neufchatel-Hardelot (Neufchatel) Churchyard.

Name: DAVIDSON, WILLIAM DUNLOP
Initials: WD
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force, 48th Sqdn
Date of Death: 30/5/1918
Age: 19
Additional information: Son of William and Bessie Thomasina Davidson, of Greenfield House, Shettleston, Glasgow. Born East Dulwich, London.
Grave Reference: IV B 1
Cemetery: Longueae British Cemetery.

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

Name: DRYNAN, JAMES HUGH
Initials: JH
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), 5th Bn
Date of Death: 8/5/1918
Age: 25
Additional information: Son of Jane S Drynan, of "The Yett", Colmonell, Ayrshire, and the late David Drynan.
Panel Reference: Panel 68 to 70 and 162 to 162A
Memorial: Tyne Cot Memorial

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

Name: GRACIE, JOHN HYSLOP
Initials: JH
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Scots Guards, 1st Bn
Date of Death: 15/10/1918
Age: 25
Service Number: 15827
Additional information: Son of James and Charlotte Gracie, of Glenour, Pinwherry, Ayrshire
Grave Reference: I E 8
Cemetery: Carnieres Communal Cemetery Extension.

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

Name: KENNEDY, ANTHONY
Initials: A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Highland Light Infantry, 12 Bn
Date of Death: 23/10/1915
Service Number: 19972
Panel Reference: Panel 108 to 112
Memorial: Loos Memorial

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

Name: MCCLUNG, JAMES
Initials: J
Nationality: New Zealand
Rank: Gunner
Regiment/Service: New Zealand Field Artillery, 7th Bty 2nd Bde
Date of Death: 11/6/1917
Age: 41
Service Number: 2/2495
Additional information: Son of Jessie and the late James McClung, of Airds, Mossdale, Kircudbrightshire, Scotland.
Grave Reference: II M 2
Cemetery: Wimereux Communal Cemetery

Ken Morrison has been able to provide some more information on James McClung who is named on Colmonell and Kells Parish War Memorials and on the memorial in Pinwherry School. Enlisted September 1915. Served in Egypt, Armentiers, Somme, Arras, Messines, Ypres.(Source:SRoH) Born 1875 at Pinwherry, Colmonell, Ayrshire. (Source:SNWM and GRoS – Birth Register) Son of James and Jessie (Murray) McClung of Airds, Mossdale, Kells. (Source:CWGC and D&G Standard 18/1/1913 page 5c – Obit. For James senior) Died of Wounds – 11 June 1917.

His service record can be viewed on line at: http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE14173527

Name: MCCLUNG, GM
Initials: GM
Nationality: South Africa
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Natal Carabineers, SA Forces
Date of Death: 30/6/1944
Age: 20
Service Number: 232883 V
Additional information: Son of Thomas G and Edith M McClung of Durban. Natal, South Africa.
Grave Reference: II F 5
Cemetery: Bolsena War Cemetery

The headstone reads: Erected by James McClung of Pinwherry in memory of his father Andrew McClung d at Pinwherry 5 Aug 1866 aged 70. Also his uncle Gilbert McClung Esq of Pinwherry d 27 Mar 1865 aged 76. Also of his daughter Jeanie d at Airds of Kells, New Galloway 14 Feb 1902 aged 31. Also of the above James McClung d at the Cottage Hospital Castle Douglas 11 Jan 1913 aged 79y. Also Jessie Murray wife of the above James McClung d at Airds, Mossdale 9 Nov 1922 aged 78y. Also his son Gunner James died of wounds in action 11 Jun 1917 at Australian Hospital Wimereux, Farnce, aged 42y. Gilbert Murray McClung, Royal Natal Carabineers killed in Italy 30 Jun 1944 aged 20 years dearly loved son of Gilbert and Edith McClung of Durban, Natal and grandson of James McClung.

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

Knockdolian Vault contains memorial to the McConnel family. Unfortunately the iron gate was locked so camera work was a little hit and miss!

Name: MCCONNEL, MERRICK HUGH
Initials: MH
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Major
Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery, "B" Bty, 295th Bde
Awards: Mentioned in despatches
Date of Death: 14/9/1917
Age: 32
Additional information: Son of William Houldsworth McConnel and Florence McConnel, of Heath End House, Basingstoke; husband of M.C. McConnel, of Polydores, Holmer Green, Amersham, Bucks. Educated at Winchester.
Grave Reference: XIX B 3
Cemetery: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery

Plaque reads: In loving memory of Merrick Hugh McConnel, Major RA who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 b 6 Nov 1884 d 14 Sep 1917. Eryl McConnel b 30 Jun 1889 d 26 Feb 1913. George Malcolm McConnel b at Knockdolian 9 Jun 1893 d 28 April 1908, children of William Houldsworth McConnel.

Name: PRICHARD, FRANCIS HESKETH
Initials: FH
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery
Date of Death: 1/2/1920
Panel reference: Screen Wall. Panel 9
Memorial: Haidar Pasha Memorial
Additional information: buried Novorossisk New Cemetery)

Name: PRICHARD, FREDERICK GILES
Initials: FG
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: East Yorkshire Regiment, 2nd Bn
Date of Death: 9/8/1915
Age: 23
Additional information: Son of Rev Charles Collwyn Prichard, MA, Rector of Alresford. His brother Rowland George Prichard also fell.
Grave Reference:
Cemetery: Alresford (St Peter) Churchyard

Name: PRICHARD, ROWLAND GEORGE
Initials: RG
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Suffolk Regiment, 1st Bn
Date of Death: 24/4/1915
Age: 19
Additional information: Son of Rev Charles Collwyn Prichard, MA, Rector of Alresford. His brother Frederick Giles also fell.
Panel Reference: Panel 21
Cemetery: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

Plaque reads: Pro Patria. Three dear nephews of John McConnel, Frank d in Russia of typhus 1 Feb 1920 aged 31. Giles d in hospital of wounds 9 Aug 1915 aged 23. Rowland d in Flanders in battle 27 Apr 1915 aged 19, sons of the Rev GC and Margaret J Prichard. "They were lovel and pleasant in their lives and in their death they were not divided.

Also there is: In loving memory of Major General Douglas Fitzgerald McConnel 9 Jun 1893 - 7 Feb 1961. (No photograph)

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

Name: RENNIE, ANDREW
Initials: A
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Corporal
Regiment/Service: Gordon Highlanders, 8th Bn
Date of Death: 25/9/1915
Age: 21
Service Number: S/2353
Additional information: Son of the late Ebenezer Rennie
Panel Reference: Addenda Panel
Memorial: Loos Memorial

Name: RENNIE, EBENEZER
Initials: E
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Lance Corporal
Regiment/Service: Royal Scots Fusiliers, 1st Bn
Date of Death: 26/10/1918
Age: 30
Service Number: 40979
Additional information: Husband of Mary Catherine Rennie, of 24 Hallhead Rd, Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh
Grave Reference: II B 17
Cemetery: Awoingt British Cemetery

Ken Morrison has been able to provide some more information on Ebenezer Rennie who is named on Colmonell and Kirkinner War Memorials. Ebenezer had been a gamekeeper at Braehead, Kirkinner and at Galloway House in Garlieston before he enlisted in May 1916. (Source: GRoS – Marriage Register and Wigtownshire Free Press 21/11/1918 p.3b)
Born 1888 in Inch, Wigtownshire. (Source:SNWM and GRoS – Birth Register), Son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Lochrie) Rennie. Husband of Mary Catherine (Allan) Rennie of Edinburgh who he married in 1913 in Kirkinner. (Source:CWGC and GRoS – Marriage Register)
Died of Wounds – 26 October 1918.

Name: RENNIE, GORDON JAMES
Initials: GJ
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Corporal
Regiment/Service: Gordon Highlanders, 5th/7th Bn
Date of Death: 29/8/1944
Age: 29
Service Number: 4806018
Grave Reference: II A 9
Cemetery: St Desir War Cemetery

The headstone reads: Erected by his mother in loving memory of Corpl A Rennie who fell in action at the Battle of Loos 25 Sep 1915 aged 22. Also his father Ebenezer Rennie 16 Aug 1898 aged 36. William Rennie son of Ebn Rennie d 1 Jun 1913 aged 28 and is interred in Kirkinner Churchyard. Ebenezer Lnc Cpl son of the above Ebn Rennie who was killed in France 26 Oct 1918 aged 31. Elizabeth Locherie wife of the above Ebenezer Rennie d 15 Jul 1929 aged 63y. Corpl Gordon rennie son of the above Ebn Rennie who waskilled in France 19 Aug 1944 aged 28.

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

Name: MCCONNOCHIE, WILLIAM J
Initials: WJ
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Regiment/Service: Royal Flying Corps, 5th Sqdn
Date of Death: 8/10/1915
Age: 28
Additional information: Son of Thomas McConnochie of Ayr
Grave Reference: II A 2

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

Lt Col Alexander Barton KH

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

Peter McCracken

This is largely illegible. The transcription by the Southern Ayrshire Family History Society reads:

Sacred to the memory of Robert McCracken late farmer of Strabracken d 20 Apr 1809 aged 77y. Also of Margaret Bell his widow d 24 Jun 1841 aged 88 y. In testimony of their parental worth this memorial is erected by their affectionate sons Thomas A McCracken, farmer in Shalloch; Alexander McCracken, cattle dealer; Peter McCracken sergeant in HM 2nd or Queen's Royal Regiment serving in the Presidency of Bombay, East Indies.
...... The above Peter McCracken d at Maybole 31 Aug 1863 aged 66y and was buried here. His wife Elizabeth McCracken d at Stranraer 19 Jun 1892 aged 73 y and was interred in the cemetery there.

The headstone also states that Peter McCracken's eldest son, William, was Chief Officer on the ship Rozelle which sailed from Shields 17 Dec 1879 bound for Bombay and was never more heard of.