The Scottish War Graves Project

apanderson · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 6903 Location: Stirlingshire

Just some random information which might help to solve some of life's little mysteries.

Despite repeated visits to Sandymount Cemetery in Springboig, I was unable to find quite a few CWGC graves. Most of these were within the oldest parts of the cemetery which is like a jungle - so, no surprise there. However, the following man's CWGC Grave Reference intrigued me. No Section given, just a number, so I e-mailed Glasgow Bereavement Services and below is an extract from the e-mail I received in return.

Name: GREEN, MARKS
Initials: M
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers
Unit Text: 24th Base Park Coy.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 23/10/1918
Service No: 236839
Additional information: Son of Lewis and Debora Green, of 24, Govan St., Glasgow.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: 281.
Cemetery: GLASGOW (SANDYMOUNT) CEMETERY

"Mark Green was buried in Sandymount Cemetery on 24 October 1918.

As Mark Green was interred within an area of common ground, the exact location cannot be identified. However, if you wish to visit the cemetery and pay your respects, the area can be pointed out to you."

It was already my understanding that no stones are permitted on 'Common Ground' once called 'Pauper's Graves' in cemeteries, but I'm slightly confused as to why a CWGC listed grave/burial isn't marked even with a 'Special Memorial', which seems to be a title given to stones erected with 'Known to be buried in this Cemetery' or something similar inscribed on them.

I know also, that some families didn't want a stone/memorial of any sort and CWGC had to comply with their wishes, but I just wish there was some way of finding out this information before spending hours searching for something that isn't there in the first place.

I've amended Mark/Marks Green's entry on the Sandymount thread with the above information to save any future futile searches.

Anne

spoons · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 4:35 pm Post subject:

interesting, thanks for the info, have you thought of posting this on GWF? bound to start a flurry of comments I bet

\Paul

apanderson · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 6903 Location: Stirlingshire

No, I don't think I'll bother Paul.

There's always someone who thinks they know better and aren't slow at announcing that. As far as I'm concerned, facts are facts no matter who comes aling and tries to say otherwise. (I'm not meaning to sound 'bolshy' here - just simply been there, done that! Wink

Anne