Ivy House
Hello and welcome to this tour. Listen to the introduction here, before moving into the cemetery proper. Greenok Cemetery was opened in 1846, and was laid out by Stewart Murray - the first Curator of Glasgow’s Botanical Garden. The paths and plantings were designed to encourage visiting and on Sundays; Walks and carriage-rides around the cemetery were a common occurrence. There is also a class divide in the cemetery. The wide boulevard in the centre, laid aside for the burials of rich families. These families each bought a large plot, with trees, bushes & plants. Then there were the closer packed sections for the less wealthy, which had less decoration. The first interment was that of Mrs Russell, the wife of the ship owner Alexander Russell. Not being morbid, but it really is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. If you add to the natural surroundings, the local and social history that you can find here, inscribed on the splendid examples of funerary art, it truly is a microcosm of society throughout the last two centuries. Today we are taking a look at a selection of the First World War commemorations. There are so many that I have split them into the various sections of the cemetery for your convenience and are the subject of separate walks. You can take a look at your leisure. Look at the map for details of the sections. Some are marked by signposts. When you walk into a new section of the grounds I will tell you about the stories of the men and women who gave their lives in the first world war, and how they are memorialised. Today we are looking at sections C, O, P, W, 2i, 2K, 2L, 2H, V, T, R, F & D which are all located to the right of the grounds. As the war progressed it became obvious that the sight of hundreds of thousands of bodies being sent back to the UK would have terrible effect on the morale of the country. It was thus decided to bury the casualties near where they fell, or commemorate them at a later time on memorials if their bodies could not be found. And so, after the war the Commonwealth War-Graves Commission was set up to look after these locations in France, Belgium, Gallipoli and elsewhere. The problem, however, was that the families of the lost had no physical place to remember their relatives. The answer was to mark their passing on their own family headstones. There are many such stones in this cemetery. There are also, those stones, the official CWGC stones, of those who died in Britain, as a result of illness, or accident, while serving in the Armed Forces. I will talk about these too. We can only wonder what all these young men, and occasionally women, might have contributed to society had they not been killed. The young men from the older families would have been the leaders, the businessmen of Greenok, while all the others would have contributed in unknown ways. It can be said that the fabric of the Greenok West-End Society was destroyed by the Great War and that in fact Greenok never recovered. The Second World War further added to the losses. We can only guess what the town would be like now had the men and women of that generation been allowed to fulfil their destiny. Because of the limitations of the GPS signal, individual stones cannot be triggered. I have added photographs of the stones in each section to help you identify them. All the gravestones are detailed in my book on the subject, available on my website www.cartsburnpublishing.com. Some of the stones may be covered by foliage, or broken, but hopefully you will be able to locate them as you wander round each section. If you accidentally trigger another section, go back to where the original trigger started. Details of the casualties are available at www.inverclydeww1.org where images of the men and women can be found. Look at your map and head to section C, which is just over to the right.
Section C
You are now in section C There are 6 gravestones with world war one memorials in this section: Peter Rodger Allan, Thomas Gray, James Grieve, John Daniel Buchanan, Alfred John Lyle and Robert MacFarlane. Look at the images to see what they look like. Stay in this section to hear about these men, before moving to the next section. Peter Roger Allan is remembered at the Pozières Memorial in France. Peter, was born on 8th November 1885 and educated at the Greenock Academy. He was the youngest son of John Allan, Timber Measurer, who lived at 48 Brougham Street in Greenock. Peter emigrated to South Africa in 1911 and settled in Nataal as a Sugar Boiler. He enlisted in the South African Infantry on 25th March 1917 and fought in France and Flanders from October 1917. Peter was killed in action near Cambrai on 22nd March 1918 and was buried where he fell. His body was not recovered post war. Thomas Gray is Remembered at the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. Thomas joined the 5th Argylls in 1909 as a 15 year old. He was the brother of Mrs. Catherine Gray Elder, 3, Virginia Street, with whom he was staying. He had been an Apprentice Joiner at Cairds shipyard. Thomas died of wounds on the Hospital Ship Rewah of wounds sustained on 12th July 1915 at the charge of Atchi Baba. He was 21. James Grieve is buried at Llwyngwril (St Celynin) Churchyard. James was married to Jeannie, and lived at 9 Dellingburn Street in Greenok. He was an Engineer on His majestys Yacht Kethailes which was sunk after a collision with the Bibby Line steamer Leicestershire. James had played football for Morton at one time. John Daniel Buchanan is buried at Guards Cemetery, Jivonshi. John was the only son of Mrs. William C Buchanan of 62, Finnart Street, and the late William C Buchanan. John was a draughtsman with Fairfields shipyard, having served his apprenticeship at Cairds. He was a member of both the Royal West of Scotland Rowing Club and the first XI of the Greenok Wanderers. He enlisted at the outbreak of war and served in the Trench Mortar section. He was killed at Jivonshi-ley-La. Alfred John Lyle, while fighting at Gallipoli in 1915 with the 5th Argylls, received shots to his knee, leg and right lung and was admitted to the 'Blue Sisters' hospital in Malta. He recovered and returned to duty. Alfred died as a result of illness contracted while on active service in France. Robert MacFarlan is buried at Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux. Robert was the brother of S.M. MacFarlan, 54 Broam Street in Greenok. Robert was a gunner with the 152nd Brigade and was 23 years old. Once you are ready, move on to section O which is just up the hill. The next section will automatically start when you go in. Section O is a slightly wider section. Just a reminder: if you walk into another section the audio will stop and a new one start.
Section O
We are now in Section O. It is a wider section than section C. We will hear about Charles Ferguson Blair, William John Crookston, John Fisher, Eoin Leitch, Dugald MacDougall, Thomas Coburn Williamson, Samuel Magee, Archie Stevenson, Andrew Stewart, and George C Stewart here. Look at the attached images to get an idea of the stones you are looking for. Charles Ferguson Blair is buried at Hooge Crater Cemetery. Charles was the son of Mr & Mrs David Blair, 39 Bank Street, and prior to the war had worked with the Clydesdale Bank. He had previously served in East Africa until invalided home. He was killed, aged 25, attacking a German Machine gun. William John Crookston is remembered at Ploegsteert Memorial, Berks Cemetery Extension, Belgium. William was the only son of William Crookston, 95 Newark Street. He was killed in action, aged 23. William had originally joined the Artists’ Rifles in 1915 before receiving his commission in the Scottish Rifles. He is also remembered on the Greenok Academy Roll of Honour. John Fisher is remembered at Tower Hill Memorial. John was the son of the late John and Grace Fisher. The Adela was a cargo ship, a 3 masted iron steamer owned by R Tedcastle & co. Dublin. On the 27th December 1917 the defensively-armed Adela was 12 miles NW of Skerries, when without warning, she was torpedoed and sunk by U-boat 100, under the command of Captain Degenhardt Von Loe. 24 lives were lost including John. Ewin Leitch is remembered at Menin Gate. Ewin Leitch was born in Greenok on 23rd September 1891, son of John, a sugar merchant, and his wife Jessie. Husband of Margaret Alexander Graham. They had married on 7th December 1915 at the Mid Parish Church in Greenok and had one child. They lived 12 Newark Street. He is also remembered on the Glasgow University Roll of Honour. He came to the University in 1909 to study for a Bachelor of Science degree. His principal subject was Chemistry but he also took Mathematics, Geology and Natural Philosophy, graduating on 20th June 1913. Having joined the University Officer Training Corps, Ewin was commissioned in 1911 in the Territorial Force. At the outbreak of the War he became a Lieutenant in the 5th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and left Greenok for Gallipoli in May 1915. He was subsequently invalided home and trained troops, but returned to France in 1917 as a Captain attached to the 11th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. He was killed at the Battle of Pashendaele on 31st July 1917. His battalion was ordered to deploy a defensive flank between the 15th and 8th Divisions along the railway line. It is recorded that: "The support Company, under Captain E Leitch, realizing the 8th Division were not in line successfully formed a defensive flank. With this attempt, to touch personally with Battalion on right, Captain Leitch was himself killed, a real loss to the Battalion." Doogald McDougall contracted illness when home on leave from France and died at the Royal Infirmary, aged 25. He had worked at the Greenok Provident Bank. He was the eldest son of Captain Allan Macdougall (Williamson & Co’s Steamers) and of Mrs Macdougall, 2 Florence Place, Finnart Street. On the day of his funeral “Despite heavy rain, a numerous crowd lined the route and paid sympathetic tribute to the dead. The grave was covered with many beautiful wreaths” Thomas Coburn Williamson, of the Black Watch, is remembered at Loos Memorial. Thomas was the son of Mrs Margaret S Williamson, 29 Lacrosse Terrace, Hillhead and the late James Williamson. He was 23 years old. A 2nd Lieutenant, he arrived in France in July 1915. His death was accepted as being on or since the 26th September 1915 at the Battle of Loos. His body was never recovered. Samuel Magee, of the East Lancashire Regiment, was the son of Samuel and Annie Magee, of 38, Main Street and husband of Sarah Jackson Magee. Samuel was severely wounded in the face by gunshot. He had been in France since August 1914 and had seen service in India and South Africa. He died at Nottingham War Hospital, aged 33. Archie Stevenson is buried at Wytschaete Military Cemetery. Archie was the son of John Benson Stevenson and Jessie Stevenson, 37 Forsyth Street. He had previously served with the 14th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. The 8th Black Watch were fighting at Kemmel Ridge on the day of Archie’s death, as part of the Battle of the Lys. Andrew Stewart is remembered at Basra Memorial. Andrew served with the Inland Water Transport, receiving his commission in November 1916. He is noted as having drowned. His body was never recovered. Interestingly the Mesopotamian Fleet and men had their supply base at Glasgow. He was the son of the late Thomas H Christie, 4 Finnart Street and brother of George, who was also killed. George C Stewart is buried here. George attested in London on the 27th September 1915 with the Royal Army Medical Corp and transferred to the Black Watch while in Alexandria. He served in Alexandria then France. George was initially reported dead, but this was amended. He was discharged in December 1918 as no longer physically fit, after a finding of the Medical Board at Stobhill. He died of wounds received in action on the 2nd September 1918. George was the son of the late Thomas H Christie, 4 Finnart Street and had worked as a clerk. When you are ready, move into the next Section, Section P. It is best to go over to the road first, in order to avoid triggering other sections. Section P is off to the right
Section P
You are now in Section P where Alexander McCurry, Isabel Meldrum, & Robert Fraser Scott are remembered. Alexander McCurry of the MGC is remembered at Tyne Cot Memorial. Commissioned in 1917 from Queen’s University, Belfast Officer Training Corp, Alexander first went to the Western Front on the 1st April 1918. He was reported missing at Mount Kemmell on the 25th April. He was 20 years old. Isabel Meldrum is buried at Greenok Cemetery. “An impressive and almost unique funeral took place this week from Greenok West Station to the cemetery. It was that of Sister Meldrum, 3rd Scottish Territorial Hospital, Stobbhill, youngest daughter of the late Captain Meldrum, shipowner, Greenok. Sister Meldrum was an old Greenok Academy pupil. She received her training at the London Hospital and the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow, and was engaged in private nursing when she was mobilised at the beginning of the war and posted at Stobbhill where ever since she had been steadfast and devoted to her duty until death claimed her after a few days illness. Conscientious in her work, faithfulness and loyalty to her country were her chief characteristics. She would spare herself no trouble when off duty in procuring flowers or treats for the soldiers, and in doing little acts of kindness to make them happier. Her funeral, which took place with full military honours, was accompanied by Miss Thomson, Matron of the 3rd Scottish Territorial Hospital; Colonel Napier, her own ward doctor; the chaplain, sisters, nurses and a contingent of wounded soldiers from Stobhill, her relations, and old personal women friends. The pall bearers were six ward sisters and her own sisters. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack. There were many beautiful wreaths, including those from staff and soldiers at Stobhill. The firing party was from Fort Matilda. A faithful and true sister and friend, much sympathy is expressed for those she has left to mourn her loss. It is understood that there will be a memorial service at Stobbhill.” Robert Fraser Scott of the 13th London regiment is buried at Rue-du-Bacquerot (13th London) Graveyard, Laventie. Born 1888, Robert was the fourth son of Mr & Mrs JE Scott 53 Guntersone Rd, 52 Coal Exchange, London and Clyde House, Greenok. He was killed at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, 8 days after landing in France. He is remembered on the Greenok Academy War Memorial. Move further up the road, or through this section to Section W. Section W will trigger as you enter. It is this side of the Esplanade, or wide path.
Section W
We are now looking at section W on the right hand side of the Esplanayde, as it was called. Also known as millionaires Row. Hugh MacPherson, Alexander Reid Prentice, John Robert Prentice, Walter W B Rodger, and Charles George Wilson are remembered here. Hugh McPherson is remembered at Le Touret Memorial, France. Hugh was the son of Robert and Mary Jane MacPherson of Monfode in Greenok. He was an Accountant, and member of the Ardgowan Tennis Club. He and his best friend George Waldo Allan were killed at the same time. Their families donated a bed at the Royal Infirmary in their memory. The church hall in Lyle Kirk, Union Street was built in his memory. Alexander Reid Prentice of the 2nd Argylls is buried at Faubourg-d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras. Alexander was the son of Alexander Reid Prentice and Ada Norrish Prentice, of 28 Newark Street. His father was a Lawyer and member of the 1st Renfrewshire & Dunbarton Volunteers. He was in partnership with the Pattens. Alexander was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a raiding party. John Robert Prentice is buried at Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery. John was the son of John Robert and Annie Carmichael Shankland Prentice, Ardlea, Kelvinside and Cousin of Alexander Reid. A LETTER FROM JOHNNIE'S SISTER, TINY, 21st April. Dear dear Tom, I really can’t write much tonight. We first heard this afternoon that wee Johnnie has died of wounds on the 17th April at Saint Omer hospital. Gun shot wounds in the head the wire said. It's a killer blow to us all but the parents are taking it nobly. Sticky is wonderful, she has been splendidly calm except just for one little breakdown when the news first came. Baba, too is very brave. I think it wasn't wholly unexpected. We hadn’t heard from the wee lad since the 8th and as each day went past, bringing no word, one couldn't keep thinking there was something wrong. Dear wee lad, it’s just three weeks tomorrow since we saw him last, and now to think we will never see him again! Its utterly unbelievable! Dear wee Johnnie, he was always so bright and cheerful and chock full with the joy of life. Well well, he had a happy life anyway, right up to the last, and I’m sure he will be happy where he is, he must be, and he won’t be lonely either. So many, many that we loved have gone before time. Dear old Reid and wee Gibby and what a lot more. I like to think of them, all together, just as we knew and loved them here. I’m sure somehow that Heaven can’t be so very much different. It wouldn't be home if it were. Good night dear boy, may God bless you and keep you and bring you safe home to us again, you’re all we have now. Tiny Walter Washington Buchanan Rodger of the 5th Argylls is buried at Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Gallipoli. Walter was killed when ordered to the front line with the 29th Division. His men buried him in the field. He was the youngest son of late Provost Walter W B Rodgers and Emma Rodgers. He attended Glenalmond School and was a member of the rifle team. He was a Brother-in-Law of Reid Kerr. The Rodgers lived at one of the finest houses in town - Bagatelle. Charles George Wilson is buried at Roclincourt Valley Cemetery. Dundee Courier 17th April 1917 reported - Official intimation has been received that 2nd Lieutenant Charles George Gordon Wilson, younger son of the late Dr WA Wilson(Greenok) has been killed in action on the Western Front. Go back to the road and head to section 2i
Section 2i
Go in to section 2i, the section adjacent to the boundary wall. Here are the memorials of Joseph Adams, Robert Graham, William Johnson, Donald McGilvray, and James Robertson. Joseph Adams is buried at Henin Crucifix Cemetery. Joseph was the son of Edward Adams, of 12 Nile Street, and was employed in Greenock Post Office, though his name is not on their memorial. He served with the 20th Kings Liverpool Regiment. He was 20 years old. Robert Graham of the 1st Gordon Highlanders is remembered at the Menin Gate. Robert was the only son of Mrs Graham, 44 Ann Street. He had been employed by the Caledonian Railway Company. His Battalion was in the trenches at Hill 60 at the time of his death. William Johnson is remembered at the Menin Gate. William worked at John Browns. He was the son of Robert and Ellen Johnson of 37 Lynedoch Street and husband of Martha Johnson, of 9 Southbank Street, Clydebank. He had two brothers: Robert & John and three sisters: Helen, Mary & Isabella. Corporal Johnson was killed at Busseboom. He had been with the 5th Argyll’s, signing up in 1912, before moving to Clydebank and joining the 6th Argylls. Donald McGilvray is buried at Kranji War Cemetery. Donald was employed by Messrs Guthrie & Co. East India Merchants, Singapore. James Robertson of the 7th RSF is remembered at Thiepval Memorial. James was the son of the late Archibald L Robertson, of Greenock When you are ready, go back to the roadway. The next section, section 2K, will be further down the path, on your left.
Section 2K
You are now in section 2K. Richard Colquhoun, James McLay, Arthur McMillan, Peter Fleming Paton, George Petticrew, and William A Smith are remembered here. Richard Colquhoun is remembered at Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. Richard joined the 5th Argylls in 1908 as a 15 year old Clerk. He is reported to have died of wounds. He lived with parents, Richard and Jane Colquhoun, at 52 Inverkip Street. He had a brother Duncan, & 4 sisters. James McLay is buried here at Greenock Cemetery. Noted as dying of rheumatic fever at Liverpool Hospital having contracted an illness while on active service. James was the son of Mr & Mrs McLay, 7 Belville Street. He was an Apprentice plumber with Messrs Mitchell, West Stewart Street. Arthur McMillan, born in Greenock, was the son of John and Margaret Macmillan, of 43, Addison Road, Fairview in Dublin. There is a memorial with his name remembered at Clontarf Methodist Church. He fought with the 7th Royal Dublin Fusiliers and fought at Gallipoli. He is Remembered at Helles Memorial. Peter Fleming Paton is buried at Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension. Peter joined the Royal Engineers in May 1916 and arrived in France in January 1917. He died near Alberr of wounds received in action the same day. He was the son of George & Margaret Paton, of Port Glasgow and husband of Ann Montgomery Paton, 28 Ballindalloch Drive, Alexandra Park, Glasgow. He was a member of the staff of the Clydesdale Bank. Aged 34. He was educated at Clune Park School. George Petticrew is remembered at Loos Memorial. George was the son of James Petticrew, 1 McLean’s Building, Port Glasgow Road in Greenock. William A Smith is remembered at Tower Hill Memorial. William was the husband of Catherine Mearns, 2 Alexandra Mansions in Greenock. He served with the SS Cape Finisterre which was sunk by U-17 off Cornwall. 35 lives were lost. Move on to section 2L which is next to 2K, away from the road and towards the rest of the cemetery.
Section 2L
You are now in Section 2L. We will start heading back down the hill from now on. Memorialised here are Alex Brown, William Hyde, David MacKail, Stewart Munn, Donald Smith, Samuel Urie, and Douglas Young Alex Brown, aged 41, was the husband of Elizabeth Diamond Brown, of High Street in Kilmacolm. Alex enlisted in August 1914 and was discharged in June 1916 with wounds. He died in Greenok Infirmary after a lingering illness. The funeral took place with full military honours from his sisters house at 15 Crescent Street in Greenock. William Hyde is remembered at Tower Hill. William was the son of William and Charlotte. He was First Mate on the British steamship Moresby, which was torpedoed without warning on the 28th November, 1916, by the German submarine U-39 . This ship at once settled down by the stern, and as she disappeared in 12 minutes there was no possibility of getting any of the boats out or doing anything to save life. The submarine was not seen. The chief officer, his wife, one A.B. and 29 crew were lost. The master, second mate, second and third engineers, one A.B. and seven crew were saved. David McKail is remembered at Portsmouth Naval Memorial. David served with SS Sarnia as Engineer Sub-Lieutenant. It was sunk by the German submarine U-65 off Alexandria. He had originally signed up with the 5th Argylls but transferred to the Northamptonshire Rifles, and he served in France for two years. Unusually he was transferred to the RNR in June 1918, and posted to the SS Sarnia. David was the son of John Gibbs MacKail and Johanna George Fleming MacKail, 4 Sandringham Terrace, Esplanade in Greenock. He had served an apprenticeship with Caird & Co. Shipbuilders. Stewart Munn is remembered at Thiepval Memorial. Stewart fought with the South African Scottish, and was killed in action at Bernafay Wood, Somme. Aged 36. He was a joiner in Johannesburg and his parents lived at 67 Nicolson Street in Greenock. ‘It’s more than a dozen years since I saw him last: but, when at home for a few days early in the year, he was still the same canny-thinking Scot; more solid than ever, and in his kilt, such a presentation of heftiness - he turned the scale at about sixteen stone - that one friend turned to me and said ‘How would you like to meet that in a bayonet charge? Standing close upon six feet, Private Stewart Munn, South African Infantry, was a soldier who attracted attention even in a company of soldiers. His powerful, well-built body swung with an impressive rhythm so that in the busiest quarter of London, the cockney would draw him up on the footpath, ask the privilege of shaking his hand, then say ‘And are you a real Scotsman?’ The lure of the veldt came upon Stewart Munn when he was doing his bit as one of Fincastle’s Horse during the Boer War. He never again settled at home, but at the conclusion of the war, made the Transvaal his adopted country. A joiner to trade he became a well known figure in the mining quarters of the Vaal. Keen as junior footballer at home he soon made his mark in the land of his adoption and year after year found him chosen in the premier eleven of South Africa. When war broke out, he was one of the first to volunteer for service under General Botha in the German West African Campaign and at the conclusion of that adventure he immediately enlisted for service in Europe - at one shilling per day! When he thought of his soldiers pay he smiled. The few days of leave in January of this year were spent in his native town of Greenok. It was his first visit for over twelve years, and he felt the inevitable sense of loneliness which is the experience of all exiled Scots upon their return home. Private Stewart Munn regarded the West African campaign as a Sunday school picnic - he made light of the intense thirst and other privations, but made much of the motoring of the infantry all over the country - that was alright. This, he would say, speaking of the European battlefront, is different. We know what we are going to: the chances are that we won’t return. Without a quiver yet with a far-away look in his eye, he would speak in the spirit of a soldier-martyr. He seemed to think that his time had come - that was all. He had had a good time, had made mistakes, but there was no mistake in this - he was prepared to pay the price, to make the supreme sacrifice. And he did. On the 10th July this fearless Greenockian fell in action: his presage has been fulfilled, and now, those who, six months ago, heard him speak so quietly of what awaited him in France, are left to mourn the loss of a kind–hearted son, a loyal friend and a true soldier” Donald Smith is remembered at Tower Hill. Donald was the First Engineer on SS California. He was the only son of Finlay and Mary Smith, 49 Kempock Street in Gourock. On the morning of 7th February 1917 when homeward-bound and approaching Ireland under full steam, she was attacked by SM U-85 in a surprise attack. The German submarine, under the command of Kapitanleutenant Willy Petz, fired two torpedoes at California; one struck the ship squarely on the port quarter near the Number 4 hatch. Five people were killed instantly in the explosion; thirty-six people drowned either as the ship went down or when one filled lifeboat was swamped in the wake of the burning vessel, which plowed ahead losing little headway as she went down. She sank in nine minutes, 38 miles off Fastnet Rock, Ireland with a loss of 41 lives. Though Captain John L Henderson stayed on the bridge through the entire incident, and subsequently went down with the ship, incredibly he made his way to the surface and was rescued. Samuel Urie is remembered at Portsmouth Naval memorial. Samuel was born in Greenok on 27th October 1875. He was married to Bessie. He was a Stoker and was killed during the Battle of Jutland, on board HMS Invincible Douglas Young is buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery. Douglas was the son of Mr & Mrs James Young, 8 Wellington Street in Greenock. He died of acute appendicitis, aged 30 We are now going to follow the path down the hill, heading back to the Esplanade, and going past section 2H
Section 2H
There are two memorials in section 2H: John McCaughey and Joseph Phillips John McCaughey is buried at La Neuville-aux-Larris Military Cemetery. Aged 19, John was the son of the late Mr & Mrs McCaughey, 25 Dempster Street. The La Neuville-aux-Larris cemetery was begun by French African troops in June 1918. John’s body would have been brought in after the armistice. Joseph Phillips is remembered at Thiepval Memorial. Joseph was the son of John S and E Phillips of 11 South Street in Greenock. A family story tells of Joseph leaving with three friends to join up. Only one came back. He was the brother of John, Queenie, Cissie, Reah, Isa and Mary. The family were well known locally as owners of cycle shops. His mother is remembered as wearing black after his loss and not ever getting over his death. The 1st Battalion KOSB were fighting at Beaumont Hamel, as part of the Somme Battle when Joseph was killed. Head up and round to Section V, the section at the top of the wide boulevard.
Section V
We are now at the top of the Esplanade, section V to look at the memorials to Charles Hill Patten and James Henry Stewart. In cemetery terms this is a prime location. These two families were very well off and incredibly well-connected. Charles Hill Patten of the 1st Argylls is buried at Lahana Cemetery, Salonica. Charles was the younger son of John Patten MacDougall, of Gallanach, Argyllshire and Clydebank House, Greenock and Helen Isabel Patten MacDougall. He was severely wounded in Flanders in 1915 when in command of machine guns at the second Battle of Ypres. He had been a winner of the South African Rifle Championship Cup and Medal 1909. The Pattens were a long established Greenock family involved in a variety of interests, including sugar. Latterly they were lawyers. They added the name McDougall in order to fulfil a legacy. James Henry Stewart was the only son of James Stirling Stewart and grandson of James Stewart of Garvocks, who was MP for Greenock at one point. His family lived at Blackhouse in Largs and his father had been a Lieutenant in the 4th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. His uncle, Major William Norman Stewart was killed in March 1918. Another uncle, Captain Patrick Douglas Stewart, won the DSO and was severely wounded in France in 1914. James H served with the 413th Battery of the 302nd Brigade in Palestine and was killed accidentally. Rather strangely there is no mention of him on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission so it has been impossible to find out where he was buried. The Stewarts made their money in the Newfoundland Fisheries trade. When you are ready, we are going to look at the stones to the right of the path going down the hill. There are quite a lot of names so I have split them into two groups.
Section S
Look down the Esplanade - the place to be buried if you were a Greenockian. Status in death! I mentioned at the start the role that the sons of the well-to-do played in the war. This section illustrate that perfectly. 23 sons of the so called better off lost their lives. There are a lot of memorials in this section. Take your time, look around, come back later if you can. It's a lot to take in. Keep to your right. Let us look for David Millar, Alexander Nicol, Charles Mill Nicol, Robert Orkney, Finlay Rankin, Donald Campbell Smith, Neil Thomson, John Thomson, James Blair Walmsley, John Weir David Millar, is remembered at Thiepval Memorial, France. David was the eldest son of John Millar, of 19, Caddlehill Terrace in Greenock. He was 37. He served as a sapper with the 75th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. Alexander Nicol, is remembered at Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. Alexander - known as Sandy - was killed in the charge at Atchi Baba, Gallipoli. He was 21. He was the youngest of three sons of the late John Smith Nicol, a Coal Merchant, and Agnes Berick, of 85 Brisbane Street in Greenock. He was a member of the Glenpark Cricket Team and worked as a Chartered Accountant with Kidson, Goff and Findlay, in Glasgow. Prior to this, he had studied Law at Glasgow University between 1913-14 and won a prize in Mercantile Law. He is commemorated on their First world war memorial. Alexander’s brother, Charles Mill Nicol is buried at Couin British Cemetery Charles was the Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services with the 3rd Division. Having previously served in Egypt, he was later despatched to the Western Front. He died at Dervilles Wood, fighting with the 27th Field Ambulance, 9th (Scottish) Division. He was the second son of Agnes and John Smith Nicol of of 85 Brisbane Street. He graduated from Glasgow University with a Degree in Bachelor of Medicine, Master of Surgery with distinction in July 1909, having previously won prizes in Physics, Clinical Surgery and Practice of Medicine. He is commemorated on their First World War Roll of Honour Robert Orkney is buried at Redoubt Cemetery, Gallipoli. On the 12th July, Robert was in the 4th wave of the attacks. He was killed near Krithia Nullah, by Argyll Street Trench. He was part of the Trench Mortar section. Son of the late Robert Orkney (Writer), he was an Apprentice in Neil, Clark and Murray, Solicitors. He was 20 years old and lived with his aunt, Miss Orkney, at 75 Union Street in Greenock. Finlay Rankin is buried at Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery Finlay was the Chief Engineer on HMT Clan McEwen - he died suddenly in hospital. He lived at 37 Bank Street in Greenock. Donald Campbell Smith is buried here at Greenock Cemetery. Donald was the son of DC Smith, of 36 Ashton Road in Gourock. He had served in the Labour Corps. He died of double pneumonia in the military hospital at Maryhill Barracks. Neil Thomson is buried at rapperee British Cemetery, Villemontoire Neil was the son of Archibald and the late Jessie Thomson, 14 South Street. He was killed in action, aged 25. Raperie Cemetery is connected with the victorious advance of the 15th (Scottish) and 34th Divisions, July to August 1918. John Thomson is buried at Kirechkoi-Hortakoi Military Cemetery. John, a native of Greenock, died from dysentery while serving at Salonika. He was married to Christina. James Blair Walmsley is buried at Dartmoor Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt. James enlisted as a private in the Scots Guards in September 1914 - and was sent to France in January 1915. He was wounded at Loos. He was commissioned to the KOSB. He was the son of the late Thomas Walmsley(RIM) and Mrs Walmsley, 39 South Street in Greenock. ‘I much regret to have to announce to you the death of your son, who has been in my regiment since April. He was killed instantaneously by rifle shots when emerging from the trench to proceed on patrol last night. We all much regret the loss of a most gallant soldier, who has proved himself an excellent soldier, especially on 14th May and on several subsequent occasions. The life for him has been rough - on one occasion buried and shocked by shell - but he has been ever eager for his work.’ A brother, Thomas, had just graduated from Glasgow University as a doctor. John Weir is buried in Hong Kong Cemetery. John was a sapper with the Hong Kong Defence Core. He was born in Greenok on the 6th January 1876 and had married Margaret Gibb Robson. John worked at the Taikoo Dockyard, part of the Scott/Swire group of companies
Section T
We are looking at Archibald Barbour, J Westhall Brown, Andrew Goldie Dunsmuir, Hugh Fraser, James Hannah, Andrew Allan Kerr, Charles Hally Kirkpatrick, John Allan MacDougall, Gilbert McEachran, Peter McKirdy, Robert McKirdy, and Hugh Wilson Paton McLaren. Archibald Barbour is buried at Bouilly Cross Roads Military Cemetery. Archibald was the son of Martha Barbour of Greenock. He had been married to Mary F. of Loch Thom, Greenock for just 18 months. Bouilly Cross Roads Military Cemetery was created in 1918 for those casualties of the Battle of the Marne. J Westhall Brown is buried at Beaurains Road Cemetery, Beaurains . A Lieutenant with the Highland Howitzer Brigade he initially served at Gallipoli and Egypt before volunteering for the Royal Air Force. After training he flew on the Western Front from March 1917. He was killed in action near Arras. Major E Gossage wrote ‘He was employed at artillery observation when he was attacked by a hostile machine, and was apparently killed in the air, as his Machine fell in our lines. The hostile machine dived at them seven times, and although they put up a plucky fight he was too much for them... Your son has done exceedingly good work with the squadron … he was one of the type which we can ill afford to lose. All the officers in the squadron tender to you their sincere and heartfelt sympathy.’ Andrew Goldie Dunsmuir is remembered at Thiepval Memorial, France. Andrew was the second son of Mr & Mrs Dunsmuir of 25 Denholm Street. He was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The 17th HLI were known as the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Battalion. Hugh Fraser is buried at Grevillers British Cemetery . Son of Hugh Fraser; husband of Mary E Fraser, 94 Inderwick Road, Crouch End. The 3rd , 29th and 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Stations were nearby at this time. James was the son of James and Margaret Hannah, 99 Dempster Street in Greenok. The Evening Telegraph of 25th April 1916 reports he was killed accidentally near Nairn. He was a teacher on the staff of the Finnart Public School and joined the Cameronians. He received a commission in the Bute Mountain Battery and was attached to the Ross Battery. James was the Secretary of the Greenock Burns Club. Andrew Allan Kerr is remembered at Tyne Cot Memorial. Andrew was the son of Andrew and Isabella Anne Kerr. Andrew, born in 1885, was an architect living at 97 Brisbane Street. He enlisted with the 17th Highland Light Infantry and received a commission to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps. His widow, Mrs A A Kerr went on to live care of Denholm, 529 Sauchiehall Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow. Charles Hally Kirkpatrick is buried at Cape Town(Maitland) Cemetery. Charles was the son of Mrs M.H. Kirkpatrick, of 5 Sandringham Terrace in Greenok and son of the late John Whitson Kirkpatrick, Postmaster of Elgin. Charles died of pneumonia at Capetown Military Hospital en route to Europe. Gilbert McEachran is remembered at Helles Memorial, gallipoli. John Allan MacDougall was born on 15th June 1882 at 5 Lyle Street in Greenok, the sixth of a family of eleven (nine surviving) born to John MacDougall, a doctor of medicine from Jura, Argyll and Martha Park in Greenok. John MacDougall enlisted in the territorial battalion, the 1/6th (City of Glasgow) Highland Light Infantry, which came under orders of 157th Brigade, 52nd (Lowland) Division. On 26th May 1915, the division sailed from Devonport to provide reinforcements for Gallipoli. John first joined a theatre of war on 2nd July 1915 when he landed at Cape Helles. He was posted missing, presumed dead on 16th August 1915. His name is recorded alongside 21,000 of his comrades with no known grave on the Helles Memorial. Peter McKirdy is remembered at Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Peter was Officer Commanding, A Company, of the Anson Battalion of the Royal Naval Division. He was born on September 1st 1888, the son of Robert McKirdy, sugar broker and Elizabeth. Peter died of wounds at 11.30 am on board a Hospital Ship. He had a twin brother called Robert who was killed with the 5th Argylls at Gallipoli. Robert, was the twin Brother of Peter McKirdy, also killed at the Dardanelles, Gallipoli. Robert was the son of Robert McKirdy (Sugar Broker) and was born on the 1st of September 1888. Robert was killed at the charge of Atchi Baba. Hugh Wilson Paton McLaren is remembered at Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey. Hugh, a Butcher, was the son of Alexander Duff McLaren and Mary Ann Niven McLaren, of 30, Brisbane Street in Greenock. He was educated at the Glebe Public School. He attested on the 13th November 1914 at Shelbourne, Victoria, with the 5th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcements. His mother wrote to the Australian Red Cross three years later, asking if there was a possibility of him being a Prisoner of War. She received a witness statement saying ‘McLaren was in the first reinforcements of the 5th Battalion. During the charge and the retirement, at what afterwards became known as Lone Pine, his body was seen lying dead by several of the men of the Company. McLaren was a big Scotchman.” Work your way down to the bottom of the path and follow it round to the right till you come to section R
Section R
There is only one stone in this section - that of James Crawford James Crawford served with the 5th argylls. He is buried at Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Gallipoli. James had served 10 years with the local Territorials. He died of wounds sustained on the charge at Atchi Baba on the 12th July and was buried 600 yards north of West Beach, Gallipoli. His family lived at 66 Kelly Street in Greenock. You will by now have heard the 5th Argylls and Gallipoli mentioned quite a few times. This local battalion suffered the single worst day of casualties in the history of Greenock. It had a profound effect on the local area. Over 130 died that day. We will remember them! We will head over to Section F
Section F
We are now in Section F. Again, have a wander around, taking a look at the various memorial stones of Thomas Wallet Hislop, John Wallet Hislop, John Morrison Jessamine, William Kennedy, Ninian Parker Laird, Charles Stevenson MacNab, David Merrylees, George Reid, and William Logan Reid. My descriptions will continue until you move on to Section D. Thomas Wallet Hislop is remembered at Tower Hill Memorial. Thomas served as 2nd Engineer on the Clan Leslie. On November 4th, 1916, the British steamer SS Clan Leslie, on a voyage from Bombay to London with general cargo, was sunk by the German submarine UB-43, 200 miles from of Malta. Thomas was one of 3 people killed. He was the son of William Hislop, of Ivybank in Inverkip and the late Margaret Hislop. Husband of Elizabeth Ramsay Hyslop(nay Wood) of 1 Welburne Terrace in Largs. John Wallet Hislop is remembered at Tyne Cot Memorial 2nd Lieutenant. John was the oldest son of William H Hislop, Old Manse in Inverkip. John’s battalion was at Gheluvelt near pashendale when he was killed. John Jessamine is remembered at Thiepval Memorial. He was born September 28th 1890, and he attended Trinity School, Carlisle. John was the son of Mr AH Jessamine, formerly of Greenock. John had worked in a bank in Carlisle before moving to Canada. He returned home to enlist with McCraes Battalion, noted as the battalion which had many of the Hearts players. He was killed on the first day of the Somme in 1916, at Contalmaison. William Kennedy is buried at Bruay Communal Cemetery Extension. William was the only son of Daniel P and Agnes Kennedy. He died, aged 29, of a twisted bowel at No. 22 Casualty Clearing Station. Remembered at Arras Memorial. Ninian Parker Laird, DCM. 2nd Lieutenant K.O.S.B. killed in action in France 28th March 1918, aged 39. He was the second surviving son of Agnes and the late Robert Laird, of Ingersby, Leicester. Originally of Kilmacolm. The family had been farmers at Bow Farm in Greenock at one point. Ninian was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of stretcher bearers during operations. Owing to his fine example, all the wounded were collected in spite of the shell and mAtchine gun fire.” Charles Stevenson MacNab is buried in Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery. Charles died of wounds resulting from shell fire while capturing the village of Demuin. About 4.25 am on the 8th August 1916 just after his Company had left 'jumping off' Trench, in front of Hangard, he was wounded in the head by splinters from an enemy shell. His wounds were dressed and he was taken to No 9 Canadian Field Ambulance, where he died the same day. He was 33. Charles was a farmer, born in Greenock August 3rd 1885. His next of Kin was his mother, Mrs. A. McNab, The Glen, 96 Newton Street. David Merrylees is remembered at the Helles Memorial, Turkey. David was the son of William Merrylees (Telephone Agent) and Robina Hammond Merrylees, of 39, Kelly Street. Captain Agnew wrote “I am sorry indeed to have to write you, and no doubt you have been officially informed that your son David died a soldiers death on the 12th. He had followed me through the charge, and just as we reached the trench we were to take, he was wounded, and died by my side, having borne the shock and the pain in a true soldier-like spirit. We (his comrades) buried him near where he fell. The parcel with which was enclosed attached letters, we reached on our return from action and I divided the contents amongst the rest of the company, as I am sure David would have desired.” George Reid is buried in Givenchy-en-Gohelle Canadian Cemetery, Souchez. George was the third son of R Reid J.P. and Elizabeth Reid, 39 Newton Street. He was formerly a draughtsman with Caird & Co., Shipbuilders before leaving for Canada. He left a widow and a child. George had been wounded in the neck but returned to the line. Later he was fatally wounded at Vimy Ridge. The Canadian paper says ‘Sgt Reid was one of the best known and most capable members of the Brockton Point eleven previous to his leaving for the Front. For a few years he was a regular playing member of the Coquitlam team, and there is hardly a player or follower of the game on the mainland but what can remember instances of really clever working the field performed by him. He generally fielded in the somewhat uncomfortable position of square leg, and many a batsman who thought he had gathered a clean hit to the leg boundary found the ball resting safely in the hands of Reid and his innings at an end. His unassuming and friendly nature made him a particular favourite with both players and spectators William Logan Reid is remembered at Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. William, 22, was the son of R Reid J.P. and Elizabeth Reid, 39 Newton Street. He was an Apprentice Banker at the Greenock office of the Bank of Scotland before promotion to the Edinburgh Head Office. The 4th Royal Scots were part of the same Brigade as the 5th Argylls.
Section D
Section D holds the memorial stones of Archibald McCall, Duncan Ritchie McInnes, & Duncan McLean. Archibald McCall is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery Archibald, son of Archibald and Flora, was a 20 year old Lieutenant. He died of wounds received. Duncan Ritchie McInnes is remembered at Tower Hill Memorial. Duncan was the son of Mary McInnes of 3a Mearns Street and the late John McInnes. Duncan was Third Engineer with the Greenock registered SS Heathpark, built by the Greenock & Grangemouth Dockyard Company in 1917 for the Dennom Line. It was sunk by U91 in the Bay of Biscay. He was 27. Our tour of these sections of Greenock Cemetery is now finished. I hope you enjoyed the experience. Please feel free to add your comments. Have a nice day! Duncan McLain is buried at Verchain British Cemetery, Verchain-Maugre. Duncan was the son of Duncan and Agnes McLain, 78 Holmscroft Street in Greenok. He was a gunner with the 58th Brigade. He was 29 years old.
