Introduction

In 2014 the centenary of the outbreak of World War One, Cumnock History Group began researching the names on the Cumnock War Memorial plus other men and women with Cumnock connections mentioned on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or in the Cumnock Chronicle of the time. The research is not limited to those who died but also to men and women who served, using family history information.

The group would like to appeal to individuals with knowledge of family members for photographs of the soldier, either in uniform or not, and photos of medals or other memorabilia eg letters sent home from the Front. If you would be prepared to share these on this site, please email the web manager info@cumnockhistorygroup.org The group is willing to share any copies of documents found with the soldier's descendants.

Sunday, 23 February 2014

Sapper George Muirhead, RE

Cumnock Chronicle 11 Oct 1918
Yesterday morning Mrs J. Muirhead, Townhead Street,  received notice of the death of her son, Sapper George Muirhead  who fell in action in France. Sapper Muirhead went out to France with the R.S.F. about three years ago, and later was transferred to the Tunneling Section of the R.E.  Fully a year ago he was badly crushed by a fall while engaged in tunneling.  Of a rather quiet and reserved nature, he was respected by all who knew him, and especially by his fellow workers in Garrallan Colliery. He was 26 years of age. Much sympathy is felt for his widowed mother and the other members of his family. His eldest brother, James, has been with the Colours since early in the war.
He died on the 4th October 1918, so close to the Armistice.

In the 1901 census

Townhead St
James Muirhead 46
Jane Muirhead 52
James Muirhead 21
William Muirhead 14
John Muirhead 12
George Muirhead 10
Fanny Muirhead 8

Cumnock Connections tree

In September 1916 the Cumnock Chronicle reported that he was in Cumnock for a few days' leave before returning to his unit after spending nearly six weeks in hospital, after being buried in a tunnel collapse.


He is buried at Anneux British Cemetery in France.

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