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.

Thursday, 20 March 2014

George Neil and brother James Neil


James Neil  was born  on 22 October 1888 in Glaisnock Street, Cumnock to James Neil a life assurance agent and his wife Elizabeth Kerr.

He died on 16th June 1915 in Belgium. He served with the Gordon Highlanders. He had previously worked in Burma.

This from the Aberdeen Evening Express, 24th June 1915



James's record on CWGC  He was 28.  He is remembered on the Menin Gate at Ypres. His name is just below the poppy.

Menin Gate, from Phillip McGhee

from Neil James


His brother was also lost.  He was Corporal George Neil (George Henry Neil)

From the Cumnock Chronicle 6 Sep 1918

Died of wounds at a Clearing Station in France on 25 Aug 1918 Corpl George Neil,  H.L.I., youngest son of Councillor James Neil and Mrs Neil, Lugar Street, in his 25th year.

He was the son  of James and Elizabeth (Kerr) Neil of 13, Lugar St, Old Cumnock 

Here's the family in the 1901 census 
Lugar St
James Neil     39 commercial traveller b Auchinleck
Elisabeth Neil     36 b New Cumnock
Agnes Neil     18 draper's assistant
John Neil     15 app baker
James Neil     12 app draper
Maggie Neil     10
George H Neil     8
Bessie Neil     6
children  b Cumnock

He is buried in Bagneux British Cemetery, Gezaincourt, France.

Cumnock Connections tree

CWGC


Both men are on Cumnock War Memorial.

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