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.

Monday 21 April 2014

Charles Baird

Charles Baird was born in Cumnock on 11th March 1873 to David Baird and Elizabeth Monaghan.
He was a hairdresser/barber. He was married and left 3 children.

In 1901 the family was in Muirkirk
Furnace Road

Charles Baird             28 hairdresser
Jane Baird             24
David Baird             6 Mo

His service record survives. 

By the time he enlisted on 31st  May 1915 in Cowdenbeath, Fife, his address was  Ivy Cottage, Kelty. He gave his age as 39 years and 2 months. He was actually 42 and 2 months. Was there an age limit of 40?  
He gave his next of kin as Jeannie Baird Main St Muirkirk Ayrshire Cowdenbeath (!) wife.
They were married in Muirkirk 1900 (possibly June 6) and present address Main St, Muirkirk.
Children were Jeannie, Charles and Euphemia all born Muirkirk, no DOBs or ages given.
He was killed in action on 1st June 1916 in France.

He was 5ft 2 1/2 inches tall weighed 123lbs. Chest 33 inches. Health good. 
His widow was awarded a pension of 23 shillings a week for herself and three children.

He was a private in the 6th Battalion, the Royal Scots Fusiliers.

This is his entry on CWGC

and on Cumnock Connections tree

He is remembered on  Muirkirk War Memorial as well as Cumnock War Memorial

He is related to the Charles Baird on Lugar War memorial



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