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.

Friday 18 April 2014

Robert Baird MM

Robert Baird was born in Cumnock about 1884 to William Baird and Margaret Hamilton Bryce.

In 1901 he was living at Glaisnock St, an iron founder apprentice.

His service record survives.

He gave his age as 30 years 0 months, an iron moulder, when he enlisted on 3rd October 1914 in response to a public notice. He enlisted in Manchester * on 3 October 1914. He joined the Royal Scots in Edinburgh on 6th October 1914.
He was 5 ft 6, weight 147 lbs,  chest 38 1/2inches, sallow complexion with grey eyes and dark hair.
He married Agnes Ronald Ross Hill 3 Dec 1909 in Partick, Glasgow and her address in 1919 was  5 Cambuslea Drive, Newton Park, Ayr. An earlier address for her was 28 Townfoot St, Cumnock.
Next of kin: His sister was Mrs Jane Hyslop of Post Office Buildings Cumnock (she married William Hislop in 1905) and he had brothers Alexander and John.
He was awarded the  Military Medal on 11 November 1916.
He had been wounded on 17 April 1916 and returned to duty 19 May 1916.
He was in hospital in Liverpool for a couple of weeks in the spring of 1917.
His widow received a pension of 15 shillings a week. No children mentioned.
His private property was a disc, cigarette case, letter, photos, photo wallet, notebook, pocket wallet. His widow also signed for his devotional book.
He was killed in action in Gaza on 12 November 1917.
He was a Lance Corporal in the RSF, 7th Battalion
Census records transcribed by ancestry


1891
Glaisnock St, Cumnock
William Baird             49  carter b Sanquhar
Maggie Baird             38  b Muirkirk
Jeanie Baird             19 dressmaker  b Auchinleck
Alexander Baird             14
James Baird             12
William Baird             10
Thomas Baird             8
Robert Baird             5
John Baird             3
George Baird             1 Mo


1901
Glaisnock St, Cumnock
William Baird             58
Jane Baird             29
Robert Baird             15
William Baird             28
John Baird             12

Just found this on Fallen men of Salford site
Robert Baird , born Ayrshire enlisted Manchester, 15th Battalion Royal Scots , Died 12/11/17 M.M
CWG Gaza War Cemetery
From Manchester, Scottish served in A company 15th Royal Scots, but was attached to 1/7th Royal Scots in Palestine. Born Old Cumnock, Ayrshire. Before enlisting he was employed as an iron moulder at Britannia Foundry Pendleton.

This is his entry on the CWGC

And on the Cumnock Connections tree

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