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 11 August 2014

William Begg, MM

Sergeant William Begg was born on the 24th March 1890 in Hollowsholm, Cumnock 

The Cumnock Chronicle provides some information:

He was awarded the Military Medal on 13 July 1917 and was presented with a gold wristwatch (at Lugar) on 5th Oct 1917. He was in the Seaforths.

He died of wounds received on 10th December on 23 Dec 1917. He had a leg amputated.

He was 27 and the oldest son of George Begg and Jeanie Connor who married in 1890.

In the 1891 census though Jeanie is recorded in her maiden name of Conner, as in William.

1891
Hollowsholm Farm Cumnock
William Begg     71 farmer b Dalmellington
Mary Begg     71
Adam Begg     35
George Begg     29 son pithead man b Lugar
Jane Conner     24 servant dairy maid b Cronberry
William Conner     1 b Cumnock


By 1901 census George is the head of the house
Hollowholm Farm Cumnock
George Begg     40 farmer
Jane Begg     34
Wm Begg     11
Thomas Begg     9
Adam Begg     6
Daniel Begg     5
Susannah Begg     1
Margaret Baillie     63
John Baillie     43


Son of George and Jeanie Begg, of 428, New Row, Lugar, Cumnock, Ayrshire.
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment: Seaforth Highlanders
Age: 27
Date of death: 23-12-1917
Buried at: TINCOURT NEW BRITISH CEMETERY
Awards: Military Medal

CWGC

 Cumnock Connections


His service record does not survive but that of his brother Daniel does. He enlisted in 1914 but was discharged a few weeks later as unfit, "unable to march".  Father George was at Craigstonholm.

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