Captain William Harrison Campbell Kirkland

William was born in 1884 in Springburn, Glasgow.

By 1901 the family, headed by his widowed mother, was living at the Burns Inn in Cumnock where his older brother Alexander was manager. They were still in Cumnock when war broke out.

William had studied law at Edinburgh University and was a member of the Faculty of Advocates.

He was a Captain in the Cameron Highlanders. He fell at the Battle of Loos and his batman who also died was Michael Shirkie of Skares, Cumnock. Michael's sister got a letter addressed to any living relative of Michael Shirkie, Skares. It was from Captain Kirkland's sister and the postman delivered it to Nellie, Michael's sister. The two families kept in touch. More about this here. It was one of the first blogposts.

Captain Kirkland on Cumnock Connections tree with obituary from the Faculty of Advocates.

George Murray

Born in Cumnock in 1895 to John Murray, an estate work on Dumfries House estate, and his wife Euphemia Mathieson.

He married Campbell Fisher Arkieston on Christmas Day 1914 and they had two sons John in 1915 and George Mathieson in 1917. His address was 1 Manse Lane, Cumnock when he enlisted in 1916 at Ayr. He was a colliery despatch clerk. His service record survives.

He was listed as wounded Cpl G Murray 22997 Cameron Highlanders wounded  05 November 1918 in the Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry).

He rose to the rank of Corporal 2997 in the Cameron Highlanders.

He died in Ballochmyle Hospital in 1956. His usual address was 24 Park Terrace, Lugar and he was a clerk with the National Coal Board.

On the Cumnock Roll of Honour this seems to be him

Murray, George – Corporal Royal Scots Fusiliers

Cumnock Connections tree