Hugh Porteous was born in 1895 in Motherwell. His mother Agnes married John Robert Hewitson a widower with 3 children in 1901 and by 1911 census the extended family was living at Roadside in Old Cumnock.
Hugh enlisted in March, 1916 his address was Glengyrow Row, Cumnock. He was a fireman. He had a slight weakness on the left side: facial muscles, arm and leg due possibly to a stroke in childhood. But he was deemed fit for service. (C1) This was also noted in 1917
He served in in the Royal Scots, The Black Watch, the 10th Works Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers and the Reserve (Regimental Number 480461)
His was in the 516th Agricultural Corps in 1916 and his permanent address then was Alltan Albany, Barr by Girvan.
He served in France in 1918 for 264 days from January to October.
His stepbrother was Thomas Hewitson who was the same age as Hugh but was killed.
Hugh was badly affected by the war. He never married and was looked after by his younger sister Hannah Hewitson, Mrs Edgar until he died in 1975.
Medal Roll Card
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