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.

Sunday 12 November 2023

John Kirkland

John (Jackie) Kirkland was born in Cumnock in 1897 making him very young when he enlisted in the Royal Scots Fusiliers 1/5, reg numbers 240207 and 7013



His parish medal





John McCartney, RSF




 John McCartney was born in Cumnock on the 25th May 1878 in Elbow Lane to William Clark Mccartney and Margaret Richmond. His father a tailor to trade, was also a successful horse trainer.

John served in the RSF no. 40110. 

Photos from Brandon Colvin in Texas.


He was awarded the Silver War Badge (SWB)
In September 1916, King George V authorised the Silver War Badge (SWB) to honour all military personnel who had served at home or overseas since 4 August 1914 and who had been discharged because of wounds or illness.


Wednesday 11 October 2023

William Carter

William Carter was born on  the 22nd February 1886 in Elbow Lane where his parents Francis Carter and Margaret Murray kept a lodging house. In the 1901 census aged 15 he was a pit bottomer. On his marriage certificate he was a farm servant when he married Jane Little of Craigbank in June 1912 and they had their first child, a daughter Catherine in April 1913. 

William enlisted in the army in April 1913 with the 2nd Battalion, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders no.1192 then he served with the Royal Engineers no 83690 in the tunnelling corps and was sent to France. He was wounded for the third time at the battle of Hill 60 in spring 1915.  

He gifted a book of Burns poems to Mr & Mrs H Sutherland which was found by Sarah Blackburn who has provided this information.



He died on the 25th March 1972 in Ballochmyle Hospital of respiratory failure due to silicosis (miner's lung) aged 86. His usual address was 23 Redree Place, New Cumnock. He is buried in New Cumnock Afton road cemetery along with his grandson Billy Woonton.







Monday 24 April 2023

The Lodge Memorial

 The Lodge Memorial in Cumnock New Cemetery



photographed and recorded by George McMillan


2.1.1

To the glory of God and in memory of Brethren of this Lodge who fell in

the Great War 1914 – 1918
Sergt Thomas Armstrong Canadians,
Pte James Carson Camerons,
Pte Peter Forbes Scotts Guards,
Tpr Samuel Guthrie Lanark Yeomry,
Pte Alex Geeki Camerons,
L.Cpl John Henderson Royal Scots
Sergt Alex Hodge M.M. R.A.M.C.,
Pte John Lamont New Zealanders,
Pte Robert Lundie R.S.F.,
Pte James Lundie Australians,
Pte Adam Purdie A.S.C.,
Pte John Smith H.L.I.,
Pte William Surgeoner Camerons,
Pte John F. Laing R.S.F.,
Their name liveth forever more

1939 - 1945
William Skilling M.N.,
Gnr John Lees R.N.