WW1 Soldiers from Cumnock: July 2024

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.

Wednesday, 24 July 2024

Andrew M Kirkland

I am indebted to Linda Juchatz in USA for information about her great uncle.

Andrew Morton Kirkland was born on 13th May 1880 in Glengyron Row, Old Cumnock to George Kirkland and his wife Mary Morton. In the 1881 census they are at 69 Low Glencairn St, Kilmarnock where father George is a pit engineman. In 1901 census Andrew is a mason (builder) at 40 Montgomery St Kilmarnock. However he kept links with Cumnock as he married Cumnock lass Elizabeth Hamilton in 1906. Their first child was born in Kilmarnock but by the birth of oldest son George they are in Barrhill Road in Cumnock. Andrew died in Ballochmyle Hospital in 1958 aged 78. His usual address was Old Avenue, Auchinleck.

Andrew's ww1 records have not survived but we know from the Cumnock Roll of Honour that he was a Sergeant in the 5th Royal Scots Fusiliers, the local regiment. His medal roll card survives

1914-1920

Rank Sergeant

Company WO 329

Regiment or Corps Royal Scots Fusiliers

Regiment Number 265135

Medal Awarded British War Medal and Victory Medal

He had previously signed up for service with the RSF in 1901 and that record survives.

Linda sent me the photos of his parish war medal which she found amongst her grandfather's things. He was James G Kirkland and had emigrated to Philadelphia in 1907. James returned for a visit in 1925 and it is thought he was given it then.