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.
