WW1 Soldiers from Cumnock: Cumnock Civic Brigade

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, 8 June 2025

Cumnock Civic Brigade

Cumnock Chronicle 1914

It has been decided to form a company of the Civic Brigade in Cumnock, the age limits will be from 16 to 55. The company will be divided into three classes, viz.:- I., age 19 to 35; II., age 16 to 19; III., age 35 to 55. The first meeting for enrolment and drill will be held in the Lesser Town Hall this evening. The man who has not yet volunteered cannot very well avoid joining the Brigade. It therefore requires no commendation. From an advertisement it will be seen that arrangements have been made for the instituting of a corps of special constables in this town.

Of the men who have joined the local Civic Brigade. Those who joined in class I. made and signed the following declaration:- “I hereby declare that I enrol in the above Company with the full intention of attaching myself on the first opportunity to one of the regiments of the British Army for General Service.”

(Hover over names for a hyperlink to the tree)

CLASS I (age 19 to 35)

Robert Gillies, Bank Avenue

George Scott, jun., Ayr Road

John Barbour, Townhead Street

Dan. Allan, Lugar

H. Williamson, Lugar

Sam. Nicol, jun., Townhead Street

George Smith, Tower Street

Thomas Bryce, Barrhill Road

Charles Steele, Tower Street

Thomas Campbell, Skares