Gilbert Drinnan White was the brother of William White, both house painters, sons of William White and Elizabeth Drinnan. He was born about 1883 in Auchencairn, Kirkcudbrightshire where the family lived for a few years.
His pension record survived, as did he.
Gilbert answered the call on 22 Feb 1916 having being served papers by C/Sgt McGill. He was living at 165 Glaisnock St with his mother. He was single.
He was 32 and 5 ft 31/2 in tall with a chest measurement of 32 and a half inches and weight of 103 lbs.
He was in the RSF but transferred to the Argyll And Sutherland Highlanders in June 1916. He was discharged on 15 Sep 1916 because of deafness and defective vision.
Remembering WW1 soldiers with a connection to Cumnock in Ayrshire, Scotland, including those who survived and others not mentioned on the War Memorial. Researched by Cumnock History Group.
Sunday, 27 July 2014
Saturday, 26 July 2014
William White
William White was born in Townhead Street, Cumnock on the 9th May 1880 to William White and Elizabeth Drennan.
He was a 37 year old painter of 3 New Bridge St when he enlisted in Ayr on 18th June 1917 in the 4th Btn RSF having been called up.
He was 5 ft 8 in, weight 137 lbs, chest 36"
He was transfered to the Royal Scots on 12 Nov 1917 afterwards and was killed in action on 21st Mar 1918 in France.
He was married to Helen Hyslop Murdoch known as Nelly.
After his demise Nelly had to state his living relatives, dated 22 Jun 1920. Nelly, 3 children Helen, William, James. His mother Elizabeth White and brother Gilbert D White 38 were living at Muirfield Cottage, Cumnock, his sisters Maggie White 48 at Holytown, Mary white 31 at Thornlie Cottage Cumnock and Elizabeth White 45 at Telephone Exchange, New Stevenston.
Nelly was awarded a pension of 29/7 a week for herself and the three children from 12 Oct 1918.
Cumnock Chronicle report
He is remembered on Cumnock War Memorial and on the Arras Memorial.
Cumnock Connections tree
CWGC
He was a 37 year old painter of 3 New Bridge St when he enlisted in Ayr on 18th June 1917 in the 4th Btn RSF having been called up.
He was 5 ft 8 in, weight 137 lbs, chest 36"
He was transfered to the Royal Scots on 12 Nov 1917 afterwards and was killed in action on 21st Mar 1918 in France.
He was married to Helen Hyslop Murdoch known as Nelly.
 |
| ca 1913 with wife and 2 older children |
After his demise Nelly had to state his living relatives, dated 22 Jun 1920. Nelly, 3 children Helen, William, James. His mother Elizabeth White and brother Gilbert D White 38 were living at Muirfield Cottage, Cumnock, his sisters Maggie White 48 at Holytown, Mary white 31 at Thornlie Cottage Cumnock and Elizabeth White 45 at Telephone Exchange, New Stevenston.
Nelly was awarded a pension of 29/7 a week for herself and the three children from 12 Oct 1918.
Cumnock Chronicle report
 |
| photo by Bobby Grierson, added on 8/3/2018 |
Cumnock Connections tree
CWGC
- Rank:
- Private
- Service No:
- 42433
- Date of Death:
- 21/03/1918
- Regiment/Service:
- Royal Scots
- 16th Bn.
- Panel Reference:
- Bay 1 and 2.
- Memorial:
- ARRAS MEMORIAL
- Additional Information:
Friday, 25 July 2014
James Scott
James Scott was a private in the RSF and died in Egypt on the 5th May 1917 of wounds received on the 19th April. He was 20 and the son of Robert and Jane Scott of 449 Brick Row, Lugar.
CWGC
1901 census we get his first name
448 Brick Row, Lugar
CWGC
1901 census we get his first name
448 Brick Row, Lugar
Robert
Scott 29 ironstone miner b Lugar
Jane
Scott 29 b Ireland
Mary
Scott 5 b Lugar
James
Scott 4 b Lugar
Jane
Scott 1 b Lugar
The Cumnock Chronicle printed this
He is remembered on Lugar Memorial and Hadra War Memorial in Alexandria, Egypt.
Cumnock Connections tree
CWGC
 |
| photo by Morag Gordon |
Cumnock Connections tree
CWGC
Thursday, 24 July 2014
John Martin
John Martin was born in Cumnock in 1879 to Matthew Martin a joiner and his wife Elizabeth Begg.
The CWGC gives us more information on his family. He was married to Margaret Martin, of 30, Old Dalmarnock Rd, Bridgeton, Glasgow
Cumnock Connections tree
John Martin does not appear on Cumnock War Memorial. He is on the Ploegsteert Memorial in Belgium.
| Name: | John Martin |
|---|---|
| Birth Place: | Old Cumnock, Ayrshire |
| Death Date: | 18 Dec 1914 |
| Death Place: | France and Flanders |
| Enlistment Place: | Glasgow |
| Rank: | GDSN (Guardsman) |
| Regiment: | Scots Guards |
| Regimental Number: | 10818 |
| Type of Casualty: | Killed in action |
| Theatre of War: | Western EuropeTan Theatre |
The CWGC gives us more information on his family. He was married to Margaret Martin, of 30, Old Dalmarnock Rd, Bridgeton, Glasgow
1881
Ayr Road, Cumnock
Matthew Martin 35 carpenter b Whithorn
Elizabeth Martin 36 b Stoneykirk
Janet Martin 11 b Glasgow
James Martin 7 b Govan
John Martin 1 b Cumnock
1891
14 Tower St Cumock
Matthew Martin 42 bWhithorn
Elisabeth Martin 46 b Stoneykirk
James Martin 17 b Linthouse
John Martin 11 b Cumnock
1901
1 Braehead Auchinleck
Matthew Martin 53 joiner
Elezabeth Martin 53
Cumnock Connections tree
John Martin does not appear on Cumnock War Memorial. He is on the Ploegsteert Memorial in Belgium.
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
John Mair
John Mair was born on 6th December 1896 at 178 Gaswater, in Auchinleck the son of James Mair an iron miner and his wife Mary Hamilton. He was 21 when he was killed in France on 25th March 1918. He was a private in the HLI. He wasn't married and doesn't appear to have any siblings.
His mother died in Lugar in 1932.
In 1901 they are at 185 Gas Water
His mother died in Lugar in 1932.
In 1901 they are at 185 Gas Water
James
Mair 25 ironstone miner b Auchinleck
Mary
Mair 33 b New Cumnock
John
Mair 4 b Auchinleck
He doesn't appear on the War Memorials of Cumnock, Lugar or Auchinleck but is on the Memorial at Pozieres in France.
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Andrew Hutson
Andrew Hutson of New Zealand is on Cumnock War Memorial
I found a post from a family member where it was said that this soldier is Hutson not Hudson
Andrew Hutson was born in 1884 in Auchinleck. His sister Mrs Thornton above is Elizabeth Hutson.
He was living in at 24 Sydney St, Hutt, Wellington in 1911 and working as a labourer.
In 1901 the family is in Ayr Rd
I found a post from a family member where it was said that this soldier is Hutson not Hudson
Name: HUDSON, ANDREW JAMES
Regimental Number 23/1074
Rank Rifleman
Body or Draft 1st NZRB
Unit or Regiment D Company
Marital Status S
Last NZ Address C/- HMNZT 18 PC
Next of Kin Title Mrs E
Next of Kin Surname THORNTON
Next of Kin Relationship Sister
Next of Kin Address 129 Esplanade Petone Wellington
Initials: A J
Nationality: New Zealand
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: N.Z. Rifle Brigade
Unit Text: 1st Bn. 3rd
Date of Death: 15/09/1916
Service No: 23/1074
Additional information: Brother of Mrs. E. Thornton,
of 58, Hutt Rd.,
Petone, Wellington.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Cemetery: CATERPILLAR VALLEY (NEW ZEALAND) MEMORIAL, Somme, France
 |
| Otago Witness 18 Oct 1916 accessed via paperspast |
Andrew Hutson was born in 1884 in Auchinleck. His sister Mrs Thornton above is Elizabeth Hutson.
He was living in at 24 Sydney St, Hutt, Wellington in 1911 and working as a labourer.
In 1901 the family is in Ayr Rd
Andrew Hutson 62 pedlar of drapery b Ireland
Margret Hutson 57 b Ireland
Lizzie Hutson 18 dressmaker
Andrew Hutson 16 horse driver in a coal miner b 1884
Ellen Hutson 12
children born Auchinleck
Monday, 21 July 2014
James Wilson
James Wilson was born 31st January 1896, the youngest son of farmer Andrew Wilson and Margaret McCririck of Meikle Auchengilsie Farm in Cumnock parish.
His service record survives. He was 20 when he enlisted and a millwright engineer of Auchengilsie, Old Cumnock. He was unmarried and his mother Maggie was his next-of-kin.
Cumnock Connections tree
CWGC tells us he on the Arras War memorial
On Cumnock Memorial he is recorded as Trooper James S Wilson of Ayrshire Yeomanry.
Here's the family gravestone in Cumnock New Cemetery
| Name: | James Wilson | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Place: | Cumnock, Ayrshire | ||
| Residence: | Old Cumnock, Ayrshire | ||
| Death Date: | 3 May 1917 | ||
| Death Place: | France and Flanders | ||
| Enlistment Place: | Ayr | ||
| Rank: | Private | ||
| Regiment: | Royal Scots Fusiliers | ||
| Battalion: | 1st Battalion | ||
| Regimental Number: | 41059 | ||
| Type of Casualty: | Died | ||
| Theatre of War: | Western European Theatre |
His service record survives. He was 20 when he enlisted and a millwright engineer of Auchengilsie, Old Cumnock. He was unmarried and his mother Maggie was his next-of-kin.
Cumnock Connections tree
CWGC tells us he on the Arras War memorial
On Cumnock Memorial he is recorded as Trooper James S Wilson of Ayrshire Yeomanry.
Here's the family gravestone in Cumnock New Cemetery
Sunday, 20 July 2014
William Lamont
William Lamont was born in Dalmellington on 24 Apr 1874 to Matthew Lamont and Mary Gilmour. He died on 17 May 1915 in France. He was the husband of J H Lamont of 58 Bourtreehall in Girvan.
CWGC
He had enlisted for a short term of service in the RSF in April, 1893 aged 18 years 11 months. Regimental number 4081. He was a miner. He was 5 ft 5 and 3/4in, chest measurement 32-34 in and weighed 130 lbs.
He finished his term in April 1905 and was in the reserves. His address was 31 New St, Riccarton and his next of kin was his sister Jane Lamont or Grant of the same address. His chest was by now 40 inches!
He is remembered on Cumnock War Memorial.
Update October 2014
I found this in the Cumnock Chronicle. He was married with 3 children, aged 35, and living in the Strand. His wife from a death notice in the paper was Joan McNab. I pulled the marriage certificate just to be sure I had the right man. It was.
Cumnock Connections tree
From his soldiers will on Scotlandspeople site. He left everything to his wife, in the Strand. Will was dated 7th May 1915 signed at Towhead St. He died at 23rd Field Ambulance from wounds. on 16th May 1915.
Update May 2018
In Memoriam
| Name: | William Lamont |
|---|---|
| Birth Place: | Dalmellington, Ayrshire |
| Residence: | Fairlie, Ayrshire |
| Death Date: | 1 May 1915 |
| Death Location: | France & Flanders |
| Enlistment Location: | Cumnock, Ayrshire |
| Rank: | Private |
| Regiment: | Royal Scots Fusiliers |
| Battalion: | 2nd Battalion |
| Number: | 12491 |
| Type of Casualty: | Died of wounds |
| Theatre of War: | Western European Theatre |
CWGC
He had enlisted for a short term of service in the RSF in April, 1893 aged 18 years 11 months. Regimental number 4081. He was a miner. He was 5 ft 5 and 3/4in, chest measurement 32-34 in and weighed 130 lbs.
He finished his term in April 1905 and was in the reserves. His address was 31 New St, Riccarton and his next of kin was his sister Jane Lamont or Grant of the same address. His chest was by now 40 inches!
He is remembered on Cumnock War Memorial.
Update October 2014
I found this in the Cumnock Chronicle. He was married with 3 children, aged 35, and living in the Strand. His wife from a death notice in the paper was Joan McNab. I pulled the marriage certificate just to be sure I had the right man. It was.
Cumnock Connections tree
| Update November 2014 |
Update May 2018
In Memoriam
Saturday, 19 July 2014
James Haley
Pte James Haley (or Healy) of the Seaforths is on Cumnock War Memorial and Thiepval Memorial in France.
He was born on 1st January 1892 at Benston, Cumnock the son of miner Thomas Healy and Grace Henderson and was 24 when he was killed in France in 1916.
Ancestry gives us this
CWGC
Cumnock Connections tree
He was born on 1st January 1892 at Benston, Cumnock the son of miner Thomas Healy and Grace Henderson and was 24 when he was killed in France in 1916.
Ancestry gives us this
| Name: | James Healy |
|---|---|
| Birth Place: | Cumnock, Ayrshire |
| Death Date: | 17 Aug 1916 |
| Death Place: | France and Flanders |
| Enlistment Place: | Cumnock |
| Rank: | Private |
| Regiment: | Seaforth Highlanders |
| Battalion: | 8th Battalion |
| Regimental Number: | S/9186 |
| Type of Casualty: | Killed in action |
| Theatre of War: | Western European Theatre |
CWGC
Cumnock Connections tree
Thursday, 17 July 2014
Robert C Hogg
Robert Cavers Hogg was born on 2 Sep 1897 in Cumnock to Andrew White Hogg and Annie Amelie Caird. He was only 19 when he was killed in 1916. He was known as Robin.
De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour
He is remembered on Cumnock War Memorial and in Maroeuil British Cemetery in France and on the family headstone in Wooler
CWGC
has him as Robin Cavers Hogg
Cumnock Connections tree
De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour
| He was a private in the London Regiment and was killed in action in France on 2 Oct 1916. |
He is remembered on Cumnock War Memorial and in Maroeuil British Cemetery in France and on the family headstone in Wooler
CWGC
has him as Robin Cavers Hogg
- Rank:
- Private
- Service No:
- 4545
- Date of Death:
- 02/10/1916
- Age:
- 19
- Regiment/Service:
- London Regiment (London Scottish)
- 2nd/14th Bn.
- Grave Reference:
- III. G. 6.
- Cemetery:
- MAROEUIL BRITISH CEMETERY
- Additional Information:
- Son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew White Hogg, of Ravensdowne, Wooler, Northumberland.
Cumnock Connections tree
Wednesday, 16 July 2014
Thomas McLean
There are two Thomas McLeans on Cumnock War Memorial. It turns out they are uncle and nephew and died within weeks of each other.
First the uncle
Thomas Mclean was born in Cumnock the son of Thomas and Grace McLean. He married Ellen McCreadie in Auchinleck in 1906. They had a son Andrew and a daughter Isabella.
CWGC
The younger Thomas was the son of James McLean, the half brother of Thomas above.
First the uncle
Thomas Mclean was born in Cumnock the son of Thomas and Grace McLean. He married Ellen McCreadie in Auchinleck in 1906. They had a son Andrew and a daughter Isabella.
| Name: | Thomas McLean |
|---|---|
| Birth Place: | Cumnock, Ayr |
| Residence: | Thornhill |
| Death Date: | 29 Jul 1918 |
| Death Place: | France and Flanders |
| Enlistment Place: | Berwick-on-tweed |
| Rank: | Private |
| Regiment: | Cameronian (Scottish Rifles) |
| Battalion: | 8th Battalion |
| Regimental Number: | 37565 |
| Type of Casualty: | Killed in action |
| Theatre of War: | Western European Theatre |
| Comments: | Formerly 46445, R. Scot. Fus. |
CWGC
 |
| photo by Bobby Grierson added 7/3/2018 |
His gravestone in Penpont graveyard. He is also on the War Memorial there.
 |
| Photo taken by Rhonda Queen |
 |
| photo from Drew McLean |
The younger Thomas was the son of James McLean, the half brother of Thomas above.
Thomas was the oldest of 4 brothers. He worked at the Royal bank in Cumnock
CWGC gives more information. He was 19 and the son of Mr & Mrs James McLean of 74 Barrhill Road, Cumnock and he is buried in Nine Elms British Cemetery in Belgium.
Here's the family on the Cumnock Connections tree
| Name: | Thomas McLean |
|---|---|
| Birth Place: | Old Cumnock, Ayrshire |
| Residence: | Old Cumnock |
| Death Date: | 23 Jun 1918 |
| Death Place: | France and Flanders |
| Enlistment Place: | Ayr |
| Rank: | Private |
| Regiment: | Cameronian (Scottish Rifles) |
| Battalion: | 5 6th Battalion |
| Regimental Number: | 38597 |
| Type of Casualty: | Died of wounds |
| Theatre of War: | Western European Theatre |
CWGC gives more information. He was 19 and the son of Mr & Mrs James McLean of 74 Barrhill Road, Cumnock and he is buried in Nine Elms British Cemetery in Belgium.
Here's the family on the Cumnock Connections tree
George Kirkland
 |
| Cumnock Parish Medal |
In 1891 census his widowed mother was keeping a dairy
257 Wellington st
Stuart M S Broom 34 dairy keeper b
Thomas Broom 4
Janet S Broom 2
George S Broom 1
Mary Ann Conway 13
She later married John Kirkland of New Cumnock.
In 1901 census they are at Bankend Cottage in Cumnock
John Kirkland 41 mason's labourer b New Cumnock
Stuart Kirkland 43 b Auchinleck
Thomas Brown 14 stepson pithead labourer b Glasgow
George Brown 11 stepson b Glasgow
Ellen Kirkland 8 dau b Glasgow
Stuart Kirkland 5 dau b Glasgow
Margaret Kirkland 2 dau b Cumnock
Medal Roll card has him as a driver
Ancestry record
| Name: | George Kirkland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Place: | Cumnock | |||
| Death Date: | 23 Oct 1917 | |||
| Death Place: | France and Flanders | |||
| Enlistment Place: | Cumnock, Ayrshire | |||
| Rank: | A BDR. | |||
| Regiment: | Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery | |||
| Regimental Number: | 103883 | |||
| Type of Casualty: | Killed in action | |||
| Theatre of War: | Western European Theatre |
CWGC record
- Rank:
- Acting Bombardier
- Service No:
- 103883
- Date of Death:
- 23/10/1917
- Age:
- 27
- Regiment/Service:
- Royal Field Artillery
- 31st Bty. 33rd Bde.
- Grave Reference:
- XII. A. 10.
- Cemetery:
- THE HUTS CEMETERY (Ypres)
- Additional Information:
- Son of John and Stuart Kirkland, of 32, Elbow Lane, Old Cumnock.
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
George Grier
Sergeant George Grier was missing from the 1 Oct 1916 and his widow did not receive official notification of his demise until December 1917. (Cumnock Chronicle)
She was Marion Grier (Reid) and was living at 38 Townfoot in 1917. They were married in Glasgow in 1915. (as George Greer). She was the girl next door at 40 Townfoot.
He was in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry attached to the Royal Scots, Machine Gun Section.
His entry on CWGC has him as Sergeant James Greir and Cumnock War Memorial has him with the RSF.
Ancestry has him as James Greer born Barony, Glasgow.
He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial at the Somme as well as the Cumnock War Memorial.
Cumnock Connections tree
She was Marion Grier (Reid) and was living at 38 Townfoot in 1917. They were married in Glasgow in 1915. (as George Greer). She was the girl next door at 40 Townfoot.
He was in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry attached to the Royal Scots, Machine Gun Section.
His entry on CWGC has him as Sergeant James Greir and Cumnock War Memorial has him with the RSF.
Ancestry has him as James Greer born Barony, Glasgow.
He is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial at the Somme as well as the Cumnock War Memorial.
Cumnock Connections tree
Monday, 14 July 2014
Edward Hogg
Edward Hogg was born about 1899 in Cumnock to William Hogg a coal miner and his wife Elizabeth in Townhead Street.
He was a private in the KOSB (the War Memorial has RSF) and he was killed in action in France on 11 April 1918. He was only 19.
His parents were living at Bankend Cottages, Ayr Road at the time of his death.
CWGC
Cumnock Connections Tree
He was a private in the KOSB (the War Memorial has RSF) and he was killed in action in France on 11 April 1918. He was only 19.
| Name: | Edward Hogg |
|---|---|
| Birth Place: | Old Cumnock, Ayrshire |
| Residence: | Old Cumnock, Ayrshire |
| Death Date: | 11 Apr 1918 |
| Death Place: | France and Flanders |
| Enlistment Place: | Ayr, Ayr |
| Rank: | Private |
| Regiment: | King's Own Scottish Borders |
| Battalion: | 1st Battalion |
| Regimental Number: | 33254 |
| Type of Casualty: | Killed in action |
| Theatre of War: | Western European Theatre |
| Comments: | Formerly 5557, 53Rd T.R |
His parents were living at Bankend Cottages, Ayr Road at the time of his death.
Update 21 April 2018: His nephew and namesake Edward Martin Hogg Galloway visited the Ploegsteert Memorial on the centenary of his death and has kindly sent the following photograph
CWGC
Cumnock Connections Tree
Friday, 4 July 2014
Daniel Marrs DCM
Daniel Marrs was born in Cumnock on the 3rd June 1889. In the 1891 his mother Esther is living with George Phillips in Riccarton along with Mary Marrs and William Marrs.
In 1895 Daniel age 6 and William age 8 are shipped to Canada on the Sarmatia along with many other children. They are Quarriers children. But their mother is still alive as she is his next of his on his army papers. Whatever happened?
It seems Esther was left with 5 young children when husband Thomas died. I can't find John in 1891 but in 1901 he is is New Cumnock the adopted son of David and Lizzie Brown.
Thomas was also shipped to Canada age 9 with Quarriers in 1895 but on a different ship. 7,000 Quarriers children were shipped to Canada. Many were treated badly as free labour. Thomas also served in the Canadian Forces.
Esther married George Phillips in 1892 in Cumnock. She is running a lodging house in Elbow Lane so hardly sounds destitute. Maybe the 3 boys were already with Quarriers. She is named as next of kin on Thomas and Daniel's army records so they clearly kept in touch. With so little information we should not judge. I wonder if she ever saw the 3 boys again? (see update below)
in 1901 Canadian census Daniel is the adopted son of farmer John Crozier. Was he treated as a farm hand or a son?
I can't see him again until he enlists in 1915
He is awarded the DCM on 2 Feb 1917. This is reported in the Cumnock Chronicle.
Here is the citation.
He is buried in the Canadian Cemetery at Neuville St Vaast
Here's the family on the Cumnock Connections tree
Update16 Oct 2014
I found this article in the Cumnock Chronicle which answers some questions. Daniel was born after his father's death in a coal mine in Fife. And Esther did see at least one of her sons, Tom, again.
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