WILLIAM REEVES
113th Heavy Battery
ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY
Rank Gunner
Service number 23380
Date of death 06/07/1916
Place of birth Worthing Sussex
Age 39
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Edinburgh
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F. & F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 1. Row H. Grave 13.
Cemetery: BERTRANCOURT MILITARY CEMETERY
Husband of Sarah Reeves 79 Bathville Row, Armadale, Linlithgowshire.
Son of James and Harriet Reeves.
William was a native of Cambridge and had served on active service in Egypt and in the South African War he retired from the Royal Garrison Artillery with the rank of Bombardier.
He was wounded at La Haute from a splinter from another gun, at Hill 60 he was the only member of his gun crew left after a 36 hour bombardment by the Germans. His wound bothered him for nine weeks during which time he was in Hospital at Le Harve.
Writing to Mrs Reeves Major L R Kelly says:
I much regret to have to inform you of the death of your husband, Gunner W Reeves, of the H.B, R.G.A. He lost his life in gallantry trying to rescue a comrade who had been overcome by fumes of an exploded shell. He had joined the Battery as a volunteer from the Ammunition Park last April. Since then he had always been most forward and ready for any dangerous work. I am indeed very sorry to loose him. Please allow me to offer you my sympathy in your loss. I have brought his conduct to the notice of the authorities.
William Reeves appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Bathville Colliery and being killed in action.
BENJAMIN REID
1st Battalion.
SCOTS GUARDS
Rank Lance Corporal
Service number 13972
Date of death 14/10/1917
Place of birth Edinburgh
Age 30
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. A. 13.
Cemetery: BLEUET FARM CEMETERY
Husband of Margaret Wark, Alexanders Land, West Main Street Armadale.
Writing to Mrs Reid Chaplain David Somerville states:
I regret to have to give you the sad news that your husband was killed by a bomb on the 14th October. We were just preparing for a church service, when some German aeroplanes flew over and dropped bombs on our camp. Your husband was one of six killed. Everybody was very much distressed, and we thought it We will miss your husband. He was a brave soldier and now he has given his life for a great cause. We all sympathise with you in this blow
.such hard lines that men who like your husband, had come bravely through the recent fighting should be killed in this way. He was faithful unto death and even in your tears you will be proud of his memory. We buried him in a British Military Cemetery.
Lt. Hon J A Burns wrote to Mrs Reid as follows:
It was with the deepest regret that I learned of the death of your husband
.Your husband is a very great loss to my Platoon. He was an extremely capable instructor in bayonet fighting, and he possessed that self confidence so necessary to a non commissioned officer. The Battalion can ill spare such a man. May God grant you strength to bear your sorrow
Benjamin enlisted in June 1915, and he arrived in France in early 1916. Prior to enlisting Benjamin was employed at the Atlas Foundry in Armadale.
Benjamin leaves a widow and four children to mourn him.
JOSEPH REILLY
9th Battery, 5th Brigade
ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY
Rank GNR
Service number 93400
Date of death 12/08/1918
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 24
Resided
Enlisted Lochgelly Fife
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. F. 1.
Cemetery: ETRETAT CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
Husband of Agnes Reilly, of 133, West Canon, Falkirk, Scotland.
Joseph arrived in France on the 22nd October 1915.
CHARLES RHODES
17th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Private
Service number 46509
Date of death 17/11/1917
Place of birth Gourock
Age
Resided Blackridge, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Glencorse
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 11 to 14 and 162.
Cemetery: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Husband of Mrs. C Rhodes West end Blackridge.
Charles had only been in France two weeks when he was killed.
Prior to enlisting Charles was employed in Westcraigs Quarry.
JOHN RIDDELL
13th Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Private
Service number 25176
Date of death 01/08/1917
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 11.
Cemetery: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Son of Mr. & Mrs. Alex. Riddell Station Road, Armadale.
John Riddell had served two years in France without having had any home leave during that period. He had seen action at Loos and many more equally bloody engagements. Latterly he was serving under Captain Gardner when he last went up the trenches.
John brother Alexander also Royal Scots was in Hospital in Egypt in 1917.
The following lines were written in the High Wood by Private John Riddell, Royal Scots, son of Mr and Mrs Alex. Riddell, South Street, Armadale.
The verses give a brief outline of the war in the West from the start to the present time, and show that our boys are most optimistic of the final issue: -
Two years and more are now gone past
Since that fatal word was spoken,
Though not prepared, we war declared,
And the worlds peace was broken
The sword for freedoms cause we drew,
And never shall it waver,
For the Hun has treated all his vows
As merely scraps of paper
Belgium first he badly mauled,
And savagely he slew
Poor women and their children,
And nurses not a few
Town after town he captured,
Neer sparing shot or shell,
Which left the poor folks homeless
And their homes a blazing hell
Then into France he entered,
Intent to do more harm,
But here he got a well timed blow
Upon the well known Marne
From here we pushed him slowly back,
And steadily, bit by bit,
The contemptible little Army
Began to shows its grit
Then the German Empire staggered
When it received the news
That we had dealt its army
Another blow at Loos
And then the great push started,
For we had got the guns
And abundance of munitions
To strafe the cowardly Huns
So now hes going to starve us
By means of submarines,
But he will sing another song
When our Navy intervenes
So when the din is over,
And the roar of cannons cease,
May the world know the blessings of
An everlasting peace.
John Riddell appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Bathville Colliery and being killed in action.
JOSEPH ROBB
ROYAL ARMY ORDANANCE CORPS
Formerly
26673
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Rank Private
Service number 038268
Date of death 21/06/1918
Place of birth Slammannan Stirlingshire
Age 23
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: C. 46.
Cemetery: SLAMANNAN CEMETERY
Son of Mr and Mrs John Robb, Craig Terrace Blackridge.
Joseph was wounded in the head whilst serving in France with the Scottish Rifles, from there he was returned to England to Recover, whilst there he was attached to the Army Ordinance Corps in Colchester.
Only a short time before his death Joseph wrote home saying that he was trying to get himself up graded for service again with the Infantry or to be discharged, so the news of his death came as a shock to his parents.
Joseph was employed as a Colliery Blacksmith at Blackridge before joining up in 1916.
Joseph Robb appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Blackrigg 3 Colliery and dying of wounds.
CHRISTMAS ROBERTS
2nd Battalion
ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS
Rank Private
Service number 4218
Date of death 01/09/1918
Place of birth Ruthin
Age 26
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Ruthin
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: XVIII. C. 7.
Cemetery: CATERPILLAR VALLEY CEMETERY, LONGUEVAL
Son of Hugh Vaughan Roberts; husband of Christina Roberts, of Pretoria Cottage, South St., Armadale, Linlithgowshire, West Lothian. Born at Ruthin, Denbighshire.
Hugh Vaughan Roberts
1st Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Private
Service Number 3061534
Date of Death 28/05/1944
Place of Birth Armadale
Age 26
Resided Armadale
Theatre of Death Burma
Grave/Memorial Reference: 3. C. 6.
Cemetery: KOHIMA WAR CEMETERY
Hugh above was the son of Christmas and Christina Roberts, of Pretoria Cottage, South St., Armadale.
Hughs father Christmas Roberts (4218 Private C Roberts 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers above) was killed in action on the 1st September 1918 whilst serving in France.
Hugh was killed by a Japanese Sniper whilst brining in a wounded soldier.
Prior to enlisting in 1940 Hugh was a plasterer with Mr Robert Easton, Armadale.
Hugh had served in India for two years.
RICHARD ROBERTSON
2nd Battalion.
QUEENS OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS
Rank Private
Service number S/16420
Date of death 05/05/1915
Place of birth Whitburn Linlithgowshire
Age 35
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. D. 12.
Cemetery: HAZEBROUCK COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Husband of Mrs Robertson 15 East Main Street, Armadale.
Richard had served with the Cameron Highlanders through the South African War, but although his reserve time had long expired, he soon responded to the Countrys call and re-enlisted in his old battalion the 2nd Cameron Highlanders.
Richard arrived in France on the 23rd March 1915.
Richard experienced much of the heavy fighting in Flanders in the early months of the war. He died from shrapnel wound on the side.
Richard Robertson appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Southrigg Colliery and being killed in action.
WILLIAM RODGER
10th Battalion
ARGYLL & SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS
Rank Private
Service number 300716
Date of death 30/09/1918
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 29
Resided Coatbridge
Enlisted Campbelltown, Argyll
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 10.
Cemetery: JONCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY
Son of John and Elizabeth Blue Rodger. Native of Armadale, West Lothian.
DAVID RODGER
2nd Battalion
ARGYLL & SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS
Rank Private
Service number S/25658
Date of death 25/10/1918
Place of birth Avonbridge Stirlingshire
Age
Resided Avonbridge Stirlingshire
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. D. 16.
Cemetery: PREMONT BRITISH CEMETERY
LIVINGSTONE RUSSELL
1st Battalion
ROYAL INNISKILLING FUSILIERS
Rank Private
Service number 18556
Date of death 06/07/1915
Place of birth Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Age 21
Resided Prestonpans / Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Prestonpans
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death GALLIPOLI
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 97 to 101.
Cemetery: HELLES MEMORIAL
Husband of Mrs. Russell 7 South Back Street, Cuthill Prestonpans.
Livingstone enlisted in January 1915, landed Dardanelles 25th May 1915.
Prior to enlisting he was employed as a miner with Prestongrange Colliery.
Livingstone was a son of the late David Russell (well-known florist in Armadale), His brother resided in North Street Armadale, and his two married sisters resided in Bathgate.
WILLIAM SHAW
"A" Company
10th /11th Battalion.
HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY
Rank Lance Sergeant
Service number 19587
Date of death 12/09/1916
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age
Resided
Enlisted Hamilton
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: VII. H. 7.
Cemetery: FLATIRON COPSE CEMETERY, MAMETZ
THOMAS SHEARER
CANADIAN MOUNTED RIFLES
Rank Private
Service number 114095
Date of death 29/10/1917
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 23
Resided
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 30, 32.
Cemetery: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Son of the late Mr. John Shearer, Blacksmith, Armadale and brother of Mr. Shearer, Headmaster, Armadale Public School. His mother resides at 24 Havelock Street, Dowanhill, Glasgow. He had his training in Armadale Public School under Mr. Mathieson, Headmaster.
After leaving School, he became an apprentice with Armadale Pharmacy, but later branched into the banking profession. He entered the Royal Bank at Crieff. So soon as he completed his apprenticeship, he went to Canada, when 18 years of age, and took up work with the Bank of Canada. He by close attention to business had made good progress and was looking forward to further promotion when war broke out. About the same time he underwent an operation for appendicitis. As soon as he believed himself fully recovered he presented himself for service with the Canadian Force. After being thrice rejected he was accepted in June 1915 in the Canadian Mounted Rifles.
By January 1916 he was in France, having volunteered to go for transport work. Anxious to get into the fighting zone applied for transfer and was put into a Lewis Gun Section. Prior to being sent up the line, he was granted home leave. He left Glasgow for France, for the second time on 9th October.
While he and his Party were attending to their guns a German shell fell in their midst, and four were killed, the young Armadale lad being one of the four.
Mrs Shearer has two sons still in the fighting line - Allan who is with the R.F.A, and George who is with the H.L.I.
The following details were on his Attestation paper:
Height 5ft 8inch
Hair brown
Eyes brown
Religion Presbyterian
He served 3 years with the 6th Black Watch
Note: Williams bother Mr. Shearer Headmaster Armadale Public School was responsible for the Armadale Public School Roll Of Honour.
WILLIAM SHEDDON
2nd BATTALION
ROYAL SCOTS
Formerly
36890
Highland Light Infantry
Rank Private
Service number 42045
Date of death 04/05/1918
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 20
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Glencorse
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 10 to 13.
Cemetery: LOOS MEMORIAL
Son of William and Janet Sheddon, Maxwell Cottage, 164 Station Rd Armadale.
William was a joiner with Mr. John Forsyth until a few months before entering the Army, when as a joiner, he was for six months with United Collieries Ltd.
GEORGE SHERLOCK
1st Battalion
SCOTS GUARDS
Rank Private
Service number 7227
Date of death 11/11/1914
Place of birth Harthill Lanark
Age 24
Resided Harthill Lanark
Enlisted Edinburgh
Medal Entitlement 1914 Star & Bar, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 11.
Cemetery: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Son of George and Euphemia Sherlock, of 130, Westrigg, Blackridge, West Lothian.
George arrived in France 2nd September 1914, In January 1915 Mr. Sherlock received notification from the War Office stating George was missing since the 11th November. A letter sent to George in mid November was returned as unclaimed. About the 11th November the Scots Guards and the Germans at Ypres were very hotly engaged, and a large number of guards were taken prisoner, and it was hoped that George had been taken prisoner.
George was buried by the Germans at a place named Cheluvet, this information was conveyed by the Germans via the American Ambassador to the British Government. (Georges Grave location was then lost)
George enlisted into the Army in1909, and he was a reservist when War was declared, and he went to France on the 1st September 1914.
Georges Brother Andrew served with the Royal Scots and was sent to France around Christmas 1914.
George Sherlock appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Blackrigg 1 Colliery and being killed in action, Mons.
Georges father also George was himself an old soldier having served some 16 years with the 1st Battalion the Royal Scots.
ALEXANDER SIMPSON
7th Battalion
Cameron Highlanders
Rank Private
Service number S/15303
Date of death 24/08/1917
Place of birth Glasgow
Age 33
Resided Shettleston, Glasgow
Enlisted Glasgow
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 136 to 138
Cemetery: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Son of the late Alexander and Jane Thomson Simpson of Armadale.
Husband of the late Agnes Thomson Simpson, Shettleston, Glasgow.
Alexander enlisted at the outbreak of War, he was the eldest of three sons serving in the Army, His two brothers John who was serving in Salonica, and James who served in France.
DAVID SMART
5th Battalion
CAMERON HIGHLANDERS
Rank PRIVATE
Service number S/18105
Date of death 03/05/1917
Place of birth Inveresk, Musselburgh
Age 22
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Edinburgh
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 9.
Cemetery: ARRAS MEMORIAL
David arrived in France on the 10th December 1915
WILLIAM SMART
11th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Lance Corporal
Service number 12316
Date of death 04/07/1916
Place of birth Inveresk, Musselburgh
Age 26
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Musselburgh
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. E. 7.
Cemetery: QUARRY CEMETERY, MONTAUBAN
William arrived in France with the 12th battalion Royal Scots on the 11th May 1915.
William was wounded on the 28th September 1915, with shrapnel in the left arm. He was in the North Staffordshire Hospital from the 6th October 1915 to 8th December 1915.
William and David were brothers, and they were the sons of Andrew & Annie Smart, Edinburgh Road Railway Depot, Inveresk, Midlothian.
They were also brothers of Mrs Julia Banks (Nee Smart) of Mossend, Armadale. Julia Banks also lost her husband Cpl William Banks during the Great War.
JAMES SMITH
1st Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS
Rank Private
Service number 52623
Date of death 27/09/1918
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 23
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Glasgow
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory Medal
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: II. D. 16.
Cemetery: HERMIES HILL BRITISH CEMETERY
Son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Smith Mill Road, Armadale.
James joined the Army on the 9th June 1917, just prior to enlisting James had moved to Baillieston.
JOHN SMITH
5th Battalion
HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY
Rank Private
Service number 203287
Date of death 08/11/1917
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 20
Resided Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Glencorse
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death Egypt
Grave/Memorial Reference: XII. A. 7.
Cemetery: GAZA WAR CEMETERY
Son of George & Margaret Smith of Murray Vale, Bridgend, Bathgate.
John was reported missing on the 8th November 1917, John had been soldiering since July 1916, and he arrived in Egypt February 1917.
Prior to enlisting John was employed as a joiner with the United Collieries Ltd
JOHN SMITH
8th Battalion
SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS
Formerly
24935
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Rank Private
Service number 203333
Date of death 23/03/1918
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 19
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. C. 14.
Cemetery: FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY, ARRAS
Son of Mrs. Smith Hardhill Terrace, Armadale.
John overstated (lied about) his age and was actually in France serving under age (the age for overseas service being 19), and he was found out and sent home until he was 19. He first joined the Royal Scots but was later drafted to the service.
Johns father, who is an old Volunteer and Territorial Sergeant with long service medal, joined up when the war started, but is now on work leave, being a miner.
John Smith appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Bathville Colliery and being killed in action.
MATTHEW SMITH
9th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS
Rank Private
Service number
Date of death 26/10/1918
Place of birth Woodend, Linlithgowshire
Age 24
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death Home
Grave/Memorial Reference:
Cemetery:
Son of James and Helen Smith, Eastertoun Armadale.
Mathew had been ill for three weeks, first with influenza and then with pneumonia. He had thrown off the effects of /influenza and appeared to have got over the attack of pneumonia also.
When owing to the effects of being gassed whilst serving in France with the Army, he took septic poisoning in booth lungs and died.
It is noted that Mathew had served for over two years in the Army, but he had been wounded and gassed in France, then he had been sent home, and ultimately he was then discharged.
PETER SMITH
6th Battalion
CAMERON HIGHLANDERS
Rank Corporal
Service number S/12018
Date of death 26/09/1915
Place of birth Kilburnie, Ayrshire
Age
Resided Glasgow, Lanarkshire
Enlisted Glasgow, Lanarkshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 119 to 124.
Cemetery: LOOS MEMORIAL
Peter was the husband of Elizabeth Smith, of 130, Salamanca St., Parkhead, Glasgow.
James landed in France 9th July 1915
WILLIAM SNEDDON
2nd Battalion
GORDON HIGHLANDERS
Rank Private
Service number S/15457
Date of death 07/05/1917
Place of birth Slammannan
Age 28
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F.& F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 8 and 9.
Cemetery: ARRAS MEMORIAL
Son of John & Mary Sneddon Craig Terrace, Blackridge.
Before he enlisted in William was employed as a clerk, at Westrigg colliery.
William Sneddon appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Westrigg Colliery and being killed in action.
JAMES SPALDING
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Private
Service number 202267
Date of death 12/10/1917
Place of birth Slammannan, Stirlingshire
Age 27
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 11 to 14 and 162.
Cemetery: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Son of Joseph & Marion Spalding, East End Armadale.
James enlisted into the 10th Royal Scots in August 1915,, and was latter posted to the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, then from there to the 12th Royal Scots.
Prior to this James resided with his parents at Marchbank cottage Armadale.
James was first reported missing on the 12th October 1917, then after no word was heard he was reported killed on that day.
James appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Armadale Colliery and being killed in action.
JOSEPH SPALDING
11th Battalion
CAMERONIANS (SCOTTISH RIFLES)
Rank Private
Service number 15377
Date of death 25/12/1917
Place of birth Slammannan, Stirlingshire
Age 31
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death SALONICA
Grave/Memorial Reference: 193.
Cemetery: MIKRA BRITISH CEMETERY, KALAMARIA
Husband of Mrs. Spalding East Main Street Armadale.
Joseph enlisted in the Scottish Rifles in August 1914, and he had served in France September 1915, before being drafted to Salonica for 2 years 3 Months. He died in hospital from Malarial Fever on Christmas Day 1917.
Prior to enlisting Joseph was a coal miner, he left behind a widow and 5 young children.
Pte John Spalding
Brother of James and Joseph, John was 29 years of age in 1917.
John also enlisted in the Scottish Rifles on the 24th December 1914, he saw service in France and Salonica.
John was wounded twice, and at the time of his Brothers death he was in a convalescent camp in Ireland.
John was Discharged as no longer fit for War Service, he had served along with his brother Joseph in the 11th Scottish Rifles.
John was a married man and his wife and boy resided in Westrigg.
JOHN SPIERS
ARMY CYCLIST CORPS
Formerly
1056
10th Royal Scots
Rank Private
Service number 1005
Date of death 04/08/1916
Place of birth Winchburgh Linlithgow
Age 23
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Kirkliston
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death EGYPT
Grave/Memorial Reference: E. 352.
Cemetery: KANTARA WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY
John was the son of Solomon and Catherine Spiers, Thomsons Land, Armadale, and the brother of Catherine and Agnes Spiers.
Johns father Solomon was serving as a Private in India with the Scottish Rifles Garrison Battalion when John was killed.
Prior to the war John resided in Kirkliston with his grandmother, Mrs. Janet McKee and whilst there he enlisted in the Kirkliston Company of the 10th Royal Scots. He was mobilized on the day war was declared, and he left Scotland for Foreign Service with the Cycling Division of the Lowland Expeditionary Force, arriving in Egypt on the 12th December 1915.
John was one of numerous Armadale & District men from the 10th (Cyclists) Royal Scots who after a short time on Home Service duty on the east coast of Scotland volunteered for overseas service with the Regular Army. Just about all the men were enlisted into the 52nd Lowland Division Cyclists Corps.
During his service he was operated on for a stiff knee, which ordeal he successfully surmounted. He was of a cheery disposition, and his letters home showed that he was heart and soul in his work.
ROBERT STEEN
15th Battalion (CENTRAL ONTARIO REGIMENT)
Canadian Infantry REGIMENT
Rank Private
Service number 888343
Date of death 16/08/1917
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 28
Resided Bjorkdale, Saskatchewan
Enlisted
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F & F
Cemetery: VIMY MEMORIAL
Robert was a Farmer and lived with his Mother in Bjorkdale, Saskatchewan Canada.
Robert enlisted in August 1916.
ROBERT STEVENSON
94th Company
ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY
Rank Gunner
Service number 283062
Date of death 16/07/1918
Place of birth Bathgate West Lothian
Age
Resided
Enlisted Bathgate
Medal Entitlement British War Medal
Theatre of death India
Grave/Memorial Reference: O. D. 27.
Cemetery: CALCUTTA (BHOWANIPORE) CEMETERY
JAMES STEWART
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Private
Service number 14767
Date of death 18/06/1916
Place of birth Dunbar
Age 29
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F& F
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. J. 8.
Cemetery: RENINGHELST NEW MILITARY CEMETERY
Son of Mr. & Mrs. John Stewart
Brother of John Stewart, who resides East Main Street, Armadale, and Mrs Darling who resided Lower Bathville.
James was employed as a Miner before War broke out and a Member of Armadale Company, 10th Battalion the Royal Scots. He lived with his bother at East Main Street.
James arrived in France with the 12th Royal Scots on the 11th may 1915, and was wounded during the battle of Loos in September 1915, after recovering from his wounds he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion Royal Scots.
A brother of Archie Stewart, Scottish Rifles who in 1916 was still suffering from being gassed at Mons. He served in France, Dardanelles, Egypt and Salonica.
WILLIAM STEWART
7th Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Private
Service number 2679
Date of death 22 May 1915
Place of birth Bathgate, West Lothian
Age
Resided Armadale, West Lothian
Enlisted Bathgate
Medal Entitlement
Theatre of death Home
Grave/Memorial Reference:
Cemetery: EDINBURGH (ROSEBANK) CEMETERY
Son of James and Elizabeth Stewart, of "Rosemount," Mid St., Bathgate, West Lothian Born at Bathgate, West Lothian.
THOMAS STOBIE
1st Battalion
ROYAL SCOTS FUSILIERS
Rank Corporal
Service number 13552
Date of death 23/07/1918
Decoration M.M.
Place of birth Edinburgh
Age 22
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Edinburgh
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F& F
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. D. 7.
Cemetery: SANDPITS BRITISH CEMETERY, FOUQUEREUIL
Son of Thomas and Jessie Brown Stobie, of Armadale, West Lothian
Thomas arrived in France on the 4th August 1915.
He was awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette on the 16th July 1918.
HENRY SYKES
12th Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Private
Service number 13906
Date of death 09/04/1917
Place of birth Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Age 25
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F.& F
Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 25.
Cemetery: BAILLEUL ROAD WEST CEMETERY, ST. LAURENT-BLANGY
Brother of Mrs. J. S. Brown, of Masonic Hall, South St., Armadale, Linlithgowshire, West Lothian.
Henry joined up on 4th September 1914, prior to enlisting he resided with his sister Mrs. Brown South Street Armadale, and was in the fighting line early 1915 arriving in France with the 2nd Battalion on 28th December 1914.
He was wounded twice, once at the battle of Loos 1915 and the other on the 17th July 1916 in the hand, as a result of this second wound he was sent to a hospital in Sheffield to recover.
It was noted in a letter sent to the Courier in May 1915 by a group of Dale boys serving with the 2nd Battalion Royal Scots, that they were proud of Harry (as Henry was known). For he had one night volunteered to go within 10 yards of the German Trench, he got there and delivered a hand grenade, which it is stated did a lot of damage, and he also winged a Gerry Sniper.
Henry Sykes appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Armadale Colliery.
RICHARD SYKES
2nd Battalion.
KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS
Rank Private
Service number 20554
Date of death 16/08/1916
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 28
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Bathgate, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 31. 28.
Cemetery: ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN
Husband of Mary M Sykes, 82 West Main St, Armadale
Richard enlisted in the Army in June 1915 and arrived in France on the 29th September 1915.
Richard was wounded on the 10th July 1916 whilst taking part in the opening battle of the Somme, and he was wounded across the body by a shrapnel bullet.
From the first the wound was considered serious, so much so that his wife Mary and his baby daughter received an invitation to go to Rouen General Base Hospital to visit him. She received a travel warrant and went to France where she stayed with her husband for three days.
The day she left for France she received a letter from Chaplain R T Cameron:
Rouen 29th July 1916
Dear Mrs. Sykes,
I saw your husband in No 5 General Hospital Rouen, yesterday afternoon, and promised to write to you. He has been wounded across the body by a shrapnel bullet and lay exposed for 26 hours before he was picked up by the stretcher bearers. He is getting on well now and feels much stronger. I hope I will be able to send you good news of him later on.
Although mortally wounded Richard continued in good spirits, and was greatly brightened by the visit of his wife and child, who received the warmest hospitality, and was greatly assisted on her journey by the attention she got from officials of the YMCA.
The Thursday before his death Richards wife received a cheery letter from him, the contents of which greatly raised her drooping spirits, which were shortly afterwards to receive a sudden shock by an official telegram stated that he had died from wounds on the 16th (in the letter sent by her husband there was a bib for the baby sent as a souvenir by a nurse from the Hospital).
On the Saturday before his death Mr. & Mrs. James Brown 63 South Street Armadale, brother in law and sister of Richard received a letter from him, written on Wednesday the day on which he died, in which he said:
Just a few lines to let you know I am still in the land of the living, and improving every day. I have had a very near shave this time in fact they gave me up. The doctor says the visit of Mary and the baby has made a change on me. It is a terrible wound I have got below the chest; and through my left side and out at the right. You could put your hand in each side, so you have an idea what like it is. I have not much pain now, unless when they are dressing the wound, and it is not now so bad then. The doctor says I am a marvel. I am eating a bit now. What kind of a wound has Harry (his brother) got this time? I dont think Harry was on the Somme, was he? What do you think of the big push, as they call it? We were fighting hard for ten days. I got wounded the day we were getting relieved a bit hard, but such is luck. I will now close, so ta-ta.
From your loving brother Richard
Richard was one of three sons of the late Mr. Joseph Sykes serving under the colours.
The eldest John is a Sergeant in the Armadale Company, 10th Royal Scots, but being a mechanical engineer he was sent back from his Corps to work in a munitions factory.
Richard Sykes appears on The United Collieries Limited, active service roll 1914-19, this shows him as being employed at Bathville Colliery and being killed in action, Rouen.
Staff Sergeant John Sykes
John was awarded the Italian Bronze Medal, he served with the
HUGH SYME
1st Battalion
SCOTS GUARDS
Rank Guardsman
Service number 9835
Date of death 10/10/1917
Place of birth Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Age 24
Resided Kelty Fife
Enlisted Cowdenbeath
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F & F
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 10.
Cemetery: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Son of Peter and Maggie Syme, Touch Hill, Bannockburn.
Hugh arrived in France on the 7th February 1915.
JOSEPH TODD
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Private
Service number 352496
Date of death 25/05/1917
Place of birth
Age 21
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Medal Entitlement 1915 Star, War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sp. Mem. G. 7.
Cemetery: ROEUX BRITISH CEMETERY
Son of Mrs. Todd North Street Armadale.
Mrs. Todd received the following letter from Lt J N Cowan:
6th Jun
It is with the greatest regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, Pte Todd. He was of the very best soldiers of our Company, and one we could ill spare. He was well liked by all, and when I say that I include myself as his Officer, for I saw and appreciated his qualities, his cheerful courage in the face of danger, and uncomplaining performance of his duties. In the comparatively short time he had been with the Battalion he had established a record of good work, courage and reliability in battle. He was killed on May 25th by a shell while on Sniping duty. His death was instantaneous and painless. He was buried in a British soldiers cemetery beside other brave men, and the place where he lies is registered. You have my sincere sympathy in your sorrow.
Joseph joined the 7th Royal Scots in early 1915, and survived the Gretna Rail Crash, and he went on to serve in the Dardanelles 12th June 1915, from there he then served in France.
Whilst he was in the Dardanelles he was wounded at Gallipoli, and another Armadale lad wrote to his mother wrongly to tell her that Joseph had been killed, luckily his mother received a post card shortly after informing her that he was doing well.
Prior to enlisting Joseph was a fish hawker and salesman.
HUGH TRAYNOR
7th Battalion.
ROYAL SCOTS
Rank Private
Service number 49344
Date of death 27/09/1918
Place of birth Woodend, Linlithgowshire
Age 19
Resided Armadale, Linlithgowshire
Enlisted Edinburgh
Medal Entitlement War Medal & Victory
Theatre of death F.& F.
Grave/Memorial Reference: III. B. 20.
Cemetery: MOEUVRES COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
Son of Mr & Mrs. Hugh McNeil Woodend, by Armadale.
Hugh resided with his grandmother Mrs. Ann Traynor Woodend, Armadale.
Hugh was engaged in a Signalling section, he only went to France 30th August 1918, before he was called to the colours in late 1917.
Prior to being called up Hugh was employed as a clerk with the Atlas Steel Foundry and Engineering Company Ltd at Armadale.
On the 27th September 1918 the 7th Royal Scots were attacking the Canal du North line, the attack commenced at 0530, the attack resulted in the taking of the Marcoing Line, east of the Canal de lEscaut.