Sunday 27 May 2018

Robert Still, casualty of WW1

A century after his death, we remember Robert Still, Gunner 121139, Royal Garrison Artillery, who died on 27th May 1918 of wounds received in battle.  He was 29 years of age.

Robert was the son of Francis and Elspet Still, whose home was at 1, Culbert Street in Portsoy. 

He has no known grave but is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial in the Aisne département, France and on the Portsoy town war memorial.






Tuesday 22 May 2018

In memory of Marcus Calder and Charles Riddoch, casualties of WW1

On this day Portsoy remembers two young men who lost their lives during the conflict on the Western Front.

Marcus Calder, Pte S/43769, 1st Bn Gordon Highlanders, was the only son of Marcus and Isabella Calder, who lived at 36 Church Street in Portsoy.  Marcus senior ran the "Banffshire Reporter" newspaper from its base in Portsoy.  His son was 28 years of age when he fell in action on 22nd May 1918.  A gravestone marks his resting place in Pernes British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.


Charles Riddoch, Pte 23681, 29th Bn Machine Gun Corps, was 27 years of age when he died of wounds at King George's Hospital, London.  Charles was the son of Annie Riddoch, 26 Church Street, Portsoy.  His body was returned to Portsoy for burial and his grave is marked by a Commonwealth War Graves stone.