In memory of John G. Thomson

Today we recall the sacrifice of John G. Thomson, Pte 266172, of 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders.  John was 26 years of age when he was killed in action on 23rd April 1917.  His mother, Mrs McKenzie, lived at 5 North High Street in Portsoy.

John is one of over 30,000 war casualties who are commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

James Smith, Portsoy war casualty

Today we remember James Smith, Trimmer 5655/TS who was aged just 19 when he was killed on 19th April 1917.  James was serving in the Royal Naval Reserve on HM Trawler "Lobelia II" when it struck a mine off the coast of Donegal near Fanad Head.  His parents were Captain James and Lilias Smith, who lived at 59 Schoolhendry Street in Portsoy.

James is one of the many war casualties commemorated by the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

In memory of Colin Still

A century after his death, Portsoy remembers Colin Still, Pte 265104, 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders.  Colin was 24 years of age when he was killed in action on 9th April 1917 at Roclincourt, Pas de Calais, France.  He was the son of Francis and Elspet Still, whose home was at 1 Culbert Street in Portsoy.

A gravestone at Highland Cemetery, Roclincourt  is dedicated to his memory.

Remembering John McCulloch

On this day we reflect on the sacrifice of John McCulloch, Captain in the 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, who was killed in action while leading his men at Roclincourt on 9th April 1917.  John, who lost his life aged 30, was the son of John and Jane McCulloch who lived at 12 Aird Street, Portsoy.  Their eldest son William had also become a war casualty in April 1915.

In 1909 John had graduated with 1st class honours in Classics from the University of Aberdeen and features in the University Roll of Honour.  He is also commemorated at the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

Alexander Smart, L/Cpl 578, 2nd Gordon Highlanders

On the anniversary of his death we remember the sacrifice of Alexander Smart, Lance Corporal 578 in the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders.  Alexander was 24 years of age when he died of his wounds on 3rd April 1917.  His mother, Mrs Isabella Grant  Findlay, lived at 12 North High Street in Portsoy.

Alexander is commemorated by a gravestone dedicated to him at Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, in the Somme area of France.