Remembering John Innes

On this day we think of Lance-Corporal John Innes, 17th Bn. Royal Scots, who died of wounds received in battle on 29th September 1918, aged 42.  John was born in Portsoy to Joseph and Jane Innes and left behind a widow Elsie, whose address was 75 Dalry Road, Edinburgh.

A gravestone is dedicated to John at Zantvoorde British cemetery near Ypres in Belgium.

In memory of William McBain, war casualty

Today Portsoy remembers William McBain, Pte 64118, 27th Royal Army Medical Corps Field Ambulance, who was killed in action on 28th September 1918, at the age of 35.  A native of Portsoy, he was the son of John & Agnes McBain who subsequently lived in Coaltown of Wemyss, Fife.

A gravestone is dedicated to William at Perth Cemetery (China Wall) near Ypres in Belgium.

 

John Grant Watt, casualty of WW1

Today, 27th August, marks the centenary of the death of 2nd Lieut. John Grant Watt.  He was killed in action while serving with 7th Bn. Gordon Highlanders and was 24 years of age when he lost his life in combat.  His parents, Charles and Jessie Watt, lived at Durn Road in Portsoy.

Together with over 9,000 men, he is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

Portsoy remembers Robert Topp

Today marks the anniversary of the death in battle of Robert Topp, Pte 528051, London Scottish Regiment.  He had previously served as Pte 10956, 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders.  He was just 20 years of age when he was killed in action on the western front.

Robert's parents, Alexander and Jane Topp, lived at 8, South High Street in Portsoy. 

Together with almost 10,000 war casualties, Robert is commemorated at Vis-en-Artois cemetery in Pas-de-Calais, France.

Remembering George Goodall, war casualty

On this day in 1918 George Goodall, L/Cpl 202501, 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, lost his life in the conflict on the western front.  He was aged 26 when he fell in action.

George's parents lived at 19 Schoolhendry Street in Portsoy.

George was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery in the field, though the precise circumstances are unknown.

A gravestone is dedicated to his memory at Sézanne Communal Cemetery in the Marne département, France.

In memory of William McGregor

Today we reflect on the loss of William McGregor, Pte 265664, 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, who was killed in action on 27th July 1918.

Before joining up to serve his country, William lived at 8 Seafield Street in Portsoy.

A gravestone marks his final resting place at Courmas British Cemetery in the Marne département of France.  He is one of 130 war casualties commemorated there.

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.