Forth War Memorial

REMEMBERED WITH HONOUR

FORTH LANARKSHIRE WAR MEMORIAL
Unveiled Sunday November 20th 1921

Despite the fact that many of these men were engaged on work of national importance 187 men from the area had joined up for service; of those 187 who had responded to the call of the country 45 laid down their lives.

"Duty called him, he was there,
to do his bit and take his share,
he left his home so bravely, his head held proudly high,
his footsteps never faltered, his courage never die.
Then on the field of battle, he bravely took his place.
He died, they say, a hero, for he came of British race".
Author unknown.

World War 1 Honour Roll

Private John Allan (#20178) Royal Scots 16th Bn Born about 1893 to Alex and Jane Allan. Enlisted: West Calder (Bathgate) Forth John Died of wounds in France on 14-04-1917 Buried: Etaples Military Cemetery. (Reference #: XX11 H 11) John’s parents were living in West Lothian when he was killed.	L/Cpl A. Allan
A. Allan (#) T M Battery	Private Alex Allan (#9005) Royal Scots Enlisted: Edinburgh (Lanark) Alex is buiried in Flanders He died on 09-03-1915
Private Thomas Carruthers (#40644) Royal Scots Fusiliers 2nd Bn Born about 1894 to Robert and Agnes Moffat Carruthers. Enlisted: Edinburgh (Haywood) Forth Thomas died on 23-04-1917, and is buried in the Arras Memorial Cemetery France. (Reference #: Bay 5) Thomas was the husband of Jessie Keay (formerly Mrs Brannan) and the son of Douglas born Robert, a miner and his Strathaven born wife Agnes Moffat. Thomas and his siblings were born at Forth and were living at New Row in 1901	Private John Chapman (#52875) Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) 5th/6th Bn Born about 1898 to James and Annie Chapman. Enlisted: Hamilton (Carnwath) John Died of wounds in France on 10-11-1918 Buried: unknown John's parents were Daziel born James and Lesmahagow born Agnes. They were living at Quality Row with John and his siblings in 1901.
Private Alex Clarkson (#29975) Royal Scots Fusiliers 6th/7th Bn Born about 1894 to Alex and Agnes Graham Clarkson. Enlisted: Glasgow (Springburn) Alex was Killed in action in France on 25-04-1917 Buried: Arras Memorial Cemetery France. (Reference #: Bay 5) Alex's parents were Auchengray born Alex and Glasgow born Agnes. They had moved to Springburn before Alex was killed. Young Alex's name is recorded at Wilsontown Cemetery alongside that of Janet Brown, his father's first wife and mother of Alex's older sister.	Private Andrew Brodie Cunningham (#2890) Highland Light Infantry 18th Bn. 4th Glasgow Born about 1897 to John and Martha (Mary) Cunningham. Enlisted: Glasgow (Troon, Ayrshire)" Andrew died in France on 08-11-1918 Buried: les Baraques Military Cemetery Sangatte (Reference #: V1 E 3A) Andrew's parents had moved to Climpy just before he was born. His father John, a colliery fireman was a native of Chaplehall.
Private Robert Davidson (#25779) Royal Scots 15th Bn Born about 1895 to George and Grace McCallum Davidson. Enlisted: Edinburgh Robert died in Somme on 02-06-1916 Buried: Albert Communal Cemetery Extension France. (Reference #: 1G 13) In 1901 six yr Robert was living at Red Row with his widowed New Monkland born father and his siblings.	Private John Dick (#42302) Highland Light Infantry 17th Bn Formerly # 27364 K.O.S.B Born about 1892 Climpy to Enlisted: Glasgow John was killed in action on 02-12-1917 Buried: Tyne Cot Memorial Cemetery Belgium (Reference #: Panel 131 to 132) John and his wife MaryAnn Wylie had just married in 1916 at Gorbals, Glasgow."
Pte Robert Erskine (#13719) 12th Bn Royal Scots part of 27th Brigade 9th Scottish Div. ** Parents have to be confirmed". Born 13-08-1866 West Calder. Enlisted Bowhill, Fife. Residence Cardenden. Died 25-09-1915 at Loos, France. Commemorated Loos Memorial (Ref # Panel 10-13). Robert was the eldest son of Falkirk born John Erskine and his West Calder born wife Graham. They had four sons and four daughters. Their ties to Forth have continued through the generations.	Private Herbert Fleming (#503) Highland Light Infantry 10th/11th Bn Born about 1891 to David and Annie McGraw Fleming. Enlisted: Hamilton (Wilsontown) Herbert Died of wounds in Flanders on 15-09-1916 Buried: Dartmoor Cemetery Becordel-Becourt Somme France (Reference #: 11A 13) Herbert was the brother of William who was killed the same day as Herbert died.
L/Cpl William Flemming (#25780) Royal Scots 15th Bn Born about 1890 to David and Annie McGraw Fleming. Enlisted: Edinburgh (Wilsontown) William was killed in action in Flanders on 15-09-1916 He is buried in the Ration Farm Military Cemetery La Chapelle-D'Armentieres France (Reference #: 11C 15) William was the elder of these two sons of Carluke born David Fleming, a coal miner and local lass Annie McGraw Fleming. David their father had died five years earlier. The family lived at Quality Row Wilsontown "	Corporal George Gilchrist (#14193) Scots Guards 3rd Bn Born about 1892 Enlisted: Glasgow (Carluke) George Died of wounds in Dalmeny House Edinburgh on 04-11-1917 Buried: Carluke Old Cemetery (Reference #: ) George was the eldest son of John and Annie McSherry Gilchrist and a grandson of Agnes Ormiston Gilchrist who had been born at Wilsontown about 1822. He was a much loved and respected school teacher at Forth School under the Carnwath School Board. He had been very severely wounded in France on 30-07-1917 and had been brought back to Scotland for treatment. Died at age 25
L/Sgt Robert Gordon (#7825) Scots Guards 2nd Bn Enlisted: Edinburgh (Leith) “Carnwath” Robert was killed in action in France on 08-02-1917 Buried: Sailly Saillisel British Cemetery Somme (Reference #: VI I 1) Robert was the youngest son of William Gordon of Cleugh, Forth."	Private James Gorman (#11194) Scots Guards 1st Bn Born about 1887 to James and Mary Gorman. Enlisted: Edinburgh (Wilsontown) James was killed in action on 05-04-1916 Buried: Potijze Chateau Wood Cemetery Belgium. Mem Ref: B 20 (Reference #: ) James' parents were Nitshill born James and Coatbridge born Mary. Mary died before 1901 and the census shows 14yr old James with widowed father and three brothers.
L/Cpl Thomas Jackson (#10579) Highland Light Infantry 10th/11th Bn. Attd. 143rd Prisoner of War Coy. Born about 1888 Kirkfieldbank to John and Janet Inglis Jackson Enlisted: Hamilton (Wilsontown) 30 year old Thomas died in France on 30-01-1918 Buried: Bis Guillaume Communal Cemetery Extension France. (Reference #: D 26A) Thomas was a son of Kirkfieldbank born John a miner and Lanark born Janet Inglis Jackson of Wilsontown. 1901 found John, Janet and their family living at Red Row."	Private Robert Martin (#S/8214) Gordon Highlanders 11th Bn Born about 1890 in Urr to William and Euphemia Martin. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Robert Died of wounds in UK on 24-10-1915 Buried: Hipswell Churchyard, Yorkshire (Reference #: 24..3) Robert, his parents and one sibling were born in Kirkcudbrightshire. They came to live in Forth after stays at West Calder and Libberton where his other siblings were born."
Private W. McCormack (#) Dublin Fusiliers	L/Cpl William McCormick (#357700) Royal Engineers 5th Field Survey Coy. William died in France on 22-09-1918 Buried: Brie British Cemetery Somme. (Reference #: 1 C 4)
L/Cpl George McCulloch (#36) Australian Infantry AIF 49th Bn George died on 07-06-1917 Buried: Ypres (Menin Gate) Belgium (Reference #: Panel 7-17-23-25-27-29-31)	Private James McGhee (#4508) Scots Guards 2nd Bn Enlisted: Hamilton ( Motherwell) Wishaw James Killed in action in France on 06-12-1914 Buried: Ploegsteert Memorial Cemetery (Reference #: Panel 1)
Sergeant James McGraw (#19808) Highland Light Infantry 11th Bn Born to Peter and Jane McGraw. Enlisted: Forth (Mossend) James was killed in action in France on 25-09-1915 Buried: LOOS Memorial Cemetery France (Reference #: ) James's father was born Forth, his Lanark born mother Jane had died before 1901. James was a miner before enlisting. His younger brother George of H.L.I. was also killed in the war as were his cousins Herbert & William Fleming	Pte George McGraw (#11635) HLI 1st Bn Born 1892 Quality Row to Peter and Jane (Watson Donald) McGraw. Enlisted Forth Died 11-03-1915 at France Buried Le Touret Memorial Cemetery, France (Ref Panel 37 & 38) George was the younger brother of Sgt James McGraw and a cousin of the Fleming brothers Herbert and William. George was under 1yr old when his mother Jane of TB died leaving his father with three small sons to rear.
L/Cpl Archibald Hastie Moffat (#7210) Highland Light Infantry 7th Bn Territorials attd 7th Bn Royal Scots Born about 1893 to John and Jane Russell Moffat. Enlisted: Forth. Archibald was killed in action in Gallipoli on 12-07-1915 Buried: Helles Memorial Cemetery Turkey (Reference #: Panels 173 to 177) Archibald's parents were Walston born John Moffat and Inverkeithing born Jane Russell Moffat. Archibald had a large number of siblings and half siblings who made up this local family.	L/Cpl A. J. Morton (#882) Lanarkshire Yeomanry Born about 1894 to Mr & Mrs James Morton of upper Throughburn A. J died on 27-12-1915 Buried: Redoubt Cemetery, Helles Turkey" (Reference #: Sp Mem B 112)
L/Cpl John Nimmo (#3419) Royal Scots 9th Bn Born about 1892 to Alex and Sarah Ann Nimmo Enlisted: Edinburgh (Lanark) John Died of wounds in UK on 09-08-1916 Buried: Carnwath Parish Churchyard. (Reference #: ) John's parents were Forth born Alex and Carluke born Sarah Ann Hislop who was the daughter of a soldier. Alex and Sarah Ann's family were all born and raised in the village.	Private David Orr (#52782) Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) 1st/8th Bn Born about 1899 to David and Catherine Wilson Orr. Enlisted: Hamilton (Wilsontown). David was killed in action on 31-10-1918. Buried: Harlebeke New British Cemetery Belgium. (Reference #: IV C 1) David ‘s parents David a miner and Catherine Wilson were both born locally. They lived at Rootpark with David and his siblings
Private Joseph Orr (#637) Australian Infantry AIF 15th Bn Born about 1896 to Thomas and Annie Nimmo Orr. Joseph died on 03-05-1915 Buried: Lone Pine Memorial Cemetery Turkey. (Reference #: 48.) Like Joseph his parents were locally born. They had immigrated to Brisbane with their young family.	Private Hugh Pillans (#2650) Australian Infantry AIF 36th Bn Born 1870 to William and Janet Muir Pillans Hugh died on 03-10-1917 Buried: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial Cemetery (Reference #: 7-17-23-25-27-29-31) Hugh had gone to live in Australia with his parents and siblings. He was married to Alice Groves in Australia. Died at 45
Acting Sgt John Robertson (#8930) HLI 2Bn part of 5th Brigade 2nd Div. Born Wilsontown Enlisted Glasgow. Residence Motherwell. Died 25-09-1915 at Loos France. Buried Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France. (Ref # Plot 111 Row C Grave 1)	Pte William Hunter Russell (#14212) 11th Bn Royal Scots part of 27th Brigade 9th Scottish Div. Born 04-06-1896 Wilsontown Terrace. Enlisted Glencorse. Residence Harthill. Killed in Action 27-09-1915 at Loos, France. Commemorated Loos Memorial (Ref # Panel 10-13) William was the son of Carluke born miner George Russell and his Douglas born wife Janet who had married at Lesmahagow. In the 1901 census the family consisted of George, Janet, their six sons and one daughter living at Wilsontown Terrace.
Private Robert Somerville (#17222) Cameron Highlanders 2nd Bn Born about 1886 to William and Ellen Somerville Enlisted: Edinburgh (Wilsontown) Robert was killed in action in France on 05-09-1915 Buried: Brewery Orchard Cemetery Bois-Grenier (Reference #: 11 B 8) Robert's father Whitburn born William and his Lasswade born mother Ellen had lived at Quality Row where Robert and his siblings were born.	Private Hugh somerville (#22/1523) Northumberland Fusiliers 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Bn Hugh was killed in France. on 01-07-1916 Buried: Thiepval Memorial Cemetery Somme. (Reference #: Pier & Face 10B 11B 12B)
Private Alex Stewart (#S/10649) Gordon Highlanders 8th Bn Born about 1894 to Isaiah and Annie Cunningham Stewart. Alex died on 08-03-1916 Buried: London Rifle Brigade Cemetery Belgium (Reference #: 11 A7) Younger brother of David Stewart, Royal Scots"	Private David Stewart (#302833) Royal Scots 1st/7th Bn Formerly # 6274 H.L.I. Born about 1886 to Isaiah and Annie Cunningham Stewart. Enlisted: Forth (Wilsontown) David Died of wounds in Egypt on 03-05-1917 Buried: Deir el Belah War Cemetery Israel (Reference #: A 187.) Alex and David were the sons of Airdrie born Isaiah and Shotts born Annie. The family had lived at West Calder and Shotts before moving to Wilsontown where these sons were born. In 1901 Isaiah and Annie had six sons and two daughters.
Private Samuel Stewart (#S/12014) Gordon Highlanders 8th Bn Born about 1891 to David and Mary Lamont Stewart. Enlisted: Edinburgh. Samuel was killed in action in France on 15-10-1916 Buried: Philosophe British Cemetery Mazingarbe. (Reference #: I J 13) Samuel's parents were born in Ireland. They married in 1885 in Irland and came to Lanarkshire about 1890 settling in the Forth/Haywood area after Samuel was born at Airdrie.	Private John Tennant (#40760) Royal Scots 12th Bn Enlisted: Forth (Wilsontown) John was killed in action in France on 09-04-1917 Buried: Arras Memorial Cemetery Pas de Calais (Reference #: Bay 1 & 2.) John was a son of George and Susan Tennant.
Private James Tracey (#5579) Highland Light Infantry 8th (Lanark) Bn. Territorials Born about 1890. Enlisted: Forth (Wilsontown). James was killed in action in Gallipoli on 28-06-1915 Buried: Helles Memorial Cemetery Turkey. (Reference #: Panel 173 to 177.) In 1901 James born Law was living at Quality Row with his Lanark born mother Rosie Ann and his step-father Irish born Patrick McGinty his siblings and half-siblings.	Thomas Waddell (#34897) North Staffordshire Reg. 8th Bn Formerly # 3671 Royal Engineers Born about 1895 to Alex and Mary Hunter Waddell. Thomas died in France on 24-03-1918 Buried: Arras Memorial Cemetery France (Reference #: Bay 7 & 8) Thomas was named for his paternal step-grandfather Thomas Cleland of Whitburn. His parents married at Haywood about 1892 then later relocated back to Alex's roots at Whitburn. Thomas' maternal grandparents were from Stirlingshire but like Thomas his mother. like Thomas his mother Mary was born at Forth.
L/Cpl David Waddell (#7397) Highland Light Infantry 8th (Lanark) Bn Territorials Born 1892 to David and Elizabeth Bryce Donald Waddell. Enlisted: Forth (Haywood) David was killed in action in Gallipoli on 28-06-1915 Buried: Helles Memorial Cemetery Turkey. (Reference #: Panel 175 to 177) David's parents Carluke born David and Braehead born Elizabeth were living at Forth with young David and his siblings in 1901.	J. Walker (#) T M Battery
Private William Watson (#331170) Royal Scots 1st/8th Bn Formerly # 7879 H.L.I. Born about 1891 to William and Janet Watson of Glenview, Wilsontown. Enlisted: Forth ( Wilsontown). William was killed in action in France on 24-03-1918 Buried: Bancourt British Cemetery France. (Reference #: 11B 19)	Private John Weir (#242698) Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) 9th Bn Formerly # 7154 H.L.I. Born about 1896 Enlisted: Forth John died as a POW in Germany on 26-06-1918 Buried: Sarralbe Military Cemetery France (Reference #: D 5) John's death is also recorded on the headstone at Wilsontown with that of his grandparents James and Janet Cranston Weir. Died at age 22
Corporal Thomas Weir (#303037) Royal Scots 1st/7th Bn Formerly # 8020 H.L.I. Born about 1895 Enlisted: Lanark (Forth) Thomas was killed in action in Egypt on 24-11-1917 Buried: Jerusalem War Cemetery Israel (Reference #: G 35) In 1901 there were two Thomas Weirs, probably cousins. One was son of Archibald and Janet and one the son of James and Janet. It has still to be determined which Thomas was killed."	Private John Wilson (#6345) Kings Own Scottish Borderers 2nd Bn Enlisted: Prestonpans ( Haywood) John was killed in action in France on 19-12-1914 Buried: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial Cemetery France. Mem Ref: Panel 22 John was the brother of Mrs Prentice of 4 Bank Street, Haywood."
Private Peter Wingate (#S/9583) Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 1st Bn The son of William and Mary Kerr Wingate. Peter died in Greece on 30-09-1916 Buried: Struma Military Cemetery Greece (Reference #: V A 2) Peter was married to Hannah Shields and left a young family at Climpy to cherish his memory.	Private Adam Young (#6845) Highland Light Infantry 8th (Lanark) Bn (Territorials) Born about 1893 to James and Grace Somerville Young. Enlisted: Forth. Adam was killed in action on in Gallipoli on 12-07-1915 Buried: Helles Memorial Cemetery Turkey (Reference #: 173 to 177) Adam's parents Biggar born James and Peebles born Grace had moved to Forth via Biggar sometime after their 1883 marriage at Quothquan. Adam's older siblings were born at Biggar. Like Adam his younger siblings were born at Wilsontown.
Private Abraham Young (#241447) Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) 1st/8th Bn Born about 1897 Abraham was killed in action on 19-04-1917 Buried: Gaza War Cemetery Israel (Reference #: XV1 D9) Abraham was the grandson of John and Joan Young and his death is recorded on their headstone at Wilsontown Churchyard.

World War Two Honour Roll

Corporal James Victor BARRIE (#2883771) Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) 1st Bn James Victor was 26 when he died on 26-09-1944 He is buried at the Florence War Cenetery Italy (Reference #: 1V C 13) Son of Alex and Janet Barrie of Crooklands	Private George Jackson DICKSON (#3055960) Royal Scots 2nd Bn George Jackson was 25 when he died Between 01-10-1942 and 02-10-1942 He is buried at the Sai Wan Memorial Hong Kong (Reference #: Column 11) George lived at Forth.
Private James Sim FLECK (#3247667) Seaforth Highlanders 6th Bn James Sim was 19 when he died Between 24-05-1940 and 31-05-1940 He is buried at the Bedford House Cemetery Belgium (Reference #: 6 V A 5) James, a miner lived at Stobwood before enlisting.	Sergent George Tennant HOWE (#1368876) Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force) 50 Sqdn (Air Gnr.) George Tennant died on 19-03-1944 He is buried at the Durnbach War Cemetery, Bad Tolz, Germany. (Reference #: I.H.15) Born about 1922 at Forth to William & Grace Tennant Howe. George had also been an active member of the local Boys Brigade.
Private Walter LINDSAY (#19112328) Kings Own Scottish Borderers 1st Bn Walter died on 08-07-1947 He is buried at the Ramleh War Cemetery Israel (Reference #: 9 J 3) Walter had been a miner and a Boys Brigade member before enlisting.	Private James LITTLE (#2823543) Seaforth Highlanders 6th Bn James was 21 when he died Between 27-05-1940 and 04-06-1940 He is buried at the Dozinghem Military Cemetery Belgium (Reference #: XV11 B 9) Son of Andrew and Hughina Fraser Little of Haywood James was a member of the Boys Brigade.
Sergent Arthur Henry McGRATH (#14213352) Parachute Regiment A.A.C. 13th ( South Lancashire Regt.) 2/4th Bn Arthur Henry was 28 when he died on 03-01-1945 He is buried at the Hotton War Cemetery Belgium (Reference #: V11 D 6) Born in Omah, Ireland Harry was the husband of Jessie Fulton McGrath of Skylaw Terr. Forth.	Private Philip Ross McKENDRICK (#3060662) Royal Scots 8th Bn Philip Ross was 27 when he died on 04-07-1944 He is buried at the Bayeux War Cemetery France (Reference #: X11 B 17) Son of Richard and Elizabeth Little McKendrick Philip had been a member of the Boys Brigade. He had been employed as a Colliery Clerk before enlisting.
Private Alexander McMILLAN (#2823551) Seaforth Highlanders Alexander was 21 when he died on 09-06-1940 He is buried at the St Valery-en-Caux Franco-British Cemetery France. (Reference #: A 54) The son of Donald and Jeanie McMillan, Alex was a miner and had been an active member of the Boys Brigade. He had lived at Rootpark.	Ferguson NELSON (#604) Palestine Police Force Ferguson was 20 when he died on 17-11-1946 He is buried at the Ramleh War Cemetery Israel (Reference #: Q 28) Son of Ferguson and Edith Aitchison Nelson of Forth, Fergie had been a member of the Scots Guards before joining the Palestine Police. A proud and active member of the Boys Brigade Fergie had been a Railway clerk before enlisting.
Sergent Archibald ORR (#1373639) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Archibald was 22 when he died on 17-05-1943 He is honoured at Runnymede Memorial Cemetery Surrey as he does not have a known grave. (Reference #: Panel 160) The son of James and Isabella Orr of The Schoolhouse, Wilsontown. Archie had also been an active member of the Boys Brigade.	Gavin Weir Shearer PURDIE (#3253109) Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) 1st Bn Gavin was 27 when he died on 27-12-1943 He is buried at the Sangro River War Cemetery Italy (Reference #: X1 D 8.) Husband of Lilias Purdie of Forth Guy had at one time lived at Wilsontown Big House.
Sergent John Taylor WALKINSHAW (#1550775) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve John was 20 when he died on 06-12-1943 He is honoured at Runnymede Memorial Cemetery Surrey as he does not have a known grave. (Reference #: Panel 168) Son of William and Janet Walkinshaw of Haywood.	Private Hugh YUILL (#3253693) Gordon Highlanders 2nd Bn Hugh was 26 when he died on 26-06-1944 He is buried at the St Manvieu War Cemetery Cheux France (Reference #: 1X J 4) Husband of Isabella Stark Yuill of Climpy Road, Forth. Hugh was killed as he was carrying wounded to First Aid Tents. An explosion occurred throwing Hugh’s partner but killing Hugh. His partner, a Mr Gordon survived and later emigrated to Australia.

THE GLORIOUS 15TH SCOTTISH DIVISION

In the first World War you earned your name
By valiant deeds, men won you fame
The Kaiser’s hordes, I’ve oft heard tell
Could ne’er hold back ‘The ladies from Hell’

And now the sons of those fighting men
Are putting paid to the Hun again
Where’er they’ve fought, they’ve broken through
And the Nazis have learned to fear anew.

On Normandy’s plains they made their start
And many a man played a hero’s part
They faced the cream of the Nazi race
And the panzer troops couldn’t stand the pace.

In France, in Belgium, in Holland too
They’ve forged ahead, one end in view
They’ve always conquered, always will
Until the Hun has had his fill.

And when at last the fighting’s done
And final victory has been won
The Glorious Div’s immortal name
Will gain fresh lustre from their fame.

Special thanks to The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Mr Martin Edwards of Roll of Honour for encouragement and guidance.
William Kilgour and Joseph O'Raw who compiled the booklet "Lanarkshire Men at the Battle of Loos 1915".
and to the many local folks who freely gave of info and memories which added to this token of respect, love and remembrance.
Without their help this listing would not have been possible.

I. McWatt