Drumblade War Memorial

1914-1919

Drumblade War Memorial

The memorial was unveiled on Armistice Day , Friday 11th Nov 1921, by The Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair.

 

Drumblade WW1 & WW2

 

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae, Ypres, Belgium, 1915.

Inscription

 

Details taken from Commonwealth War Graves Commission records.

The details in blue are additional information from my own research.
b = born, e = enlisted, DOW = died of wounds, POW = prisoner of war, KIA = killed in action, res = residence, NOK = next of kin

Casualties listed on Drumblade War Memorial 1914 - 1919

1914 - 1 casualty
1915 - 3 casualties
1916 - 3 casualties
1917 - 10 casualties
1918 - 8 casualties
1919 - 1 casualties

Total casualties = 26

WW1 names

 

An unknown soldier's grave, Essex Farm Cemetery, Ypres, Flanders

 

 

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JAMES ALEXANDER
( F svt, e 14 Sept 1914, landed France 14 Dec 1915, KIA during advance on Cambrai, bro of Wm - Black Watch)

265648
Private
1st / 6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders (T.F.)

who died on
Tuesday 20 Nov 1917. Age 19.

Additional information: Son of William and Catherine Alexander, of Mosside, Monellie, Drumblade, Huntly.

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. D. 9.
Cemetery: ORIVAL WOOD CEMETERY, FLESQUIERES, Nord, France.

 

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HENRY JAMES BAGRIE
( b Drumblade, e Aberdeen early 1917, KIA during relief of front line trench)

S/17568
Private
1st Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Sunday 23 June 1918. Age 24.

Additional information: Son of John and Jane Watt Bagrie, of Beggshill, Drumblade, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. K. 3.
Cemetery: SANDPITS BRITISH CEMETERY, FOUQUEREUIL
, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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PETER BARCLAY
(e Huntly b Rathen, head gardener at Lessendrum, formerly Cpl 5688, KIA )

242502
Corporal
1st / 4th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Wednesday 10 April 1918. Age 36.

Additional information: Son of Alexander and Barbara Barclay ms Cowie; husband of Annie Barclay ms Farquharson, of Ivybank, Auchenblae, Kincardineshire. Native of Rosehearty, Fraserburgh.

Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. B. 18.
Cemetery: CHOCQUES MILITARY CEMETERY
, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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WALTER FAVIERE ELRINGTON-BISSET
( Landed France 8 July 1915, Presumed KIA at Loos, reported wounded and missing on Hill 70. Also of Spaxton, Somerset. )

Second Lieutenant
"H" Coy., 9th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Saturday 25 September 1915. Age 26.

Additional information: Only son of Mrs. Elrington-Bisset, of Lessendrum, Huntly, Scotland, and the late Major Maurice Elrington-Bisset, late R.E., of Lessendrum.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 115 to 119.
Memorial: LOOS MEMORIAL
, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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GEORGE BUCHAN
( b Inverkeithny, e Huntly, formerly 11003, landed France 23 Feb 1915, KIA )

265689
Private
2nd Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Thursday 4 Oct 1917. Age 22.

Additional information: Son of John and Isabella Buchan, of Dummuie Cottage, Drumblade, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 135 to 136.
Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
, Passchendaele, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

 

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JAMES CRAIG
( b Kinnethmont 20 Aug 1883. Vanman with Simpson, merchant, Whitehouse. e 5 June 1916 at Alford,
landed France 21st Sept 1916, KIA Somme, shot by sniper)

202656
Private
4th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Monday 23 April 1917. Age 32.

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Craig, of Newton Garry Inn, Drumblade, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 8 and 9.
Memorial: ARRAS MEMORIAL, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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GEORGE ALFRED MERSON CRAN
( Sgt Inst. on memorial, known as Fred, e Aberdeen 1915,
musketry instructor at York, landed France 1918, KIA )

201311
Corporal
1st Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Friday 27 September 1918. Age 25.

Additional information: Son of James and Maggie Cran, of Boghead, Drumblade, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: G. 18.
Cemetery: LOWRIE CEMETERY, HAVRINCOURT
, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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JOHN DUNCAN
( Served France April 1915 - 16th July 1917, wounded 16 July 1917 on a bombing raid. Died at home - pneumonia.
Not service related cause, brother of George below.)

Lance Corporal
7th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Monday 17 March 1919. Age 34.

Additional information: Son of George and Elizabeth Duncan ms Gordon, Knightsmill, Drumblade, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Not known.
Cemetery: DRUMBLADE PARISH CHURCHYARD

 

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GEORGE REID DUNCAN
( Geo R Duncan on memorial, b 1896 Drumblade, e Aberdeen. Brother of John above.)

S/14003
Private
8th / 10th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Saturday 9 September 1916. Age 20.

Additional information: Son of George and Elizabeth Duncan ms Gordon, Knightsmill, Drumblade, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. A. 63.
Cemetery: HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE, Somme, France.

 

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JAMES MANSON
( b Ordiquhill, res Slioch, farm svt at Brawlandknowes, Gartly,
also commemorated at Gartly. KIA, F & F, in France one month )

Private
S/18133
4th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Monday 3 December 1917. Age 20.

Additional Information: Son of Mrs Anderson, Drumdelgie Cottages, Cairnie.

Cemetery: CAMBRAI MEMORIAL, LOUVERVAL , Nord, France   
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 10

 

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GEORGE ALEXANDER MITCHELL
( e Huntly, landed France June 1916, DOW received at Neuville St, Vaast on 12th July)

11436
Private
1st / 6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Wednesday 12 July 1916. Age 20.

Additional information: Son of William G. and Elizabeth Duncan Mitchell, of Woodside, Forgue, Huntly, Aberdeenshire. Born at Coachford, Cairnie.

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. E. 11.
Cemetery: MONT HUON MILITARY CEMETERY, LE TREPORT, Seine-Maritime, France.

 

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ALEXANDER OGG BELIEVED CORRECT
( Sgt on memorial, e Huntly, formerly 11973, landed France 2 Dec 1915, KIA)

266184
Corporal
6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Saturday 23 March 1918. Age 24.

Additional information: No NOK

Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. L. 8.
Cemetery: ACHIET-LE-GRAND COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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WILLIAM REID
( Regular soldier e Huntly 25 May 1899, landed France 7 Oct 1914, DOW)

6743
Serjeant
2nd Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Sunday 27 December 1914. Age 34.

Additional information: Son of Maggie Bisset Stables and George Stables (stepfather) of Alton Cairnie, Ruthven, Huntly. Born Beggshill, Drumblade, Huntly. Served in the South African Campaign.

Grave/Memorial Reference: III. A. 86.
Cemetery: BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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WILLIAM ALEXANDER CRAN RIDDOCH
( b Drumblade, e Aberdeen, DOW at CCS)

203609
Private
1st / 6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Friday 12 April 1918. Age 20.

Additional information: Only son of John and Barbara Riddoch, of Mosshead Drumblade, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: B. 22.
Cemetery: LILLERS COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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CHARLES ROSS
( e Aberdeen, Died Aberdeen City Hospital, Meningitis)

3088
Private
2nd / 4th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Thursday 18 March 1915. Age 18.

Additional information: Son of James and Ann Ross, of North Broomhill, Drumblade.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Old plot. 13. 156.
Cemetery: DRUMBLADE PARISH CHURCHYARD

 

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JOHN SEIVWRIGHT
( e Huntly, eldest son, Sievewright on memorial, formerly 11984, landed in France 3 Sept 1915,
KIA , also commemorated at Huntly and Gartly)

266190
Lance Corporal
6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Wednesday 31 July 1917. Age 20.

Additional information: Son of John and Jessie Seivwright, of Corvichen, Drumblade, Aberdeenshire.

Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 38.

 

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JOHN SIEVEWRIGHT
( b Drumblade, e Keith, res Glenormiston, Innerleithen, landed in France 10 Nov 1914 in " H " Coy.,
also commemorated at Huntly, KIA - shellburst )

10825
Private
" D " Coy., 1st / 6th Bn., Gordon Highlanders (T.F.)

who died on
Friday 4 June 1915. Age 29.

Additional information: Son of Peter and Christina Sievewright, Glenormiston, Inverleithen, Peeblesshire. Late of Pirriesmill Cottage, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Memorial: LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Pas-de-Calais, France.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 39 to 41.

 

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PETER SIEVWRIGHT
(Sievewright on memorial, b Forgue, e Aberdeen, KIA, formerly 12730, brother of Wm. - Royal Irish, also on Ythanwells)

266599
Private
1st / 5th Bn., Gordon Highlanders

who died on
Tuesday 31 July 1917. Age 20.

Additional information: Son of Alexander and Annie Sievewright, of Moss Side, Monellie, Forgue, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: A. 7.
Cemetery: NO MAN'S COT CEMETERY, Boesinghe, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

 

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JAMES GRANT WALKER
( James G Walker on memorial,   b  Cairnhill, Drumblade 10/11/1898, e Aberdeen, res Huntly, formerly 126634 L. Scouts, DOW )

S/41615
Private
1st Bn., Cameron Highlanders

who died on
Monday 23 September 1918. Age 20.

Additional information: Son of George and Jessie Walker ms Stuart, Old School, Glenfoudland. Brother of John Walker, of Saltoun Barley Mill, Pencaitland, Edinburgh.

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. C. 1.
Cemetery: BRIE BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme, France.

 

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ALEXANDER BUCHAN
(  b  Mosside, e Winnipeg, labourer, KIA one mile west of Vimy Ridge)

153138
Sergeant
43rd Bn., Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)
Awards: M M

who died on
Friday 13 April 1917. Age 25.

Additional information: Son of Mrs. Isabella Buchan, of Mosside, Monellie, Brideswell, Huntly. Born at Ythan Wells, Huntly, Scotland.

Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. F. 5.
Cemetery: THELUS MILITARY CEMETERY,
Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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THOMAS JESSIMAN
(b Aberdeenshire 1891, went to Canada c 1910, teamster res Winnnipeg, e 8 Nov 1915 Winnipeg, KIA )

859234
Private
16th Bn., Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)

who died on
Friday 16 August 1917. Age 26.

Additional information: Son of Mrs. William Jessiman, of Loanhead Cottage, Drumblade, Huntly, Scotland.

Memorial: VIMY MEMORIAL, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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GEORGE HAY MITCHELL
( b Drumblade 1888, farmer at Wellwood Manitoba, e 14 Feb 1916 Winnipeg )

859659
Private
43rd Bn., Canadian Infantry (Manitoba Regiment)

who died on
Thursday 19 July 1917. Age 28.

Additional information: Son of James and Elsie Thomson Mitchell, of Brae of Gerrie, Drumblade, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 4.
Cemetery: LA CHAUDIERE MILITARY CEMETERY, VIMY
, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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WILLIAM ALEXANDER
( Tpr Wm Alexander  Scottish Horse on memorial, joined the Aberdeenshire Constabulary in 1913 and served at Bucksburn and Peterhead. Formerly 6426 Scottish Horse T.F., e 16 Nov 1915, wounded in action ( shrapnel) at Ypres, d No 4 CCS, brother of James - Gord. Hldrs.)

267953
Private
1st / 6th Bn., Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)

who died on
Sunday 1 August 1917. Age 27.

Additional information: Son of William and Catherine Alexander, of Mosside, Monellie, Drumblade, Aberdeen. Native of Forgue, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: II. H. 25.
Cemetery: DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY, Westvleteren, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium 

 

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WILLIAM SIEVEWRIGHT
( Died of influenza in Base Hospital at Wimereux, brother of Peter - Gord. Hldrs, also on Ythanwells)

152765
Private
4th Dragoon Guards (Royal Irish)

who died on
Wednesday 27 November 1918. Age 23.

Additional information: Son of Alexr. and Annie Sievewright, of Moss Side, Monellie, Forgue, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: XI. E. 4.
Cemetery: TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMETERY, WIMILLE
, Pas-de-Calais, France.

 

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JOHN LESLIE
( b Drumblade, chemist at Clifton, Bristol, e Bristol, KIA near Guillemont)

14531
Lance Corporal
12th Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment

who died on
Sunday 3 September 1916. Age 31.

Additional information: Son of Mrs. Helen Leslie, of Weistern, Drumblade, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 5 A and 5 B.
Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France.

 

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WILLIAM MURRAY
( b Drumblade, e Aberdeen, KIA)

59525
Private
12th/13th Bn., Northumberland Fusiliers

who died on
Saturday 27 April 1918. Age 24.

Additional information: Son of Mrs Anderson, Drumdelgie Cottages, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 19 to 23 and 162.
Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL
, Passchendaele, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

 

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There is no WW2 memorial at Drumblade. It is understood there were no casualties during that conflict.
Update 17th August 2010.


I am now aware that there were at least three men with links to Drumblade lost during WW2 and that
nothing has been done, to date, to commemorate them or add their names to the war memorial. One is listed at Ythanwells and another at Cairney. A third man who is not commemorated anywhere is listed below.

Update April 2012.

69 years after his death the name of Alexander Hunter will be added to the memorial.
A dedication service will be held on 10th June 2012.


MISSING NO MORE

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Casualties listed on Drumblade War Memorial 1939 - 1945

1939 - 0 casualies
1940 - 0 casualties
1941- 0 casualties
1942 - 0 casualties
1943 - 1 casualty
1944 - 0 casualties
1945 - 0 casualties

Total casualties = 1

 

Sgt. Alexr. Hunter R.H.A.

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Sgt. Sandy Hunter RHA

ALEXANDER HUNTER
( b Drumblade, e 1936, res Braehead, Glenfoudland, d Bizerte, Tunisia, accident )

860684
Serjeant
4 Regt., Royal Horse Artillery

who died on
Wednesday 8th September 1943. Age 26.

Additional information: Son of John and Bella Hunter, of ( Braehead) Bainshole, Aberdeenshire.

Grave/Memorial Reference: VI. G. 10.
Cemetery: MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY, Tunis, Tunisia.

860684 Alexr. Hunter, R.H.A.

Original of headstone at Massicault by kind permission of
Sandra Rogers, TWGPP. Thanks
.

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THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE

These details were placed on the Internet on Armistice Day 2009
If you can provide any further information for adding to these records please contact

Drumblade Memorial Update

Links to more local war memorials

Kennethmont

Rhynie & Kearn

Gartly

Clatt

Huntly

Forgue

Leslie

This web page is dedicated to the men of Drumblade, who at the call of King and Country left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of man by the path of duty and self sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom.

Let those who come after see to it that their names be not forgotten.

© Copyright kinnethmont.co.uk 2009