The West of Scotland Branch of the Historical Association will be hosting a talk by Daniel Gray entitled Scotland and the Spanish Civil War next Tuesday 8th December 2009 at 5.30pm, in the Dyer Room at the Mitchell Library. The talk will be based on Gray's book “Homage to Caledonia”, in which he has collated extensive research from first hand sources on the conflict.
(Thanks to Chris Paton at the Scottish Genealogy Blog for the heads up!)
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Thursday, 3 December 2009
New Headstone for Gordon Highlander
From the Press and Journal, 3rd December 2009.
THE grave of a Grantown World War I veteran that has been marked by two cockleshells for more than 50 years, is to be given a proper headstone for the first time.
Kenny “Cockles” MacKenzie, who served with the Gordon Highlanders, survived the conflict after seeing action in France, before also serving in India.
He returned to Grantown where he is said to have lived a solitary life until his death in 1955.
There was no money to pay for a headstone, but shortly after Mr MacKenzie’s death two cockleshells were placed on his grave and have remained there ever since.
Glenfeshie-born Mr MacKenzie was known locally as Kenny Cockles, possibly because of the seashells which he kept along the front of his home in Grantown.
Leonard Grassick, of South Street, Grantown, who was a Seaforth in the Queen’s Own Highlanders, and the Royal Naval Association, have now announced plans for a headstone to mark Mr MacKenzie’s grave. Mr Grassick as a lad used to deliver groceries to Mr MacKenzie, and was one of the few people allowed in his cottage. He said: “He was a character and a worthy from Grantown who deserves to be remembered properly as a brave soldier.”
Mr Grassick said it was hoped that the stone, which is expected to cost £600 and will be inscribed with two cockleshells, would be unveiled at Easter. The local branch of the Royal British Legion have already made a contribution to the stone.
As an aside, I would hope that the new headstone will incorporate the cockleshells which have marked his grave until now.
THE grave of a Grantown World War I veteran that has been marked by two cockleshells for more than 50 years, is to be given a proper headstone for the first time.
Kenny “Cockles” MacKenzie, who served with the Gordon Highlanders, survived the conflict after seeing action in France, before also serving in India.
He returned to Grantown where he is said to have lived a solitary life until his death in 1955.
There was no money to pay for a headstone, but shortly after Mr MacKenzie’s death two cockleshells were placed on his grave and have remained there ever since.
Glenfeshie-born Mr MacKenzie was known locally as Kenny Cockles, possibly because of the seashells which he kept along the front of his home in Grantown.
Leonard Grassick, of South Street, Grantown, who was a Seaforth in the Queen’s Own Highlanders, and the Royal Naval Association, have now announced plans for a headstone to mark Mr MacKenzie’s grave. Mr Grassick as a lad used to deliver groceries to Mr MacKenzie, and was one of the few people allowed in his cottage. He said: “He was a character and a worthy from Grantown who deserves to be remembered properly as a brave soldier.”
Mr Grassick said it was hoped that the stone, which is expected to cost £600 and will be inscribed with two cockleshells, would be unveiled at Easter. The local branch of the Royal British Legion have already made a contribution to the stone.
As an aside, I would hope that the new headstone will incorporate the cockleshells which have marked his grave until now.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Bannockburn: A New History
I've received notification of the publication of a new book on the Battle of Bannockburn. Here's the information from the press release:
"Bannockburn 1314: A New History
by Chris Brown
To be published 11th January 2010, priced £12.99
A history of the most celebrated battle between Scotland and England in which a mere 7,000 followers of Robert The Bruce defeated over 15,000 of Edward II's troops.
"Bannockburn 1314: A New History
by Chris Brown
To be published 11th January 2010, priced £12.99
A history of the most celebrated battle between Scotland and England in which a mere 7,000 followers of Robert The Bruce defeated over 15,000 of Edward II's troops.
The battle of
- The most comprehensive history of the battle ever undertaken.
- The author’s conclusions rewrite the history books.
- A new look at the terrain where the battle was fought.
- Recreates the campaign and battle from the perspectives of both the Scots and English.
- In-depth investigation of the contemporary narrative sources and the administrative records.
- Major reassessment of the Scottish victory against the English.
- 25 colour illustrations and 25 b&w illustrations.
Chris Brown is an acknowledged expert on medieval
To be published by The History Press, this looks worth picking up. I hope to publish a review nearer the time of publication.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Approaching Remembrance Day
As we approach Remembrance Day, I'm sure that, like me, you start to think a little more about the sacrifice made by many men and women for the cause of freedom. But we should also remember those who came home.
We should remember those who still bear the scars of conflict, and those who perhaps should be remembered more than those who did not come home.
Please take time to visit the following sites, and please consider giving to some of these worthy causes:
Poppy Scotland
Help for Heroes
Erskine
We should remember those who still bear the scars of conflict, and those who perhaps should be remembered more than those who did not come home.
Please take time to visit the following sites, and please consider giving to some of these worthy causes:
Poppy Scotland
Help for Heroes
Erskine
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Re-dedication of Black Watch memorial
From The Courier:
RINCE CHARLES will be in Dundee on Sunday to attend the rededication service of The Black Watch memorial his grandmother, the late Queen Mother, unveiled on the outskirts of the city exactly 50 years ago.
The bronze of a Black Watch soldier stands at Powrie Brae against the backdrop of the Angus countryside and commemorates the sacrifice of more than 440 4th and 5th Battalion Black Watch soldiers who died in the second world war.
Over the years it has proved a site of pilgrimage, remembrance and reflection for those associated with the wartime Dundee City and County of Angus battalions.
“The landmark statue stands with his feet in Angus but overlooks the city of Dundee, commemorating the loss of lads from both the rural and urban battalions,” Black Watch Association secretary Major Ronnie Proctor said.
“Unfortunately years standing out in all weathers had taken their toll on our old soldier and urgent restoration was required to stop it deteriorating beyond repair.”
Around £12,000 was raised by grant aid and Black Watch Association fund-raising to restore the statue and on Sunday Prince Charles will follow in the Queen Mother’s footsteps as royal patron of The Black Watch Association to rededicate the memorial.
The prince will be joined by second world war veterans of the Dundee and Angus battalions, some of whom attended the original ceremony in October 1959.
Serving Black Watch soldiers of 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, Territorial Army soldiers of the 51st Highland Volunteers, members of the Angus and Dundee Battalion of the Army Cadet Force, Black Watch veterans and their families will also join civic heads and the public to mark the occasion.
Sunday’s service will begin at 12.30pm and will be conducted jointly by the Right Rev Vincent Logan, Bishop of Dunkeld, former Black Watch national serviceman the Rev Canon Peter Allen, and the Rev Bob Wightman, Dundee Combined Forces Association chaplain.
RINCE CHARLES will be in Dundee on Sunday to attend the rededication service of The Black Watch memorial his grandmother, the late Queen Mother, unveiled on the outskirts of the city exactly 50 years ago.
The bronze of a Black Watch soldier stands at Powrie Brae against the backdrop of the Angus countryside and commemorates the sacrifice of more than 440 4th and 5th Battalion Black Watch soldiers who died in the second world war.
Over the years it has proved a site of pilgrimage, remembrance and reflection for those associated with the wartime Dundee City and County of Angus battalions.
“The landmark statue stands with his feet in Angus but overlooks the city of Dundee, commemorating the loss of lads from both the rural and urban battalions,” Black Watch Association secretary Major Ronnie Proctor said.
“Unfortunately years standing out in all weathers had taken their toll on our old soldier and urgent restoration was required to stop it deteriorating beyond repair.”
Around £12,000 was raised by grant aid and Black Watch Association fund-raising to restore the statue and on Sunday Prince Charles will follow in the Queen Mother’s footsteps as royal patron of The Black Watch Association to rededicate the memorial.
The prince will be joined by second world war veterans of the Dundee and Angus battalions, some of whom attended the original ceremony in October 1959.
Serving Black Watch soldiers of 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, Territorial Army soldiers of the 51st Highland Volunteers, members of the Angus and Dundee Battalion of the Army Cadet Force, Black Watch veterans and their families will also join civic heads and the public to mark the occasion.
Sunday’s service will begin at 12.30pm and will be conducted jointly by the Right Rev Vincent Logan, Bishop of Dunkeld, former Black Watch national serviceman the Rev Canon Peter Allen, and the Rev Bob Wightman, Dundee Combined Forces Association chaplain.
Friday, 9 October 2009
Union Jack flown at Trafalgar for sale
From the BBC News website:
Trafalgar union jack up for sale
The only surviving union jack from the Battle of Trafalgar could fetch £15,000 at auction after it was found in a drawer, auctioneers say.
The flag was flown from one of Nelson's warships, HMS Spartiate, in the naval battle off the Spanish coast in 1805.
It was presented by the 540-strong crew to Fife-born Lieutenant James Clephan after the conflict, a high honour bestowed upon an officer by his men.
The flag is being sold by one of his descendants living in Australia.
Clephan, who later went on to command his own ship, was one of the few men to have risen through the ranks and was greatly admired by his crew.
The flag, measuring 7ft 4in x 11ft 7in, is made of 31 panels sewn together by the crew on board the ship.
It bears a number of "battle scars" - holes caused by shot and shell splinter damage sustained during the conflict.
The union jack will go under the hammer later this month after being put up for sale by one of Clephan's descendants.
“ I think it's hard to overstate the historical importance of this flag ”
Charles Miller Flag owner
It was treasured by his family, who kept it in a drawer to preserve it.
Auctioneers expect the flag to fetch £10,000 to £15,000.
Charles Miller, through his own auction house, is selling the piece in London on 21 October, Trafalgar Day.
He said the flag was the only known surviving union jack from the battle.
"I think it's hard to overstate the historical importance of this flag," he said.
"This was the greatest naval action ever fought.
"The great thing about the flag is it's one of the most emblematic items you can get from Trafalgar.
"This is a bit of naval hardware that has actually served in the action."
Clephan, from Scoonie in Fife, spent his early years as an apprentice weaver and went on to join the Merchant Navy.
He retired in 1840 with the rank of captain and lived in Edinburgh for 11 years until his death at the age of 83.
Trafalgar union jack up for sale
The only surviving union jack from the Battle of Trafalgar could fetch £15,000 at auction after it was found in a drawer, auctioneers say.
The flag was flown from one of Nelson's warships, HMS Spartiate, in the naval battle off the Spanish coast in 1805.
It was presented by the 540-strong crew to Fife-born Lieutenant James Clephan after the conflict, a high honour bestowed upon an officer by his men.
The flag is being sold by one of his descendants living in Australia.
Clephan, who later went on to command his own ship, was one of the few men to have risen through the ranks and was greatly admired by his crew.
The flag, measuring 7ft 4in x 11ft 7in, is made of 31 panels sewn together by the crew on board the ship.
It bears a number of "battle scars" - holes caused by shot and shell splinter damage sustained during the conflict.
The union jack will go under the hammer later this month after being put up for sale by one of Clephan's descendants.
“ I think it's hard to overstate the historical importance of this flag ”
Charles Miller Flag owner
It was treasured by his family, who kept it in a drawer to preserve it.
Auctioneers expect the flag to fetch £10,000 to £15,000.
Charles Miller, through his own auction house, is selling the piece in London on 21 October, Trafalgar Day.
He said the flag was the only known surviving union jack from the battle.
"I think it's hard to overstate the historical importance of this flag," he said.
"This was the greatest naval action ever fought.
"The great thing about the flag is it's one of the most emblematic items you can get from Trafalgar.
"This is a bit of naval hardware that has actually served in the action."
Clephan, from Scoonie in Fife, spent his early years as an apprentice weaver and went on to join the Merchant Navy.
He retired in 1840 with the rank of captain and lived in Edinburgh for 11 years until his death at the age of 83.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
The Fife Military History Project
Among the many interesting people I met at the Fife Family History Fair on Saturday was one gentleman who has undertaken a very ambitious but fascinating project. I got hold of a copy of one of his "flyers", and I'm sure he won't mind me reprinting the text here for anyone who might be interested:
I wish Richard every success with his project, and I look forward to seeing the results of his research. I'll be contacting Richard myself to see what assistance the Scottish Military Research Group can provide.
Did your Ancestors guard prisoners of war with the Fife Militia, ride in the Fifeshire Yeomanry or join thousands of others in the Volunteers guarding the
Did they join the Volunteer movement in the Victorian era and join the Fife Rifle Volunteers, Fife Artillery Volunteers or Fife Light Horse?
Did they join up in the Great War and serve in the 7th (Fife) Royal Highlanders, Fife Royal Garrison Artillery or
The Fife Military Project is an attempt to gather as much information as possible about Fifeshire's Militia, Volunteer and Territorial past and publish a website that will enable their descendants to learn more about them.
To illustrate the kind of information that I am acquiring from archives here is an extract of one of my ancestor's pension documents transcribed from the National Archives in
"His Majesty's Second Battalion. Royal Regiment Of Artillery. Whereof the Marquis of Anglesey is Colonel.
These are to certify That Sgt Andrew Gordon born in the Parish of Balmerino in or near the town of
"To prevent any improper use being made of this discharge, by its falling into other hands, the following is a Description of the said Andrew Gordon. He is about forty two Years of Age, is 6 Feet, Inches in height, Black Hair, Blue Eyes, Dark Complexion; and by Trade or Occupation a Shoemaker"
My name is Richard Dickens and I've spent the last 7 years researching into
Please contact me at fifemilitia@googlemail.com if you have any information, items, pictures or documents on relatives who served in the
I will be ready to bring the Fife Military Project online in the next year starting with a complete database of every soldier who served in the Fife Militia from 1798-1855.
I wish Richard every success with his project, and I look forward to seeing the results of his research. I'll be contacting Richard myself to see what assistance the Scottish Military Research Group can provide.
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