The 15th June 2015, will see the 100th anniversary of Blantyre man, Captain James Brown killed in action during WW1. On the evening of Wednesday 10th June 201 at 7pm, at High Blantyre Cenotaph, Blantyre man Gordon Cook presented a detailed presentation and commemorative service to remember heroic Captain Brown of the Cameronians, who was once the headmaster of Auchinraith Primary School. Gordon also showed several photos and told the remarkable tale of the life of James Brown in Blantyre and in conflict.
James Brown came to Blantyre in 1900 from a town near Campbeltown. Unmarried, he lived with his sister at 8 Church Street. With a keen military interest, he went on to pass military exams before moving to become the headmaster of Auchinraith Primary School. During 1914, he left Scotland to fight in WW1 with the Cameronians. After being wounded 3 times, he was sadly killed in action on 15th June 1915.
I was pleased and proud to be invited to the event to speak some words about the life of James Brown. Further words were read out by Alex Rochead and the group heard a letter James Brown wrote back home, just 2 weeks before he died. Gordon’s impressive knowledge of this subject was widely recognised and appreciated. The event was attended by members of Blantyre Heritage Group. It was a beautiful, sunny evening as the group reflected upon his bravery and the sun lowered over the war cenotaph. Photos by Blantyre Telegraph.