The following letter was received by the Hamilton Advertiser from two Blantyre lads with the Expeditionary Force in Salonica in May 1916. It’s a touching letter written by soldiers sending thanks. It was dated 10th April 1916. “We received your letter, dated 15th April, and return our thanks for you sending our parcel, and wishing […]
Here in the UK, we’ve all grown up with the concept of moving the clocks forward in March by an hour as British Summer Time starts. Just as much as we take for granted it needs to move back an hour in October. That whole concept has its roots back in pre WW1 years. British […]
Nicky Rowberry sent in a request saying, “Hi. I’m looking for any information on Thomas Rankin Thorburn – a Blantyre man who died in WW1. Is he commemorated on the war memorial? Or mentioned in any local newspapers? Thanks for your help. Nicky” Thomas Rankin Thorburn was born at Kirkton on 13th April 1878. A […]
David Reddiex shared this transcript of a letter from WW1. He told me, “I thought your readers may be interested in this type written letter from the trenches, in 1915. It depicts some of the brave tales of Auchentibber/Blantyre soldiers. My mother, Katherine , was a Strang and my father, James, was a Reddiex…both sadly […]
This is an exclusive look at this photo, the first time it’s been online. Photographed during WW1 by early Blantyre photographer, David Ritchie, its from the collection of photos once shared to me by Alex Bowie. It was dark and not the best quality, but is brought a little to life by the added colour […]
This great photo from WW1 is shared by Rhona Johnson. On the far right is James Russell (born 24th May 1896 Blantyre) who is the wee boy pictured in the left of today’s other post. James is pictured with his bicycle. He was a post boy in the British Army and this photo shows a […]
Here’s a story of true Blantyre heroism and bravery. On Sunday, 2nd February 1919, Private. Matthew Barrie, son of Mr and Mrs Barrie, of 75 Auchinraith Road, was presented on parade with his Distinguished Conduct Medal by Colonel Vandeleur. The act which brought Pte, Barrie the D.C.M. was a particularly brave and meritorious one during […]