Newbattle at War a history of the Parish at war
Now featuring Scots in the Great War Living History Society.
Newbattle at War
Available to buy now, a little piece of local history,
the result of two years of research, the four volumes
detail the lives and deaths of the men from the Parish
of Newbattle during the Great War.
Each volume is approximately 40 pages in length,
volume 1 covers 1914, volume 2 1915-16, volume 3
1918 and beyond. Volume 4 is a resume of over 400
men service records or details of service.
Information is sourced from the Dalkeith Advertiser,
Scotsman, war diaries of various regiments, regimental
histories, military records, medal cards , personal diaries,
previously unpublshed photo and various other sources.
An example page form the 1915 volume
Died from his wounds
Intimation has just been received by his people at 64 Fifth Street, that Private Robert Hamilton , 9th Cameron Highlanders has succumbed to wounds received whilst doing his bit for King and country in France.He was 22 years of age, and prior to enlisting was a miner with the Lothian Coal Company,
this adds another to the growing number of heroic lads form this district who have cheerfully and gallantly laid down their lives for their country.
From the Front
Several local lads have arrived home from France, among others being Charles Bowers, Loan Road; Thomas Wylie Dean Park and James Wright, Fourth Street. They are looking extremely fit and healthy, and have expressed their thorough determination to see this struggle brought to a victorious end.
Local lad killed at the front
Mr and Mrs James Thomson, Loan Road, received intimation on Monday that their son, Sapper William B. J. Thomson, R.E. had been killed in action in France, on 27th December. The officer in charges writes to Mrs Thomson, dated 29th December,1915.
On behalf of my brother officers and men of this Company, I write to offer you our deepest sympathy in your great bereavement. Your son was a splendid fellow, and leaves behind him a splendid record of good work and noble sacrifice. He was laid to rest in our cemetery this morning. Yours truly, Maximillian MacPherson, o/c 176 Company, R.E.A letter from Sapper G.A. Hynd , one of James comrades, says He was killed while at work, and died instantly. We brought him back, and with great sorrow in our hearts, laid him to rest in the little churchyard here. It will be a great comfort to you to know that he was confined and given a decent Christian burial. The lads of the section send their deepest sympathy, and hope that the Lord will give you the strengthto bear your great affliction, knowing that though a lad in years, he died like a man, fighting for the honour of the dear homeland.
How to buy
Paypal £10 for all 4 volumes or £3 per volume inc p&p
Cheque £10 or £3 per volume, made payable to John Duncan
Or direct from myself if you live locally.
To obtain details on how to order books please use the form.
Thanks very much - John Duncan Webmaster