Introduction

1914 -1918

Anyone arriving at Cowdenbeath unaware of the fact that a great European war was in progress might remain ignorant of the fact for quite a time, his only opportunity of knowing would be from the newspaper display bills at the newsagent’s doors and “Your country needs you now” bills in the recruiting office in the High Street.

Nowhere can the term “business as usual” be better applied than to the “Chicago of Fife” as the mining town has been described.  Unlike towns of a similar size, no indication is afforded of the war by the presence of soldiers, as no soldiers have yet been billeted in the place.  The miners are working steadily and the busy High Street in the evening does not signify the absence of about two thousand of the male population at the front or busily engaged training so as to be able to take their place in the fighting line.

This was not so at the outbreak of hostilities. Around the recruiting office in the High Street a large crowd was always present and there were repeated questions regarding the number who had enlisted that day and of broken records.  Now no crowds hang about the recruiting office anxious to hear of so many fresh recruits.

Cowdenbeath has however done its share in the supplying of men to meet Kitchener’s demand, and if like proportion had been drawn from the whole of Britain; Britain’s army at the present time would be one of several millions.  As has been stated over 1300 have enrolled since the first 3 weeks of the war, men drawn from all classes, shop keepers, shop assistants, Druggists, Colliery officials, Dentists, Engineers, Tailors and tradesmen of all sorts are represented, and although the miners are in the large majority, they are in as large a majority in the town as their proportion of recruits represents.

The first few months on 1915 must have been a harrowing time for the families in Cowdenbeath, a large number of the local men were posted to France at that time.  May 1915 being the worst month.

The Cowdenbeath War Memorial

Dundee Evening Telegraph Friday 6^th June 1919

At a public meeting called by the Provost of Cowdenbeath to discuss the matter of a war memorial there was a disappointing attendance.  After Provost Penman explained the object of the meeting, Councillor Keir moved that they agree to erect a war memorial and they appoint a committee to act along with the council to consider the question, and bring forward suggestions.

Dundee Courier Thursday 16^th December 1920

No Cowdenbeath War Memorial.  The appeal by the Duke of Athol for subscriptions for a Scottish War Memorial was considered by the Cowdenbeath Town Council.  It was stated in the Duke’s letter that the sum required would be 1/shilling per head, which for a town the size of Cowdenbeath would amount to nearly £800.  It was agreed to take no action in the matter.

Dundee Courier Saturday 6^th December 1924

Cowdenbeath has decided to procede with the erection of a war memorial.  At a meeting held in the Burgh courtroom, Mr D Adamson presiding.  Plans were submitted for the erection of a memorial to cost £800.  The amount of money held by the Memorial Committee.

The Scotsman Monday 30^th July 1928

COWDENBEATH WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED.— The Cowdenbeath War Memorial, a granite obelisk set on the North End Hill, was unveiled on Saturday in presence of a large gathering. Mr David Adamson, who presided, explained the reasons for the delay in unveiling the memorial so long after its erection. Sir Ralph Anstruther, Bart., in a short address said that he didn’t think the delay had done any harm. They were now able to take a clearer view of the past; they were able to feel that good relationships of the past had been re-established even with those who were their enemies during the war. They were able to feel, also, that the natural grief which must be felt by all at the loss of their dear ones, even in the noblest cause, had been, at all events, to some extent assuaged, and for that reason they could inaugurate that memorial with stout hearts, and without feeling anything but pride in the achievements of those whom they memorialised. Sir Ralph then unveiled the memorial, and the pipe band played a lament, the Last Post being afterwards sounded. The Rev. W. A. Guthrie, Edinburgh, formerly of Cowdenbeath, dedicated the memorial, and its custody was taken over by Provost Blomey on behalf of the town. The first wreath laid on the memorial was one by Mrs Anderson, who had lost three sons in the Great War.