Patrick
Able Seaman George R Patrick, Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Volunteer Defence, R.N. Division, Z/721, Born Broxburn, East Lothian, Enlisted Edinburgh, Killed or died as a result of enemy action. Grave reference 20.A.3. Acre British Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, Somme, France.
C.W.G.C.
AB George R Patrick was awarded the British and Victory medals, and also the 15 Star; his family would have received the Plaque “Dead man’s Penny” and scroll from King George V
In 1901 a 13 year old George Patrick was still at School, his family were Father James Patrick 40, occupation Coal Miner, Mother, Sarah Patrick 39, James Patrick 14, Scholar, Margaret Patrick 10, Scholar, David Patrick 8, Scholar, Thomas Patrick 7, Isabella Patrick 5, Marion Patrick 3, Address 13 Clifton Terrace, Cambuslang, Lanarkshire.
Father James Patrick died 1911, in Cowdenbeath, Fife.
The 1911 census shows a 23 year old George Patrick working as a Miner and living with his family at 32 Kirkford Street, Cowdenbeath, Newly widowed Mother, Sarah Patrick 49, James Patrick 24, Miner, Margaret Patrick 21, Weaver, David Patrick 19, Miner, Thomas Patrick 17, Miner, Isa Patrick 15, Weaver, Marion Patrick 13, School, Alex Patrick 9, Robert Partick 8.
George Patrick 25, occupation Coal Miner, 32 Mungall Street, Kirkford, Cowdenbeath, married, Susan L.L.Russell 24, Rubber Shoe Worker, 24 Milton Street, Edinburgh. On the 5th December 1913, at 24 Milton Street, Edinburgh.
Service Record
28 days Field Punishment No.1 17/10/16; A Miner; b.5/3/1888; Wife, Susan, 181 Foulford Rd., Kirkford, Cowdenbeath, later of: 24 Milton St., Abbeyhill, Edinburgh. ; ADM/171 = St.V.B. issued to Widow. Enlisted 13/10/14 ; Benbow Bn. D/98 5/3/15, transferred to Anson Bn. 12/6/15-3/8/15 Pyrexia Unknown Origin, re-joined Anson Bn. 10/9/15-25/9/15 Dysentery, re-joined Anson Bn. 6/2/16-13/11/16 DD. died Battle of the Somme
Anson Battalions
Anson battalions, composed originally of naval reservist’s surplus to the requirements of manning RN ships, served throughout the war in the Royal Naval Division. After a brief involvement around Antwerp in autumn 1914, the division went to Gallipoli in April 1915, was evacuated to Egypt at the end of that year, and went to the Western Front in summer 1916. It remained there for the rest of the war.
Patrick
Private John Patrick, S/9242, 9th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Born Inverkeithing, Fife, Enlisted Cowdenbeath, Killed in action 9th September 1916, Grave reference X1.E.31.Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, France.
C.W.G.C.
Private John Patrick was awarded the British and Victory medals, also the 15 Star; his family would have received the Plaque “Dead man’s Penny” and scroll from King George V.
Posted to France 13th October 1915.
In 1891 a 15 year old John Patrick was working as a Ploughman, with the Redman family at Main Row, Cupar, Fife. His family were living at 17 Burnside, Cupar, Fife.
John Patrick married Janet McLean 1900 in Cowdenbeath, 7th November 1904; Father John Patrick dies at Falkland, Fife.
The 1911 census shows John Patrick aged 36, occupation Shuntor? At colliery, wife, Janet Patrick married 11 years and bearing 5 children of whom 4 are living, Agnes 10, School, Christine 8, School, John 3, Thomas 1. Address Cautsdam? Row, Cowdenbeath.
Dundee Courier 28th September 1916
Official intimation was received yesterday by Mrs Patrick, 62 Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, that her husband, Private John Patrick, Black Watch, was killed in action on Sept 9th. Patrick, who leaves a widow and four of a family, resided for twenty years in Kelty, where he was employed as a miner in the Lindsay Colliery. He came to Cowdenbeath three years ago.
Dundee Courier September 1916
Mrs Patrick, Kirkford, Cowdenbeath, has been informed that her husband Private John Patrick, Black Watch, has been killed in action. Patrick who was forty years of age, joined the colours about two years ago, and had been on active service for over a year. Prior to enlistment he worked at the Lindsay Pit, Kelty. He is survived by a widow and four children. A brother is at present in France.
On the 8th September B and C Company’s had attacked a German trench outside the N.W. corner of High Wood.
9 September 1916, the morning passed with a bombardment by our heavies of 3 hours duration. C Coy relieved B & D Coys in front line & trench was repaired, ammunition and rations were brought up. At 4.45 pm the 1st Division on our R. made another attack on High Wood, the L.G.s in Bethel Sap co-operating. Serious casualties were inflicted on the enemy. 5.00 pm The relief of the battalion in the line by the 5th Northumberland Fusiliers, 149th Brigade, 50th Division was commenced. The front line Coy was relieved at 10.15 pm & the relief completed. The battalion marched back to billets in Albert.
Casualty
S-9242 Pte. John Patrick. Born Inverkeithing, Fife. Enlisted Cowdenbeath, Fife. Killed in action, 9 September 1916, aged 41. Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Somme, XI. E. 31. Husband of Janet Dryburgh Patrick, 52 Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath.
U.K. Register of Soldiers Effects.
War Diary 9th Battalion Black Watch.
Paterson
Private Robert Paterson, 42522, formerly 37617, H.L.I. 9th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Residence Cowdenbeath, Enlisted Perth, Killed in action 29th April 1918, Grave reference Panel 68 to 70 and 162 and 162A, Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
C.W.G.C.
Private Robert Paterson was awarded the British and Victory medals, his family would have received the Plaque “Dead man’s Penny” and scroll from King George V.
In 1911, Robert Paterson 11. School, was living with his family at 211 Hill Street, Cowdenbeath, Father James Paterson 48, occupation Coal miner, Mother Jessie Paterson 47, married 26 years and bearing 11 children of whom 10 still survive, Annie Paterson 20, Steam Loom Weaver, Elizabeth Paterson 16, Steam Iron Weaver, Wm Paterson 14, School, Alex Paterson 8, School, Florence Paterson 5, Mary Paterson 1.
Dunfermline Press 15th June 1918.
Private Robert Paterson, Scottish Rifles, fourth son of Mr James Paterson, Hill Street, Cowdenbeath, was killed in action on 29th April. He joined the army last year, and had been at the front only one week. He was nineteen years of age. Three brothers are serving in the Black Watch, Lance Corporal James Paterson, Privates William and John Paterson. The last mentioned is at present home on leave from Salonika. The father is an army veteran. While in the Seaforth Highlanders he went through the Afgan Campaign, and for a year he served with the Black Watch in the present war. The family belong to Burdie House, Midlothian.
Dundee Courier June 1918.
Pte Robert Paterson, Scottish Rifles, fourth son of Mr James Paterson Hill Street, Cowdenbeath, He joined the army last year, and had been at the front only one week. He was nineteen years of age. Three brothers are serving in the Black Watch, Lance Corporal James Paterson, Privates William and John Paterson. The father is an army veteran. While in the Seaforth Highlanders he went through the Afgan Campaign, and for a year he served with the Black Watch in the present war. The family belong to Burdie House, Midlothian
U.K. Register of Soldiers Effects.
Penman
Private Alexander Penman, 1744, 7th (Fife) Battalion (Territorial) Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Born Falkirk, Enlisted Cowdenbeath, Killed in action 15th June 1915. Grave reference Panel 24 to 26. Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
C.W.G.C.
Private Alexander Penman was awarded the British and Victory medals, also the 15 Star; his family would have received the Plaque “Dead man’s Penny” and scroll from King George V.
Posted to France 2nd May 1915
In 1901, 7 year old Alexander Penman was at School and living with his family at 35 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, Father John Penman 39, occupation Coal Miner, Mother Agnes Penman 38, Agnes Penman 17, Pithead Worker, Jane Penman 15, Pithead Worker, Margaret Penman 13, Scholar, Mary Penman 11, Scholar, Elizabeth Penman 9, Scholar, John Penman 5, Scholar, Barbara Penman 3, James C Penman 1.
John Penman 22, occupation Miner married Agnes Marshall 21, occupation Farm Servant, at Larbert, Stirlingshire. They went on to have 11 children; Alexander was born 31st December 1893, McKillops Buildings, Larbert, Stirlingshire.
In 1911, Alexander Penman 17, occupation Miner was living with his family at 6 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath. Father John Penman 48, occupation Miner, Agnes Penman 47, married 28 years and bearing 11 children of whom 10 are still living, John Penman 15, Miner, Barbara Penman 13, School, Isabella 8, School, Chrissie 6, School.
Edinburgh Evening News 2nd June 1915
Private Alexander Penman, 1/7th Black Watch, son of Mr John Penman, Chapel Street, Cowdenbeath, has been officially reported killed in action.
Dundee Courier 21st June 1915
Private White, Park Street, Cowdenbeath, writing home tells of the death of his comrade, Private Alexander Penman, son of Mr John Penman, Chapel Street, who was killed beside him. Penman was a well-known local football player. He had been for three years a member of the Territorials, and a Brother is in the same company.
Dundee Evening Telegraph 6th July 1915.
Mr John Penman, Cowdenbeath, has received official information of the death of his son, Private Alexander Penman, of the 1/7th Black Watch. Captain Wallace commanding C Company, of the same regiment writes “Dear Madam – I regret to inform you that your son Private A Penman is reported killed and I wish to convey to you the deep sympathy of his Company Officers, and other comrades, in your sad bereavement. He was engaged on special duty and was instantaneously killed by shell fire. I was at another part of the line myself with the rest of the Company, but am informed that he was decently buried and a cross erected to mark the spot. “Your son was a good soldier and well liked by us all, and it may be of some slight satisfaction to you to know that he played his part in what the General has seen fit to describe as the gallant conduct of the division.
West Fife Echo 23rd June 1915.
Private Alex Penman (22) son of Mr John Penman, 34 Chapel Street, has been killed in action.
Black Watch 7th Battalion.
7th Battalion, The Black Watch was a Territorial unit based at St Andrews under command of the Black Watch Brigade, when war broke out in August 1914. They were mobilized and moved to Queensferry to man the Forth Defences. In November 1914 they moved to the Tay Defences. On the 16th of April 1915 they moved to Bedford to join 2nd Highland Brigade in Highland Division and prepare for deployment overseas. They proceeded to France, landing at Boulogne on the 2nd of May 1915. On the 12th of May the formation was renamed 153rd Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division and concentrated in the area of Lillers, Busnes and Robecq. They were rushed to the defence of Ypres when the enemy attacked using poison gas on the 22nd of April 1915, and were in action until the 19th of May when they moved to Estaires on the River Lys. They were in action in The Battle of Festubert and The Second Action of Givenchy before moving south to The Somme taking over the line near Hamel. In 1916 they were in action in the Battles of the Somme, including the attacks on High Wood, The war diary states that the Company was in Billets in Le Touret on the 15th June the next entry was the 17th of June.
Pert
Guardsman James Pert, 10638, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, Born Bervie, Kincardineshire, Enlisted Perth, Residence Cowdenbeath. Killed in action 25th January 1915, Grave reference Panel 3 and 4. Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
C.W.G.C.
Guardsman James Pert was awarded the British and Victory medals, also the 15 Star; his family would have received the Plaque “Dead man’s Penny” and scroll from King George V.
Posted to France 5th January 1915.
George Pert aged 20; occupation Fisherman married Margaret Wyllie 19, 12th March 1884, Bervie, Kincardineshire. James J Pert, born 9th October 1897, Gourdon, Bervie. Kincardineshire.
In 1901, James Pert aged 3 was living with the rest of the Pert family at, 35 Queen Street, Bervie, Kincardineshire. Father George Pert 38, occupation fisherman, Mother, Margaret Pert 38, Mary Jane Pert 16, Flax Mill worker (Spinner) Jessie Pert 14, (House Work) works at home, George Pert 12, Scholar, David Pert 10, Scholar, Maggie Pert 6, Scholar, William Pert 6, Scholar, Annie Pert 11 months.
In 1911 George Pert 47, Fishmonger, “Own Account” was boarding at 111 High Street, Cowdenbeath. The rest of the Pert family were living at 33 Queen Street, Bervie. Mother Margaret Pert 47, married 27 years and bearing 9 children of whom all are still living. William Pert 16, occupation Factory worker, Flax Mill, James Pert 13, School, Annie 10, School, Alexina Pert 6, School.
Dundee Courier 12th February 1915.
Mr Pert, Fishmonger, Cowdenbeath, yesterday received information that his son Private James Pert was reported missing on January 25. Pert enlisted on 25th August in the Scots Guards, along with a friend who also has been reported missing.
Regular Army Rules.
A man wishing to join the army could do so providing he passed certain physical tests and was willing to enlist for a number of years. The recruit had to be taller than 5 feet 3 inches and aged between 18 and 38 (although he could not be sent overseas until he was aged 19). James Pert would have joined aged 16 and died aged 17.
U.K. Register of Soldiers Effects.
1st Battalion Scots Guards.
1st Battalion, The Scots Guards were based in Aldershot with the 1st (Guards) Brigade, 1st Division when war broke out in August 1914. They proceeded to France landing at le Harve on the 14th, being amongst the first troops of the British Expeditionary Force. They fought in The Battle of Mons and the retreat from Mons, The Battle of the Marne, The Battle of the Aisne, the First Battle of Ypres and the Winter Operations of 1914-15.
Petrie.
Adam Hutton Petrie.
Adam Hutton Petrie enlisted under the name of Hutton, his Mother’s maiden name.
Private Adam Hutton, 276732, 4778, 2nd Battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, Born Dunfermline, enlisted, Denny Stirling, Residence Cowdenbeath, Killed in action 10th October 1918, Grave reference I.B.32.Selridge British Cemetery, Montay, Nord, France.
C.W.G.C.
Private Adam Hutton, A & S.H. was awarded the Victory and British Medals, and his family would have received the Plaque “Dead man’s Penny” and scroll from King George V.
Thomas Petrie married Martha Hutton on the 31st December 1874 in Dunfermline, Fife; in the 1911 census the family were living at 3 Foulford Place, Cowdenbeath. Thomas Petrie 54, occupation Coal Miner, Martha Petrie wife 55, married 35 years and bearing 2 children both of whom survive, Adam Petrie 18, occupation Hairdresser, John Thomson 16, Br, occupation Coal Miner.
Partial Draft Record
Mrs Martha Hutton letter,
Sir, would you be as kind to forward to me as soon as possible my son’s credit which must be due, he was killed on the 10th October 1918, and since that time I have received nothing, in fact no word concerning his belongings etc. If you could at least inform me how to act in the manner. I would be very much indebted to you.
His number was 276723, Pte A Petrie, 2nd A&S.H.A Company 3rd Platoon, BEF France. P.S. he enlisted in my other name Hutton, Letter acknowledged 31/3/1919.
On the 28th July 1919, Mrs Martha Hutton Petrie 163 Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, acknowledged receipt of property of Pte Adam Hutton 276723, 1 Religious Book.
The 2nd Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders 10th October 1918.
There is very little literature on this particular period in October. It’s frequently bundled up into the conclusion of the Battle of Cambrai 1918 but is, quite definitely, a distinct action. Fourth Army spearheaded a rapid advance of over 8 miles on 9-10 October as the Germans carried out a sudden and rapid withdrawal to the line of the Selle River. The resistance (a belt of rear guards 3 miles from the start line on the 9th and stretching up to 7 miles to the Selle River) was well organised into ‘centres of resistance’ based on the many villages and woods between the last German prepared defences (Beauvoir Line/Hindenburg Reserve System), and the Selle. This was true open warfare for the first time since 1914.
2/A&SH were a part of an effort by Third Army/V Corps/33rd and 17th Divisions to carry the Selle River, having wheeled into line on the left flank of Fourth Army, begun on the late afternoon of 10th October. They were engaged in house-to-house fighting through and between the two villages just north of Le Cateau (Neuvilly and Montay). Opposing them were, from South to North, the 201st Division, 38th Division and 5th Bavarian Division; being reinforced by the 6th Cyclist Battalion (detached), between the Bavarians and the 38th.
They managed to get across the Selle by jumping, wading, swimming, using fallen trees, and did establish two outposts on the East bank during the night. The East bank and rising ground behind was held in force by the Germans so unfortunately the positions were just untenable and they had to withdraw. The line stabilised on the West Bank where it remained, basically, until 17th-20th when the whole position was carried by Fourth, Third and First Armies in concerted attacks in the next pursuit; to the Sombre-Oise Canal…and the rest, as they say, is history. (Taken from The pursuit of the Selle, Great War Forum)
UK Register of Soldiers Effects.
Soldiers Will
In the event of my death I leave all my effects and possessions to my Mother Mrs Martha Hutton 163 Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, Fife.
Petrie
Private James Petrie, 16691, 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, Born Dunfermline, Enlisted Cowdenbeath, Killed in action 16th June 1915, aged 19, Grave reference Panel 19 and 33, Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen Belgium.
C.W.G.C.
Private James Petrie was awarded the British and Victory medals, also the 15 Star; his family would have received the Plaque “Dead man’s Penny” and scroll from King George V.
Posted to France 12th May 1915.
James Petrie in 1911 was a 16 year old Colliery Roadsman, living with his family at 183 Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, Father Francis Petrie 45, occupation Miner, Maggie Petrie 44, married 13 years and bearing 5 children with all 5 still living, Francis Petrie 12, School, Thomas Petrie 11, School, John Petrie 8, School, Andrew Petrie 7, School.
Dunfermline Press June 1915.
Son of Margaret Petrie, of 149, Foulford Rd., Cowdenbeath, Fife, was killed in action. He joined the regiment in January and had only been 5 weeks at the front.
Edinburgh Evening News
Mr Andrew Petrie, Kirkford has received official information that his son, Private J Petrie, of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, has fallen in action. Petrie enlisted at Cowdenbeath shortly after the New Year holiday, and was only five weeks abroad when he met an instantaneous death by being shot through the heart.
U.K. Register of Soldiers Effects.
Royal Scots Fusiliers 1st Battalion.
1st Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers were based in Gosport with 9th Brigade, 3rd Division when war broke out in August 1914. They proceeded to France with the BEF, landing at Le Havre on the 14th of August 1914. They saw action in The Battle of Mons and the rear-guard action at Solesmes, The Battle of Le Cateau, The Battle of the Marne, The Battle of the Aisne, at La Bassee, Messines and the First Battle of Ypres.
Philip
Lance Corporal James Philip, 2409, 7th (Fife) Battalion (Territorial) Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Born Edinburgh, Enlisted Cowdenbeath, Died, Home, 30 January 1917, Grave reference 770. Beath Cemetery, Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland.
C.W.G.C.
L/Corp James Philip was awarded the British and Victory medals, his family would have received the Plaque “Dead man’s Penny” and scroll from King George V.
In 1891 James Philip 12, occupation Pony Driver, was living with his family at 45 Dalhousie Cottages, Cockpen, Midlothian his family were, Father, John Philip 37, occupation Miner, Agnes Philip 35, Christina Philip 14, Unemployed, John Philip 10, Scholar, Elizabeth Philip 7, Scholar, Ellen Philip 5, Scholar, Peter Philip 3, Alexander Philip 9m.
On the 29th February 1910 at Arniston Engine, James Philip 31, occupation Coal Miner, usual address Park Place, Cowdenbeath, married Janet Spears Michie 27, occupation Domestic Servant, usual residence Arniston Engine. Witnesses, Peter Philp, Margaret Michie.
In 1911 James Philp a 32 year old Miner was living with his wife Jessie 28, married 2 years and bearing 1 child, which is still living. Daughter Margaret 4m, address Perth Street, Cowdenbeath.
Dunfermline Journal 3rd February 1917.
Private A Cunningham, Black Watch, youngest son of Mr Wm Cunningham, Moss-side Road, has died of pneumonia following old wounds in a hospital in Pitlochry. Cunningham who was 20 years of age. He had been eight weeks at the front when he was wounded in the leg in his first engagement. The remains were brought home on Tuesday, the coffin being wrapped in the Union Jack. The dirges were played by Pipers who preceded the cortege. The funeral took place on Thursday together with that of Lance-Corporal James Philp, Black watch, who resided at Park Street, and who died in a hospital at Ripon. A Black Watch detachment accompanied by pipers formed the firing party.
Ripon Hospital
The hospital was built of concrete blocks and roofed with grey Welsh slate. It had two operating theatres and the ward was in long huts with beds arranged down both sides. The medical staff lived in quarters along Pateley Road, at its junction with Studley Road .At the end of the war, the hospital was pulled down at the request of the landowner, the Marquis of Ripon, and the land restored to its former agricultural use.
U.K. Register of Soldiers Effects.
7th Battalion Back Watch.
7th Battalion, The Black Watch was a Territorial unit based at St Andrews under command of the Black Watch Brigade, when war broke out in August 1914. They were mobilized and moved to Queensferry to man the Forth Defences. In November 1914 they moved to the Tay Defences. On the 16th of April 1915 they moved to Bedford to join 2nd Highland Brigade in Highland Division and prepare for deployment overseas. They proceeded to France, landing at Boulogne on the 2nd of May 1915. On the 12th of May the formation was renamed 153rd Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division and concentrated in the area of Lillers, Busnes and Robecq. They were rushed to the defence of Ypres when the enemy attacked using poison gas on the 22nd of April 1915, and were in action until the 19th of May when they moved to Estaires on the River Lys. They were in action in The Battle of Festubert and The Second Action of Givenchy before moving south to The Somme taking over the line near Hamel. In 1916 they were in action in the Battles of the Somme, including the attacks on High Wood and The Battle of the Ancre, capturing Beaumont Hamel, taking more than 2000 prisoners.
Pryde
Private William Pryde, 16537, 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry, Born Auchterderran, Fife, Enlisted Cowdenbeath, Killed in action 17th May 1915, Grave reference Panel 37 and 38. Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
C.W.G.C.
Private William Pryde was awarded the British and Victory medals, also the 15 Star; his family would have received the Plaque “Dead man’s Penny” and scroll from King George V.
Posted to France 24th March 1915
William Pryde was born 21st October 1879, Auchterderran, in 1881 aged 1 he was living with his parents, 2 brothers and 2 sisters, his family were. Father, William Pryde 35, occupation Coal Miner, Mother Betsy Pryde 32, Ann Pryde 10, Scholar, Mary Pryde 8, Scholar, David Pryde 6, Scholar, Robert Pryde 3, Address 36 Church Street, Lochgelly, Fife.
1891, saw 11 year old William Pryde who was still at School and living with his family at 15 Mid Street, Auchterderran, his family were, Father, William Pryde 45, Coal Miner, Betsy Pryde 42, Ann Pryde 20, Yarn Weaver, Mary Pryde 18, Yarn Weaver, David Pryde 16, Coal Miner, Robert Pryde 13, Coal Miner, John Pryde 8, Scholar, Robert Baseter (Baxter) 75, Father in Law, Retired miner.
By 1901, William Pryde aged 20, occupation Coal Miner, was living with his family at 15 Lansdale Street, Auchterderran, Father William Pryde 54, Coal Miner Hewer, Mother Betsy Pryde 54, David Pryde 26, Coal Miner, Robert Pryde 23, Coal Miner, John Pryde 19, Coal Miner.
William Pryde aged 21, occupation Coal Miner, usual address Lansdale Street, Lochgelly, married Margaret Muir 17, Damask Factory Weaver, usual Address 3 Foulford Place, Cowdenbeath. At Beath Manse, Cowdenbeath, on the 31st May 1901.
U.K. Army Register of Soldiers effects.
Cowdenbeath War Memorial 