Auchinleck war memorial
Proposals have been developed for the names of 23 servicemen to be added to Auchinleck War Memorial within Auchinleck Parish Churchyard.
The memorial, which was unveiled on 24 December 1922 by Colonel John Douglas Boswell of Auchinleck, was one of many war memorials erected across the UK in the 1920’s in memory of the fallen in the First World War.
After the Second World War, the memorial was inscribed with the names of local men who had given their lives and again after the Falklands War.
Detailed historical research by local historian Rab McMurdo has however highlighted that the names of 11 local men who served in the First World War and 12 local men from the Second World War are not included on the memorial.
Lt.Col. Roger Binks at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh was consulted and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission online records were also checked. Both confirmed that the names should be included on the memorial.
Depute Provost Claire Leitch, local member for Ballochmyle, said: “Until now the war memorial at Auchinleck was believed to contain all the names of local men who had fallen during times of war.
“Local historian, Rab McMurdo, through considerable research, has identified 23 local men who should be included on the war memorial and the addition of their names will ensure that they are properly recognised.
“The years after each World War was a time of great turmoil. So many people had lost loved ones and were struggling to survive in the difficult post war conditions. We want to ensure that everyone is recognised and a public consultation is now underway regarding our proposals to add the 23 names.
“We are seeking your views on this matter and hope that the community or family members of the fallen will get in touch.”
The 23 servicemen’s names are:
WWI
Pte Irvine Anderson, Highland Light Infantry
Pte James Colquhoun, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Gnr John Darroch, Royal Field Artillery
Pte William Eadie, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
L/Cpl Stephen French, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Pte Edward Kennedy, Royal Dublin Fusiliers
Pte John Lockhart, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Pte Samuel McBlane, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Pte James Neil, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Pte William Steele, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Pte Bernard McCann, Royal Scots Fusiliers
WWII
Sgt David H Lamont, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Pte James McMurdo, Black Watch
Cpl Joseph McTurk, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
Sgt David Strachan, Royal New Zealand Air Force
Sgt John Veldon, Royal Artillery
Cpl William Anderson, Royal Scots Fusiliers
L/Cpl James Campbell, Royal Engineers
Eng James Marshall, Merchant Navy
Gnr David McMurdo, Royal Artillery
Fus James Summers, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Pte Samuel Wightman, Pioneer Corps
F/O William Begg, Royal Air Force
If you wish to comment on the proposal please email stuart.nelson@east-ayrshire.gov.uk or submit your comments in writing to Stuart Nelson, Democratic Services Officer, Governance, Council HQ, London Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 7BU.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 25 May.