B Coy 9th Scottish Officer Cadet Battalion - Sept 1916 Photo

[IanA]

Outstanding! Do you know if the building pictured still stands?

Hi Daniel. I am not 100% sure but I think the building has gone. It was a favourite spot for the photos of various companies and platoons but it was a golf course before the war and it has reverted to one again. I did take a look using Google Earth and the clubhouse appears fairly modern - perhaps it replaced the old clubhouse.

I'll be interested to see the names of S-M and Officer Instructors on your photograph as I have a magazine produced in 1917 in the camp containing caricatures and articles written by both cadets and staff. The cadets, of course, were there only for a short time but the instructors would be permanent.

Ian

[PPCLI]

Depending on confirmation of initials, then the back (7th) row of 18 officers includes one Victoria Cross, four Military Crosses and four officers died in service. As Colin mentioned in an earlier post, if P.D. Bissett is actually W.D., then William Davidson Bissett was awarded the VC for his actions on 25 Oct 1918.

Daniel, could you please check the following initials:

P.D. Bissett - W.D. ?

R.?. Craig - R.W.

C. Lawrence - O.

L.S. Wilson - J.S.

H.J. Wheatley - R.J.

Cheers,

Stuart

[ph0ebus]

Daniel, could you please check the following initials:

P.D. Bissett - W.D. ?

R.?. Craig - R.W.

C. Lawrence - O.

L.S. Wilson - J.S.

H.J. Wheatley - R.J.

Cheers,

Stuart

Hi Stuart,

I rechecked the names above:

#1 P.D. Bissett is definitely written PD and not WD

#2 is indeed R.W. Craig

#3 is simply written C Lawrence

#4 is definitely written LS and not JS Wilson

#5 is in fact R.J. Wheatley

I checked the other names and S.S. Raper is definitely written as I transcribed it, as is J.A. Aucrum.

I transcribed the last two rows and will post those names shortly.

Daniel

[ph0ebus]

Second Row:

J.W.Ritchie

A.F. Yorke

J. Moran

Sergt. C. Rome C.S.M.

T.W. Bokenliam (?)

Sergt. Instr. J. Kane

Sergt. Instr. J. Smith C.S.M. (?)

T.A. Bentley

Capt. J.S. Ritson

Maj. A.B. Wilkie

Capt. J.J. Greive CQMS

R. Joaling (?)

Sergt. Instr. J. Vickars

Sergt. Instr. J. Rickwood

Sergt. Instr. E. Burrows

F.W. McLean

W.V. Thomsen (?)

Sergt. R.M. Fazdean (or R. McFazdean)

A. Chamberlayne

H.G. Walrie (?)

[ph0ebus]

Front Row:

H.E. Chapman

J.G. Steel

V.W. Maxwell

W. Davidson

G.G. Carmichael

G.B. Miller

W.M. Bruce

J. Whigham

N.J. Miller

J.G. Gordon

J. Hamilton

T.A. Hamilton

Geo. B. Dobson

W.A.A. Cairns (?)

N.J. Angus

A.D. Cameron

T.B. Waddell

[PPCLI]

Hi Daniel,

I have based some of my alternative initials on the basis that 1. I can't find a likely candidate with the initials as given and 2. these alternatives are found among other names that fit your transcription. For example, W.D. Bissett, Saml. McGaw, J.C. Murray, N.W. Ross and W.H. Sutherland are all listed on the same page of the London Gazette. Similarly, J.S. Wilson, and S.E. Raper are on the same LG page as about another dozen of your transcribed names.

Below is a photo of William Davidson Bissett - any resemblance to your back row, 2nd from left?

[source: http://fraserclan.net/?page_id=37]

Cheers,

Stuart

[ph0ebus]

Hi Daniel,

I have based some of my alternative initials on the basis that 1. I can't find a likely candidate with the initials as given and 2. these alternatives are found among other names that fit your transcription. For example, W.D. Bissett, Saml. McGaw, J.C. Murray, N.W. Ross and W.H. Sutherland are all listed on the same page of the London Gazette. Similarly, J.S. Wilson, and S.E. Raper are on the same LG page as about another dozen of your transcribed names.

Below is a photo of William Davidson Bissett - any resemblance to your back row, 2nd from left?

[source: http://fraserclan.net/?page_id=37]

Cheers,

Stuart

Here's the man in question, as photographed via my phone. Best I can do at the moment. What do you think?

-Daniel

[BottsGreys]

I would say the subjects in both pics do favor each other--the long, slender shapes of the faces and the left ears to me both look similar.

Chris

[ph0ebus]

Another photo of the man, side by side (I hope)

-Daniel

[Roxy]

Daniel,

If not the same man, they're from the same stable!

Roxy

[ph0ebus]

Did William Davidson Bissett have any brothers?

-Daniel

[rolt968]

I have just located at least one more picture of 9 Officer Cadet Battalion at Gailes (February to August 1918). It is in the John Macdonald Cassells collection at Angus Archives. There is also another which may be group of men from the battalion. This information is from the catalogue. I have not seen either yet.

Roger.

[ph0ebus]

Are pictures like this common? Other than the London Gazette, what other resources (besides Ancestry) would you recommend consulting? I am ready to dig in!

Daniel

[IanA]

I imagine each man in the company bought a copy. I shall try to put up some of my collection over the next day or two.

[ph0ebus]

I hope to start by learning more about George D. Munro, the man whose photo this was. Right now, all I have is his name and a photo.

Crossing fingers,

Daniel

[ph0ebus]

The good news is I finally fixed my scanner!

The bad news is the photo is so large it won't fit in my scanner and any effort to scan it results in a photo that looks like it was taken through a muddy window. My camera phone picture was better! I guess I will have to take a picture of the picture and also individual close-ups in order to accomplish what I want to do. C'est la vie.

-Daniel

[PPCLI]

Hi Daniel,

George Duncan Munro

Born: 19 Nov 1890, Arkendeith, Avoch, Black Isle, Ross-shire; son of John (Farmer, Arkendeith) and Margaret

Address: Bank of Montreal, 64 Wall Street, New York

Occupation: Bank Clerk

Enlisted: 16 Nov 1914, Montreal (LAC attestation papers)

R&F service: Private 65650, 24th Bn Canadian Expeditionary Force

France: 15 Sep 1915

Commission: 19 Dec 1916, Seaforth Highlanders

Officer service: Lieutenant, Seaforth Highlanders

London Gazette:

Issue 29887, 1 Jan 1917, p65 - The undermentioned cadets to be 2nd Lts. (on prob.). 19th Dec. 1916:—Seaforth Highlanders. George Duncan Munro.

Issue 30782, 6 July 1918, p8024 - 2nd Lt. G. D. Munro to be Lt., next above Lt. R. C. S. Ross. 19th June 1918.

National Archives: WO 374/49611 MUNRO, Lieut G D 1914-1921

Cheers,

Stuart

[IanA]

I had thought of adding some photos to this thread but decided it would be more appropriate to give each one a thread of its own. I have retained Daniel's heading format.

[PPCLI]

I had thought of adding some photos to this thread but decided it would be more appropriate to give each one a thread of its own. I have retained Daniel's heading format.

Hi Ian,

Good quality photos, thanks for posting. Would you mind scanning and posting the names in the respective threads, please? I am always on the search for photos of KOSB officers and men.

Stuart

[IanA]

Hi Stuart. The names are minute and I will need my specs and a magnifying glass to read them. Also, two are printed in silver on white card (!!!) so I don't think they'll scan very well. I will make an effort to transcribe them in the way that Daniel has done.

Ian

[ph0ebus]

Hi Daniel,

George Duncan Munro

Born: 19 Nov 1890, Arkendeith, Avoch, Black Isle, Ross-shire; son of John (Farmer, Arkendeith) and Margaret

Address: Bank of Montreal, 64 Wall Street, New York

Occupation: Bank Clerk

Enlisted: 16 Nov 1914, Montreal (LAC attestation papers)

R&F service: Private 65650, 24th Bn Canadian Expeditionary Force

France: 15 Sep 1915

Commission: 19 Dec 1916, Seaforth Highlanders

Officer service: Lieutenant, Seaforth Highlanders

London Gazette:

Issue 29887, 1 Jan 1917, p65 - The undermentioned cadets to be 2nd Lts. (on prob.). 19th Dec. 1916:—Seaforth Highlanders. George Duncan Munro.

Issue 30782, 6 July 1918, p8024 - 2nd Lt. G. D. Munro to be Lt., next above Lt. R. C. S. Ross. 19th June 1918.

National Archives: WO 374/49611 MUNRO, Lieut G D 1914-1921

Cheers,

Stuart

Funny, George and I worked only a few blocks from one another (in different eras, of course). I walked past 64 Wall Street twice a day for nine years.

Hi Stuart. The names are minute and I will need my specs and a magnifying glass to read them. Also, two are printed in silver on white card (!!!) so I don't think they'll scan very well. I will make an effort to transcribe them in the way that Daniel has done.

Ian

Did you photograph these or did you scan them, and if so, how?

Having trouble locating a large format scanner, which of course would be ideal...

-Daniel

[IanA]

Did you photograph these or did you scan them, and if so, how?

I photographed them. Too big for a scanner.

[PPCLI]

(Likely) Name/Commission regiment; Date of commission/London Gazette promulgation of commission - followed by service details from MICs; gallantry awards, death in service, if applicable.

Back (7th) Row:

James Collins, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

2nd Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders; Captain 10th Bn Tank Corps

Military Cross (LG Issue 31043, 02/12/1918, p14233):

Lt. James Collins, 7th Bn., Gord. Highrs., T.F., secd. 10th Bn., Tank Corps.

Notwithstanding a bullet hole in his petrol tank, he kept his Tank in action and cleared out a village, taking 150 prisoners. When the infantry advance was held up he directed his Tank against the machine guns which were resisting, and silenced them. The infantry were then able to continue their progress. Throughout the action his courage and determination were an inspiration to all.

William Davidson Bissett, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29909, 19/01/1917, p761

Victoria Cross (LG Issue 31108, 06/01/1919):

Lt. William Davidson Bissett, 1/6th Bn., Arg. & Suth'd Highrs. (T.F.).

For most conspicuous bravery and leadership East of Maing on the 25th October, 1918, when in command of a platoon, which he led to its objective with great dash.

Later, owing to casualties, he took command of the company and handled it with great skill after a determined enemy counter- attack had turned his left flank. Realising the danger, he withdrew to the railway, thus temporarily saving the situation. The enemy, however, continued to advance in force after his men had exhausted their ammunition. Thereupon, under heavy fire, he mounted the railway embankment., and, calling upon his men to charge with the bayonet, drove back the enemy with heavy loss, and later, again charging forward, established his line.

By his splendid example and fine leadership Lt. Bissett was the means of saving a critical situation.

Ronald Cedric Spence Ross, Seaforth Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly 65855, 24th Bn CEF; BEF 15/09/15

Captain, Seaforth Highlanders

James Watt McManus Taylor, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Alexander Tudhope Gray, Scottish Rifles, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly M2/120541, ASC, Egypt 24/10/15

2nd Lieut. 6th Scottish Rifles attd 10th Scottish Rifles

Killed in action 21/04/1917, age 35; Arras Memorial, Bay 6; Son of Major and Mrs. T. Gray of 1 Chapel Street, Carluke, Lanarkshire; husband of Rosina Gray, 16 Blenkarne Road, Wandsworth Common, London.

John Herd, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Frederick Charles Slater, Seaforth Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly L/Cpl 1947, 1/6th Seaforth Highlanders; BEF 01/05/1915

Lieutenant, 1st Seaforth Highlanders

Ronald William Craig, Machine Gun Corps, 29/12/1916, LG Issue 29904, 16/01/1917, p611

Lieutenant, 34th MG Coy.

Military Cross (LG Issue 30561, 07/03/1918, p2910-11):

T./.Lt. Robert William Craig, M.G. Corps.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was wounded during an advance, but continued in command, and, under heavy machine gun fire, went from one position to another and saw that his guns were placed in their positions. His coolness under heavy fire set a splendid example to all.

Killed in action 17/04/1918, age 29; Ploegsteert Memorial, Panel 11; Son of the late Walter and Ellen Brunton Craig, of 77, Coniston Rd., Edinburgh; husband of Elizabeth Menzies Jupp Craig, of 79, Morningside Park, Edinburgh. Served at Gallipoli with Royal Scots (Queen's Edinburgh Rifles).

Oliver Lawrence, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly Driver 1427, HFA 29th Div, RAMC; T4/214507 ASC; MEF 16/03/1915

2nd Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders

Robert Henderson, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

2nd Lieutenant, 1/4th Gordon Highlanders

Killed in action 16/04/1917, age 23; Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, VI. B. 11; Son of Peter and Helen Henderson, of 223, Gorgie Rd., Edinburgh.

John Sutherland Wilson, 23/11/1916, LG Issue 29840, 28/11/1916, p11614

Formerly Sgt 2365, Gordon Highlanders; France 19/02/1915

Captain, Gordon Highlanders

William Fulton Walker, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 23/11/1916, LG Issue 29840, 28/11/1916, p11614

Formerly Pte 4895, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

2nd Lieut. 5th Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Eligible for Silver War Badge

Norman Stuart Mackay, Highland Light Infantry, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly Pte 2783, 1/6th Highland Light Infantry; Gallipoli 02/07/1915

2nd Lieutenant, 1/6th Highland Light Infantry

Ronald James Wheatley, Machine Gun Corps, 29/12/1916, LG Issue 29904, 16/01/1917, p611

Formerly 2404/350535, 9th Royal Scots; BEF 24/02/1915

Lieutenant, 30th Bn Machine Gun Corps

Military Cross (LG Issue 31158, 01/02/1919, p1701):

T./Lt. Ronald James Wheatley, 30th Bn., M.G. Corps.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the advance against the Messines Ridge on 28th September, 1918. Accompanying the leading waves of infantry, he went forward with his scouts, when there was a check owing to machine-gun fire, and sent back useful information, besides moving across the front and establishing touch be- tween neighbouring units. His work in reconnaissance was of a high order.

Robert Elliott Huggan, Highland Light Infantry, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p66

Formerly 3840, Highland Light Infantry

Commissioned 9th Highland Light Infantry, attd 3rd/1st King's African Rifles

Died 29/05/1918, age 25; Mangochi Town Cemetery, Plot 57; Son of William and Margaret Huggan, of 41, Tassie St., Shawlands, Glasgow.

George Gilbert Lean, Highland Light Infantry, 23/11/1916, LG Issue 29840, 28/11/1916, p11614

Formerly Pte 2966, 1/9th HLI; BEF 05/11/1914

Lieutenant, 1/6th Highland Light Infantry

John Merry Paterson, Highland Light Infantry, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p66

Formerly Sgt 4198/331453, 1/9th HLI; BEF 13/10/1915

2nd Lieutenant, Highland Light Infantry

Military Cross (LG Issue 30614, 06/04/1918, p4223):

2nd Lt. John Merry Paterson, H.L.I.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of his company when his company commander was wounded, and led them most ably against a strong enemy position. He captured the position, and, though wounded, remained with his men until severely wounded a second time. He showed magnificent leadership and courage.

Eligible for Silver War Badge

Feel free to add further details.

Stuart

[PPCLI]

Sixth Row:

Samuel McGaw, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29909, 19/01/1917, p761

Formerly A/Sgt 2553, 1/4th Gordon Highlanders; BEF 19/02/1915

2nd Lieutenant Gordon Highlanders

John Charles Edward Murray, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29909, 19/01/1917, p761

2nd Lieutenant & Lieutenant, 5th Gordon Highlanders; BEF 21/05/1917; [PoW]; Exonerated Officers List

William George Murray, Gordon Highlanders, 23/11/1916, LG Issue 29840, 28/11/1916, p11614

Formerly Sgt 1472, 1/4th Gordon Highlanders; BEF 19/02/1915

Lieutenant 4th Gordon Highlanders

Thomas Paul Johnston, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly Sapper 438878, 2nd Field Coy., Canadian Engineers; BEF 21/12/1915

Douglas William Milne, Gordon Highlanders, 23/11/1916, LG Issue 29852, 07/12/1916, p11951

Formerly Pte 3226, 14th London Regiment; BEF 18/03/1915

Lieutenant Gordon Highlanders

Gerrard Charles Matthew Gardiner, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

2nd Lieutenant, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

George Duncan Munro, Seaforth Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Enlisted 16/11/1914, Montreal; formerly 65650, 24th Bn CEF; BEF 15/09/15

Lieutenant, Seaforth Highlanders

George Austin Walker Anderson, Highland Light Infantry, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p66

Lieutenant, 7th Highland Light Infantry

Robert Pollock McLellan, Highland Light Infantry, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly 2593, 1/1st Lovat’s Scout; Gallipoli 26/09/1915

Lieutenant, Highland Light Infantry

David Doig, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly 73/15359 Army Cyclist Corps; Gallipoli 28/07/1915

2nd Lieutenant Gordon Highlanders; Lieutenant, King’s African Rifles

Andrew Dempster Cairns, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

2nd Lieutenant, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders

Eligible for Silver War Badge

Archibald McFarlane, Highland Light Infantry, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly Pte S/11775; BEF 10/05/1915

2nd Lieutenant, Machine Gun Corps; Lieutenant, Highland Light Infantry

Edwin Cameron Davis, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly Pte 2081, Cameron Highlanders; BEF 19/02/1915

Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders

Frank Dougherty, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly Cpl 1441, Cameron Highlanders; BEF 19/02/1915

2nd Lieutenant, 11th Royal Scots; Lieutenant 4th Gordon Highlanders

Alexander Vivian Stewart, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29885, 30/12/1916, p12742

Formerly L/Cpl 2371, 1/9th Royal Scots; BEF 24/02/1915

Lieutenant 4th Gordon Highlanders

Killed in action 23/04/1917, age 21; Arras Memorial, Bay 8 and 9; Son of the Rev. Alex. Stewart and Mary J. Rae Stewart, of 21, Greenbank Crescent, Edinburgh. Enlisted Aug., 1914. A Medical Student (Edinburgh University).

Malcolm Matheson, Royal Scots, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29909, 19/01/1917, p760

Formerly Pte 1809, 1/9th Royal Scots; BEF 24/02/1915

2nd Lieutenant, 1/5th East Kents; Lieutenant 8th Royal Scots

Charles Leslie Cheyne, Royal Scots, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p63

Formerly L/Cpl 1356, 1/7th Royal Scots; injured in the Quintinshill train disaster; MEF 03/09/1915

2nd Lieutenant 11th Royal Scots

Died of wounds as PoW, 21/04/1918, age 25; Berlin South-Western Cemetery, II. H. 5; Son of Andrew Leslie and Marjory Thowson Cheyne, of Leith, Edinburgh.

William Steel, Royal Scots, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29911, 22/01/1917, p825

Formerly Pte, 2532, 1/9th Royal Scots; BEF 24/02/1915

2nd Lieutenant, Royal Scots; Lieutenant, Royal Air Force

Spencer Stephen Fowlie, Seaforth Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly Pte 3335, 1/4th Gordon Highlanders; France 25/03/15;

6th Seaforth Highlanders

Military Cross (LG Issue 30466, 09/01/1918, p605):

2nd Lt. Spencer Stephen Fowlie, Sea. Highrs.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In spite of heavy machine-gun fire from both flanks, he led his company forward, keeping them under complete control until again met by heavy machine-gun fire from the opposite side of a river. He thereupon proceeded to dig in, and after a daring personal reconnaissance pushed forward posts across the river. His fine leading and unflinching determination were the means of his company gaining their final objective."

William Ledingham Rennie, Gordon Highlanders, 19/12/1916, LG Issue 29887, 01/01/1917, p65

Formerly L/Cpl 3178, 1/5th Gordon Highlanders; BEF 05/12/1915

Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders attd 1/9th Punjabis; 89th Punjabis, Indian Army

Edit: updated entries for John Charles Edward Murray and William Steel

Edited 18 May , 2013 by PPCLI

[ph0ebus]

I'm quite speechless! An impressive amount of information is such a short time. It gives the photo that much more meaning.

-Daniel