5/6th Scottish Rifles

[IanA]

I've tried to PM Barrie Duncan but he's not receiving messages just now so I throw this open to the floor, hoping that someone will be able to assist.

I'm researching my local war memorial and I've come up with a chap in the above outfit who died 24/2/19 called Alexander Mabon (41659) buried in Coldingham churchyard. I can't find out a thing about him - no death certificate so I presume he wasn't demobilised and then died of 'flu. Has anyone any info on what the 5/6th were doing during the latter stages of the war? Any help will be much appreciated.

Ian

[WilliamRev]

The history of the 5th Scottish Rifles says that the battalion moved from Le Fayel to Rouen on the 13th January..

"...where we joined the huge Demobilisation camp now functioning there....Here we furnished guards over camps and hospitals and prisoners of war. By the end of the month we were down to 30 officers and 491 men...We remained at Rouen until 15th June, furnishing guards for hospitals, Q.M.A.A.C. camps, prisoners of all nations, stores, vehicle parks etc; sad to say we supplied firing parties for numerous funerals."

I think that you may be right: flu in Rouen. I'm sure Barrie and others will be able to supply details from the War Diary.

William

[IanA]

Thanks, William, that's interesting. As I understand it, if he'd died of 'flu in Rouen then he'd be buried in France. I also assume that, by 1919, they were all too familiar with the symptoms - would they take someone suffering from the disease back to Blighty with the risks of spreading the contagion?

[WilliamRev]

Good point - perhaps the War Diary will give a clue....

William

[IanA]

I had searched for a death in Scotland for my man but, late last night, I checked Free BMD and an Alexander Mabon is recorded as having died in the March quarter of 1919 at King's Norton aged 37. There is a distinct possibility that could be him. I think there is/ was a large barracks there.

Ian

[Guest Clark Smith]

Ian A,

My Great Granfathers brother was Alexander Mabon of the 5/6 Scottish Rifles he is buried in Hutton Cemetry in Berwickshire.

The headstone inscription reads:- Alexander Mabon 5/6 Scottish Rifles Died on 24th February 1919 in Hospital Birmingham from wounds received in action France 5th October 1918 aged 39 years.

He was born at Sunwick near Hutton his father was Thomas Mabon and his mother was Margaret maiden name Clark.

Sounds like it could be the same person you are researching.

Good luck

Clark S.