Mystery HLI Captain

[Skipman]

This article appears in the  Dundee Evening Telegraph - Friday 18 August 1922.

 

ABERFELDY MAN'S LOST MEMORY. Thought to Have Fallen From Express Cannot Remember Boarding Train.

 

" An army officer of about sixty, who fell from a train while travelling from Carlisle to London, is lying at Carlisle Infirmary in a serious condition. He was found unconscious in a field at a point seven miles from Penrith about six o'clock in the morning. In his wallet, it is stated, was a card bearing the name and address of Captain F. W. Ewan, late Highland Light Infantry, Ardmay Hotel, London, and a ticket showing that he had booked from Dundee to London. How the accident occurred has not been ascertained. It was conjectured that the officer was a passenger by the midnight express from Carlisle, and had fallen from the train, but inquiries reveal that no passenger has been missed. In conversation late to-day, Captain Ewan said he was formerly in the H.L.I. He had had a nervous breakdown, and had gone to Aberfeldy, his native town, for a change. He thinks he was in Scotland for about a fortnight, but cannot remember boarding the London train on Thursday night, nor explain how he fell on the railway line. He is sure, he says, that his luggage is still at an Aberfeldy hotel. "

 

There is a Medal Index Card for a Francis William Ewan, 14th HLI but not sure this is him or not.

 

The article also mentions that Aberfeldy was his native town but have found no mention of that, and cannot see a man of this name born in Aberfeldy, though there is one of that name born at Monifieth in 1861.

 

An article in the  The Scotsman - Monday 21 August 1922  gives this officers name as "John"

 

Who is this mystery man and is there an Aberfeldy connection other than the fact he might have stayed at a local hotel for a few nights?

 

Mike

Edited 26 December , 2017 by Skipman

[charlie962]

An earlier article, Dundee Courier, 1915           

                                                   

Edited 26 December , 2017 by charlie962

[charlie962]

I agree that the 1861 born  scotsman seems closest probable fit. Perhaps Aberfeldy was 'confusion' ?

[Guest]

Thank you Charlie. Yes possibly confused state. Possible he spent some time in the area at some point.

 

Mike

[rolt968]

His family were jute spinners. He was a jute broker (1901 census). I wonder if there was family house in Aberfeldy?

RM

[charlie962]

There are lots of Findmypast hits for him and maybe one will point to Aberfeldy, which is in the same kneck of the woods (ie north of Hadrian's Wall).

                  

 

There is a record or two for  a Francis William Ewan of the Royal Fusiliers (23rd Sportsmans Bn). Given that Census shows him living in London and he died in London, could this be the same man?

                  

First name(s)	Francis William
Last name	Ewan
Rank	Captain
Regiment	The Royal Fusiliers (City Of London Regiment)
Year	1914-19
Archive	The National Archives
Archive reference	WO 339/23717

                               

[Guest]

   In my humble experience, it would be unprecedented for an officer to have 2 files at Kew- but,there again, as readers will know, anything is possible with the British Government-then and n.....  (No,say no more-it might be construed as political)

    There are  2 men with the same name. The HLI would appear to be the correct one. But no harm in looking. Can't guarantee it this week, but the only way is to pull the officer file at Kew.  BNA is throwing up a man of the same man commissioned in Seaforth Highlanders in 1915  (8th or 13th?)- but the London Gazette website is proving uncooperative today to confirm it.

 

        Hmmm- Officer file without a medal card...........    and medal card without an officer file. Likely to be the same man. 

   

• Captain Francis William EWAN. The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).

  War Office: Officers' Services, First World War, Long Number Papers (numerical). Officers Services (including Civilian Dependants and Military Staff Appointments): Long Service Papers. Captain Francis William EWAN. The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).

  Held by:	The National Archives - War Office, Armed Forces, Judge Advocate General, and related bodies
  Date:	1914 - 1919
  Reference:	WO 339/23717
  Subjects:	Armed Forces (General Administration) | Army | Conflict | Operations, battles and campaigns

• Medal card of Ewan, Francis William. Corps: Highland Light Infantry. Rank: Second Lieutenant.

  War Office: Service Medal and Award Rolls Index, First World War. Everitt H - Gibson A. Medal card of Ewan, Francis William. Corps Regiment No Rank Highland Light Infantry Second Lieutenant. 14th Highland Light Infantry Captain.

  Held by:	The National Archives - War Office, Armed Forces, Judge Advocate General, and related bodies
  Date:	1914 - 1920
  Reference:	WO 372/7/1591
  Subjects:	Armed Forces (General Administration) | Army | Conflict | Medals | Operations, battles and campaigns

•  

 

Edited 27 December , 2017 by Guest

[rolt968]

Most of the F[rancis] W[illiam] Ewans listed are the same man (Captain HLI) but I can make nothing of the Captain in the RF so far. It's a bit odd that the HLI man is catalogued as a 2 Lieutenant. The LG of 1 Jan 1916 lists his promotion (appointment?) to temporary captain - though he may not have been made permanent.

 

The man married in India and the man living in Thames Ditton (with wife Bertha) are the man born in Monifieth.

He arrived in France on 18 Aug 1815 apparently for the HLI, but that would be too early for 14 HLI (MIRC - ancestry).

 

I will try to work out a time line.

RM

 

Edit: Oops, 18 August 1915!

Edited 28 December , 2017 by rolt968

[Guest]

I can't see anyone called "Ewan" in the HLI Chronicles at all, the nearest can find is the attached.

 

 

Mike

[Guest]

Just found this in the Dundee Courier

 

I wonder if he visited Aberfeldy as part of recruiting campaign? I posted a photograph some time ago of a recruitment meeting at Aberfeldy in the Square about 1915. Will see if can find it. Not convinced the officer was HLI but who knows

 

Excuse typos, have just copied OCR text

 

RECRUITS FOR 14th H.L.I. TO THE EDITOR OF THE COURIER. Sir, —On my former recruiting visit to Dundee on behalf of the 14th H.L.I. Bantam battalion—much assistance was given by the local press, with the result that the Dundee contingent numbered over 300 men, a very handsome contribution towards the present completion of the battalion for service abroad. As wa expect to go out as a unit, and so require total of 1600 at least to make up the first line and the nucleus of a reserve battalion, I havo been sent North to continue recruiting, and I trust that you will continue your former kind services by inserting this letter in your next issue. Between my former visit and this visit have been with the battalion at Troon, and I was struck with the improvement in physique of the men during the short time they have been in training. The Brigadier- General, an inspection of the battalion in his command, commended Colonel Critchley Salmonson on the appearance of the men and on the manner in which, they executed the various movements. Their good appearance ue to the outdoor life they enjoy, u 6 conditions under which they live, the physical drill they undergo, and the good quality of the food supplied; and the officers from C.O. downwards take a personal interest in the men. hops young men of military age up to 5 ft. 2 ins. will come forward once, the training is going on at Aldershot, and the men are anxious to have a go at the enemy as soon possible. A little man is as good as tall man for trench warfare, for shooting, and even in bayonet charge. Look at the Japanese, a little people—fight none better; so little men, come forward now! It will be noticed that my sister, Miss Ewan, :s advertising for comforts sent to tho H.L.I. Bantams, and the ladies of Dundee and district will show their accustomed liberality towards them, seeing the battalion has a large quota of Dundee boys.— I am, &c., F. W. Ewan, lieut. 14th Bt. H.L.I. Dundee, Ist October, 1915.

 

Mike

[charlie962]

Courtesy of FindmyPast:

                                      

[Guest]

Also

 

Mike

[Guest]

Photograph here on old thread. Could that be an HLI officer? Click

 

Mike

[rolt968]

On the manifest for the Carmania sailing from Liverpool on 11 July 1925 he gives as his nearest relative in the UK his [elder] brother, Col Thomas D Ewan, Beechen House, Lyndhurst. (ancestry)

 

Has anyone found his original commission?

 

RM

[The Inspector]

Hi  Mike and All

The elder brother would appear to be Colonel Thomas  G  Ewan, CB,VD,TD of Beechen House, Lyndhurst, Hampshire. according to a directory from 1927.

Probate.. Thomas GEORGE  Ewan died 6.12.1937.

FRANCIS WILLIAM EWAN was born 30th Dec 1860. Monifieth, Angus, Scotland., died 1921 ??? according to one Public Tree on Ancestry. However Death cert. 1a,472,  shows 1.6.1928 Chelsea , according to another tree.  I  think it is him.

Regards Barry

Edited 28 December , 2017 by The Inspector

[wbremner]

19 hours ago, charlie962 said:

There is a record or two for  a Francis William Ewan of the Royal Fusiliers (23rd Sportsmans Bn). Given that Census shows him living in London and he died in London, could this be the same man?

1

 

I have "F W Ewan" in my Sportsman's Battalions database with a service number SPTS/286, which means he enlisted in mid-Sept 1914, before the battalion was assigned to the Royal Fusiliers. As of Sep 19th 1914, “600 applications have been received, including doctors, consulting engineers, and stockbrokers, in addition to many sporting men of leisure.”

 

A profile of him in the first issue of the Sportsman's Gazette (Dec 22 1914) reads as follows:

 

Ewan, F. W. (Private).—At an early age went to India and remained in Calcutta for over fifteen years. Joined the Calcutta Light Horse. Has visited many training camps in this country, India, and South Africa, and is of opinion that, with the exception of perhaps “Roberts Heights,” in Pretoria, “Grey Towers” is the best he has seen. Private Ewan’s only regret seems to be that the Sportsman’s Battalion is not mounted.

 

IF it is the same FW Ewan who was in the HLI, it would make some sense given that he joined the Sportsman's at an advanced age (55), had previous military experience, and a potential Scottish connection, and parlayed his background to get a commission in the 23rd RF before transferring to another regiment.

 

Lt. F W Ewan of the HLI went over to France on 18-8-15, according to the Service Medal and Award Rolls (1914-15 Star). Again, IF that is the same man, he would have left the 23rd RF before that battalion went over to France in November 1915. 

 

Hope this is helpful,

 

WB

[rolt968]

According to the 1915 Army List: Temporary Lieutenant, 14 HLI, 1 Mar 1915. Is that the date of his commission or appointment as temporary lieutenant?

RM

Edit: He is not in February 1915, so it must be his commission.

 

The London Gazette page is here:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29102/page/2631

That looks like straight to temporary lieutenant. Can it be?

Edited 28 December , 2017 by rolt968

[rolt968]

2 hours ago, wbremner said:

 

I have "F W Ewan" in my Sportsman's Battalions database with a service number SPTS/286, which means he enlisted in mid-Sept 1914, before the battalion was assigned to the Royal Fusiliers. As of Sep 19th 1914, “600 applications have been received, including doctors, consulting engineers, and stockbrokers, in addition to many sporting men of leisure.”

 

A profile of him in the first issue of the Sportsman's Gazette (Dec 22 1914) reads as follows:

 

Ewan, F. W. (Private).—At an early age went to India and remained in Calcutta for over fifteen years. Joined the Calcutta Light Horse. Has visited many training camps in this country, India, and South Africa, and is of opinion that, with the exception of perhaps “Roberts Heights,” in Pretoria, “Grey Towers” is the best he has seen. Private Ewan’s only regret seems to be that the Sportsman’s Battalion is not mounted.

 

IF it is the same FW Ewan who was in the HLI, it would make some sense given that he joined the Sportsman's at an advanced age (55), had previous military experience, and a potential Scottish connection, and parlayed his background to get a commission in the 23rd RF before transferring to another regiment.

 

Lt. F W Ewan of the HLI went over to France on 18-8-15, according to the Service Medal and Award Rolls (1914-15 Star). Again, IF that is the same man, he would have left the 23rd RF before that battalion went over to France in November 1915. 

 

Hope this is helpful,

 

WB

It is quite likely that he went to India since both he and his father were in the jute and linen business. However he cannot have stayed there fifteen continuous years at an early age, since I can account for him on an England or Scotland census from 1861 to 1901, inclusive.

 

However I have him going to India in 1898 and marrying in Calcutta in 1895. I have not found him in Scotland or England in the 1911 census.

 

Time to move on to the FIBIS database.

 

One curiosity. he went to France in August 1915 with/to HLI, but the Army List has him allocated to 14 HLI, which battalion did he go to (if any)?

RM

[wbremner]

14 minutes ago, rolt968 said:

However he cannot have stayed there fifteen continuous years at an early age, since I can account for him on an England or Scotland census from 1861 to 1901, inclusive.

2

 

That's assuming that he was actually present when they took the census. It's possible that "remained in Calcutta for over 15 years" means that he was based there for most of that period and returned from time to time to England, possibly around the same time the census was taken. I have found census records, on some occasions, to be more directionally indicative of what a person was doing that an accurate record of their movements over time. But then, I have also found some of the Sportsman's Gazette profiles to be somewhat "inflated"!

 

Regarding the Jute business, this BBC article "The history of mills in Dundee" mentions a John Ewan, Lord Provost of Dundee, as the owner of a Jute Mill in Dundee in the mid-1800s. The article goes on to describe how in the early 1900s Calcutta overtook Dundee in the Jute industry and the connection between the two cities. Quite interesting.

 

WB

[charlie962]

2 hours ago, wbremner said:

Quite interesting.

It is fascinating seeing how the bits come together with always the risk that one gets sidetracked onto say the history of jute trading!

 

I see that there are several imigration records for a possible F or FW Ewen that suggest a number of trips back and forth from India, which might just have put him by chance in UK at say the 1901 census.

 

Charlie

[rolt968]

Returning to the original question for a minute:

 

I have traced six siblings and so far found no connection to Aberfeldy. However it is possible that the family or some part of it rented a house for the summer.

 

It is tempting to suppose that he had been visiting his elderly mother and unmarried sister who were living in Broughty Ferry/ Monifieth at the time. His mother died aged 95 (or so) in 1925.

 

Digressing towards the jute industry for a minute, his father was Francis Mol[l]ison Ewan who appears many times in the local papers. He died in 1887. At one time he was associated with the Verdant (Jute) Mill in Dundee.

https://www.verdantworks.com/verdant-works-story/

 

RM

 

Edit: It would be interesting to see if the family were regular visitors and are mentioned in the Aberfeldy local paper.

Edited 28 December , 2017 by rolt968

[rolt968]

23 hours ago, Skipman said:

Photograph here on old thread. Could that be an HLI officer? Click

 

Mike

 

The only possibility would be 9 (Highland) HLI. The uniform was similar to the Black Watch.

[Guest]

Many thanks for all your replies, very interesting and it's amazing what turns up when the Forum gets 'stuck-in'

 

Feel free to pursue. I am only really interested in the connection, if any,  to Aberfeldy. I suppose their must be some reason he has "Aberfeldy" in his head, it's a fairly obscure locality.

 

Mike

[rolt968]

6 minutes ago, Skipman said:

Many thanks for all your replies, very interesting and it's amazing what turns up when the Forum gets 'stuck-in'

 

Feel free to pursue. I am only really interested in the connection, if any,  to Aberfeldy. I suppose their must be some reason he has "Aberfeldy" in his head, it's a fairly obscure locality.

 

Mike

 

I agree, I wonder if the family had regular a holiday home when he was young.

 

I was looking at the original report.

 

A ticket booked from Dundee makes a visit to Monifieth/Broughty Ferry more likely.

 

If he had been at Aberfeldy, if he didn't book from Aberfeldy, he would have booked from Perth, which was on the West Coast route to London via Carlisle (not via Dundee). He would actually have had to pass through Perth to get to Dundee.

 

Of course he could have become confused before he set off, found himself in Dundee and booked a ticket home.

 

I think we have proved that he wasn't an "Aberfeldy Man". But why did he think he was, assuming that the newspaper report has the correct report of what he actually said (at least second hand)?

 

RM

[charlie962]

What became of his wife in all this? Why was he living in hotels at both ends ?