Alexander James Jack Macara Reid Gordon Highlanders

[Skipman]

I'm trying to identify the service number of Alexander James Jack Macara Reid who according to newspaper report served with the Gordon Highlanders in WW1. He was born at Kirriemuir on the 14th of November, 1900. His adddress at time of death in October 1957 was 2 Church Lane, Kirriemuir. After the war he worked at Kirriemuir Linen Works (Messrs J. & D. Wilkie, Ltd), for some years a dept manager. He served many years in the local Council and was for a short time Provost. Born Kirriemuir 14/11/1900 died October 1957.

 

Mike

[Matlock1418]

21 minutes ago, Skipman said:

Alexander James Jack Macara Reid who according to newspaper report served with the Gordon Highlanders in WW1. He was born at Kirriemuir on the 14th of November, 1900.

Always useful to know the newspaper and/or have the full article.

That seems born pretty late to have served overseas, unless he went young, so limited opportunity for a MIC etc. I guess.

I wonder, if at a date late in the war he was conscripted or perhaps even volunteered into the GH, if he may have served long enough after the war for his records to still be kept by the MoD ???

Names and DoB may help those who can look at the [known partial] list at the MoD to look for/perhaps find him. ???

M

Edited 14 February , 2022 by Matlock1418

[Skipman]

Thanks M

 

A rough transcript of the newspaper (copied and pasted and a link)

 

3/10/1957 Thursday  Fine Record Of Public Service DEATH OF PROVOST REID Much regret was felt in the town yesterday on learnin g of the death in Dunde e Royal Infirm:try of l'rovost Alexander Reid. 2 .2h Linz.. Kirriemuir. tie hadn t enjoyed the bast o: health in recent months, and several week s ago he entered the Infirmary, where he underwent a serious operation. A native of the town, he was a son of the lat. Mr and Mrs Reid, Tillyloss. Brechin Road, his father being a gardener of no mean reput,!, lie was a former pupil of Reform Street Sz•hool, of which he always held a proud regard. Provost Reid spent the greater part of his life as an employee in Kirriemuir Linen Works (Messrs J. & D. Wilkie, Ltd), and for a considerable period acted in the capacity of departmental manager. During hi s many years on the Town Council, he has acted as Dean of Guild, and was senior magistrate for two terms. _ _ He was appointed Provost in May of this year, and his elevation to the honour was fully merited, his record of municipal service being exemplary in every way. lie had the welfare of the community very close at heart, and it could be very true to state that he nev...r had - an axe to grind, - his forthrightness being one of his impressionable qualities. That he had the public behind him in all his municipal aspirations was conclusively proved by the fact that on two ozcasions he topped the election poll with convincing majorities. His term as Provost has b.en perhaps unique in the very short time he has been spared to discharge the duties Provost Reid saw service in the first World War with the Gordon Highlanders. An elder of the South Parish C.hurch. he was a member of Lodge Airlie (No 286), and also a member of th e former Kirriemuir Instrumental Band. _ A Justice of the Pee. the Provost wa s a member of the local committee that worked in conjunction with the Dundee Blood Transfusion Unit. He was formerly connected with Kirriemuir Youth Panel. . . In his 17th year. he is survived by his wife and two daughters, both of whom are married.

 

Kirriemuir Free Press and Angus Advertiser https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003520/19571003/010/0001

[Matlock1418]

1 minute ago, Skipman said:

A rough transcript of the newspaper

OCR but certainly enough to get the gist = Thanks.

Very spartan on the GH!

I'm still pondering about possible post-war service and the MoD - and hoping someone can look there for you.

M

[Skipman]

Thanks again. Yes bit late for service but maybe served Germany or somewhere. Six of his brothers served, two killed.

 

Mike

[rolt968]

Do any records survive for his brothers? There may be something useful on them.

RM

Edited 16 February , 2022 by rolt968

[Skipman]

54 minutes ago, rolt968 said:

Do any records survive for his brothers? Ther may be something useful on them.

RM

 

Thanks RM

 

I don't think so, other than an uncle John who served in the AIF.  Just the usual Mics, rolls, etc. There's Cpl 9838 George Reid, 1st Black Watch, DOW 31/12/1914. Pte 10704 James Reid 2/HLI, KIA 20/9/1914. Sgt (9892 not certain but think this his number) Stewart Reid, 2nd Black Watch. Private D/10770 & 390117 Edwin Donald Reid 1st Dragoon Guards, the 390117 number is later service in tanks, he served into 1920. Don't have a number for David but supposed to have served RGA in S Africa. I don't have a number for William Lakie Reid but he served Black Watch, originally 5th battalion?

 

Mike