New book commemorates the Fallen of Hamilton

A new book which tells the stories of the fallen of the two World Wars from the parish of Hamilton has been produced as the result of a community volunteer project.

A book commemorating the men of Hamilton West Parish Church who died during both World Wars has been produced by a team of volunteers. Led by Lindsay Freeland, whose father and uncle were both killed during World War Two, 'The Fallen of Hamilton West Parish Church in the Two World Wars records the lives and deaths of 40 men, as well as giving details of battles, campaigns, regiments, battalions and cemeteries. 

Photographs, maps, plans and contemporary newspaper reports and advertisements have been included, along with images of personal items such as letters, a list of a soldier’s belongings and a poem.

The book is a sister publication to 'The Fallen of Hamilton, Scotland in the Great War 1914-1918', which was launched last August.  A joint project between members of Hamilton West Parish Church and Lanarkshire Family History Society, it was also led by Lindsay Freeland.  It memorialized almost 1200 men who died in World War One and were either commemorated in Hamilton or were born in, or resided in, the town.

DEDICATION SERVICE

Both books will be dedicated during a Drumhead Service to be held in the West Parish Church on 14 June 2015.  This joint ecumenical service with Gilmour and Whitehill Church will be conducted by Reverend John Thomson, TD JP BD ThM, formerly a Chaplain in the Royal Naval Reserve and to the Territorial Army 105 Regiment, Royal Artillery.

The service will also mark the centenary on 15 June 2015 of the deaths of 37 members of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) from Hamilton, who fell in The Second Action of Givenchy in France on that day. Another two of their comrades died in the days following. Poppies for these 39 soldiers will be laid by young people from the churches.

The books' The Fallen of Hamilton West Parish Church in the Two World Wars 1914 – 1918 and 1939 – 1945', priced at £5, and 'The Fallen of Hamilton, Scotland in the Great War 1914 – 1918', priced at £10, are available from Lanarkshire Family History Society’s Research Centre, 122-124 Merry Street, Motherwell (opening hours on website) or by e-mail.

A donation will be made to Erskine Hospital for every copy of 'The Fallen of Hamilton, Scotland in the Great War 1914 – 1918' sold.

READ MORE ABOUT SCOTLAND IN WORLD WAR ONE AND WORLD WAR TWO IN OUR SPECIAL WARTIME ARCHIVES.