Robertson, William Archibald

Details
Category: 1915-16

William Archibald Robertson

Black Watch

2nd Batt. Black Watch
He is remembered with honour on the Le Touret Memorial, St. Bride’s Church Roll of Honour and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 1 Line 36.

The family home was Hopewell Cottage, Helensburgh The son of William Robertson, (widower) and Jane Robertson.
Siblings: William had one brother, Samuel, serving with the Seaforth Highlanders who died at Loos in September, 1915. He also had another brother, Malcolm and four sisters, Isabella, Chrissie, Winifred and Catherine. 
William Robertson was born in Fife and brought up in Helensburgh where his father was an engineer with the North British Boats.
William was a professional soldier, joining the Scots Greys in 1910 and served in India, then transferring to the Black Watch.
William died at Loos, only a few months after being promoted to Corporal.
He was killed in action in what was described as a 'gallant but unsuccessful attack at the front'. He was 27 years of age.

McLaren, William Butler

Details
Category: 1915-16

William Butler McLaren

Black Watch

9th Batt. Black Watch
He is remembered with honour on St Andrew’s Church Memorial and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 1 Line 26.

The family home was Hermitage Higher Grade School, 9, Argyll Street, Helensburgh. The son of David McLaren.
Siblings: Not Known.

William McLaren was born at Redgorton, Perthshire and spent 27 years as a professional soldier with the Black Watch. He served in the Egyptian War of 1884-5 and received the Nile Expedition Medal, campaign medal and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

He was employed at the Hermitage Higher Grade School in Helensburgh as Janitor, where he was bringing up his family with his wife, Elizabeth. He had four children; William (who served at sea), Isobel, David and Elspeth.

At the outbreak of war, William rejoined his regiment. He was killed in action in France at the age of 49. His body was interred at Philosophe following a concentration from battlefield cemeteries after the Armistice.

Milne, Herbert Wardlaw

Details
Category: 1915-16

Herbert Wardlaw Milne

74th Punjabis

74th Punjabis Indian Army
He is remembered with honour on the Neuve-Chapelle Memorial and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 1 Line 29.

The family home was at Union Bank House, Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh. The son of James Milne (banker) and Elizabeth Milne (nee Warlaw).
Siblings: He had an older brother serving in the Indian Expeditionary Force and two other brothers serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
 Herbert Milne became a professional soldier, commissioned as 2nd Lt. in the Duke of Connaught's Own Sligo Garrison Artillery Militia in 1902 at the age of 19. He transferred to the South Staffordshire Regiment and then to the Indian Army in 1906.
He fought in the South African war and was awarded the King George's Dunbar Medal and the Queen's Medal with two clasps.
With the 74th Punjabis Indian Army, he was serving as adjutant to the 6th Batt. Cameron Highlanders. He died at Loos aged 32. His remains were not recovered. He was mentioned in dispatches, posthumously.

McGeachy, George

Details
Category: 1915-16

George McGeachy

Argylls

1/9th Batt. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
He is remembered with honour on the Menin Gate Memorial and Helensburgh War Memorial Column 1 Line 23.

 

The family home was at 412, Dumbarton Road, Dalmuir. The son of John and Agnes McGeachy.
Siblings: George had one brother, David.

George McGeachy was born in Helensburgh and later moved to Dalmuir with his family.

He later moved again to Killearn Terrace, Springburn with his brother David, a railway engine driver. He was employed as an engine stoker on the railways before he enlisted.

George was killed in action at Ypres at the age of 24. His remains were not recovered.

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