Currie, John Eugene Havelock

Details
Category: 1915-16

John Eugene Havelock Currie

nurse

1st Batt. Royal Scots Fusiliers
He is remembered with honour on the Scottish National War Memorial, Glasgow University Roll of Honour, the Le Touret Memorial and the Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 1 Line 15. John was awarded the D.C.M. for 'great gallantry and devotion to duty'

The family home was at 84 Springkell Avenue, Pollockshields, Glasgow
The son of Cecil Charles David Currie (wine merchant) and Mary Jane Watson Currie.
Siblings: Two younger sisters, Alice and Marion.

John Currie was born at Burnside Cottage, Helensburgh and later moved with the family to Glasgow, where his father was a wine merchant. He came from a military family. He was educated at The High School of Glasgow and studied Chemistry at the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College (later Strathclyde University). He was a member of the Cadet Corps at school and the O.T.C. at university. He worked as an analytical chemist with Messrs Alex Ferguson and Co. in Maryhill.

At the outbreak of war, he was offered a commission but due to delay he enlisted as a private with the 5th Cameron Highlanders and was then gazetted to the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He served with the 8th, 3rd and 1st Battalions and deployed to France in July 1915.

John was shot whilst leading a working party attempting to cut a path through the woods to the enemy lines. He was buried at Sanctuary Wood, but this cemetery was later damaged during fighting. He is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial. John was awarded the D.C.M. for 'great gallantry and devotion to duty'.

Marsland, James Francis

Details
Category: 1915-16

James Francis Marsland

Leinster Regiment

2nd Batt. Leinster Regiment
He is remembered with honour on the Old Parish Church Memorial and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 1 Line 28.

The family home was at Marine View, Helensburgh. The son of QMS James Marsland, a Crimean veteran and janitor of the Hermitage Higher School.
Siblings: Brothers, Lt. Fred Marsland served with the R.A.M.C. and William, who lived at Craigbank, 2, Glasgow Street and was a Prudential Insurance Agent.

James Marsland, known as Jim, grew up in an army family. His father was a Quarter Master Sergeant and veteran of the Crimea war, before becoming janitor at Hermitage Higher School. On leaving school he joined the 1st Leinsters as a professional soldier and served in South Africa receiving the South African Campaign Medal and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals. He also served in India and spent some time in Canada. He was a drill instructor and enjoyed martial arts.

James was married to Mary and they had four children; James, Renee, Sheila and baby Florence, who was born after James’ death. At the time of her husband's death, Mary was visiting her father in Tipperary.

James was awarded the Military Cross in June 1915 for conspicuous bravery in the field. He was wounded whilst out patrolling No Man’s Land from the trenches on the Menin Road. He died at Poperinghe Casualty Clearing Station. He was 39 years old.

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