Neil Sharkey

Details
Category: 1917-18
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Neil Sharkey

Argylls

8th Batt. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
He is remembered with honour on the Scottish National War Memorial, St. Joseph's Church Roll of Honour and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 3 Line 28.

The family home was at 16, East King Street, Helensburgh The son of Neil and Mary Sharkey
Siblings: Neil had four brothers, Hugh, who also served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Andrew, Charles and Dominick, and two sisters, Susan and Bridget. Two older siblings had left home by the time of the 1911 census.

SharkeyNeilheadstone

Neil Sharkey was born in Helensburgh and brought up in the town. He was an apprentice fishmonger and a member of the local territorials, joining in January of 1913.

At the outbreak of war Neil joined the 9th Batt. of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, later transferred to the 8th Batt. Being promoted to Sergeant, he married Mary Orr (domestic servant) in Edinburgh in January 1917.

Neil was wounded in 1915 and recovered to return to the Front. At Arras in 1917, he was killed in action, wounded in the back and shoulder. He was 21 years old. He received the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
View Neil's Letter from the front

Alexander Richardson

Details
Category: 1917-18
Hits: 16

Alexander Richardson

Royal Naval Reserve

Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve
He is remembered with honour on the Arras Memorial, Old Parish Church Roll of Honour and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 3 Line 27.

The family home was 14, Glenfinlas Street, Helensburgh The son of Robert Richardson, (engine driver) and Janet Richardson
Siblings: Frank one brother, Robert, and four sisters, Jessie, Susan, Agnes and Ellen.

Alexander Richardson was born in Helensburgh, where his father was an engine driver for the North British Railways.

Alexander joined the RNVR in October 1914. In September 1915, he was home on sick leave after seeing fighting in the Dardanelles.

Sent to France, he was attached to the Howe Batt. Light Trench Mortar Battery. He was then transferred to the 189th Brigade Trench Mortar Battery, R.N. Div. Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, attached to the Drake Battalion.

Alexander was reported missing on 23rd April 1917, and it was later confirmed he died on that date. He was 20 years old.

Thomas G. Proudfoot

Details
Category: 1917-18
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Thomas G. Proudfoot

royal scots fusiliers

2nd Batt. Royal Scots Fusiliers
He is remembered with honour on the Arras Memorial, St. Bride’s Church Roll of Honour and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 3 Line 26.

The family home was 36, John Street, Helensburgh.The son of the late R.S.M. James and Agnes Proudfoot of Moniaive, Dumfriesshire.
Siblings: Thomas had a brother serving as a sergeant, also with the Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Thomas Proudfoot was brought up in a military family where his father was a Regimental Sergeant Major. He was employed with Messrs Saunders, fishmonger before enlisting. He married Jean Murdoch Proudfoot in Helensburgh Thomas was first reported missing in action, later confirmed killed in action. He was 36 years old. His remains were not recovered.

Edward Pirret(Norman McLeod Pirret)

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Category: 1917-18
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Edward Pirret(Norman McLeod Pirret)

Royal Army Medical Corps

1st Field Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps. (11th General Hospital)
He is remembered with honour on Helensburgh Baptist Church Roll of Honour, Helensburgh Post Office Memorial and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 3 Line 25.

The family home was 36 Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh The son of James (foreman mason) and Isabella Pirret
Norman's daughter, May, married the Rev. James Taylor in Georgetown, Ontario - her death notice showed that Norman had two grandsons and a granddaughter and four great grandchildren. His widow died in Canada in 1966.
Norman McLeod Pirret (also known as Edward as seen on the War Memorial) was born in Edinburgh, later moving to Helensburgh where his father was a foreman mason.
He was employed as a postman before mobilising. Norman was a member of the local Territorials and was posted to France in August 1914.
Norman married Christina Henderson Pirret (nee Scott), of 35, Kildonan Street, Coatbridge, in 1912 and they had a daughter, May.
Norman received the Military Medal for bravery in 1916. He died of wounds received in battle. His inscription reads: 'Dearly Beloved Husband of Tina Scott, Coatbridge, till he come'.

Roy Paterson

Details
Category: 1917-18
Hits: 8

Roy Paterson

Argylls

14th Batt. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
He is remembered with honour on the Old Parish Church Roll of Honour and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 3 Line 24.

The family home was 57, West King Street, Helensburgh The son of John Paterson (draper’s assistant and Elizabeth Ann Paterson (nee Crighton).
Siblings: Roy had a brother, Fred who fought with the Scots Guards.
Roy Paterson was born in Aberdeen where his father was a draper’s assistant.
There is no definite connection to Helensburgh, but as both of his parents were deceased at the time of his death, relations in the area were, perhaps, next of kin.
Roy died as the result of an accident at the age of 22 years.

Peter G. Nicholson

Details
Category: 1917-18
Hits: 14

Peter G. Nicholson

Argylls

1/7th Batt. Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
He is remembered with honour on Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 3 Line 23.

The family home was 73, East Clyde Street, Helensburgh The son of Jessie Nicholson Shanks
Peter Nicholson was born in Leith and came to Helensburgh to work as a ticket collector on Craigendoran Pier.
He married Cissie Wyllie in 1914 in St Joseph's Church and was at that time living with his in-laws in East Clyde Street.
Having previously been wounded in 1915, Peter died, killed in action, at Arras in 1917. He was 30 years of age.

Alexander Neish(Neill)

Details
Category: 1917-18
Hits: 14

Alexander Neish(Neill)

Artillery

Royal Garrison Artillery
He is remembered with honour on the Arras Memorial and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 3 Line 22.

The family home was Elderslie Cottage, 135, East Clyde Street, Helensburgh The son of Mr & Mrs Alexander Neish of Huntly.
Siblings: Alexander had one sister, Jessie. 
Alexander Neish was born at Huntly, Aberdeenshire and later came to Helensburgh to live with his sister. He was employed by J.B. Watson & Co., Gents Outfitters, Union Street, Glasgow as a hosiery salesman before enlisting.
In 1911, he married Lizzie Laird Beattie from Huntly, and went to live at Danes Drive, Scotstoun.
Alexander died, killed in action at the age of 31 years leaving a wife and two children. His remains were not recovered.
  1. Dennis Morgan

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