CROSSHILL - SCOTLAND
War Memorial - Kyle & Carrick District
War Memorial - Kyle & Carrick District
Private William DARROCH 5827
Born: Crosshill, Ayrshire, Scotland Enlisted: 24-5-1916, Perth Western Australia Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farm Hand 27th Battalion Australian Infantry Departed Australia 30-10-1916 Killed in Action 10-3-1918, Belgium Son of William Darroch, Dalhowan Street, Crosshill via Maybole, Ayshire Resting: Berks Cemetery Extension, Wallonie, Belgium Honoured Australian War Memorial Panel 110 |
Private John Kissock McDOWELL 1268 M.M.
Born: Crosshill, Ayrshire, Scotland Enlisted: 27-1-1916, Rockhampton, Queensland Occupation prior to Enlistment: Engineer 42nd Battalion Australian Infantry Departed Australia 5-6-1916 Killed in Action 26-5-1918 aged 46years Husband of Mary D. McDowell, of Fisher St., East Brisbane, Queensland Resting: Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France Honoured Australian War Memorial Panel 135 |
Daily Mercury (MacKay, Qld) 21-8-1918
LATE PRIVATE McDowell, M.M.
LETTERS of SYMPATHY.
The following letters of sympathy have been received by Mrs. McDowell in connection with the death of her husband, Pte. J. K. McDowell. M.M.:— Dear Mrs. McDowell,— I trust that you will pardon me for not having written sooner concerning the death of your husband, but circumstances during the last few weeks have been any thing but favorable for letter writing. However, as his company commander at the time of his death, I would like you to know the high opinion we all had of him. When i took command of the company in March I was much impressed by the accounts I heard of his work since the arrival of the battalion in November, 1916. We were very soon in the thick of things on the Somme, where your husband again came under notice for devotion to duty while an action was in progress. For this -act, as you know, he was awarded the Military Medal.
The next couple of months of our time here was a series of changing circumstances. Sometimes our sector was a regular home at other times decidedly lively. At the time, of your husband's death it was one of the latter. So far as I can gather he was killed by a shell whilst lying in his dug-out, death being apparently instantaneous. His death caused a gloom over the whole company, for all the lads admired his energy and coolness. Though well on in years he seemed to, hold his own with the best and seemed quite happy so long as he considered he was doing his bit, I understand he leaves behind a large family. To them and to you I can only offer my sympathy, and trust that the thought of him having done so well in the field may be of some comfort to you. (Signed) W. MacDonnell, captain.
Dear Mrs. McDowell,-- It is with feelings of sincere sorrow and regret, that I write you this, letter of condolence for the great loss you have sustained by the death of your husband, No.1268 Pte. J.K. McDowell, M.M. Though, at
present company commander I was platoon commander of No. 12. Platoon, of which your late husband was a member, for nearly 12 months and I, therefore, saw a great deal of your late husband. He was always an example to the younger members of
the platoon, especially for the energy and willingness with which he did all his work. He was well known throughout the whole battalion and was probably one of the most popular men in the battalion. I assure you, Mrs. McDowell, that though infinitesimal with your own
loss the death of your husband is a personal loss to both officers and men of this company. Please accept the sincere sorrow of both officers
and men in your great loss, I remain yours, sincerely, T. Jack, lieutenant.
Dear Madam - I think perhaps you would desire to hear just a word about your husband's burial.
We buried him yesterday morning in a British cemetery, 'Somewhere on the Somme. His body rests alongside many o the bravest and best of
Australia's sons. I did not know him personally as I am not attached to the 42nd but we all knew him by repute and thought most highly of him and I was able to perform the last rites at his grave. I know others will write and give you what particulars they are able to give. He was a brave and popular soldier. I pray God may comfort you and yours. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Yours faithfully, S.O Phillips, C.F. (C of E), 44th Batt., A.I.F.
LATE PRIVATE McDowell, M.M.
LETTERS of SYMPATHY.
The following letters of sympathy have been received by Mrs. McDowell in connection with the death of her husband, Pte. J. K. McDowell. M.M.:— Dear Mrs. McDowell,— I trust that you will pardon me for not having written sooner concerning the death of your husband, but circumstances during the last few weeks have been any thing but favorable for letter writing. However, as his company commander at the time of his death, I would like you to know the high opinion we all had of him. When i took command of the company in March I was much impressed by the accounts I heard of his work since the arrival of the battalion in November, 1916. We were very soon in the thick of things on the Somme, where your husband again came under notice for devotion to duty while an action was in progress. For this -act, as you know, he was awarded the Military Medal.
The next couple of months of our time here was a series of changing circumstances. Sometimes our sector was a regular home at other times decidedly lively. At the time, of your husband's death it was one of the latter. So far as I can gather he was killed by a shell whilst lying in his dug-out, death being apparently instantaneous. His death caused a gloom over the whole company, for all the lads admired his energy and coolness. Though well on in years he seemed to, hold his own with the best and seemed quite happy so long as he considered he was doing his bit, I understand he leaves behind a large family. To them and to you I can only offer my sympathy, and trust that the thought of him having done so well in the field may be of some comfort to you. (Signed) W. MacDonnell, captain.
Dear Mrs. McDowell,-- It is with feelings of sincere sorrow and regret, that I write you this, letter of condolence for the great loss you have sustained by the death of your husband, No.1268 Pte. J.K. McDowell, M.M. Though, at
present company commander I was platoon commander of No. 12. Platoon, of which your late husband was a member, for nearly 12 months and I, therefore, saw a great deal of your late husband. He was always an example to the younger members of
the platoon, especially for the energy and willingness with which he did all his work. He was well known throughout the whole battalion and was probably one of the most popular men in the battalion. I assure you, Mrs. McDowell, that though infinitesimal with your own
loss the death of your husband is a personal loss to both officers and men of this company. Please accept the sincere sorrow of both officers
and men in your great loss, I remain yours, sincerely, T. Jack, lieutenant.
Dear Madam - I think perhaps you would desire to hear just a word about your husband's burial.
We buried him yesterday morning in a British cemetery, 'Somewhere on the Somme. His body rests alongside many o the bravest and best of
Australia's sons. I did not know him personally as I am not attached to the 42nd but we all knew him by repute and thought most highly of him and I was able to perform the last rites at his grave. I know others will write and give you what particulars they are able to give. He was a brave and popular soldier. I pray God may comfort you and yours. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Yours faithfully, S.O Phillips, C.F. (C of E), 44th Batt., A.I.F.