L/Cpl John Cunningham WW1- 12th Bn Argyll & Sutherland Highl

[Ex RHR]

Cheers from Calgary, Alberta

I am trying to find information on my great uncle L/Cpl john Cunningham from Denny. He was in the 12th Bn of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. I know he was killed on the 19 Sep 1918 in Salonika Salonika and is buried in the DOIRAN MILITARY CEMETERY.

I understand that the majority of WW1 records were destroyed in a fire so my search for any additional information is difficult including any notice in The Scotsman besides living across the pond. I’ve found Ancestry has a terrible search engine to find anything. This is what I have:

Name: John Cunningham
Birth Place: Colinton, Midlothian
Residence: Dunipace, Stirlings
Death Date: 19 Sep 1918
Death Location: Salonika
Enlistment Location: Denny, Stirlings
Rank: L/Corporal
Regiment: Princess Louise's (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders)
Battalion: 12th Battalion
Number: S/2740
Type of Casualty: Killed in action
Theatre of War: Balkan Theatre


I know that the War office sent a letter to the next of kin notifying them of the death and another regarding the burial site. Are these now part of the public records that i could access?

At the least I would like to know when he enlisted and what he did during the war. If anyone can lead me on steps to get any additional information, I would appreciate it.

His younger brother, James was also killed during the war. I’ve made a separate posting so as not to confuse any information

Thanks in advance.

[bleckie]

Hi

Link to Argyle's museum

http://www.argylls.co.uk/museum/enquiries

Yours Aye
BruceL

[apanderson]

Hi Ex RHR and welcome to Talking Scot.

Both brothers are listed on Denny & Dunipace Civic Memorial and Denny & Dunipace Cemetery Memorial (Identical panels on each).

See: http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtop ... warmemscot

And: http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtop ... warmemscot

Both the above links will take you to the appropriate pages on the Scottish War Memorials Project site.

They are also both listed on the published Denny & Dunipace Roll of Honour.

Also, both are listed on Dunipace Memorial (which has been relocated from the 'Old' Dunipace Parish Church to the 'New' Dunipace Parish Church.

See: http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtop ... warmemscot

John is listed on Carrongrove Paper Mill Memorial, see: http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtop ... warmemscot

Again, both the above links will take you to the appropriate pages on the Scottish War Memorials Project site.

John's Service Record has the following info:
John Cunningham, born Collinton, Edinburgh
Attested at Denny, 28th August 1914, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, No. S/2740
Age 25 years 10 months. Height 5 feet 8¾ ins.
Complexion: Pale. Eyes: Pale Blue. Hair: Brown
Previously served 3 years National Reserve, 4th Bn., Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Next of Kin: Father, John Cunningham, Rosebank, Dunipace
Killed in action 19th September 1918. Buried at Colonial Hill Military Cemetery No. 2, Greece
Family details:
Father: John Cunningham, Mother: Margaret Cunningham
Brothers: William age 17, Daniel age 15, Stuart (?) age 13
Sisters: Nelly age 26, Margaret age 24, Janet age 20, Minnie age 10

I have been unable to find any Service Records for James.

At the time of the 1901 Census, the family were living at Fankerton, Denny, but on attestation, both brothers gave their residence as 195 Stirling Street, Denny. I don't have a note of where they were in 1911.

Hope this helps!

Anne

[Currie]

Hello Gary,

Re James:

Casualty list from The Scotsman, 20 July, 1917.
http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad28 ... 0ad95e.jpg

Also Glasgow Herald http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hh ... %2C1502438

Diary of 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders. http://www.thegordonhighlanders.co.uk/Pages/Diary.htm

June 1917
Arras
In the line
13th Bn relieved 1st RSF in Hill trench East of Monchy.
14th-19th Bn attacked at 7.20 am took trench and established posts on the mound and high ground. Very heavy fighting from counter attacks. Successful operation; but heavy losses. 70 killed, 160 wounded, 27 missing.

The number killed is about what is listed in the newspaper.


Re John:

Casualty list from The Scotsman, 09 November, 1918.
http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad28 ... b1d077.jpg

Also Glasgow Herald. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_s ... %2C2911948

12th Bn, the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders were part of the 77th Brigade of the 26th division. Their exploits in Salonika can be read about here. http://www.1914-1918.net/salonika.htm

I think it’s likely that any records regarding notification of family would be part of the service file, but these files were weeded many years ago to reduce shelf space, and who knows what was removed.

All the best,
Alan

[Ex RHR]

Thank you for providing some clues. I was able to continue my search and retrieve John's service records or at least what is left if them. Some interesting stuff. I appreciate your efforts.

Gary

[patriciafen]

Hi, I have read with great interest about John Cunningham and his brothers and sisters - One of the sisters is named as Margaret and i believe she is my grandmother. My name is patricia carol fenwick, nee fagan. My mother was Margaret Graham Cunningham born 1924 to Margaret Myles Cunningham in Glasgow. A year later she married william russell from Dalmarnock glasgow. We know that mum was brought up by her gran telling us that her mum and (step?) dad left for Canada. So you see John cunningham was my great uncle too......
so hopefully we can discuss the connection???? my own email is patriciafenATyahoo.co.uk and I would so love to hear from you
tricia

Edited as Stewie suggested AT =@ (my Firefox was playing up Russell

[StewL]

Hello Tricia

I am sure people will be interested in your joining the forum.
Although I would suggest adjusting your email address to AT to prevent trawlers filling your inbox with spam