Centenary of the death of Rev Cpt James Barbour Orr

I’m delighted to receive the news that on the 100th anniversary of his sacrifice James Orr’s sacrifice will be commemorated by his old university.

The chaplain of Glasgow University, the Reverend Stuart MacQuarrie, has worked with colleagues to ensure that a short biography of Captain Orr is now on the University’s webpages. 

Said Stuart - “We will commemorate Captain Orr’s life on the centenary of his death at 09.00 am in the University Chapel on 31st July when the information on the Roll of Honour will be read out. We will then lay a poppy cross in his honour at the Memorial Garden adjacent to the Commemorative Gates on University Avenue. Captain Orr’s name will be added to the Chapel Memorial Plaques with those of several others who for various reasons were not included when the Chapel was opened in 1929.”

I was delighted to receive an email today from the Archives Services department of Glasgow University informing me that they have now added a biographical note on James Barbour Orr to their website - http://www.universitystory.gla.ac.uk/ww ... y/?id=4570

Update on Captain John Barbour Orr.

Delighted to discover a link which was staring me in the face.

I’d seen reference to one of Capt Barbour’s brothers, John Boyd Orr, being a medical doctor - it’s wasn’t until I got a note from the SessionClerk at Shettleston Free Church that I discover he was THE Boyd Orr.

Boyd Orr was probably Scotland’s last genuine world-class polymath - umpteen degrees - service with both Army and Navy in wartime - an MP - rector of two universities - Nobel Prize winner - Head of UN Food and Agriculture Organisation - raised to the House of Lords!

5siamese7 wrote:Manbear thanks for your message. Years ago I found that headstone in Bangor cemetery and couldn't understand why it is inscribed that he was killed in 1918.I thought about contacting the war graves commission about the Stevenston war memorial but decided against.

That's ok what a lot of respect I have for soldiers who were at the Somme and elsewhere in the Great War and every other conflict they are sent to I would have been proud to have a relative like him

Manbear thanks for your message. Years ago I found that headstone in Bangor cemetery and couldn't understand why it is inscribed that he was killed in 1918.I thought about contacting the war graves commission about the Stevenston war memorial but decided against.

As conscription wasn't introduced till 1916 like a lot of young men he was a volunteer. I think its possible someone made a genuine mistake with the date on the Stevenston war memorial. Instead of 1915 it should be 1918. Thanks guys for all your help and kind words.

Indeed he should,a great soldier a hero who gave his life for our freedom

You should be very proud of this young man. The date at the bottom is when he when to France.

http://imgur.com/a/JGarR
He was here in 1st.Nov.1916
http://www.map-france.com/Auchonvillers-80560/
on the 11th.they were at Mailly Wood (West)then the Uxbridge Trenches.
http://www.greatwar.co.uk/places/somme- ... emains.htm
http://www.greatwar.co.uk/battles/index ... offensives
http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/ ... omme-1918/
SC

Further to William Conway records I have found he was born Belfast and enlisted in Ardrossan a headstone in Bangor cemetery says he died on 21/3/1918 which is 4 days earlier than Irish records.
He is also listed in the war dead of North down

UK, Commonwealth War Graves, 1914-1921 and 1939-1947
Name:
George Stevenson
Death Date:19 Aug 1917
Cemetery:The Thiepval Memorial
Burial Country : France
Regiment:Highland Light Infantry
Regimental Number:31897
Region or Memorial: France
No place of birth mentioned.
I had to go to a fee paying site to confirm I had the right George Stevenson. Although I have sent all certs from my marriage down to George Stevenson's marriage, it's not changed it's records .They don't like changing a record.
I am wondering if this is what has happened with William Conway, or is his records lost .

It's now on Ancestry under
UK, Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919
Name:
George Stevenson
Birth Place:
Newtonards, Co. Down
Death Date:19 Aug 1917
Death Place:France and Flanders
Enlistment Place: Kilwinning, Ayrshire
Rank: Private
Regiment:Highland Light Infantry
Battalion:18th Battalion (4th Glasgow)
Regimental Number:31897
Type of Casualty:Killed in action
Theatre of War:Western European Theatre

SC

Thanks guys I tried years ago to find out what happened to William. His name is inscribed on the Stevenston war memorial killed in 1915. His father's headstone in Bangor has his name on it. Having a member of your family killed in war is horrific and even after such a long time its hard to get your head round it.

PT The death of William Conway s/6003 black watch teritorial is in Irish records as born Belfast