Saltcoats - On This Day In History

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CASUALTY OF WAR
21 AUGUST 1915

Died on service, Private ARTHUR AITKEN, (21), Service No. 1444, Australian Infantry – Theatre of war, Gallipoli – born Saltcoats; son of Walter Drummond Aitken and Elizabeth McKenzie Stark Aitken, 141 Copeland Street, Glasgow.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
21 AUGUST 1915

Died on Service, Private ALEXANDER WILSON, Service No. 19361, Highland Light Infantry – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – born Carntyne, enlisted Edinburgh, resident of Saltcoats.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
21 AUGUST 1918

Died on service, Private WILLIAM McSKIMMING, (21), 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – son of Mr and Mrs McSkimming, 54 Canal Street, Saltcoats.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald subsequently reported: -

Private William McSkimming, killed in action on 21st August, was the son of Mr and Mrs McSkimming, 54 Canal Street, Saltcoats. He was in his 21st year.

He enlisted over two years ago, and has been at the front since February. Educated at Kyleshill School, he afterwards served his time with Andrew Kennedy as a slater. He was associated with Landsborough Church, and was much esteemed by his many friends.

Deep sympathy goes out to his parents.”

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CASUALTY OF WAR
22 AUGUST 1917

Died on service, Private MICHAEL MURRAY, Service No. 28960, Royal Scots Fusiliers – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – born at Clonakilty, County Cork; Enlisted at Ayr; resident of Saltcoats.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
22 AUGUST 1918

Died on service, Corporal ROBERT HAMILTON, (20), 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers – Theatre of war, France and Flanders - son of Robert and Agnes Hamilton, 8 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald subsequently reported: -

“Corporal Robert Hamilton, R.S.F., killed in action on 22nd August, was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Robert Hamilton, 31 Countess Street, Saltcoats.

Corporal Hamilton, who was 20 years of age, was educated at Kyleshill School, and afterwards was employed at Ardeer Factory, where he was a member of the cadets. Before the war he left the Factory and was working in the engine sheds at Ardrossan when he joined the Army in November, 1914.

He went out to the front in June of last year, and was wounded at Ypres in the following month. He went back to the front again in April of this year, and was through some of the heavy fighting of the past summer.

In a letter of sympathy to Mrs Hamilton, his Company Commander says he had known Corporal Hamilton since 1914, and he was one of the most capable, trustworthy, and cheerful N.C.O.’s he had had. He added that her son’s death was practically instantaneous and that he suffered no pain.”

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GLASGOW HERALD
23 AUGUST 1898

DEATH

PATERSON: Suddenly, on Sunday, 21st instant, the result of an accident at Saltcoats Station the previous night, George Paterson, aged 58 years, licensed grocer, Darvel.

MERCHANT ACCIDENTALLY KILLED

Mr George Paterson, Grocer and Spirit Merchant, Darvel, was early on Sunday morning found lying in the six-foot way opposite Auchenharvie Row, a quarter of a mile from the Glasgow & South-Western Station. He was removed to Saltcoats Station and attended to by Doctor Wallace, but while being taken in a special carriage to Kilmarnock Infirmary, he expired.

Mr Paterson, it is supposed, had been in Belfast, and returned by the steamer ADDER on Saturday night, getting into a Kilmarnock train which left Ardrossan about 10.15, being the sole occupant of the last compartment but one. It is thought he fell out of the carriage and that as he lay insensible he was caught by a mineral train which passed later on, and received severe injuries.

Deceased was married, and leaves a widow and large family.

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GLASGOW HERALD
24 AUGUST 1908

SAND CASTLE COMPETITION

On Saturday a sand castle competition took place at Saltcoats. There were 52 entries, and the competition attracted a large number of spectators and was a great success.

At the close of the band performance in the evening, Mrs Christie, wife of Bailie Christie, handed the prizes to the winners: -

SENIOR SECTION

GIRLS
1. Isa McLachlan, the subject being a seaside view;
2. May Carlisle, Saltcoats, bathing station;
3. Minnie Sillars, mineral well;
4. Nessie Robertson,
5. Muriel Dowdle

BOYS
1. Jack McLachlan, Old Parish Church;
2. Jack Christie, fort;
3. David McKay, quay;
4. Andrew B. Armour, South Beach Church.

JUNIOR SECTION

GIRLS
1. Maggie Templeton, cottage;
2. Dora Sillars, Burns’ Cottage;
3. Mina Kerr, shepherd’s house.

BOYS
1. William Mackay, house.
2. Donald McPherson, North Parish Church;
3. Vivian Hamilton, church.

Mr Adams, Millport, and Mr James Miller, junior, officiated as judges.

Councillor Arnott presided at the distribution.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
25 AUGUST 1918

Died on Service, Private ROBERT J. LAW, Service No. 253031, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – born at Belfast; resident of Saltcoats.

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CASUALTY OF WAR
25 AUGUST 1918

Died on service, Rifleman JAMES MORRISON McCREADY, (19), Royal Irish Rifles – Theatre of war, France and Flanders – son of James and Ellen McCready, 12 Harbour Street, Saltcoats.

The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald subsequently reported: -

“Official word was received by Mr and Mrs James McCready, 12 Harbour Street, Saltcoats, that their son, Rifleman James McCready, Royal Irish Rifles, died of wounds at a casualty clearing station on 25th August.

A letter from the Sister in charge to Mrs McCready stated that her son was admitted to hospital on the 25th with severe wounds to arms, legs, and face. His condition was most serious and he died the same night. She added that everything possible was done for him and that death was peaceful.

Rifleman McCready, who was 19½ years of age, joined the Army when he was 15½, and during his four years’ service he has come through a great deal of severe fighting.

The parents and family will be deeply sympathised with in their bereavement.”

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GLASGOW HERALD
26 AUGUST 1874

BIRTH

At Dockhead Street, Saltcoats, on the 25th instant, Mrs Thomas Orr; a son.

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GLASGOW HERALD
26 AUGUST 1880

DEATH

ALLAN: At Skelmorliebank, Skelmorlie, on the 25th instant, James Allan, of 2 Park Terrace, Glasgow, aged 72.

DEATH OF JAMES ALLAN, SHIPOWNER

We regret to record in our obituary today the death of one whose name has been long linked with the all-important shipping industry of the Clyde – Mr James Allan, the founder of the Allan Line of steamers.

Some half a dozen years ago Mr Allan suffered from a shock of paralysis, which left him in weakly health; but it was only the other day that his friends found cause for concern in his condition.

On Tuesday it was evident that the end was nigh, and yesterday morning he passed away quietly at his residence in Skelmorlie.

Deceased, who had reached his seventy-second year, was born at Saltcoats, and as a lad was attracted to the charms of the seafaring life.

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GLASGOW HERALD
27 AUGUST 1878

DEATH

MATHER: At Ailsa Craig Cottage, Saltcoats, on the 24th instant, aged 63, Robert Mather, late merchant, Hamilton.