Look up possibilities for an Elgin Soldier of the Great War?

AthollHighlander · Post by **AthollHighlander** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:04 pm

A big hello to all forum members

I hope I'm not being cheeky or presumptious but wondered if any members live in Elgin and could help me out.

I'm researching a soldier who died on the first day (21 March) of the Great German Offensive of 1918.

His name was William Pryce McDonald and he was a Pte in the 6Bn Gordon Highlanders based in the Louverval valley between Cambrai and Baupame that fateful night.

William was born in 1899 and lived with his parents William and Lizzie McDonald at 16 South College St in Elgin. He was my Grandmothers cousin.

I believe the Northern Scot holds archives but with work and college I'm struggling to get through. I desperately want to find out if the paper holds details of his death and perhaps a picture as it will also give me the actual Company he was in which would fill in some important blanks I hope. If anyone could check on my behalf I would be eternally grateful to them.

If not thanks anyway and perhaps someone else might be researching this area. I notice from another thread Jean Jeanie is researching McDonalds in Moray so fingers crossed I can shed some new light on this very young man who I feel very proud of and is not forgotten.

Atholl

WilmaM · Post by **WilmaM** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:42 pm

I take it that you have these details from :

http://www.cwgc.org

casualty=3077395
Name: McDONALD, WILLIAM PRYCE
Initials: W P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment: Gordon Highlanders
Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Age: 19
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Service No: S/20576
Additional information: Son of William and Lizzie McDonald, of 16, South College St., Elgin, Morayshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 8 and 9.
Cemetery: ARRAS MEMORIAL

AthollHighlander · Post by **AthollHighlander** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:04 pm

WilmaM wrote:I take it that you have these details from :

http://www.cwgc.org

casualty=3077395
Name: McDONALD, WILLIAM PRYCE
Initials: W P
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment: Gordon Highlanders
Unit Text: 6th Bn.
Age: 19
Date of Death: 21/03/1918
Service No: S/20576
Additional information: Son of William and Lizzie McDonald, of 16, South College St., Elgin, Morayshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Bay 8 and 9.
Cemetery: ARRAS MEMORIAL

Thanks Wilma yeah I've hit a brick wall now until I can source some additional material either I think from local historical sources or his Medal Index card.

I suspect unless I am lucky enough to trace a descendant from his immediate family who has more personalised info or hopefully his service medals my research won't go much further than that

Thanks again anyway.

Atholl

pricech2 · Post by **pricech2** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:40 pm

Have you had a look at the site:

http://libindx.moray.gov.uk/ (this link can also be found in the Libraries section)

I've seen one reference there to your man, but there may be more. Viewing the index is free, and for a small charge they'll send you photocopies of the information.

Christine

AthollHighlander · Post by **AthollHighlander** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 8:47 pm

Christine

Thanks a million I'm away for a wee look. and you've already spotted something is great news..

Atholl

Cathy · Post by **Cathy** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 5:07 pm

Hi Atholl,
I have your medal card. Not much on it, but send me your address and I'll post it to you. I also had a look at the film reels, but couldn't find him.

AthollHighlander · Post by **AthollHighlander** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:51 pm

Cathy

Bless you I've sent my address via PM. This is very much appreciated (and unexpected).

Hopefully one day I can to help you with some research in the Highlands.

Atholl