Written by tanja-sdb on June 8, 2015
War and the ancestral homeland
Research Story . WW1The ways in which military service could connect and re-connect soldiers with the Scottish homeland – an issue explored in more detail here – was not restricted to ex-servicemen: war effectively promoted contact between the old world and the new. Throughout the diaspora, Scottish clubs and societies sought to promote the establishment of Scottish regiments,
Written by tanja-sdb on January 12, 2015
A ‘keen and zealous’ officer
WW1John Llewellyn Saunders was born in Dunedin in New Zealand’s South Island on 12 January 1891. His mother, Jeanie Hutchison, had emigrated from Scotland, while John’s father William had Welsh roots. John was educated at Otago Boys’ High School, leaving it in 1907 to commence his studies at the University of Otago Dental School. He
Written by tanja-sdb on August 11, 2014
A New Zealand Pacifist with Scottish Roots
WW1Archibald McColl Learmond Baxter was born in the small settlement of Saddle Hill in the province of Otago, New Zealand, in mid-December 1881. His parents were both of Scottish descent, with Baxter’s maternal grandfather a pioneer settler who made it to New Zealand in 1859. Despite this early start in the colony the family never
Written by tanja-sdb on June 19, 2014
Manitoba’s Young Hero
WW1Alan Arnett McLeoad was born at the end of April 1899 in Stonewall, Manitoba, establishing his heroic credentials at an early age. As is noted in his biography, he was only nine years old when he ‘removed a trap from the foot of a stray dog, but did not seem to understand why others fussed
Written by tanja-sdb on April 25, 2014
A ‘born soldier and leader of men’
WW1On this day in 1915 the Gallipoli Campaign commenced – a campaign that is remembered today, ANZAC Day, in many localities throughout Australia and New Zealand. An opportune moment to also remember another Scot as part of the series of First World War posts on this Blog. Hugh Stewart was born at Premnay in
Written by tanja-sdb on February 25, 2014
A Piper and Soldier
WW1Commemorations of the Centenary of the First World War will accompany us over the next few years, and there will be many events to remember the millions of people who died during the War, as well as the many soldiers who served. The commemorations will also give us an opportunity, however, to learn about some