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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Aberdeenshire => Topic started by: cathyaus on Tuesday 09 February 16 08:51 GMT (UK)
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Hello
I am in Australia & I am trying to locate a photo of the headstone of Alexander Peter Imlay (1885 - 1959).
He served in World War 1 with A.I.F. (Australian Imperial Force). He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order with Bar & was Mentioned in Despatches.
In 1921 he joined the Gordon Highlanders, British Army as Captain & in 1930 transferred to the Royal Indian Army Service Corps. He retired in 1937.
He was reappointed in 1940 as Major for service during World War 2.
He died on 23 April, 1959 at Skene, Aberdeen, Scotland, survived by his wife and children.
Can someone please point me in the direction of where I may be able to find out where he was buried? and where I may be able to obtain a photo of his headstone?
Many thanks
Cathy
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As he lived and died in Aberdeenshire it would be worth trying www.deceasedonline.com - your best method of finding out where he is buried.
However he could have been cremated rather than buried, and even if he was buried there might not be a headstone.
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My grandfather was with him in the Gordons. He always remembered that as my grandmother's name was also Imlay (from the family originating in Fyvie and then Methlick).
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Thank you Forfarian - I wasn't aware of that website - had a look but unfortunately the Imlay I am looking for wasn't listed.
GR2 - thank you for your input.
I have contact with you who's grandfather served with him - Amazing !
Any other suggestions of where I can look ? Have checked Find a Grave - no luck.
Cathy
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There might have been a funeral announcement in a newspaper.
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I am not 100% certain that Deceased Online has all the Aberdeenshire records online as yet. Might be worth asking Aberdeenshire Council - tell them you have tried Deceased Online and not found him. https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities-and-events/bereavement/burial-grounds/
If that fails check the Aberdeen Crematorium. http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/community_life_leisure/bereavement_services/dfc_deaths_records.asp
There is not much chance of getting a photograph of a stone (assuming that one exists) if you don't know where to look for it. If I knew where it was, I could probably get a photo some time if I am passing by, but I am not about to offer to search every burial ground in Aberdeenshire on the off-chance of finding a stone which may not actually exist.
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Since he died less than half a mile from my home, I have had a look. Loads about him on the web. Nothing about where he or his wife ended up. I wonder if the were both cremated and their ashes shipped back to Australia.
Regards
Malky
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Hi Forfarian
There is not much chance of getting a photograph of a stone (assuming that one exists) if you don't know where to look for it. If I knew where it was, I could probably get a photo some time if I am passing by, but I am not about to offer to search every burial ground in Aberdeenshire on the off-chance of finding a stone which may not actually exist.
Nor would I ask you too - that is way to much to ask someone that you don't know :) Completely understand !!
Flattybasher - less than a mile from your home - I shall keep you in mind in case I get an answer from Forfarian's suggestions (forgot to thank you for them Forfarian !)
GR2 - didn't think of that - thank you :)
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There is an entry in the
England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966
Wills, Probates, Land, Tax & Criminal for him.
There may be something there.
It's accessible through Ancestry, of which, I am not a member.
Regards
Malky
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From Malky's details, not sure if it adds much more. Address is Westhill House, Skene. Death 23 April. Names of likely wife and daughters (?). Sealed in London 1 October.
You cannot search online for his Scottish will & testament. This would require a personal search.
Monica
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Thanks Malky & Monica
I had seen the Probate entry - no new leads unfortunately :(
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Aberdeenshire Libraries – Local Studies www.northeastscotlandroots.com/aberdeenshire-libraries-local-studies/
If you click on the above link you'll find out how to contact the librarians. You can email them with a request to look up the local newspapers, asking for a funeral announcement or articles regarding Alexander's death. You should then know where the burial took place. The fact you have the exact date of death will greatly assist them in their search!
Regards,
flst
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Hi flst
Beat you to it ;D I have just emailed them less than an hour ago !
Thanks for the suggestion though - great minds think alike !
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The house sits at the South side of the Old Skene Road, in the middle of Westhill itself.
I went to the house yesterday, and spoke to the new owners. They are not related to Alexander.
I also spoke to the librarian at Central Library in Aberdeen. They have the 1959 Evening Express and Press & Journal on microfiche (or the like).
Regards
Malky
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Oh - thank you Malky - that was lovely of you to do that ;D
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For those that are following this thread - just received a copy of the funeral notice from Aberdeen City Library :
Lieut. Col - Alexander Peter Imlay, D.S.O. was cremated on Monday April, 27.
So now I guess I will contact the Crematorium to see of there is a plaque.
Cathy
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I have spoken to Michelle at the crem'. Gordon & Watson arranged the cremation. The ashes were collected on the 27th, and were not scattered. I have spoken to William Gilchrist at Kaimhill and the book of rememberence is available. I will have a run into Aberdeen today and have a look at the book, and check the walls for any plaque.
Regards
Malky
Further, I went over to Kaimhill crem' just after lunch. The book had been removed 1 hour prior for updating. There is no plaque. It may be worth tracing the death of his wife to see where she died. This may lead to a conclusion as to where his ashes ended up.
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Re Monica's post, his wifes name was "Edyth Henrietta Taylor Murray" and his daughter's name is/was "Jean Agrell". Father, "Alexander William Imlay" station owner and mother "Emma Carnbury Woodland".
Siblings, Norman George Imlay (1887-1973) and Ellen Jeanie Imlay (1881-1978)
Regards
Malky
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Further, I went over to Kaimhill crem' just after lunch....
Malky, how frustrating :-\
Monica
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Oh thank you very much Malky - the book must have been taken to reply to my email I sent.
I have received a reply:
according to our records his cremated remains were dispersed within the Gardens of Rest at Kaimhill Crematorium . Sorry I can find no trace of a plaque.
Thank you everyone for your assistance in this.
Appreciate all your help - some have gone above & beyond - Malky ;D
Cathy
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"according to our records his cremated remains were dispersed within the Gardens of Rest at Kaimhill Crematorium"
That is an interesting statement. If it were me, I would try and trace what happened to his wife and where she died.
I do agree with the following "Sorry I can find no trace of a plaque."
Regards
Malky
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HI Malky
I will pass this on to the person who was originally researching this - I was doing the search on their behalf as they were going away for a few weeks.
Thanks for your help
Cathy
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Hi Malky and Cathy,
API's ashes were scattered in two places, Kaimhill crematorium and also at the Bridge of Don. API's wife Edyth was cremated at Hollinwood crematorium in Oldham lancs in the mid 60s. As far my memory goes there was no plaque or headstone.
Iain imlay, ( grandson)
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Thank you Iain - appreciate your reply !!