Alexander Finlayson

[bleckie]

Good afternoon all

I wonder if anyone can help with this one, I have ancestry's offer to search for military records of those gone before but no matter what I try I cannot find the above person.
S/43256 Pte Alexander Finlayson Born 19th June 1896 Died 21st Mar 1918 in France. I have his medal card, I had no problems finding his brother's service record. I assume that they joined the colors together. I would also like to find his brother in law's service record I believe that all three served together for a time with the 6th Bn Black Watch his brother in law was Pte Alexander MacDonald born Muthil Perthshire 13th June 1886. He was wounded in 1916.

yours in anticipation
BruceL

[Little Nell]

Approximately 60% of WWI army records were destroyed during WWII, courtesy of the Luftwaffe.  His may be one of those which is no more.

Nell

[bleckie]

Hi Nell

I know but I was hoping that someone with more experience of ancestry than myself may find something.

Yours Aye
BruceL

[MonicaL]

Hi Bruce

You have a lot of information here for the three men. Why don't you place this post on the Armed Forces board here on RootsChat www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,300.0.html where I would imagine experts in this area could assist you further.

As Nell has said already, there have been major losses of documents.

Monica

[rvau42]

Hello Bruce,

Are you still interested in Captain Alexander Finlayson? As it happens, I am in possession of a bronze and marble memorial plaque for Captain Finlayson. According to the inscription, he died on March 21st in France. Not the 22nd.

Rob

[bleckie]

Hi Robb

I don't think we are on the same person.

The Alexander Finlayson I am interested in was born 19h June 1896 the son of Hugh Finlayson and
Elspet Syme in Eroll Perthshire.

I have attached a copy of the death returns from his unit as well as the memorial from Kilspindie in Perthshire

Yours Aye
BruceL

[rvau42]

Hello Bruce,

Attached is a photo of the memorial I have. I am disappointed that it is not the same person. I would like to find his family and return it to them. Good luck with your search.

Rob

[apanderson]

rvau42 ....

I presume you've got the CWGC listing for 'your' Alexander Finlayson?

If not, here it is - www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4025309

And from the Scottish National War Memorial (note the discrepancy in dates of death):

Alexander Finlayson, death date on 23 March 1919. Acting Captain. Regiment - 6th Bn. (T) Highland Light Infantry. Theatre of death is unknown.

Anne

[rvau42]

Thank you Anne,

I did not have this information. All I knew about Captain Finlayson until now was what is inscribed on the plaque.
If he was an only son, I wonder if he has any remaining kin. If not, the plaque can continue to reside in my garden. As I live in Colorado, he is still a highlander!

Rob