Family’s war tragedy

Dear Editor,

It was the end of March 1918 when my grandmother received a telegram telling her that my uncle, Joseph Findlay – who was 278339 11th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders – had been killed at the Somme.

My mother, who was the youngest of the family and was going with my grandmother to the village shop in Low Limerigg, Slamannan, when a neighbour approached and said: “There is a telegram waiting for you, Sarah, at the post office.”

My grandmother, who could not read, let go of my mother’s hand and started to hurry to the post office where she was handed the little brown envelope.

Overcome by shock, she started to run, holding the envelope above her head; and in a blind panic, ran right into the arms of the village priest.

He took them home and my grandfather, Joseph Findlay, who worked down the pit, was sent for.

It was only when he arrived home that the telegram – telling them their eldest son had been killed in action – was opened.

By this time my grandmother was inconsolable and my mother watched as my grandfather tried to comfort her.

The memories of that day never left my mother and it was not until November 28, 1921, that my grandparents received my uncle’s medals.

The sorrow was too much for my grandmother to bear; her heart was broken and she never smiled again.

My mother took me to the war memorial at Slamannan which holds my uncle Joseph Findlay’s name.

We laid some flowers and it was then my turn to try and console my mother’s tears.

My uncle Joseph is Remembered with Honour at Monchy British Cemetery, Monchy-Le-Preux ,grave 11C30.

Janette W Horn , Craigneuk