ONE-HUNDRED YEARS AGO Saturday November 15, 1919

8th Argylls cadre home

The cadre of the 1/8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, consisting of 20 men and 4 officers, under command of Major A Lockie, which left France on Sunday, arrived at the headquarters of the battalion at Dunoon about mid-day on Monday.

They were given a hearty welcome when they landed at Dunoon, the Provost, Magistrates and Town Council receiving them officially.

Maclachlan of Maclachlan, convener of the county, Colonel H Burnley Campbell, and others also extended a cordial welcome, the men being cheered as they marched with the colours to headquarters.

The cadre was entertained at a civic luncheon in McColl’s Hotel in the afternoon.

Those present said they were delighted to welcome home the local battalion. Throughout the war they had watched with pride the heroic work performed by the battalion, and they would remember with gratitude the sacrifices that had been made.

Maclachlan of Maclachlan mentioned that the total casualties of the 1/8th Argylls during the war were 230 officers and 4,100 other ranks. The honours of the regiment received were one VC, two DSOs, many MCs and MMs, and other lesser honours.

Major Lockie, who commanded the cadre, acknowledged the cordial welcome they had received.

A day of remembrance

The King’s desire that the first anniversary of the Armistice should be observed by a two minutes’ silence in reverent remembrance of the glorious dead was fulfilled all over the country on Tuesday.

In London, wreaths were laid on the Cenotaph in Whitehall. These included one from the King and Queen, one from President Poincaré and one from the Prime Minister.

The scenes in the streets of Glasgow were full of solemnity, when all traffic stopped and the crowds stood in reverent silence as the clocks stuck eleven.

Work ceased in the Clyde shipyards and on the shipping in the river.

In Campbeltown, the signal was given by the sounding of three long syren blasts from HMS Thames, and the fallen were honoured by the uncovering of heads.

Of course in a comparatively quiet country town the tribute lacked the impressiveness that characterised it in busy cities.

In the Grammar School the scholars assembled in the large room at 10.45am, when the rector gave a short address on the meaning of the celebration, read the King’s message, and explained shortly the aims of the League of Nations Union.

A hymn as then sung, the two minutes’ silence observed, and after the National Anthem had been sung, the pupils were dismissed for the day.

In Dalintober School the period of silence was similarly observed and the scholars were afterwards dismissed.