Family remember relative killed in the Great War
A Hamilton couple will be making an emotional journey to a World War One battlefield later this year where an ancestor died in combat.
David and Mary Stark will be attending the 100th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium at the end of July.
But the trip has special resonance as Mary’s uncle John Bell Rankine was killed during the battle on October 4, 1917, aged 31.
Mrs Stark (73) said there was a 19-year age difference between her father Alistair and his brother John, but he would occasionally speak about him.
She added: “We have a letter which John sent to his mother, my gran Jeanie, not long before he died. It’s very faded now.
“In the letter he tells her he was just back from the front and was having a couple of days rest. He describes the beautiful golden autumn weather.
“It’s quite sad. A short time later he would have been killed in battle. I think by the time she received the letter from her son he would have been dead.
“I’m looking forward to the trip, but it will be an emotional one.”
Mr Stark (76) is the piper for the Hamilton branch of the Royal British Legion and with the Cameronians. He will be taking them with him for the ceremony.
He said: “We have been to many commemorations in France and Belgium in the past. However, this is a particularly special commemoration.
“It think it’s important that John Bell Rankine’s family be there.
“It’s sad that he lost his life so young, but it will be a privilege to be there.
“I hope it’s a nice day for everyone who turns up.
“I’m looking forward to it. There will be thousands of people from all over the Commonwealth from all walks of life there with fascinating stories to tell.
“I have played the pipes at memorials before, but this is quite special because of the family connection.”