Brave souls who didn’t come home
A young Rutherglen soldier who bravely fought the Germans tragically died in hospital – the day before the Armistice was signed.
Private Gilbert Bruce had recently written letters home informing loved ones that he was safe and well in Italy.
Tragically, the 21-yearold succumbed to a disease epidemic that was spreading throughout a hospital.
On Friday, November 29, 1918, the Reformer reported :“Information has been received of the death in hospital at Genoa, Italy, of Pte Gilbert C Bruce, 2nd Gordon Highlanders.
“He had written home only shortly before that influenza was rife, but so far the writer had escaped and was keeping well.
“With the despatch of the letter, Pte Bruce seemed to have been attacked with the scourge, and he died on Sunday 10th, the day before the signing of the Armistice, after having participated in fighting alike in France and Italy.
“Pte Bruce, whose mother resides at 132 Farmeloan Road, Rutherglen, joined the Army in 1917.”
In that same edition, the Reformer also reported on the deaths of three other Rutherglen soldiers in its Roll Of Honour column.
Gunner Gabriel Robb, of the Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action on October 9 – his 26th birthday.
Mr Robb was the second son of Gabriel and Agnes Robb, 55 Roselea Drive, and the husband of Agnes Borland, 51 Queen Street, Rutherglen.
Company Quarter Master Sergeant Joseph Sweeney, of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was also confirmed as being killed.
His wife lived at 96 Mill Street, Rutherglen.
Lance Corporal John S Thomson, Canadian Forces, died from his wounds at the age of 33.
Left behind were his widow, two children, and his mother at 2 McAlpine Place in Rutherglen.
Meanwhile, the Reformer also reported how grieving relatives across the Rutherglen area were rallying to visit the graves of their loved ones overseas.
The paper reported at the time:“Large numbers of inquiries are being made regarding the possibility of visiting war graves and cemeteries abroad.
“It is officially announced that at present, and probably for some months to come, it will be impossible for military reasons to make arrangements by which these visits could be permitted.
“It is desirable that any applications on this subject or in regard to the location of individual graves should be made in writing.”