Tragic news for Blairlogie couple as third son dies

A Blairlogie couple learned that another member of their family had been killed in the latest fighting of World War One.

In September 1918, the Stirling Observer reported that Pte

Robert Macallan Sharpe, Royal Highlanders, a former gardener at Airthrey Castle, Bridge of Allan, had been reported wounded on July 28 but it was later determined he was killed in action on that date.

Information concerning the 20-year-old was sent to his parents who lived at New Orchard, Blairlogie.

He was the third son Mr and Mrs Sharpe had lost to the war.

Two soldiers with connections to Bannockburn were also reported to have died. Both had been living away from the area for some time but were well known to many residents. Charlie Denovan, who had been serving with Canadian forces, was severely gassed and died in hospital. He was the son of Mrs Denovan, grocer in Bannockburn.

Donald Robertson, killed in action, was the son of

James Robertson, beadle of Bannockburn Established Church and a draper to trade.

He was married and survived by his widow.

Another Bannockburn soldier, Pte David Innes, Gordon Highlanders, suffered a gun shot wound to the arm and neck.

It was the third time he had been wounded and two of his brothers had been killed in recent fighting.

Pte Innes’ wife and three children lived in Main Street and before the war he was employed as a miner at Plean Colliery.

Mr McLaren, Union Street, Stirling, learned that his son Sgt DA McLaren, a Military Medallist, was in hospital suffering from gunshot wounds in his right leg received on August 10.

He was reported to be “progressing favourably”.

His youngest son Cpl JM McLaren, posted missing on May 8, 1917, was officially reported to have been killed on that date.

In Dunblane, Mrs Walker, The Biggins, Keir Estate, received information her husband Pte RF

Walker, Highland Light Infantry, had died of wounds received in action in France on August 25. The private joined up shortly after the start of war and had been on active service for some time.

Bobbie, as he was known, had been awarded the Military Medal for bravery and was well known in the area as a top player for Dunblane Rovers FC.

Two soldiers from Dunblane were being treated for injuries sustained in the fighting. L/

Cpl William Ross, A&SH, son of William Ross, postman, was wounded for a third time.

Pte Charles Small, Highland Light Infantry, whose father Peter lived at Guthrie Buildings, was wounded in the left ankle.