Roll of honour lost?

“Last year, an item in the Archives 100 years recorded an occasion in Arbroath when a function preceded the gala of

St Thomas Swimming Club. Bailie D. T. Wilson, who presided, unveiled a roll of honour containing the names of 76 members who had fought for their country during the war, 12 of whom made the supreme sacrifice,” notes Patrick Anderson of Letham.

“I have investigated this memorial and found The Courier (November 17 1919 and other newspapers covering the story. I discovered that the gala event took place in the Public Baths, Marketgate in Arbroath. One report said that the roll of honour was beautifully executed by Mr J. Butchart and occupied a prominent place in front of the balcony.

“I found a 1922 year book and there was a John E. Butchart, lithograph writer, living in Arbirlot Road, so he may have been the person who made the roll of honour.

“I have been in contact with St Thomas Swimming Club and they can’t remember seeing the memorial, but heard that when the club had events at the baths, town officials sat in the balcony overlooking the pool. I have also contacted the Angus Alive Museum and the Angus Archives and they do not hold this Roll of Honour.

“I am now wondering if the roll of honour was moved when the baths were closed and the club moved its swimming operation to Arbroath High School Sports Centre. Or perhaps it remained in the baths until it was later converted into flats.

“Sadly, the newspapers of that period do not record the 12 names who were casualties of the Great War. One reported that the membership of the club was 120 and that the club had been in existence since 1897.

“I remember some of my former school pals in the town being members of the club as school boys but I was not a member.”

“I wonder if any readers might have the information to track down this memorial.”

A wartime photograph. Read about it in the column above.