Soldier died at home

A Rutherglen soldier who died from his wounds in France was given an honorary funeral service in his home town this time a century ago.

Private Thomas Woods, who served with the Irish Guards, was seriously injured in France and despite returning to home soil, succumbed to his wounds.

A funeral service was held in Rutherglen where Private Woods was given a send-off fitting for a war hero.

The Rutherglen Reformer reported at the time:“The remains of Private Thomas Woods, Irish Guards, who died at Cardiff on October 13 from wounds received in France were interred in Rutheglen Cemetery on Saturday last with Masonic honours.

“The funeral procession from his residence at Cambuslang Road, Rutherglen, was headed by the Bridgeton Thistle Brass Band.

“There was a large turnout of the brethren of Lodge Royal Arch, No 116, and friends. The service at the graveside was conducted by Bro John Cadow, RWM, and Bro Douglas Clifford, chaplain of Lodge 116.

“Three volleys were fired over the grave by a party from the Local Company of Volunteers, and the Last Post was sounded.”

Once again, the Reformer also paid tribute to three other Rutherglen soldiers recently killed in action. They were Second Lieutenant Thomas Coats, of 65 Cambuslang Road, Rifleman G Topping, of 73 Stonelaw Drive, and Private John Watson, of 31 Rosslyn Avenue.