Troops leave for place in front line

Street, Stirling.

Reports in the previous week’s Observer concerning the death of Pte Ferguson had proved wrong. His family had learned from the Infantry Records Office, Perth, that as of June 5 he was alive.

He had been wounded in action on May 16 and was being treated in hospital. Troops who had been billeted in Stirling left for the front. Despite their early departure, a large number of people gathered in St Ninians to wave off members of the Royal Army Medical Corp who had been staying there.

And also set to leave for France was a howitzer battalion of artillery that had camped at King’s Park. They were there until the ground became so wet that they had to move to alternative accommodation at Tillicoultry.

The Observer noted: “They are also wearying to get away and expect to do so next week. They will be the last of the troops that came to Stirling in August last year.” S t i r l i n g ’s m i l i t a r y occupation since the declaration of war had an impact on the town’s schools.

Many of the schools had been used for the accommodation of troops and the town’s school board finance committee assessed the monetary implications.

The committee considered the accounts and expenditure of the board during the previous year. Receipts amounted to £ 20,985, an increase over the sum estimated of £1105. That extra cash was attributed to a grant and the £1063 received from the military authorities.

There was, however, a price to pay.

The board’s forthcoming spending plans included an additional £ 660 set aside for replacement and repairs to Allan’s School and St Ninians School following their occupation by the soldiers. The rear playground at Allan’s also required attention.

“These repairs will run away with a considerable proportion of the money received from the military,” said the paper.