Last summer, I chanced upon a retired couple who were sitting enjoying a cup of tea at the War Memorial. They often cycled or walked out the Deeside line and ended up there because, as a according to them, it was a “very peaceful spot”.  Having been brought up on Malcolm Road,  right on the other side of the Mill Dam, the War Memorial was a very familiar sight. However, I admitted that I knew very little about the soldiers -apart from the name, rank and regiment marked on the memorial. So… began the search.

 Now, just over a year later I am pleased to offer some of the answers to that retired couple and to yourselves. A full colour A4 book, “Peterculter War Memorial”, is now available which should offer some insight into life in Culter, during the Great War, and into the lives of the 68 named soldiers. The book (228 pages : 55,000 words)  is £15  (which will allow a £3 donation per copy to allow further research on the Memorial). Any additional donations, of course, would be very much appreciated.  I hope to be able to update the book with new information and photographs towards the end of the national 2014-2018 commemoration period.

The book contains information about Culter from the outbreak of War until the dedication of the Memorial in 1920. Also, there are details of the Commonwealth War Graves and other war related grave markers in Peterculter Cemetery. I have included a section on soldiers who died in the Great War and seem to have a strong connection with the Parish of Peterculter but, for whatever reason, did not get named on the War Memorial. I hope that the initial run of books will bring more information and photographs from readers who maybe do not know they are related to a Culter War Hero.

By the time the book is released  - exactly one hundred years before, Culter soldiers had already perished in the Great War.  The First Battle of Ypres began on October 19th 1914 and lasted until 22nd November.  Percy Edwards died, aged 29, on 29th October; John McDonald, aged 27, died on 14th November; James McAllan, aged 19, died on 18th November.

The Heritage Centre is closed from October to March but you will have a chance to hear more about the search for information and ask questions at:

“THE WAR MEMORIAL”

Heritage Centre 

Friday 7th November

 at 7.30pm.

Order YOUR BOOK By:

Handing your details to a Committee Member or Volunteer.  Or use one of the following:

01224-732364 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | www.culter.net