Introduction

In 2014 the centenary of the outbreak of World War One, Cumnock History Group began researching the names on the Cumnock War Memorial plus other men and women with Cumnock connections mentioned on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or in the Cumnock Chronicle of the time. The research is not limited to those who died but also to men and women who served, using family history information.

The group would like to appeal to individuals with knowledge of family members for photographs of the soldier, either in uniform or not, and photos of medals or other memorabilia eg letters sent home from the Front. If you would be prepared to share these on this site, please email the web manager info@cumnockhistorygroup.org The group is willing to share any copies of documents found with the soldier's descendants.

Thursday 6 March 2014

Military funeral of William Ewing


However the war claimed him just a few years later.  An account of a military funeral appeared in the Cumnock Chronicle of 5 Sep 1924

Bill Ewing had been reported missing in 1917 but he had been a prisoner in Germany. Because of the weather and lack of shelter he was taken to hospital with acute pleurisy at the end of the war.
He had originally enlisted with the Ayrshire Yeomanry but had been transferred to Scottish Rifles as a lance corporal.
After demob he had a fruit cart but his health broke down again. He did light work at Garrallan Colliery. He spent several months in Glen Afton Sanatorium. After a month at home he passed away age 32.

He married Mary Grant in 1915. They had a daughter.

The hearse was preceded by Auchinleck Pipe Band led by Pipe Major Jamieson and a dtachment of Cumnock Territorial Coy. under Sgt McGee and Corporal Montague.

The cortege went from Elbow Lane to the cemetery and the streets were lined with people.

3 volleys were fired  and Sgt Major Elliot sounded the last post.

Much sympathy is extended to his wife and only daughter and his parents.

He was William McCartney Ewing of 4 Elbow Lane.

This is his family in 1901 census
Elbow Lane
Samuel Ewing     35 carter  born Ayr
Ellen Ewing     30
Ellen Ewing     11
William Ewing     9
Agnes Ewing     7
Jeanie Ewing     5
Bella Ewing     2
rest all born Cumnock

He died too late to be on Cumnock War Memorial but at least he was sent off in style.

L Cpl Scottish Rifles 41787

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