In ‘gutting the pit,’ I came across some WWI War Office and Records documents which Lanark lister Sheila Dixon kindly sent to me a few years back. Out of privacy, I have omitted any specific/personal names involved. However, the general content might be of interest to those who have had relatives who fought in WWI. My father served in both the H.L.I. and Labour Corps in France, where he was wounded, and then sent back to the front when his wounds were healed enough. We have copies of my father’s military service from beginning to end from Kew, which survived the Burnt Records, where some of the edges of his army records were singed. A very kind lister on the Wigtown site actually went to Kew to get me the records, but I understand that they are now available online. My father survived fighting in France, and was awarded the Bronze Medal and British Military Medal, but I don’t think he got the Star Medal as he had not fought in France over a specified period. His cousin, John Toall, won the MM and his citation for bravery was included in the daily journal (forgotten the term). Normally, medals and such like are sent to the home address but as I understand it he received his medal on the field. After his death, my aunt donated his medal to the Royal Scots Museum, Edinburgh Castle. ME Maisie --------------------------- Record #1 Effects Form ---No. 45 (W.G.) War Office, Imperial Institute South Kensington, London, S.W. 7, 6th October 1919 E/136924 12 (Accts. 4) Sir, I am directed to acquaint you that the sum of five pounds is due from Army Funds to the estate of the late 10872 Private XX X, 1st Bttn Highland Light Infantry on account of War Gratuity. The Command Paymaster, Eastern Command, Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, S.W.7, has accordingly been authorized to issue “to you the above amount of which on half is by Scottish Law the property in equal shares of all the late soldiers brothers and Sisters and should be distributed by you accordingly. The share which would have been due to X X becomes your property in consideration of your having paid the funeral expenses.” Should no communication on this subject be received from the Paymaster within the next few days, application for payment should be made to him by letter. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, C. Harris, Assistant Financial Secretary. ----------------------------------------- Record #2 Army Form W. 5112 RECORD OFFICE (Oval stamp) LABOUR CORP RECORD OFFICE NOTTINGHAM 17/1/1921 I am directed to transmit the accompanying British War Medal which has been awarded to you in respect of your services with the FORCES IN THE FIELD I am to request that you will be so good as to acknowledge the receipt of the decoration on the attached form, which is to be returned to the above address in the enclosed addressed envelope, which needs no stamp. I am, Your obedient Servant ? FOR COLONEL i/c LABOUR CORPS RECORDS i/c Records. Mr. X. X, Glasgow ---------------------------------------------------------------- Record #3 c122993/10426 Record Office, Hamilton Feby 1921 (Oval stamp) INFANTRY RECORD OFFICE, HAMILTON 9 FEB 1921 Madam, I am directed to transmit to you the accompanying BRONZE STAR, 1914-15, which would have been conferred upon No. 10872. Pte X. S. D. HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY, had he lived, in memory of his services with the British Forces during the Great War. In forwarding the Decoration I am commanded by the King to assure you of His Majesty’s high appreciation for the services rendered. I am to request that you will be so good as to acknowledge the receipt of the Decoration on the attached form. I am, Your obedient Servant, S. Whitaker, Lt. for Lieut Col. i/cRecords Mrs. X. X. XX John St., Bridgeton, Glasgow