Private, 301086, Robert ‘Rabbie’ Davidson McAndrew Craig (20) – Died of Wounds

7th Royal Scots,  19 December 1917

Robert Craig (seated) while serving in the Middle East.© Barrie Stewart

Synopsis of Life and Military Service

Robert Davidson McAndrew Craig was born 31 May 1897 at Hillhead, Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire to William and Isabella Craig.

He enlisted on 24 November 1915 at Leith, Edinburgh with a declared age of 18 years and 211 days, and his trade was shown on attestation as an apprentice plumber. He was described at the time as follows:-

  • Height: 5′ 2″.
  • Weight 96lbs.
  • Chest: 32″ with 3″ expansion.
  • Marks: Scar Left Leg.

Robert died on the 19 December 1917 at 31 General Hospital, Port Said of wounds received at Gaza, Palestine on 7 November 1917.

He is buried at the nearby Port Said War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

Following Roberts death, his property was returned to his mother. This consisted of Discs, Coins, Keys, Cards, Letters, Devotional Books, Wallet, Photos, Ring, Army Form.

Robert (standing) along with his brother David (seated). ©Barrie Stewart.

The Kirkintilloch Herald – 2nd January 1918

Extract from the above publication –

Wartime Items

Mr. H.F. Jewett has received intimation that his nephew, Private Robert D. McAndrew Craig, Royal Scots, has been killed in Palestine. The deceased soldier, who was the grandson of the late Mr. Robert Davidson McAndrew, Kirkintilloch, belonged to Leith, where he was serving his apprenticeship as a gas-fitter when he joined the Army eight months ago. After only two months’ training, he was sent to Palestine, when he has now been killed. He was 20 years of age, and was the second son of the family in the army.

7th Battalion The Royal Scots History compiled by Lt-Col W. Carmichael Peebles, D.S.O.

From the above publication, it appears that on the 2nd November 1917, the 7th Battalion, which numbered around 28 officers and 896 other ranks, were supporting the attack on the defences at Gaza, Palestine in the areas of the El Arish Redoubt and ‘Little Devil’. Over the following days the attack was successful in dislodging the Turkish forces.

From the 6th November, the Turkish forces commenced an intense bombardment on the El Arish Redoubt, firing shells of all kinds in which the battalion suffered some loses and a number of individuals killed. It can possibly be surmised that Robert Craig may have been wounded during this encounter which led to his eventual death.

British Mark II tank (Sir Reginald) disabled in Turkish ‘El Arish’ Redoubt after the 3rd Battle of Gaza, November 1917.© IWM Q 61503

Family

Robert Davidson McAndrew Craig was born around 1897 at Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire. The following family information is taken from the 1901 Census.

It is shown as follows :-

  • Father: William Craig, born 2 April 1871 at Hillhead, Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire. (Barman)
  • Mother: Isabella McIntyre McAndrew or Craig, born 30 November 1864 at Townhead, Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire.
  • Brother: David McAndrew, born 7 March 1895 at Hillhead, Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire.
  • Brother: William, born 14 February 1900 at 6 Hillhead, Kirkintilloch.
  • Henry (Harry) Forrest Jewett, born 13 July 1901 at South Bank, Kirkintilloch.
Robert (in front of father) with his Parents and Brothers David and Henry. © Barrie Stewart.

Addresses

The following addresses have been ascertained for Robert Craig :-

  • 1901: 7 Southbank Road, Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire.
  • 1918 – 20 Hawthorn Vale, Leith, Edinburgh.
Modern photo of 20 Hawthorn Vale, Leith, Edinburgh the last residence of Robert Craig – Credited to © Ally Shewan (2023).

Medals

Robert Davidson McAndrew Craig was awarded the Victory and the British War Medals for his service in the Great War.

Memorials

Robert Davidson McAndrew Craig is honoured and remembered on the following memorials :-

Links to Additional Information

References

  • Register of Soldiers Effects.
  • Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
  • Find a Grave.
  • 1901 Census.
  • Pension Card.
  • Soldiers Died in the Great War.
  • Service Record.
  • Imperial War Museum – War Memorials website.
  • Leith Roll of Honour
  • The 7th Battalion The Royal Scots History 4th August 1914 to 11th November 1918 compiled by Lieutenant-Colonel w. Carmichael Peebles, D.S.O.
  • The Kirkintilloch Herald.

Groups

Contributors:-

  • Vincent Stuart.
  • Ally Shewan – (House Photograph.)
  • Barrie Stewart – Relative (Family Photos and Information)