Royal Engineers, 3rd/2nd Highland Field Company, 27 October 1915
Synopsis of Civilian and Military Life
There is very little information available about James Cruickshank as his Military Records are no longer available. It is known however that he was born circa 1879 at Aberdeen, the eldest son to Francis and Margaret Cruickshank who at the time of his death were resident at 13 1/2 Prospect Terrace, Aberdeen. He appears to have been employed within the Sawmill Industry as in 1901 he was shown as employed as a Wood Boarding Machinist and prior to his enrolment into the forces he was employed with John Fleming and Co. Ltd., Albert Sawmills, Aberdeen. He was to enlist at Aberdeen into the 3rd/2nd Highland Field Company, Royal Engineers, It does not appear that he was to make it into a Theatre of War as his wife Jane, applied for his medals but there were none recorded in his Medal Index Card, nor any sign of a Medal Roll. At some time he was admitted to the Gordon Brigade Hospital, Blairgowrie where he succumbed to Pneumonia on the 27 October 1915. Following his death, the 3/2nd Highland Field Company were to be known as 405th Field Company, Royal Engineers. His widow Jane was the recipient of his belongings and his outstanding pension etc. He was later buried at Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen where he was buried with full military honours.
Family
James Cruickshank was born circa 1879 at Old Machar, Aberdeen. The following family information is taken from the 1881, 1891 and 1901 Census.
His family is shown as follows :-
- Wife – Jane Ann Milne or Cruickshank, born 17 September 1880.
- Son – Francis, born 8 November 1901.
- Son – James Milne, born 21 August 1903.
- Son – John Cusiter, born 1 July 1905.
- Daughter – Margaret Summers, born 24 July 1907.
- Daughter – Lint Ronaldson, born 18 January 1910.
- Daughter – Helen Milne, born 22 July 1912.
- Son – Joseph Milne, born 12 December 1915.
- Father – Francis Cruickshank, born c.1858 at Marnoch, Banffshire – Railway Porter.
- Mother – Margaret Cruickshank, born c.1860 at Aberdeenshire.
- Sister – Margaret, born c.1878 at Peterhead.
- Brother – Gordon, born c.1889 at Nigg, Kincardineshire.
- Brother – William, born c.1891 at Nigg, Kincardineshire.
Addresses
The following addresses have been ascertained for James Cruickshank :-
- 1881 Census – 226 Hardgate, Old Machar, Aberdeen.
- 1891 Census – Walker Road, Torry, Aberdeen.
- 1901 Census – 16 Grampian Road, Torry, Aberdeen.
- 89 Walker Road, Torry, Aberdeen. (shown in paper after death)
- 4 Ferry Road, Torry, Aberdeen (address of widow shown on Pension and Medal Card)
Medals
There is a Medal Index Card for James Cruickshank, however, there is no mention of any medal being awarded on it, there is also no trace of any Medal Rolls so one can assume that he did not serve in a Theatre of War.
Memorials
James Cruickshank is honoured and remembered on the Aberdeen City War Memorial.
Links to Additional Information
- Imperial War Museum – Lives of the First World War – James Cruickshank
- Find a Grave website – James Cruickshank
- A Street Near You website – James Cruickshank
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission – James Cruickshank
- Imperial War Museum – Aberdeen City War Memorial
References
- Medal Index Card.
- Register of Soldiers Effect.
- Register of Soldiers Effect II.
- Soldiers Died in the Great War.
- Medal Index Card.
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
- Pension Cards.
- 1881 Census
- 1891 Census
- 1901 Census
Groups
Contributors:-
- Vincent Stuart.
- Mhairi Shewan (Grave Photograph)
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