In memory of

Private David H. Welsh

 8th Royal Scots

†August 14th 1916, age 22

Son of James and Mary Welsh

Blyth Bridge

David Henderson Welsh was the elder son of James and Mary Welsh of Blyth Bridge.   He was a joiner to trade, and served his apprenticeship with  Mr Thomas Grieve. He was one of the Territorials before the outbreak of war and went out to France with his battalion in the early days of the struggle (mobilised Aug. 14th, 1914).  He was wounded on the 1st of August 1916, and after treatment was brought over to this country and taken to Leicester Road Hospital where he passed away on 14th August 1916. He was 22 years of age, and a quiet, steady lad.  The esteem and respect in which he was held was manifest at the large attendance at his funeral, which took place from the house of his parents to Newlands Churchyard.  A party of the Royal Scots was present at the grave, where also a bugler sounded the Last Post.

On Sunday 20th August 1916 Rev D.C. Wiseman of Kirkurd U.F. Church paid tribute to David Welsh:

“David H. Welsh sleeps in his native parish after nearly two years of warfare in the blood-soaked fields of France.  His country needed him, and with his comrades, he went willingly. He bore the terrible hardships uncomplainingly. He was a cheery companion and true.  He fought bravely; and, wounded sore in chest and back, after a fortnight’s cheerful acceptance of mortal pain, he died gloriously.  We honour his name.”