The centenary of the unveiling of a Glenkens war memorial will be commemorated in a poignant ceremony on Saturday.
Hundreds attended the original event at Dalry on Sunday September 11, 1921, to watch the cloth being pulled from the simple stone cross inscribed with the names of 26 men killed in the Great War.
The Hon Mrs Sinclair of Knocknalling unveiled the memorial – and 100 years on to the day, her grandson, Lord Sinclair, Lord Lieutenant of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, will attend the centenary occasion.
Local historian Hilda McAdam has researched the original unveiling and parade which took place almost three years after the Armistice.
She said: “Proceedings began with a procession from Dalry Town Hall to the church headed by the Comrades Pipe Band from Castle Douglas and led by over 60 ex-servicemen.
“A service was held in a packed church with many standing in the aisles.
“The service was conducted by the Rev John Anderson who had himself served in the Great War.
“After the service, the procession reformed and then paraded back up from the church to the memorial.”
“Local gentry in the parade included Colonel Forbes from Earlstoun, the Youngs of the Garroch, Lord and Lady Donnington of Glenlee, and Colonel Kennedy and Lord and Lady Sinclair of Knocknalling.”
“The other local ministers, Rev P. Phillips of Kells and Rev T.K. Johnston from Balmaclellan, also attended.”
According to Hilda, none of the young soldiers who fell were laid to rest in their native Glenkens – with a single exception.
“Of all the 26 men lost only one – Private Robert Hamilton of the Highland Light Infantry – was buried in Dalry churchyard,” she said.
“All the rest died in action.
“Among those were two brothers, Private Robert Hamilton and Lance Corporal George Hamilton, also of the HLI.”
Members of the public are invited to gather at Dalry Town Hall at 1.30pm on Saturday, September 11.
A piper will lead the procession the short walk to the memorial where the ceremony will take place.
