More about Donald Gillies

This man is not listed on the original Dundee Roll of Honour.

1227 Private GILLIES, Donald, 6th Btn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders).

Born 19th May 1882, died 23rd July 1915, aged 33.

Donald Gilles was 41 when he died. He had been a Gardener before joining the Black Watch.

Private Gillies belonged to Aberfeldy, and several of his relatives attended the funeral, which was from the Hospital to Balgay Cemetery, Dundee.  A large crowd gathered outside the Hospital. The coffin, wrapped in a Union Jack, was carried in a hearse, and the pipe band of the battalion played impressive music en route to the cemetery, while the firing party, buglers, and a guard of honour were also from the late soldier’s battalion. When three volleys had been fired over the grave: the buglers sounded “The Last Post.”

Private Gillies is commemorated on the screen wall at Balgay Cemetery, Dundee.BB4.611.A.     Also named on Kenmore War Memorial within Kenmore Kirkyard. His name is listed on the Memorial under the district of Styx. The memorial is a small Celtic wheel cross with crossed swords and a flag at the base. 36 men are remembered here from WW1. The Memorial was unveiled by the Marchioness of Breadalbane of Taymouth Castle on May 22nd 1921. The Rev. W. A. Gillies, B.D., Hon C.F, took part in the unveiling with the Prayer of Dedication, etc.

He was married first to Kate Stewart and then to Annie McKinnes.

AROUND THE TIME OF Donald’s death the 6th battalion had been in and out of the trenches in the Festubert/Lavantie area, June and first half of July. When not in trenches they were in training in (bomb throwing, machine guns and  carrying out working parties).  It’s likely he caught meningitis in the insanitary conditions of 1915 trenches.

He died in Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis.

(Most of this is courtesy of Anne McCluskey)