New book commemorates Halkirk and Reay's WWI casualties
Caithness Family History Society (CFHS) has just taken delivery of the second volume in its series of books entitled The Unreturning Brave featuring World War One service personnel from Caithness.
This new book runs to 217 pages and covers those commemorated on the war memorials at Halkirk and Reay.
Kathy Wares, who did all the research and compiled the books, has used the same format as in Volume 1, giving details of the families, occupations, places of residence, war service and deaths of those who did not survive the war or who died later of injuries received during the conflict. The names on each war memorial are arranged in alphabetical order and there are many photographs of the men and their gravestones. There is even a very poignant poem written by one soldier’s commanding officer.
The book mentions over 100 servicemen, but fewer families, because a surprising number lost more than one son. For example, George, John and Alexander Sutherland, sons of Mr and Mrs Alexander Sutherland of Heatherley Cottage, Bridge Street, Halkirk are commemorated on Halkirk War Memorial. The Reay memorial records the names of James, Thomas and William Dundas, the sons of John Dundas and his wife Agnes Rugg.
CFHS said that the first volume of The Unreturning Brave sold out in a couple of months and "the new book has been eagerly awaited" by those interested in family history and military history.
The Unreturning Brave, Volume 2, is available at Halkirk Heritage and Vintage Motor Centre, the NC500 Visitor Centre in Thurso and at Newsbeat newsagent’s in Thurso or directly from CFHS at publications@caithnessfhs.org.uk
