RootsChat.Com
Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Angus (Forfarshire) => Topic started by: arasandkered on Sunday 25 November 12 21:44 GMT (UK)
-
Hello, I am wondering whether any museums in the Angus area purchase war medals.
I'm not selling but while researching the Baird family of Montrose/Dundee I found newspaper clippings about Joseph Baird, Company Sergeant Major in the Black Watch. Joseph fought in WW1 and was the first Non Commission Officer of Montrose to be awarded the Military Cross.
As you can imagine, I felt very proud and in a Google search came across his 5 War Medals for sale in the UK. I thought was rather sad that the family would sell them. In Australia (where I live) some museums have funds available to purchase this sort of memorabilia. I just wish I had the money to buy them.
I tried to contact Tay Valley Family History Society through their website but my email is not going through, probably because I'm not a member.
Kind regards, Sarah Baird
-
Hi,
You might want to try medaltracker.com. I had a similar situation in which I had found a medal belonging to my 3rd-great-grandfather that had been auctioned a few years prior. The gentleman at the auction house confirmed that it did indeed go to a private bidder, but that was the extent of the information he could provide. He advised me to post the information on medaltracker.com on the off chance that someone knew of its travels and could inform me. Best of luck!
CCC
-
Thank you so much for your help ccc.
Regards sarah
-
Hello, Sarah,
I have recently come across a photo taken at Oxford in October 1917 of a Sergeant Major Baird of the Black Watch wearing medals, including a military cross. I am trying to pin down an identification, and it seems likely that it is Joseph Baird. I would be happy to exchange information with you and, if I can figure out how to do it, would be glad to send a copy of the photo. Can you tell me a bit more about "your" Joseph Baird?
Many thanks!
--Marian
-
Hi, sorry Marian, my pm to you read Kitty. Apologies. Regards Sarah.
-
Hi Sarah,
Marian will need to make another post on here before she can receive PM's
Annie
-
Hi, Thanks Annie. I wondered why I could not see my pm in my message box.
Regards Sarah
-
Hi Marian, Nice to hear from you. Joseph Baird b. 1884 Montrose was the second child and son of Joseph and his wife Isabella Hird both natives of Montrose, Angus. He died on 3 October 1954 at his home, 51 King St, Montrose. On 25 July 1919 he married local girl, Annie Alexander. Known children are Alexander about 1920 who received the Military Medal in WW2 and George born 1925.
An article in the Courier 22 August 1916 read "Company Sergeant Major Joseph Baird, Black Watch is the first Montrose non commissioned officer to be awarded the Military Cross. "He has set a fine example of courage and control on many occasions under heavy fire". He is the son of Mrs Baird, 38 Castle St, Montrose and was mobilised as a Territorial on the outbreak of war. He has been at the front since October 1914 and rejoined for service on the expiry of his time in December last. He is well known as a referee and official of Montrose Club in football circles. Prior to going on service, CSM Baird was a foreman in Chapel Works, Montrose. Quite recently he rescued a wounded comrade belonging to the Royal Sussex who was lying within a few yards of German trenches".
Attached is a copy of the article which has a photo. I have more newspaper articles if you would like copies. Unfortunately I have been unable to locate Joseph's WW1 Service Record on Ancestry however according to one article his regimental no. was:
The Courier, Monday August 21, 1916 Page 3 under heading: Scottish Heroes are Rewarded for Gallant Deeds on Field of Battle The following Scottish officers and men are included in a long list of honours for gallantry: - Military Cross - 1142 Company Sergeant-Major Joseph Baird, Royal Highlanders for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has set a fine example of courage and control on many occasions under very heavy fire.
I would love to receive a copy of the photo you mention together with any other information you might have on Joseph. My husband's grandfather James (1894-1946) was Joseph's younger brother.
-
Hello arasandkered,
Have you seen this entry for Joseph Baird in The London Gazette?
Publication date: 18th August, 1916.
Supplement: 29713. Pages: 8226 & 8234.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29713/supplement/8226
Scroll down to: "His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased......." etc.
There follows a list of those awarded the Military Cross including Joseph on Page 8234.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29713/supplement/8234
"1142 Coy. S./M. Joseph Baird, R. Highrs."
Royal Highlanders, more commonly referred to as The Black Watch.
Regards, Dod.
-
Hi Dod, Thanks for your post. Much appreciated.
Regards Sarah
-
did you ever see the photo of J Baird wearing his MC?
quote author=arasandkered link=topic=625426.msg6010541#msg6010541 date=1468988158]
Hi Marian, Nice to hear from you. Joseph Baird b. 1884 Montrose was the second child and son of Joseph and his wife Isabella Hird both natives of Montrose, Angus. He died on 3 October 1954 at his home, 51 King St, Montrose. On 25 July 1919 he married local girl, Annie Alexander. Known children are Alexander about 1920 who received the Military Medal in WW2 and George born 1925.
An article in the Courier 22 August 1916 read "Company Sergeant Major Joseph Baird, Black Watch is the first Montrose non commissioned officer to be awarded the Military Cross. "He has set a fine example of courage and control on many occasions under heavy fire". He is the son of Mrs Baird, 38 Castle St, Montrose and was mobilised as a Territorial on the outbreak of war. He has been at the front since October 1914 and rejoined for service on the expiry of his time in December last. He is well known as a referee and official of Montrose Club in football circles. Prior to going on service, CSM Baird was a foreman in Chapel Works, Montrose. Quite recently he rescued a wounded comrade belonging to the Royal Sussex who was lying within a few yards of German trenches".
Attached is a copy of the article which has a photo. I have more newspaper articles if you would like copies. Unfortunately I have been unable to locate Joseph's WW1 Service Record on Ancestry however according to one article his regimental no. was:
The Courier, Monday August 21, 1916 Page 3 under heading: Scottish Heroes are Rewarded for Gallant Deeds on Field of Battle The following Scottish officers and men are included in a long list of honours for gallantry: - Military Cross - 1142 Company Sergeant-Major Joseph Baird, Royal Highlanders for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has set a fine example of courage and control on many occasions under very heavy fire.
I would love to receive a copy of the photo you mention together with any other information you might have on Joseph. My husband's grandfather James (1894-1946) was Joseph's younger brother.
[/quote]
-
marian could you post the picture of J Baird wearing the MC
Thanks
Hello, Sarah,
I have recently come across a photo taken at Oxford in October 1917 of a Sergeant Major Baird of the Black Watch wearing medals, including a military cross. I am trying to pin down an identification, and it seems likely that it is Joseph Baird. I would be happy to exchange information with you and, if I can figure out how to do it, would be glad to send a copy of the photo. Can you tell me a bit more about "your" Joseph Baird?
Many thanks!
--Marian
-
Hi Max,
I think I have sent two replies but not sure whether they have gone through. If you don't get a response please let me know.
Regards Sarah