WWI Research - Alexander McKenzie born 1896 Stevenston, Ayrshire - FOUND!

[mckenzieclan]

Hello,

I have been trying in vain to find WWI service information on my gr grand-father.

His name was Alexander McKenzie.
Born May 8th 1896, Stevenston, Ayrshire
Father: Robert Miller McKenzie
Mother: Elizabeth Cringle

Spouse: Jessie McCullough - Married 1915

I also know from a short biography that was written about him upon his retirement that he enlisted in 1914, served in the Maching Gun Corps, fought at Hill 60, Ypres, and Mons. 

I do know the MGC was not established until 1915, and from family information it is recalled that he served in two different combat outfits. 

Likely he enlisted in a Territorial Force, and then transferred to the MGC.  Ayrshire Yeomanry is possible, however they spend most of the war in the Balkans. My grand-father remembers a picture of him in his uniform holding a riding crop, and informed me he thought he was a mounted machine gunner.

I have searched on various commercial sources (Ancestry), as well as posted on WWI research specific forums, and so far have not found a definitive answer.  There were quite a few Alexander McKenzie who served in the MGC.

I was hoping that someone here might have a few other resources, perhaps local to Ayrshire that might help.

I appreciate any advice.

Scott McKenzie
Ontario, Canada

[CaroleW]

Hi

Unfortunately - 60% of WWI Service records were destroyed by fire during World War Two bombings.

[mckenzieclan]

Yes, I am aware.  This is the reason I am looking for other primary sources.

Perhaps the local newspapers at the time carried lists of local men's enlistments, I have seen churches that listed all the men of the parish that served. 

Most I know only list those who died, however I have seen some that listed them all, and indicated those who made the ultimate sacrifice seperately.

Looking I guess for suggestions from locals, or local Ayrshire historians.  So far, no luck anywhere.

Anyone?

[q98]

It appears there were two Alexander McKENZIEs served in the Great War:
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sctayr/herald/honourrollalpha.html
Alexander McKenzie     00-11-1914     Ardrossan, 57 Kilmahew Street
Alexander McKenzie     00-11-1914     Saltcoats, Canal Street

I have also checked http://www.cwgc.org/  &  http://www.snwm.org/website/frames.html
although nothing jumped out at me. Perhaps your eyes may be better. Your suspicion that he served in two Regiments MAY BE the clue that leads you to him. Was he KIA or did he survive the Great War?

A further website to check and make any enquiry on:
http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/

Kind regards.

Q98 (formerly of Saltcoats)
Fremantle
Western Australia

[mckenzieclan]

Thanks.. I looked at the first list and nothing jumps out.

1901 census has his in Stevenston, and when he emigrated to Canada in 1926 his address is listed in Kilwinning.

What is the source of that list?

He did survive the war, so he wouldn't be in the war dead site.  And I have posted already on the 1914-1918 forum.

I have contacted Ayrshire archives to see if they have the Absent Voters list from 1918, they do not and suggested I contact National Archives, I have sent an enquiry and am waiting on their answer.

Thanks for the help.. the search continues..

Scott :-)

[q98]

G'day Scott

What street in Stevenston do you believe he was born in?

My reason for asking is the present day Saltcoats was formerly divided between two Registration Districts/Parishes; these being Stevenston and Ardrossan. Ergo, although then it was recorded as "Stevenston", more contemporary records MAY show "Saltcoats".

Worth checking out?

Q98

[mckenzieclan]

Hello,

His birth registration lists Shore Rd., Stevenston...

Scott

[q98]

Shore Road is in Stevenston. Have you checked out www.threetowners.com ??

Jim

[mckenzieclan]

Yes, I have posted on that forum as well...

And read a great deal about the area there as well, it is a great a site.

But so for no luck on this issue...

Thanks,

Scott

Right now I am pinning my hopes on his name being on the Absent Voters List (if I can find a copy), if it is the service info, regiment name and # should be there also.

Crossing fingers...