DEATH DUE TO ACCIDENT

[dinarina]

Hi,

I am posting this message in the hope that someone will be able to help me.

My great grandfather, Robert Campbell McKie died 8th January 1944 at Killearn Hospital, Stirlingshire as a result of a road accident. I would like to find out the circumstances around this and wondered if there would be any information in the local newspaper archives regarding the accident.

What he was doing in this area and why, I don't know as his usual residence on his death cert was Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, Wigtownshire. I can only assume that is connected in some way to the army - whether he was a driver possibly? His usual occupation was as a farm labourer.

I would really love to be able to find out more info on him, as my grandfather was unable to give me any information when he was alive, even although he was the informant on his own father's death cert.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Diane

[moscan]

Robert Campbell McKie born June 23rd 1884 in Stoneykirk, Wigtown, The son of William McKie Farm Labourer and Elizabeth nee Campbell.

I found the following addresses that may be worth writing to or e-mailing that may be able to help you with local newspaper articles about his death.

Balfron Library
Buchanan Street
Balfron
G63 OTW

Tel: +44 (0)1360 440407
Fax: +44 (0)1360 440407

Email: balfronlibrary@stirling.gov.uk
 
Strathblane Library

Strathblane
Kirkburn Road
Strathblane
G63 9ED

Tel: +44 (0)1360 770737
Fax: +44 (0)1360 770737

Email: strathblanelibrary@stirling.gov.uk


Killearn only has a mobile libary.

Hope this helps you on your search

Best Wishes

Mo

[dinarina]

Hi Mo,
Thanks very much for the advice - will get onto it straight away.
Diane

[moscan]

Hope it works out for you do let us know if they are able to help you in finding out what happened

Mo

[staneybreeks]

Killearn Hospital was used by the military during WWII and later became a centre of excellence in neuro surgery.  It was superceded when the new Neuro-surgical unit was opened at the Southern General in Glasgow.  If the date of birth is as given in the earlier message, I would doubt a military reason for his admittance - he would have been too old - unless he was serving in the Merchant Navy

[dinarina]

Killearn Hospital was used by the military during WWII and later became a centre of excellence in neuro surgery. It was superceded when the new Neuro-surgical unit was opened at the Southern General in Glasgow. If the date of birth is as given in the earlier message, I would doubt a military reason for his admittance - he would have been too old - unless he was serving in the Merchant Navy

My great grandfather was not in the Merchant Navy, and after writing to the Glasgow NHS Board of Archives, they confirm that he was admitted 24th December 1943 and died 8th January 1944. Unfortunately none of the standard details (ie age, occupation etc) have been filled in - presumably he was unconscious and unable to talk. At least I know when he was admitted now - which is another step forward. It still doesn't explain why he was in the area though - when he was an agricultural labourer. One can only presume that he was driving for the army or similar. My grandfather (his son) was in the Territorial Army and the Gordon Highlanders when he got married in 1944 - so there may be a connection there. Further investigation is required.  I contacted Strathblane Library who have put me in touch with some local newspaper companies who hold archives - maybe I'll strike it lucky with them.

Thanks guys for your advice and help.

Regards
Diane