Plain rectangular markers with just initials in Scottish graveyard

[nats788]

Hello,

I was out and about in a local churchyard today, taking advantage of the fact that the gates - which have been locked for a while - were open. The graveyard is on the site of the former St. Andrews Parish Church in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, which sadly burned down last year.

From what I can see, the graves here range from 1818 to the early 1900s, and there are many ornate and varied headstones. One feature that confused me was the number of small rectangular markers dotted about - they appeared in pairs, with each stone of the pair marked on the top with the same initials. Are these lair markers? If so, why were 'proper' headstones not erected?

I have attached a picture showing what I mean.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, and apologies if this has been answered elsewhere!

[Girl Guide]

Welcome to Rootschat nats 

I wonder if it may be worth contacting someone from this website:-

https://www.standrewschurchalexandria.co.uk/

At the top right of the website is a Contact button.  Send a message through that and see what happens.  You never know, someone may be able to help, even if it means re-directing you elsewhere.

[Rosinish]

The letters/numerals which may have given a clue are difficult to decipher.
Were they in sequence e.g. A1, 2, 3...or random?

I initially thought possibly unknowns, soldiers/sailors but there's really not much to go on to try & work out a theory?

Girl Guide's idea is good.

Annie