shaun.lawson
22-10-2008, 08:10 PM
Hi all,
I'm posting this on behalf of Iain Macleod of JKB. I'm aware of what's been said on here about these threads descending into points scoring, and would implore everyone not to allow this to happen in this case. If you disagree with our campaign to stop the memorial being moved, or don't regard it as anything to do with Hibs, I entirely respect that - but with the mods' permission, would like to post this here, and ask as many Hibees as possible to attend on November 9. This is about all those from this great city who lost their lives, and ensuring the council does nothing to sully the memory of their sacrifice.
There will come a time soon when we need to put petty footballing rivalries to bed - amongst each other on JKB and with our neighbours across the city.
Sunday 9th November at Haymarket - this will probably be one of the most significant and poignant Remembrance Services ever held at the Clock, given that the Council would like to confine this memorial and it's location to the pages of history.
We can't and won't allow this to happen - this would be a terrible affront to the memory of all the lads from Edinburgh and surrounding districts who were brave enough to sign up for the cause in 1914. They didn't let anyone down and fought side by side, irrespective of what club they played for or supported - now it's our turn not to let them down.
We don't have to suffer the horrors of war or face the prospect of never returning home to our loved ones. All we have to do is turn up in numbers on Sunday 9th November and give up 45 minutes of our time and show this insensitive Council what we think of their proposal to move the memorial. It's not too much to ask, is it?
I would be grateful if someone could post this on Hibs.net - please, no points scoring on this occasion. This is too important.
Some context - a letter from Captain Peter Ross to Mrs Watt, telling her that her son (Edward) won't be coming home. Sent on the 30th June 1916
Dear Mrs watt,
It falls to me to perform a painful duty. Last night the 16th Royal Scots were ordered to send out a patrol. Your son, Edward, volunteered to take part with eleven of his pals from 'A' company. After getting through the German wire, the machine-guns opened fire on them. Your brave son was killed. It was the fate of three others also, whilst two were wounded, one of them seriously. I could hardly regret the boy's death more if he were my own son. He was one of the best men in the battalion.
It is over a month now since the Colonel sent in your boy's name for a special reward for his conduct. He was one of the first men in my Company to get home on leave owing to his magnificent work in the field. Quite apart from that, he was a very popular lad.
He was alongside his officer last night when this happened. The heavy wire they found was the cause of the calamity. But they have not died in vain. The Colonel authorises me to say that he is told by our General that the information obtained by the patrol has been the means of saving the lives of hundreds of men. Sir George is also greatly grieved over your son's death and asks me to convey his deepest respects.
I assure you that you have my heartfelt sympathy. I only wish that I could have brought the boy home with me, but I know not what awaits myself tomorrow. I put my trust in God and go to my duty with one of the finest Companies in the British Army.
I have the honour to be,
Yours very sincerely,
Peter Ross, Captain 'A' Company 16th Royal Scots.
Captain Ross was killed in action the next day.*
I'm posting this on behalf of Iain Macleod of JKB. I'm aware of what's been said on here about these threads descending into points scoring, and would implore everyone not to allow this to happen in this case. If you disagree with our campaign to stop the memorial being moved, or don't regard it as anything to do with Hibs, I entirely respect that - but with the mods' permission, would like to post this here, and ask as many Hibees as possible to attend on November 9. This is about all those from this great city who lost their lives, and ensuring the council does nothing to sully the memory of their sacrifice.
There will come a time soon when we need to put petty footballing rivalries to bed - amongst each other on JKB and with our neighbours across the city.
Sunday 9th November at Haymarket - this will probably be one of the most significant and poignant Remembrance Services ever held at the Clock, given that the Council would like to confine this memorial and it's location to the pages of history.
We can't and won't allow this to happen - this would be a terrible affront to the memory of all the lads from Edinburgh and surrounding districts who were brave enough to sign up for the cause in 1914. They didn't let anyone down and fought side by side, irrespective of what club they played for or supported - now it's our turn not to let them down.
We don't have to suffer the horrors of war or face the prospect of never returning home to our loved ones. All we have to do is turn up in numbers on Sunday 9th November and give up 45 minutes of our time and show this insensitive Council what we think of their proposal to move the memorial. It's not too much to ask, is it?
I would be grateful if someone could post this on Hibs.net - please, no points scoring on this occasion. This is too important.
Some context - a letter from Captain Peter Ross to Mrs Watt, telling her that her son (Edward) won't be coming home. Sent on the 30th June 1916
Dear Mrs watt,
It falls to me to perform a painful duty. Last night the 16th Royal Scots were ordered to send out a patrol. Your son, Edward, volunteered to take part with eleven of his pals from 'A' company. After getting through the German wire, the machine-guns opened fire on them. Your brave son was killed. It was the fate of three others also, whilst two were wounded, one of them seriously. I could hardly regret the boy's death more if he were my own son. He was one of the best men in the battalion.
It is over a month now since the Colonel sent in your boy's name for a special reward for his conduct. He was one of the first men in my Company to get home on leave owing to his magnificent work in the field. Quite apart from that, he was a very popular lad.
He was alongside his officer last night when this happened. The heavy wire they found was the cause of the calamity. But they have not died in vain. The Colonel authorises me to say that he is told by our General that the information obtained by the patrol has been the means of saving the lives of hundreds of men. Sir George is also greatly grieved over your son's death and asks me to convey his deepest respects.
I assure you that you have my heartfelt sympathy. I only wish that I could have brought the boy home with me, but I know not what awaits myself tomorrow. I put my trust in God and go to my duty with one of the finest Companies in the British Army.
I have the honour to be,
Yours very sincerely,
Peter Ross, Captain 'A' Company 16th Royal Scots.
Captain Ross was killed in action the next day.*