Prisoners of war and missing men A - L

The following list of names comes mainly from the District Casualty Lists of the Buchan Observer.  A few names come from other sources, chiefly the War Book of Turriff, and these are identified by "WBT" in the "Source" column. The date in that column indicates the date the newspaper.  The Casualty List identified only a man's Regiment.  All the men below whose details come from the newspaper were listed as "Gordons", but all may not necessarily be from the 5th Battalion. The names in Blue are men whose names appeared in the 1914 Roll.  Not all the men whose names appear here were prisoners of war. Many families were still searching for missing relatives after the war had ended.

Name	Rank	Source	Notes
Aird, George	Pte	21.5.1918	Mrs G. Aird, H.M. Prison, Peterhead, has received notice that her husband has been wounded and missing since 14th April.  She has now received a post card from himself that he is a prisoner of war and well.
Allardyce, Alexander S/17899	Pte	WBT	Age 20. Died in German hands  5/4/1918. Son of James and Margaret Allardyce, of Stonedyke, Rhynie. (PREMONT BRITISH CEMETERY) Premont, south-east of St Quentin, was in German hands until October 1918. The cemetery records show the vast majority of casualties being either from the March/April battles, when the area was in German control, or from October, November, December, when it was used by four British Casualty Clearing Stations. (WBT & CWGC)
Anderson, C.B.  1277	Sgt	7.5.1918	Prisoner of war. He was formerly a cooper with Mr Dickson, Fraserburgh. His wife resides in Mid St (Fraserburgh)
Anderson, David  241261	Pte	7.5.1918	Posted as missing. Son of Mr Alex. Anderson, 7 Low St., New Pitsligo. Killed 21/3/1918.  (POZIERES MEMORIAL)  (3709)
Anderson, David James	Pte	30.4.1918	Mrs A. Anderson, 22 Tolbooth Wynd, has been notified that her son was posted as missing on 21st March.  He was employed with Mr Ritchie, blacksmith, Peterhead previous to the war.
Anderson, David James	Pte	21.5.1918	Mrs Anderson, 22 Tolbooth Wynd, Peterhead has received notice from her son that he is a prisoner of war in Germany, and wounded.
Anderson, Robert	Cpl	14.5.1918	Mr & Mrs John Anderson 22 Stirling Hill, have received information that their second son is missing. Prior to the war he was a driver of a motor lorry in Glasgow.
Anderson, Robert	Cpl	16.7.1918	Mr & Mrs John Anderson, 22 Stirling Brae, Boddam, have been notified that their second son, who was reported missing, is now a prisoner of war in Germany and wounded, and has got off one of his legs.
Arthur, A	Pte	23.4.1918	Mrs A. Arthur, 10 Jamaica St, Peterhead, has received official information that her husband is reported missing since 21st March and is believed to be a prisoner of war. Private Arthur has been in foreign service for two and a half years.  (No record of his death)
Bain, Charles	Pte	30.4.1918	Mr & Mrs Charles Bain, Longside Village, have received a post card from their son stating he is a prisoner in Germany. Previously: Scotsman 18/6/1917-casualty lists- wounded-241374-(Longside).
Beaton, James	Sgt	WBT	Gamekeeper. 5th Gordons. Sergeant. Served England, France, Flanders. Prisoner of War at St. Quentin, 21st March 1918.
Bissett, Douglas	Pte	30.4.1918	Prisoner of War.  He is a Fraserburgh fishcurer.
Bissett,  Thomas 240523	Sgt		Born abt. 1893 in Peterhead, 4th child of Peter Bisset, a publican, and his wife Elsie. Married  Jessie Wallace in 1913. Occupation in 1913, Postboy; address 16 Chapel St.  POW after German Spring Offensive. Won a MM for services when a POW and a DCM for gallantry in 1917. See Additional information.
Brooks, Alan	Pte	30.4.1918	Mr W. Brooks, 16 St Mary Street, Peterhead, has been notified that his son has been missing since 23rd March.  Pte Brooks was a joiner before joining up.
Bruce, J	Pte	23.4.1918	Reported missing.  He is a son of Mr & Mrs Bruce, School Croft, Slains. A brother Alexander died a prisoner of war in Germany.
Bruce, Peter	Pte	11.6.1918	Prisoner of war. He is the third son of Mr C.W. Bruce, fishcurer, Peterhead. He was formerly in the employment of his father. Many years later he wrote an article about his experiences entitled "I was there".
Buchan, George T	Pte	4.6.1918	Wounded and missing. He is the fourth son of Mr James Buchan, 74 Frithside St., Fraserburgh.
Buchan, George T	Pte	11.6.1918	Prisoner of war. He is a son of Mr James Buchan, berthing master, 74 Frithside St., Fraserburgh.
Buchan, T	Pte	30.4.1918	POW. He is a twin son of Mr A. Buchan, 15 St Peter Street, and prior to the war was a farm servant in the Ellon district.
Buchan, Walter McLennan 2687 / 240679	Pte	23.7.1918	Prisoner of war. He is the only son of Mrs Jessie Buchan 8 Harbour St., Buchanhaven.  In civil life he was a cooper with Mr George Davidson, Ware Rd., Buchanhaven. Previously: Scotsman  20/7/1918 -casualty lists -wounded- 240679 (Buchanhaven)
Burnett, Charles	Pte	23.4.1918	Missing.  He is the youngest son of Mr A. Burnett, gardener and keeper of the Fraserburgh Bowling Green.
Burnett, Charles	Pte	4.6.1918	Previously reported missing is now a prisoner of war at Limburg, Germany. He is a son of Mr Alex Burnett, keeper of the Fraserburgh Bowling Green. Before enlistment he was a farm servant at Mill of Philworth.
Burnett, Gavin 2200	Pte	9.7.1918	Prisoner of war. He is a son of Mr John Burnett, cooper, 31 Mid St., Fraserburgh. He was a slater with Mr James Reid.
Cairnie, James	Pte	18.6.1918	Previously reported as wounded, he is now a prisoner of war in Germany. Previous to joining up he was a gamekeeper on the Aden estates at Kininmonth. (Mintlaw)
Cartney, George	Pte	18.6.1918	Missing since March 21, is now reported to be a prisoner. He is a son of Mrs Cartney, Cowfords. (Strichen)
Cassie, Angus	Pte	7.5.1918	Now reported missing, is a son of Mr Angus Cassie, road foreman, Mintlaw. (Still missing since 21st March - Buch Ob, 6/7/1918) (No record of his death)
Clark, James	Pte	30.4.1918	Mr Hugh Clark, Cowsrieve, has been informed that his fourth son is missing since March 21.  His fifth son, Private Frank Clark, Black Watch, is wounded and in hospital in England.
Clark, James	Pte	23.7.1918	Mr Hugh Clark, Cowsrieve, Peterhead, has had word through Switzerland that his son who has been missing since 21st March, is a prisoner of war and slightly wounded.
Clark, Robert McLew 260240	Pte	de Ruvigny's Roll of Honour	Youngest son of Robert Clark, Aberfoyle, gardener, and wife Jean (McLew). Born Aberfoyle, Perth 2/12/1897. Farm servant at Shannochill Farm Gartmore.  Joined 1st Highland Cyclist Bn 6/9/1916.  Transferred to 9th BlackWatch and served in France from 17/7/1917. Transferred to 5th Gordon Highlanders and taken prisoner 2/4/1918.  Died at Cassel POW camp on 9/10/1918.
Collie, Robert 266317	Pte	WBT	Farm servant. 5th Gordon Highlanders. Served - France. Prisoner of war in Germany.
Colvin, James	Pte	30.4.1918	POW. He is the eldest son of Mr James Colvin 8 York St, and in civil life was a baker with Mr James Nicol, Marischal Street.
Colvin, John	L/Cpl	7.5.1918	Prisoner of war. He was formerly employed at Fraserburgh Harbour Works. His mother resides at 92 High Street (Fraserburgh).
Cordiner, James S	L/Cpl	30.4 .1918	POW in Germany. His mother resides at 77 St Peter Street.
Cowe, George	Pte	6.7.1918	Prisoner of war in Germany. He is the only son of Mrs A. Masson Cowe, E38 Boddam. In civil life he was a salmon fisher at Findochty.
Cowie, James	Pte	WBT	Farm Servant. 5th Gordon Highlanders.  Served - Scotland, Flanders, France. Disabled. Prisoner of war, 23rd March 1918.
Cowie, John R	Pte	23.4.1918	Reported missing, believed prisoner of war, is the eldest son of Mr &  Mrs J Cowie, 3 Charlotte St., Peterhead. He was a carter with Mr John Reid, Peterhead.
Cowie, John R	Pte	30.4.1918	POW. He is the eldest son of Mr & Mrs J. Cowie, 3 Charlotte St, and was formerly employed by Mr John Reid, carter.
Cowie, R (Robert) S/17970	Pte	7.5.1918	Missing presumed a prisoner of war. He is the son of Mr Cowie, Scotstown, Dudwick, Ellon.  Pte Cowie was a farm servant at Hawkhillock, Ardallie before the war.  [Later deemed to have died 21.3.1918 POZIERES MEMORIAL]
Cruickshank, James	Sgt	23.4.1918	Mr & Mrs J. Cruickshank, North Redbog, Strichen, have been notified that their son has been missing since March 21st.  He was a Territorial and went to France in May 1915.  He was wounded in April last year.
Cruickshank, James	Sgt	14.5.1918	Mr & Mrs Cruickshank, North Redbog, Strichen, have received a post card from their son that he is wounded and a prisoner of war in Germany. He was previously wounded.
Davidson, George, Philips Watt	Pte	7.5.1918	Mr David Davidson, cooper, 6 Backgate, Peterhead, has been informed that his son is wounded and missing.  He has only been five weeks at the front. Previous to being called up he was in the employment of Messrs A. Brown & Co., Broad Place Peterhead.  Further information from Ian Davidson, grandson of George:  George Davidson died in 1944 in Peterhead. Here's an extract from an obituary:"He was severely wounded and taken prisoner in the last war, and his experiences had a permanent effect on his health.   He was a native of Peterhead, being a son of the late David Davidson, cooper."   He was an Air Raid warden during WW2.   From various obituaries he seems to have been fairly well known in Peterhead, managing the Hepworth clothiers shop and with interests that included masonry, bowls and music. His brother Sergeant Russell Watt Davidson, Sergeant, also in the 5th Gordon Highlanders, died on 1/10/1917 in Tanganyika.[853 "C" Company".]
Dickie, Robert	Pte	7.5.1918	Mrs Dickie, Fortrie Croft, Ellon has received notice that her son is a prisoner of war in Germany He was a farm servant in the Ellon district before the war. His wife resides at 20 Hill St Dundee.
Duguid, George	L/Cpl	30.4.1918	Mr Duguid, Granite Cottage, Longhaven, has received information that his son is missing.  He was an apprentice mason.  (No record of his death)
Duthie, Alexander	Cpl	30.4.1918	Mr Alexander Duthie, 3 Ward Street, Port Erroll, has been notified that his son is missing.  Before joining up Cpl Duthie was employed with his father.  (No record of his death)
Elrick, James	L/Cpl	30.4.1918	Information has been received by his parents that L/Cpl James Elrick, Gordons, is missing since 9th April.  He is the youngest son of Mr Elrick, South St Mintlaw.
Elrick, James	L/Cpl	6.7.1918	Previously posted as missing, he has now sent home a post card that he is a prisoner of war and well. He is the the second son of Mr William Elrick , The Square Mintlaw.
Fentie, F.W. (M.M.) 240919	Sgt	23.4.1918	Reported missing, believed prisoner of war, is a son of Mr William Fenty, engine driver, 10 Love Lane Peterhead.  He was formerly with Messrs James Reid and Sons, carters, Peterhead.
Fentie, F.W. (M.M.) 240919	Sgt	7.5.1918	Confirmed prisoner of war.
Finnie, Alexander  2362	Pte	23.4.1918	Reported missing, believed a prisoner of war. His parents reside at Station Cottages, Auchnagatt.
Florence, James  2165	Pte	30.4.1918	Reported missing. He is the third son of Mr Robert Florence, fishcurer, 2 Castle St., and was formerly employed in the fishcuring trade with his father.
Florence, James  2165	Pte	6.7.1918	Prisoner of war.
Forbes, Ruthven Milne 241329	Pte	30.4.1918	Mr J.A.B. Forbes, dentist, received a post card yesterday from his son, stating that he ia a prisoner of war in Germany and is well.
Forbes,  William K. 240044	Pte	23.4.1918	Reported missing, believed prisoner of war, was formerly with Messrs Singer, Peterhead.  His wife resides a 6 Charlotte St., Peterhead.  [Deemed to have died 21/3/1918. POZIERES MEMORIAL)
Fraser, William	L/Cpl	9.4.1918	Reported missing since 21st March is a son of Mrs Donaldson, Clerkhill, Peterhead.  He is 22 years of age and was formerly a farm servant in the Ellon district. (No record of his death)
Gall, George	Pte	7.4.1918	Mrs Gall, Burnside, Rora, has been notified that her grandson is a prisoner of war. In civil life he was a farm servant at the Home Farm, Kininmonth.
Gavin, William	Pte	30.4.1918	The son of Mrs Gavin, Rora, has been wounded and taken prisoner.
Geddes, James  2056	Pte	23.4.1918	Missing since 21st March and believed to be a POW. He was in the employment of Mr Ross, baker, Rothienorman and lived with Mr Peter Wright, Denhead. (Fyvie)
Geddes, James  2056	Pte	30.4.1918	Intimation reached Fyvie on Thursday in the shape of a post card from Cassel, Germany, that Pte James Geddes is a prisoner of war.
Gibb, John	Sgt	WBT	Mechanic. 5th Gordons.  Prisoner of War 21st March 1918.
Gordon, Alexander	Pte	30.4.1918	Missing. Son of Mr Gordon, gardener, Cruden Bay Hotel. He was a clerk on the G.N.S.R  (No record of his death)
Gow, Angus   1252	L/Cpl	30.4.1918	Mrs Gow, Water St., Strichen, has received official intimation that her husband is missing,  In civil life he was a slater with his father.
Gow, Angus   1252	L/Cpl	21.5.1918	Mrs Gow, Water St Strichen has now been informed that her husband is a prisoner of war in Germany.
Gray, James	Pte	7.5.1918	Posted as missing, and wounded. Son of Mr Jas. Gray, 10 High St., New Pitsligo.  (No record of his death)
Greig, J.S.	Cpl	30.4.1918	Mrs Mitchell, Middlemuir, Cairness, Lonmay, has received official information that her son, J.S. Greig, is a prisoner of war at Cassel, Germany.
Greig, William	Pte	7.5.1918	Gordon Highlanders, attached Trench Mortar Battery is missing. He is a son of Mr James Greig, ostler, 43 Saltoun Place Fraserburgh, and before enlistment was an assistant to Messrs G. Stephen & Co., merchants, Broad Street (Fraserburgh).
Hay, Alex	Cpl	23.4.1918	Mr Alex Hay, Free Church Lane, Longside, has been notified that his son is a prisoner of war.
Henderson, Henry	Pte	WBT	Baker. 5th Gordon Highlanders, 30th June 1917.  Served - France. Prisoner of war in German, 23rd March 1918.
Henderson, Robert	Pte	11.6.1918	Missing since 28th March, is now a prisoner of war at Limburg, Germany. He was a cooper and his mother resides at 39 High St., Fraserburgh.
Henderson, William	Pte	7.5.1918	Missing. Son of Mrs Henderson 39 High St., Fraserburgh. He worked at Messrs Maconochie's factory.  (Possibly S/11439 William Henderson 8/10th Bn died 28/3/1918, ARRAS MEMORIAL. Born Fraserburgh)
Hunter, Charles Greig	Cpl	30.4.1918	Mrs Hunter, Greeness, Monquhitter, has received information from her son that he is a prisoner and is wounded.  Before enlisting he was a baker.
Imlah, Joseph	Pte	14.5.1918	Wounded and missing. He is a son of Mr & Mrs Imlah, Queen Street Peterhead. Before enlisting he was a law clerk with Messrs Gray & Gray, solicitors, Peterhead.
Imlah, Joseph	Pte	11.6.1918	Previously reported missing, now a prisoner of war. He is the second son of Mr & Mrs A. Imlah, 69 Queen Street.
Johnstone, Arthur	L/Cpl	30.4. 1918	Missing. He is the eldest son of Mrs Arthur Johnston, market gardener, The Craigs, Ellon.  Before the war L/Cpl Johnston assisted his mother in the management of the garden.
Johnstone, Arthur	L/Cpl	4.6.1918	Previously reported missing, is a prisoner of war and wounded. He is the elder son of Mrs Johnstone, The Craigs, Ellon.
Keith, John	Pte	21.5.1918	Mrs Keith, Bridge St Ellon, has received a post card from her son who was reported missing, but who is a prisoner of war and unwounded. Pte Keith was a tailor with Mr Littlejohn, Ellon.
Kelman, Henry F 241141	Pte	23.4.1918	Missing.  He is the fourth son of Mr & Mrs James Kelman, Upper Claystyles, Memsie, Fraserburgh.  [Deemed to have died 2/4/1918. Age 19. Son of James and Christina Kelman, of Upper Claystiles, Memsie. POZIERES MEMORIAL]
Kerr, Sangster	Pte	14.5.1918	Wounded and missing. He is a son of Mr Kerr, Victoria Cottage, Ellon.
Lawrie, W	Pte	23.4.1918	Missing.  He is the husband of Mrs Lawrie, Hatton Lodge, and was a farm servant before enlisting.
Lawrie, William	Pte	6.7.1918	Reported missing. He is now reported wounded and a prisoner of war in Germany. His wife resided at Barrack, Auchnagatt.
Lawson, Charles	Piper	25.6.1918	Prisoner in Germany. He is a son of Mr Charles Lawson, 3 Ellis St Peterhead, who has received a post card from him stating he is unwounded and well. Piper Lawson was reported missing on 21st March 1918.
Leask, William	Pte	4.6.1918	Formerly reported missing, he is now a prisoner of war in Germany and well. Before enlisting, Pte Leask was employed on the Haddo House estate. (Methlick)
Leith, William	Sgt	23.4.1918	Missing.  He is a son of Mr Leith, railway surfaceman, Hill of Mintlaw.  Before the war he was a shoemaker and had been previously wounded on two occasions.
Leith, William	Sgt	7.5.1918	Son of Mr Leith, Hill of Mintlaw, has sent word home that he is wounded on the right shoulder and is a prisoner of war at Rastatt, Baden. Prior to joining, Sgt Leith was a shoemaker.
Lovegrove, Charles	Pte	7.5.1918	Wounded and a prisoner of war. He was formerly employed at Fraserburgh Harbour Works. His wife resides in High St (Fraserburgh).
Lunan, Peter	Pte	23.4.1918	Mr & Mrs Lunan, Thistlyhillock, Kininmonth have received official notice that their only son has been reported missing.
Lunan, Peter	Pte	30.4.1918	Mr Lunan, Thistly Hillock, Longside, Kininmonth, has received a post card from his son stating he is a prisoner of war in Germany.

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 Carolyn Morrisey