Newbattle at War a history of the Parish at war   

Richard (who prefered to be known as Dick) is on the right in this image 

Photograph courtesy of Kirsty McKay & Keith Stewart and I am grateful to them both.

Name: WALKINGSHAW, RICHARD 
Initials: R 
Nationality: United Kingdom 
Rank: Gunner 
Regiment/Service: Royal Field Artillery 
Unit Text: "D" Bty. 187th Bde. 
Age: 20 
Date of Death: 11/08/1917 
Service No: 104480 
Additional information: Son of James and Susan Walkingshaw, of Co-operative Buildings, Ormiston, East Lothian. 
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead 
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. C. 60. 
Cemetery: GODEWAERSVELDE BRITISH CEMETERY

As you can see Richard resided in Ormiston at the time of his death, but his family remained very proud of their Newtongrange connections, indeed large numbers of the family still resided in Abbeyland. I am greatly indebted to Keith Stewart a family member and friend of mine who most graciously has chosen to share Richard's last will with us.

It reads : " In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my mother Mrs James Walkingshaw, Cooperative Buildings, Ormiston , East Lothian."

Signed Gunner R Walkingshaw RFA 6th November,1916

Keith Stewart on a pilgrimage to Richards grave almost 90 years on.