Grave of Scots Armistace soldier Allan McLachlan commemorated

A man whose great-grandfather died on Armistice Day has said he is 'over the moon' after the soldier was commemorated with a new headstone.

Craig Menzies with the headstone which has been re-instated at the grave of his great grandfather in Glasgow's Southern Necropolis Cemetery. Picture: Commonwealth War Graves Commission/PA Wire

Private Allan McLachlan, of the 3rd Battalion, Cameron Highlanders, died in Cromarty Military Hospital in Aberdeen on November 11, 1918 at the age of 33 after suffering complications from gas poisoning while in the trenches.

He left behind his wife Margaret and three children, who all lived at 34 Edmund Street in the Dennistoun area of Glasgow.

Private McLachlan was buried in Glasgow’s Southern Necropolis Cemetery but his headstone was among 13 taken out in the 1950s when the cemetery, which was privately owned, fell into disrepair.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) decided to remove the original headstones and commemorate the men at Eastwood Cemetery south of Glasgow instead.

But more than 60 years later, the CWGC has now remarked the 13 graves with headstones at the Southern Necropolis.

Private McLachlan’s great-grandson Craig Menzies, 47, was present as his headstone was installed on Wednesday.

He said: “We are over the moon about it. My great-grandfather was lost to us in the family history until recently, but now his headstone is being replaced, my family and I can once again commemorate this one hero amongst many countless others.”

Mr Menzies, who was a medic in the Royal Marines, said he only discovered Private McLachlan was his great-grandfather a few years ago as his great-grandmother remarried in the 1920s and he thought her husband was his relative.

He said: “When I found out the headstone was being re-erected I had a lump in my throat, to have him returned to us in many respects.

“When we found out he died on November 11, 1918 it just blew my mind. Of all the days to die. War is a terrible thing but to die seven hours before the armistice is so poignant.”

Iain Anderson, CWGC regional supervisor for Scotland, said: “We are always very pleased to be able to give our men and women who fought during both world wars the commemoration and recognition they deserve.

“It’s very special to be able to reinstate the headstones where the men lay, so everyone can remember them.”