Section W

We are now looking at section W on the right hand side of the Esplanayde, as it was called. Also known as millionaires Row. Hugh MacPherson, Alexander Reid Prentice, John Robert Prentice, Walter W B Rodger, and Charles George Wilson are remembered here.

Hugh McPherson is remembered at Le Touret Memorial, France. Hugh was the son of Robert and Mary Jane MacPherson of Monfode in Greenok. He was an Accountant, and member of the Ardgowan Tennis Club. He and his best friend George Waldo Allan were killed at the same time. Their families donated a bed at the Royal Infirmary in their memory. The church hall in Lyle Kirk, Union Street was built in his memory.

Alexander Reid Prentice of the 2nd Argylls is buried at Faubourg-d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras. Alexander was the son of Alexander Reid Prentice and Ada Norrish Prentice, of 28 Newark Street. His father was a Lawyer and member of the 1st Renfrewshire & Dunbarton Volunteers. He was in partnership with the Pattens. Alexander was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a raiding party.

John Robert Prentice is buried at Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery. John was the son of John Robert and Annie Carmichael Shankland Prentice, Ardlea, Kelvinside and Cousin of Alexander Reid.

A LETTER FROM JOHNNIE'S SISTER, TINY, 21st April. Dear dear Tom, I really can’t write much tonight. We first heard this afternoon that wee Johnnie has died of wounds on the 17th April at Saint Omer hospital. Gun shot wounds in the head the wire said. It's a killer blow to us all but the parents are taking it nobly. Sticky is wonderful, she has been splendidly calm except just for one little breakdown when the news first came. Baba, too is very brave. I think it wasn't wholly unexpected. We hadn’t heard from the wee lad since the 8th and as each day went past, bringing no word, one couldn't keep thinking there was something wrong. Dear wee lad, it’s just three weeks tomorrow since we saw him last, and now to think we will never see him again! Its utterly unbelievable! Dear wee Johnnie, he was always so bright and cheerful and chock full with the joy of life. Well well, he had a happy life anyway, right up to the last, and I’m sure he will be happy where he is, he must be, and he won’t be lonely either. So many, many that we loved have gone before time. Dear old Reid and wee Gibby and what a lot more. I like to think of them, all together, just as we knew and loved them here. I’m sure somehow that Heaven can’t be so very much different. It wouldn't be home if it were. Good night dear boy, may God bless you and keep you and bring you safe home to us again, you’re all we have now. Tiny

Walter Washington Buchanan Rodger of the 5th Argylls is buried at Lancashire Landing Cemetery, Gallipoli. Walter was killed when ordered to the front line with the 29th Division. His men buried him in the field. He was the youngest son of late Provost Walter W B Rodgers and Emma Rodgers. He attended Glenalmond School and was a member of the rifle team. He was a Brother-in-Law of Reid Kerr. The Rodgers lived at one of the finest houses in town - Bagatelle.

Charles George Wilson is buried at Roclincourt Valley Cemetery. Dundee Courier 17th April 1917 reported - Official intimation has been received that 2nd Lieutenant Charles George Gordon Wilson, younger son of the late Dr WA Wilson(Greenok) has been killed in action on the Western Front.

Go back to the road and head to section 2i