More about William Neilson

William has no known grave but is remembered on a memorial panel within Tyne Cot Cemetery. As he originally attested in Quebec, Canada he is listed in Wigney’s C.E.F. Roll of Honour and on the Canadian Virtual War memorial, William’s Memorial

Also visit is Canadian Service Record.

William attested on the 23 September 1914, in the Canadian Army Service Corps and given the Regimental Number 30367. Following his training he was posted as a Driver to No4 Company, 1st Divisional Train, Canadian Army Service Corps. He remained with them until 24.03.1917 when he was struck of strength from them to begin training for a commission in the British Army. He obtained his commission as a Second Lieutenant on 21 September 1917 and was posted to the Royal Field Artillery.

He was a former pupil of Grove Academy, Broughty Ferry and is remembered on the schools war memorial.

There is also a reference to William in the Dundee Advertiser 10/06/1918 page 5, held in Dundee Central Library.

William Neilson   Second-Lieutenant   Royal Field Artillery

NEILSON―Killed in action on 30th May, Second-Lieutenant William Neilson, R.F.A., aged 26, youngest son of William D. D. Neilson, 15 Lawrence Street, Broughty Ferry.

Dundee Evening Telegraph 10th June 1918

Second-Lieutenant William Neilson, R.F.A., aged 26, youngest son of William D. D. Neilson, 15 Lawrence Street, Broughty Ferry, was killed in action on May 30.  Deceased, who served his apprenticeship as an architect with Messrs M’Culloch & Jamieson, Dundee, went to Canada about six years ago, where he was employed as a Government railway surveyor.  He enlisted there, and came across with the first Canadian contingent.  He was well-known in athletic circles, being a prominent player in Forthill Athletic and Balgillo Football Clubs.  He was 26 years of age.  His brother, James, is serving with the R.G.A.

Broughty Ferry Guide 14th June 1918