Great War Dundee
This is Dundee's story of those that served in the First World War, and of the people left at home
We need you to tell us more about the life and times of James Grainger Strachan
James Grainger Strachan
Military Information
- Date of enlistment: June 1915
- Place of enlistment: HMS Unicorn, Dundee
- Service no: Clyde Z/5228
- Rank: Able Seaman
- Service Occupation:
- Awards:
- Regiment/Service: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
- Unit/Ship: Nelson Battalion, R.N. Div
- Place of Death: Turkey/Gallipoli
- Age at Death: 22
- Date of Death: 31.12.1915
- Burial Country: Turkey/Gallipoli
- Cemetery: Redoubt Cemetery, Helles
- Grave/Mem Ref no: Sp. Mem. B. 149.
Personal Information
- Date of Birth:
- Place of Birth: Montrose
- Address: 36 Carmichael St, Dundee
- Occupation: Twine Polisher
- Mother:
Mary Dow Strachan, 36 Carmichael St, Dundee
- Father:
Alexander Strachan, 36 Carmichael St, Dundee
- Siblings:
- Spouse:
- Children:
More about James Grainger Strachan
James G Strachan was the son of Mr Alexander and Mrs Mary Dow Strachan of 36 Carmichael Street, Dundee. He worked as a Twine Polisher when, in June 1915 he volunteered to join the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve onboard HMS Unicorn for service in the Royal Naval Division. After initial Naval Training at the Crystal Palace in South London he was sent to Blandford Camp in Dorset for advanced military training in late August. On completion in October he was drafted to the Nelson Battalion which had been serving in Gallipoli since April. He arrived at the Battalion in November and was reported as being killed in an accident on 28 December but this date was later changed to 31 December 1915. The Nelson Battalion was one of the rear-guard formations preparing for the evacuation of the Gallipoli Peninsula. James Strachan was buried at the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles. His death was reported in the Peoples Journal.
Accidentally killed at Gallipoli.
James G. Strachan CZ/5228 Nelson Bn R.N.D.
STRACHAN—Accidentally killed while serving with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, on 28th December, Able Seaman James Strachan, Clyde, Z/5228, R.N.V.R., son of Alexander and Mary Strachan, 36 Carmichael Street, Dundee, and grandson of Bob Dow, professional golfer, late of Montrose.
Montrose, Arbroath and Brechin Review 28th January 1916
STRACHAN—Accidentally killed on 28th December 1915, while serving in Mediterranean Forces, Able Seaman James Strachan, Nelson Batt., Royal Naval Division, youngest and dearly beloved son of Alexander and Mary Strachan, 36 Carmichael Street, Dundee, and grandson of the late Robert Dow, Montrose.
Dundee People’s Journal 29th January 1916
Additional information kindly supplied by Michael Caldwell.
Further information supplied by Iain Stewart and Iain Birnie
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