Hyde Family Ancestors in Scotland

My Hyde ancestors are well documented as far back as my Great-Great-Grandparents, James

Hyde (1814-1861) & Agnes Clark (1821-1889). Until a few years ago, the only clue we had

about James’ family was something that Aunt Isobel Hyde Reckitt told my sister, Laurie, in

1977: Isobel mentioned that James’ father’s name was Robert Hyde. Searching through Scottish

records with this information, though, did not produce any meaningful results.

In the spring of 2010, Jamie Hyde (son of Eric Hyde and grandson of Walter Court Hyde) sent

me some intriguing information about a possible connection to the Hyde family in Scotland. The

story began with a man called John Hyde Christie (1836-1926) who was well known in Scotland

as the General Manager of a company called The United Turkey Red Co. Ltd. In his time, it was

the largest firm engaged in the business of bleaching, finishing, dyeing, and printing in

Scotland.

John Hyde Christie was a son of William Henry McLean Christie and his wife, Helen

Hyde (born ~1810). J.H. Christie was married to Jessie Fulton (1842- ) and they had five

children: Henry William Christie (1874- ), Jane Christie (1875- ), John Fulton Christie (1878- ),

George James Hyde Christie (1879- ) and Helen Hyde Christie (II) (1883- ). Although no records

have been found to connect Helen Hyde to James Hyde’s family, Jamie noted that his father

(Eric J.W. Hyde) and grandfather (Walter Court Hyde) had visited George J. H. Christie’s home,

“Ross Priory” in Dunbartonshire, Scotland, during the Second World War (George was a

decorated First World War veteran – he had been awarded the Distinguished Service

Order (DSO), for bravery). Jamie also has a 1960 Christmas card from “George & Jane” with the

Ross Priory address on it. Eric Hyde recalled his visit to Ross Priory and confirmed that there

was a family connection to the Christies, but he did not know the details.

So, we are left with the understanding that there is a connection between the Christie and Hyde

families, but the question of course, is what exactly is the connection? We can only speculate

that Helen could have been a sister of James Hyde. She was born in Glasgow about 1810, which

is close to James’ birth in 1814.

Some further investigation revealed that according to the 1861 Scotland census, a woman called

Rachel Hyde was living with the family of Helen (Hyde) Christie, in Glasgow. At that time,

Rachel was 74 years old, and was identified in the census as “Grandmother”. In 1861, Helen

would have been 51 years old, so it’s reasonable to infer that Rachel was Helen’s mother. If so,

and if the speculation above were correct, then Rachel would be James’ mother.

Further research indicated that Rachel had been born in Ireland, and had been married to Richard

Hyde on the 7th June 1807 in Barony, Renfrewshire, Scotland (It appears that Rachel’s maiden

name was also Hyde).

Now, if Rachel was James’ mother, then this information about her husband Richard conflicts

with the information that Aunt Isobel left us with: Isobel mentioned in her interview with Laurie

that James’ father was Robert Hyde… Was Isobel mistaken? That would seem unlikely because

she had a remarkable memory for facts. Nevertheless, it does seem significant to me that James

named his first son Richard: As Isobel said herself, it was customary at that time to name sons

and daughters after their parents and grandparents. James did not give the name Robert to any of

his own children – – nor did Helen (John gave the name Robert to his second son, and James’

eldest son, Richard, named his youngest son Robert John Manly). James and Helen both gave the

name Helen to one of their own daughters, and Helen and John each gave the name Rachel to

one of their own daughters.

Further research into the Hyde & Christie families in Scotland has revealed other information

that is worth noting here:

1. We begin with this reference – http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2971157 – which

relates to Christie Park, and includes this reference to John Hyde Christie’s

obituary: “John Hyde Christie was first employed by his cousin’s firm, Hay & Hyde at

Port Dundas“.

2. According to the Glasgow Post Office Directory 1853-54, ‘Hay & Hyde’ was a firm of

‘Silk Throwsters and Patent Silk Spinners, Sawmillfield, Port Dundas’. The same

directory also has a listing for “John Hyde of Hay & Hyde, 275 St. Georges Road”. In

1853-54, John Hyde Christie would have been about 18, and likely at his first job. This

indicates to me that John Hyde (of Hay & Hyde) is very likely the “cousin” referred to

above, and he must have been related via John Hyde Christie’s mother, Helen Hyde. (At

this point we should also take note of another fact in the same Post Office Directory: a

“Mrs. Hyde, Grocer”, was living and/or working next door, at 277 St. Georges Road –

– Remember that, as we noted in the 1861 Scotland census, Rachel Hyde was described

as a “Retired Grocer”).

3. According to the 1851 Scotland Census, Mary Hyde, 33 years old, lived at 275 St.

Georges Road (John Hyde’s location in the 1853 GPO directory, above) with her children

Mary (aged 11), Robert (8), Rachel (6) and John (3). She is listed as “Wife”. There is no

mention of John Hyde, but Mary is not listed as a widow (It could well be that Census-

takers only recorded who was home when they called, to prevent double-counting).

4. According to the 1861 Scotland Census (ten years later), John Hyde, 53 years old and

Mary Hyde 43 years old, live at 29 Scotia Street with their children Mary W. (aged 21),

James (aged 30 – a typo, I’m sure this should have been 20), Robert M. (18), Rachel N.

(16), Melville (9), William W. (7) and John G.B. (2). John’s occupation is listed as “Silk

Garn Agent”. Mary’s birthplace is listed as “Cupar, fifeshire” in both 1851 & 1861

censuses. Other info is consistent as well, including the names and ages of children Mary,

Robert and Rachel (it seems likely that young John (born 1848) died between 1851 and

1861). I can’t explain why the son James was not listed in the 1851 Census (he would

have been 10), but the rest of the information is very consistent. Robert M. and James are

described as Post Office Clerks.

5. In the 1871 England Census James W. Hyde (aged 30) and Robert M. Hyde (aged 28),

who were both born in Paisley, Scotland, are lodgers at an address in London, and are

described as clerks at the General Post Office in London. The significance of this

information about James & Robert will become apparent in the following paragraphs.

This brings us to the next major development in this story: My cousin, Heather Adair Shaw

recalled to me that her Grandmother (Alison Jean (Hyde) Kyle) had an ongoing correspondence

with a relative back in Scotland (Alison was the daughter of George Hyde; Granddaughter of

James & Agnes). Heather did not know this relative’s name, but she knew that he had a close

connection to the Duke of York (later, King George VI) through a camp for boys that had been

sponsored by the Duke of York. She also mentioned that this man was prominent enough to have

been invited to the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, in 1947. A short time after

Heather told me this story, I stumbled upon information about a man called Sir Robert Robertson

Hyde (1878-1967), a clergyman who had been the founder and director of a British organization

called the Industrial Welfare Society. Furthermore, it was Sir Robert who had established

the Duke of York’s Holiday Camps for Boys. In 1950, the king had made him KBE (Knight

Commander of the British Empire). It quickly became clear to both Heather and me that this

must have been her Grandmother’s correspondent. Even more more interesting was the fact that

Sir Robert had written an Autobiography called “Industry was My Parish”, and I soon obtained

a copy hoping that it might contain much information about his family, that might help me make

a connection to our Scottish ancestors. Regrettably, that was not to be, but the book still

contained some interesting facts about his family: His father was Robert Mettam Hyde (1843-

1888), and his Hyde Grandfather was a ‘Silk Manufacturer from Paisley’. He mentions that his

father had worked in the Post Office (see the 1861 and 1871 census information above), and later

worked as an engineer installing sub-marine cables in Brazil. I have no doubt that Robert Mettam

Hyde is the Robert M. Hyde whose father was John Hyde, of Hay & Hyde, also referenced

above. So, the significance of this is that Alison Jean Hyde had an ongoing overseas

correspondence with the Grandson of John Hyde – the same John Hyde who we think was a

brother of our James.

The last person I want to talk about is John Hyde’s son, James who has been referenced above as

a post office clerk in the 1851, 1861 and 1871 censuses: In the 1881 Scotland census, James W.

Hyde (aged 41), born in Paisley, Scotland, is described as Superintendent at the Edinburgh Post

Office. This same information is consistent in the 1891 and 1901 Scotland censuses where James

W. Hyde is described as the Controller of the Edinburgh Post Office: At that time, the

Controller of the Edinburgh post office was James Wilson Hyde: I know this for several reasons,

including the fact that he was the author of several books about the history of the Royal Mail,

including: “The Royal Mail, it’s Curiosities & Romance” and “A Hundred Years by Post“. It is

clear to me that James Wilson Hyde was the son of John Hyde, and his wife Mary Wilson. It is

worth noting here that our James Hyde and Agnes Clark named their second daughter Mary

Wilson Hyde. (James Wilson Hyde’s brother, Robert Mettam Hyde, also named a daughter Mary

Wilson Hyde).

To summarize, here are all of the indicators of a Hyde family connection to

Scotland:

1. Walter Court Hyde and his son Eric John Walter Hyde had some reason to visit George

James Hyde Christie in Dumbartonshire, Scotland during the Second World War. George

was the son of John Hyde Christie, who’s mother was Helen Hyde, born ~1810, a

daughter of Richard & Rachel Hyde.

2. Alison Jean (Elsie) Hyde had some reason to carry-on an overseas corespondence with

Robert Robertson Hyde, who was the son of Robert Mettam Hyde, Grandson of John

Hyde, and Great-Grandson of Richard & Rachel Hyde.

3. Our James Hyde & Agnes Clark gave names to their own children, as follows:

4. They named their oldest son Richard Hyde (after James’ father?)

5. They named their second daughter Mary Wilson Hyde (after his brother John’s wife,

Mary Wilson?)

6. They named their fourth son William Hyde (after James’ brother? (who was identified in

the 1841 Scottish census))

7. They named their fifth son John Hyde (after James’ brother?)

8. They named their fourth daughter Helen Rennie Hyde (after James’ sister?).

9. Finally, it would seem that our James was named after his mother’s father.

Even though these are all good indicators (especially when taken together) of a connection

between the families of John Hyde, Helen Hyde, and our James, none of them demonstrate

conclusively what the connection is. Until the right documentation is discovered, the

relationships remain to be determined.

What follows is a list of descendants of Richard and Rachel Hyde – – whose children may have

included our James.

HYDE FAMILY REGISTER (SCOTTISH ANCESTORS ONLY)

FIRST GENERATION

1. Richard Hyde (1780?- 1840?) Born in Scotland, probably about 1780. He married

Rachel Hyde (apparently Hyde was her maiden name) in Barony, Lanarkshire, Scotland

on June 7, 1807. He probably died sometime before the 1841 Scottish Census was

conducted.

a. Rachel Hyde (1784-1868) Born in Ireland ~1784. According to the 1861 Scottish

Census, she was a Grocer in Glasgow. According to her death record, her father’s

name was James Hyde, and he was also a Grocer. She died at 17 George Street,

Glasgow on Oct. 17, 1868, aged ~84 years.

i. John Hyde (1808-1867)

ii. Helen Hyde (1810- )

iii. Elizabeth Hyde (1812-)

iv. James Hyde?? (1814-1861) Our speculation is that James was born into

this family. The descendants of James Hyde and his wife, Agnes Clark,

are not included in this register. For details of their family, please see my

‘Hyde Family Chronicle’.

v. Rachel Hyde (1821- )

vi. William Hyde (1821-)

vii. Mary Hyde (1829- )

SECOND GENERATION

2. John Hyde (1808-1867) Born in Glasgow in 1808; son of Richard & Rachel Hyde.

Married Mary Wilson about 1839. I believe that he was a partner in a firm called Hay &

Hyde, Silk Throwsters & Patent Silk Spinners, Sawmillfield, Port Dundas (See Glasgow

Post Office Directory 1853-54). He died in Renfrewshire, Scotland in 1867, aged 59

years (I have a copy of his will, but it doesn’t contain anything useful).

a. Mary Wilson (1818-) Born in Cupar, Fifeshire, Scotland about 1818.

i. Mary Wade Hyde (1840-1928)

ii. James Wilson Hyde (1841-1918)

iii. Robert Mettam Hyde (1843-1888)

iv. Rachel Andersen Hyde (1845-1937)

v. Melville Hyde (1851-1937)

vi. William Walter Hyde (1854-)

vii. Joseph Bell Hyde (1856-1857)

viii. John Joseph Brown Hyde (1858-1933)

3. Helen Hyde (1810-) Born in Glasgow, Scotland about 1810; Daughter of Richard &

Rachel Hyde. She married William Henry McLean Christie in Abbey Paisley,

Renfrewshire, Scotland on June 10, 1836.

a. William Henry McLean Christie (1806- ) Born in Barrhead, Renfrewshire,

Scotland about 1806.

i. John Hyde Christie (1836-1926)

ii. Rachel Christie (1839-1895)

iii. William Henry McLean Christie (1843-)

iv. Frederick Christie (1850-1861)

4. Elizabeth Hyde (1812-) Born in Glasgow, Scotland about 1812; Daughter of Richard &

Rachel Hyde. She married John Henry McInnes in Abbey Paisley, Renfrewshire,

Scotland on December 31, 1838.

a. John Henry McInnes (1816-) He was a Stationer, Printer and Bookseller in

Neilston, Renfrewshire. He was the first employer of John Hyde Christie, before

JHC went to work for Richard & Rachel’s son John, at Hay & Hyde.

i. Rachel Hyde McInnes (1841-)

ii. Mary Ann McInnes (1846-)

iii. John Taylor McInnes (1850-)

5. James Hyde (1814-1861) Born in Glasgow Scotland on Sept. 15, 1814, believed to have

been a son of Richard & Rachel Hyde. He married Agnes Clark in Paisley on July 1,

1842, and they had twelve children (nine surviving infancy). They emigrated from

Scotland to Montreal, Canada in April 1853. He died in Montreal on May 20, 1861, aged

47 years. (Descendants of James & Agnes are not included here). Buried at Mount Royal

Cemetery, Montreal.

a. Agnes Clark (1821-1889) Born in Scotland about 1821. Her father was John

Clark; he was a surgeon in the Royal Navy (This is acording to a notation in

daughter Jemima’s death notice in the Montreal Gazette, in 1937). Agnes died in

Montreal on June 13th 1889, aged ~68 years. Buried at Mount Royal Cemetery,

Montreal

i. Richard Hyde (1843-1926)

ii. Jean Mackenzie Hyde (1944-1929)

iii. George Hyde (1846-1916)

iv. Mary Wilson Hyde (1848-1851)

v. James Hyde (1850-1850)

vi. William Hyde (1851-1897)

vii. John Hyde (1853-1936)

viii. James Hyde (1855-1857)

ix. Alexander Hyde (1857-1942)

x. Margaret B. Hyde (1859-1927)

xi. Helen Rennie Hyde (1859-1949)

xii. Jemima Hyde (1861-1938)

6. William Hyde (1821-) Born in Scotland about 1821; son of Richard & Rachel Hyde.

Referenced on th 1841 Scottish census; he was living with his sister Helen, and her

husband.

7. Rachel Hyde (1821- ) Born in Scotland about 1821; daughter of Richard & Rachel Hyde.

She married (I think) Thomas Stevenson Sheppard in Abbey Paisley, Renfrewshire,

Scotland on July 2, 1844.

a. Thomas Stevenson Sheppard (1820-) Born about 1820.

8. Mary Hyde (1829- ) Born in Glasgow, Scotland about 1829; daughter of Richard &

Rachel Hyde.

THIRD GENERATION

9. Mary Wade Hyde (1840-1928) Born Paisley, Scotland about 1840; daughter of John

Hyde & Mary Wilson. She married Walter James Dalgliesh in Blythswood, Glasgow on

September 20, 1866. She died about 1928 in Edmonton, Middlesex, England, aged ~88

years.

a. Walter James Dalgleish (1841-1907) Born in Johnstone, Dumfrieshire, Scotland

in 1841; he was the son of John Dalgliesh and Elizabeth Nichol. He died in Essex,

Hertfordshire, England on Sept. 17, 1907, aged 66 years.

i. Mary Hyde Dalgleish (1867-)

ii. John James Dalgleish (1870-1955)

iii. Elizabeth Nicol Dalgleish (1871-1940)

iv. Melville Beatrice Dalgleish (1874-1874)

v. Walter Edward Dalgleish (1875-1938)

vi. Arthur William Dalgleish (1878-1969)

vii. William Service Dalgleish (1879-1918)

10. James Wilson Hyde (1841-1918) Born in Glasgow, Scotland on February 6th 1841.

Son of John Hyde & Mary Wilson. He married Joanna Stuart Gibb. He had a long career

in the Post Office: He, and his brother Robert, began as a clerks in the Post Office in

Glasgow (see 1861 Scoottish census). Next, he went with his brother Robert Mettam

Hyde to London and they both worked in the Post Office there (see 1871 England

census). James returned to Scotland , and eventually became Controller of the Edinburgh

General Post Office (see 1881, 1891 and 1901 Scotland censuses). He was also the author

of several books about the history of the Royal Mail, including: “The Royal Mail, it’s

Curiosities & Romance” and “A Hundred Years by Post“. He died in London, England on

Apr. 29, 1918, aged 77 years.

a. Joanna Stuart Gibb (1853- ) Born in Glasgow, Scotland. Daughter of John Gibb

and Martha Stuart. She died before her husband – between 1901 and 1918.

i. Martha Helena Eveline Hyde (1878-)

11. Robert Mettam Hyde (1843-1888) Born in Glasgow, Scotland about 1843; son of John

Hyde & Mary Wilson. He married Marjory Robertson on October 7th 1935 in Stirling,

Scotland. He was a professional engineer. After a short stint in the London Post Office,

he joined the Western & Brazilian Telegraph Company, and was responsible for laying

the first sub-marine cables in South America. The Emperor of Brazil presented him with

a decoration known as the Order of the Rose. This was awarded to civilians who had

distinguished themselves by loyalty to the Emperor, or by services rendered. He died in

West Ham, Essex, England in 1888, aged 45 years. Most of this biographical information

came from the autobiography titled “Industry was my Parish” written by his son, Sir

Robert Robertson Hyde.

a. Marjory Robertson (1850-1935) Born in Inverary, Argylshire, Scotland on April

1st 1850. She was the daughter of James Robertson & Jessie Stoddart - - she was

one of a large family; Highlanders of the Struan Robertson Clan. Her father,

James, was Chamberlain to the Duke of Argyle (The ‘Chamberlain’ was the head

of the Duke’s household). She died in London, England on April 20th 1935, aged

85 years. (See “Industry was my Parish” by Sir Robert Robertson Hyde).

i. Alfred Mettam Hyde (1876-1938)

ii. Robert Robertson Hyde (1878-1967)

iii. Marjory Stoddart Hyde (1880-1974)

iv. Mary Wilson Hyde (1882-)

v. Florence Maude Hyde (1886-)

12. Rachel Andersen Hyde (1845-1937) Born in Glasgow, Scotland, about 1845; daughter

of John Hyde & Mary Wilson; born in Glasgow, Scotland. She married Dr. James Barras

in Glasgow on April 9th 1867, and they had eight children. She died in Ayrshire, Scotland

on September 6, 1937, aged 92 years.

a. James Barras M.D. (1836-1918) Born in Stanley, Perthshire, Scotland, about

1918. Son of George Barras & Margaret Smith. He died in London, England on

November 24, 1918, aged 82 years.

i. William George Barras (1868-1917)

ii. Mary Margaret Barras (1869-1871)

iii. Rachel Hyde Barras (1871-1876)

iv. Margaret Mary Barras (1873-)

v. John James Barras (1874-1877)

vi. Florence Helena Barras (1875-)

vii. Alice Smith Barras (1877-1961)

viii. Ada Beatrice Barras (1882-1898)

13. Melville Hyde (1852-1937) Born in Glasgow, Scotland on April 28, 1851; daughter of

John Hyde & Mary Wilson. She married William Larmour Service in Clapham, England

on April 17, 1877, and they had eight children. She died in Uxbridge, Middlesex,

England on January 27, 1937, aged 84 years.

a. William Larmour Service (1856-1931) Born in Fintry, Stirlingshire, Scotland.

Son of Robert and Margaret Service. He died in Merionethshire, Wales on April

30th 1931, aged 75 years.

i. Robert Larmour Service (1878-)

ii. William Dudley Service (1883-)

iii. Juanita Melville Service (1885-1956)

iv. Daisy Service (1887-)

v. Olive Muriel Service (1887-1967)

vi. Eleanor Service (1889-)

vii. Thomas Bernard Service (1889-)

viii. Clarence Hyde Service (1891-)

14. William Walter Hyde (1854- ) Born in Glasgow, Scotland about 1854; son of John

Hyde & Mary Wilson. He is referenced as “William W. Hyde” in the 1861 & 1871

Scottish censuses: Robert Robertson Hyde’s autobiography refers to an “Uncle Walter

Hyde” – I feel pretty sure that this is William (Walter) Hyde.

15. Joseph Bell Hyde (1856-1857) Born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 14, 1856; son of John

Hyde & Mary Wilson; born in Glasgow, Scotland. He died on August 24, 1857, aged

fifteen months.

16. John Joseph Brown Hyde (1858-1933) Born in Milton, Glasgow, Scotland on

November 10th 1858. Son of John Hyde & Mary Wilson. Married Florence White in

Chigwell, Essex, England on March 14, 1882. He is referenced with the wrong initials in

the 1861 and 1871 Scottish censuses, but I feel sure I have his name right: He is

mentioned twice (as “Uncle Joe”) in Robert Robertson Hyde’s autobiography, “Industry

was my Parish”. He died in England on November 8, 1933, aged 75 years.

a. Florence White (1857-) Born Chigwell, Essex, England; Daughter of Thomas &

Mary Ann White.

17. John Hyde Christie (1836-1926) Born in Glasgow, Scotland on November 9, 1836; son

of Helen Hyde & William Henry McLean Christie. His first job was in a the Printing,

Stationery & Bookshop of John Henry McInnes, husband of his Aunt Elizabeth Hyde.

His second job was with his Uncle John Hyde at the firm of Hay & Hyde, in Port Dundas.

Trained as a chemist, he became General Manager of the United Turkey Red Co. Ltd. He

married Jessie Fulton in Renfrewshire, Scotland on July 30, 1872, and they had five

children. He died in Dumbartonshire, Scotland on June 24, 1926, aged 89 years.

a. Jessie Fulton (1842-1924) Born in Kibarchan, Renfrewshire, Scotland. Daughter

of John Fulton & Jean Park.

i. Henry William Mclean Christie (1873-1943)

ii. Jane Park Christie (1874-)

iii. John Fulton Christie (1877-1959)

iv. George James Hyde Christie (1879-)

v. Helen Hyde Christie (1883-1924)

18. Rachel Christie (1839-1895) Born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland on February 24,

1839; daughter of Helen Hyde & William Henry McLean Christie. She married (I think)

Andrew John Bain in Bonhill, Dumbarton, Scotland on January 2, 1872 and they had six

children. She died in Scotland about 1895, aged ~56 years.

a. Andrew John Bain (1845-1919) Born on May 11, 1845 in Bonhill, Dunbarton,

Scotland; Son of Hugh and Anne Bain. He died in Dennistoun, Lanarkshire,

Scotland in 1919, aged 74 years.

i. Walter Hugh Bain (1872-)

ii. Henry William Bain (1874-)

iii. Andrew J. Bain (1878-1895)

iv. Rachel Anne Bain (1879-)

v. Elizabeth Lilian Adam Bain (1881-1908)

vi. Johnina Christie Bain (1885-1928)

19. William (Henry McLean?) Christie (1843-) Born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland on

April 11, 1843; son of Helen Hyde & William Henry McLean Christie.

20. Frederick Christie (1850- ~1860) Born about 1850; son of Helen Hyde & William

Henry McLean Christie. He died before 1861.

21. Rachel Hyde McInnes (1841-) Born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland in 1841;

daughter of Elizabeth Hyde & John Henery McInnes.

22. Mary Ann McInnes (1846-) Born in Neilston, Renfrewshire, Scotland in 1841; daughter

of Elizabeth Hyde & John Henery McInnes.

23. John Taylor McInnes (1850-) Born in Neilston, Renfrewshire, Scotland in 1841; son of

Elizabeth Hyde & John Henery McInnes.

FOURTH GENERATION

24. Mary Hyde Dalgleish (1867- ) Born at Hackney, Middlesex, England in July 1867.

Daughter of Mary Wade Hyde & Walter James Dalgleish. She married Henry Charles

Sawyer at St. James, Muswell Hill, England on February 10, 1894 and they had five

children.

a. Henry Charles Sawyer (1870-1941) Born at Highgate, Middlesex, England.

Died at Hendon, Middlesex on July 8th 1941.

i. Doris Mary Sawyer (1895-1969)

ii. Charles Walter Sawyer (1897-1918)

iii. Arthur Harold Sawyer (1899-1899)

iv. Elizabeth Winifred Sawyer (1900-)

v. Kathleen Eleanor Sawyer (1905)

25. John James Dalgleish (1870-1955) Born in Croydon, Surrey, England in January 1870.

Son of Mary Wade Hyde & Walter James Dalgleish. He married Florence Ethel Read in

West Ham, Essex, England in June 1919 and they had one child. He died in Ilford, Essex,

England on June 1955.

a. Florence Ethel Read (1892-1980) Born in Walthamstow, Essex, England in

January 1892. Daughter of George Bowles Read and Selina Caroline. She died in

London on March 30, 1980.

i. Walter James Dalgleish (1920-)

26. Elizabeth Nicol Dalgleish (1872-1940) Daughter of Mary Wade Hyde & Walter James

Dalgleish. She married William Sydney Smith in Edmonton, Middlesex in April 1895.

She died London in 1940.

a. William Sydney Smith (1871- ) Born about 1871 in Hornsey, Middlesex,

England. Son of Benjamin Smith.

i. Marjorie Blanche Smith (1906-1981)

27. Melville Beatrice Dalgleish (1874-1874) Daughter of Mary Wade Hyde & Walter James

Dalgleish. She died in infancy.

28. Walter Edward Dalgleish (1875-1938) Born in Islington, Middlesex, England on July

13, 1875. Son of Mary Wade Hyde & Walter James Dalgleish. He married Blanche Ethel

Martin on June 30, 1900 and they had two children. He married Violet Wagg in

December 1931. He died in Edmonton, Middlesex in 1938.

a. Blanche Ethel Martin (1875-1931) Born in Hackney, Middlesex, England on

July 10, 1875. Daughter of Edward and Amelia Martin. She died in Edmonton,

Middlesex in 1931.

i. Ronald James Edward Dalgleish

ii. Stella Mary Elizabeth Dalgleish

b. Violet Wagg (1894-1957) Born in 1894 in Maidstone, Kent, England. Daughter

of Robert Wagg and Ellen Jane Worters. She died in Wood Green, Middlesex in

1957.

29. Arthur William Dalgliesh (1878-1969) Son of Mary Wade Hyde & Walter James

Dalgleish. Married Lily Miriam Bates in Essex, England in September 1927.

a. Lily Miriam Bates (1887-1977) Born in Great Clacton, Essex, England on

December 11th 1887. Daughter of George Bates and Sarah Clark. Died in

Colchester, Essex, England in March 1977, aged 89 years.

30. William Service Dalgleish (1879-1918) Son of Mary Wade Hyde & Walter James

Dalgleish. A soldier of the First World War, he was a Private in the East Surrey

Regiment, British Expeditionary Force. He died in France on March 11, 1918. Buried at

Chauny Communal Cemetery, Aisne, France, aged 39 years.

31. Martha Helena Eveline Hyde (1878- ) Born in 1878 in Clapham, Surrey, England;

daughter of James Wilson Hyde & Joanna Stuart.

32. Alfred Mettam Hyde (1876-1938) Born in 1876 in Clapham, Surrey, England; son of

Robert Mettam Hyde and Marjory Robertson. He died in Middlesex on December 14th

1938, aged 62 years.

33. Robert Robertson Hyde, MVO, KBE (1878-1967) Born in Clapham, Surry, England in

July 1878; he was the son of Robert Mettam Hyde and Marjory Robertson. He attended

Kings College London, and spent some years in business before deciding to enter the

Anglican Ministry. Ordained in 1903, he was engaged in parish work until 1916 (during

the First World War) when he was asked to take over the newly formed Boys Welfare

Department of the Ministry of Munitions. Two years later he independantly established

the Boys Welfare Association, which subequently became known as the Industrial

Welfare Society. R.R. Hyde was the Director, Sir William Beardmore became Chairman,

and the Duke of York (later King George VI) became President of the Association. A

close bond developed between Hyde and the future King – one outcome of which was the

establishment of the Duke of York’s Holiday camps for boys of all classes. Hyde was

awarded the M.V.O. (Member of the Victorian Order) in 1932, and was made K.B.E.

(Knight Commander of the British Empire) in 1949. He wrote at least two books: One

was a study of “The Boy in Industry and Leisure”. The other was an autobiography called

“Industry was my Parish”. Much information that is related here about his parents, and

other Hyde family members came from his autobiography. Biographical information

presented here about Robert Hyde himself, came from an obituary published in the

November 1967 issue of the Journal of the Royal Society of the Arts. Sir Robert R. Hyde

died in England on August 31, 1967, aged 89 years.

a. Eileen Ruth Parker (1887-) Born in Cuckfield, Sussex, England in 1887. She

was the daughter of George Fisher Parker (1838-) and Annie Maud Hargreaves

(1862-).

i. Ian Robertson Hyde (1919-1943)

34. Marjory Stoddart Hyde (1880-1974) Born in Clapham, Surrey on September 15, 1880;

daughter of Robert Mettam Hyde and Marjory Robertson. She married William John

Curry on June 7, 1906 in St. Mary, England, and they had three children. She died in

North Wester Surrey in September 1974.

a. William John Curry (1865-) Born about 1865 in Holloway, London, England.

i. Marjory Patricia Curry (1907-1982)

ii. Kathleen Stoddart Curry (1908-)

iii. John Robertson Curry (1910-1992)

35. Mary Wilson Hyde (1882-) Born about 1882 in Catford, Kent, England; daughter of

Robert Mettam Hyde and Marjory Robertson. She married Benjamin Dennitts Snith in

Lambeth, Surrey in September 1926.

a. Benjamin Dennits Smith (1888-1975) Born in Wellington, New Zealand on

October 29, 1888. He died in Devon, England on February 20, 1975.

36. Florence Maude Hyde (1886-) Born about 1886 in Essex, England; daughter of Robert

Mettam Hyde and Marjory Robertson.

37. William George Barras M.D. (1868-1917) Born on March 30, 1868 in Govan,

Lanarkshire, Scotland. Son of Rachel Andersen Hyde and James Barras. He was a crew

member aboard the Royal Navy dreadnought battleship HMS Vanguard. Just before

midnight on July 9, 1917 Vanguard suffered an accidental, catastophic explosion and

sank within minutes. All but three of 846 crew were lost, and it remains the Royal Navy’s

worst accidental loss.

38. Mary Margaret Barras (1869-1871) Born in Govan, Lanark, Scotland on July 9, 1869.

Daughter of Rachel Andersen Hyde and James Barras. She died before 1871, less than

two years old.

39. Rachel Hyde Barras (1871-1876) Born in Govam Lanark, Scotland on Febraury 26,

1871. Daughter of Rachel Andersen Hyde and James Barras. She died in 1876, age 5

years.

40. Margaret Mary Barras (1873-) Born on January 18, 1873. Daughter of Rachel

Andersen Hyde and James Barras. She married James Robertson about 1910.

a. James Robertson ()

41. John James Barras (1874-1877) Born on May 30, 1874 in Govan, Lanark, Scotland.

Son of Rachel Andersen Hyde and James Barras.

42. Florence Helena Barras (1875-) Born on September 5, 1875 in Govan, Lanark,

Scotland. Daughter of Rachel Andersen Hyde and James Barras.

a. Daniel McLean Hill (1870-)

i. James Barras Hill (1906-1995)

43. Alice Smith Barras (1877-1961) Born on February 21, 1877 in Govan, Lanark, Scotland

Daughter of Rachel Andersen Hyde and James Barras. She died in Westbourne, Barassie

on June 30, 1961, aged 84 years.

44. Ada Beatrice Barras (1883-1898) Born on August 7, 1882 in Govan, Lanark, Scotland

Daughter of Rachel Andersen Hyde and James Barras. She died in Govan on February 8,

1898, aged 15 years.

45. Robert Larmour Service (1878- ) Born in Clapham, Surry, England on April 22, 1878;

son of Melville Hyde & William Larmour Service. He married Elizabeth Harriet Stokes

in England, about 1899. He died Hastings, Sussex, England in 1946, aged 68 years.

a. Elizabeth Harriet Stokes (1880-) Born about 1877. Died in London, England in

1930.

i. William Larmour Hyde Service (1900-1989)

46. William Dudley Service (1883-1953) Born in Chigwell, Essex, England on July 26,

1883; son of Melville Hyde & William Larmour Service. About 1912, William and his

brother Clarence acquired farm land in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta (Canada), near

Edmonton, and established Homesteads there. They were both listed there in the 1916

Census of Western Canada. On September 24th 1918, William enlisted in the Canadian

Siberian Expeditionary Force – this was a small military force that was formed to go to

Russia, to bolster allied presence and oppose the Bolshevik revolution. The force had

returned to Canada by June 1919. William may not have returned to Canada, but rather to

England. By 1932, he was living in London with his mother, his brother Thomas, and

sister Junita. He died in Hertfordshire, England on January 13, 1953.

47. Juanita Melville Service (1885-1956) Born on August 31, 1885 in Middlesex, England,

daughter of Melville Hyde & William Larmour Service. She died in Dorset, England on

April 22, 1956, aged 71 years.

48. Olive Muriel Service (1887-1967) Born in Wormley, Hertfordshire, England on July 12,

1887; daughter of Melville Hyde & William Larmour Service. She married Frederick

William Chettle in Herne Hill, England on September 19, 1914. She died in Midhurst,

Sussex, England in September 1967, aged 80 years.

a. Frederick William Chettle (1866-1945) Born in Moss Side, Lancashire, England

in 1866; son of Thomas William Chettle (1843-1911) and Emma - - - (1844-

1911). He died in London on December 25, 1945, aged 79 years.

49. Daisy Service (1887- ) Daughter of Melville Hyde & William Larmour Service.

50. Thomas Bernard Service (1889-1960) Born in Wormley, Hertfordshire, England on

January 12th 1889; son of Melville Hyde & William Larmour Service. He married Louisa

Edith - - about 1935. He died in Worthing, Sussex, England on January 7, 1960, aged 70

years.

a. Louisa Edith - - - (1896-1979) Born on January 5, 1896. She died in Worthing,

Sussex, England on July 4, 1979, aged 83 years.

51. Eleanor Service (1889- ) Daughter of Melville Hyde & William Larmour Service.

52. Clarence Hyde Service (1891- ) Born in Hertfordshire, England on October 25, 1891;

son of Melville Hyde & William Larmour Service. About 1912, Clarence and his brother

William acquired farm land in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta (Canada), near Edmonton and

established Homesteads there. They were both listed there in the 1916 Census of Western

Canada. Clarence seems to have remained in Canada, although his brother returned to

England sometime prior to 1930.

53. Henry William McLean Christie (1873-1943) Born in Bonhill, Dunbartonshire,

Scotland on May 6, 1873; son John Hyde Christie & Jessie Fulton. He died in

Dunbartonshire on March 17, 1943, aged 69 years.

a. Katherine Drain ()

i. Joseph Drain ()

b. Mary Jean ()

i. John Henry McLean Christie (1905-1979)

54. Jane Park Christie (1874- ) Born at Bonhill, Dunbartonshire, Scotland on November 3,

1874; daughter John Hyde Christie & Jessie Fulton.

55. John Fulton Christie (1877-1959) Born at Bonhill, Dunbartonshire, Scotland on June 4,

1877; son of John Hyde Christie & Jessie Fulton. He married Jessie Christina MacDonald

in Perth, Scotland on July 18, 1929. He died in Stirlingshire, Scotland on June 2, 1959,

aged 82 years.

a. Jessie Christina MacDonald (1893-1972) Born in Inverness, Scotland on

February 7, 1893; daughter of Colin MacDonald and Ann MacCorquodale. She

died Argyll & Bute, Scotland on July 8, 1972, aged 79 years.

i. Iain Colin Christie (1930-1991)

56. George James Hyde Christie (1879-1972) Born at Dunbartonshire, Scotland in 1879;

son of John Hyde Christie & Jessie Fulton. As a Major in the 9th (Dunbartonshire)

Battalion of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, he went to France with the British

Expeditionary Force in the First World War. For bravery exhibited in leading his men

during the 2nd Battle of Ypres on May 11, 1915, and again on May 16 when he was

seriously wounded, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). He married

Jane Fulton Reid in 1950. He died at Helensburg, Dunbarton, Scotland on September 28,

1972, aged 93 years.

a. Jane Fulton Reid (1889-) Born in Scotland in 1889

57. Helen Hyde Christie (1883- ) Born at Dunbartonshire, Scotland in 1883; daughter of

John Hyde Christie & Jessie Fulton.

58. Walter Hugh Bain (1872-) Born in Dunbarton, Scotland on October 7, 1872; son of

Rachel Christie & Andrew John Bain.

59. Henry William Bain (1874-) Born in Dunbarton, Scotland on April 11, 1874; son of

Rachel Christie & Andrew John Bain.

60. Andrew J. Bain (1878-1895) Born in Dunbarton, Scotland in 1878, son of Rachel

Christie & Andrew John Bain. He joined the Merchant Navy, and died by drowning-at-

sea, on December 31, 1895, aged 17 years.

61. Rachel Anne Bain (1879-) Born in Dunbarton, Scotland in 1879; daughter of Rachel

Christie & Andrew John Bain. She married John Donald Malterton McKellar in Scotland

in 1908.

a. John Donald Malterton McKellar (1881-)

i. Sheila Christie Mathier McKellar (1911-1993)

62. Elizabeth Lilian Adam Bain (1881-) Born in Dunbarton, Scotland on February 21,

1881; daughter of Rachel Christie & Andrew John Bain.

63. Johnina Christie Bain (1885-) Born in Dunbarton, Scotland in 1885; daughter of Rachel

Christie & Andrew John Bain.

FIFTH GENERATION

64. Doris Mary Sawyer (1895-1969) Born in Middlesex, England in January 1895; daughter

of Mary Hyde Dalgliesh & Henry Charles Sawyer. She died in Hertfordshire, England in

March 1969, aged 74 years.

a. Harold Corble (1896-1973) Born in Tottenham, Middlesex, England on January

29, 1896; son of John Corble and Maud Mary Howden. He died in St. Albans,

Hertfordshire on January 21, 1973, aged 77 years.

65. Charles Walter Sawyer (1897-1918) Born in Finchley, Middlesex, England in 1897;

son of Mary Hyde Dalgliesh & Henry Charles Sawyer. During the First World War he

enlisted as a Private in the 14th (London-Scottish) Battalion, and deployed to Egypt as

part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. He was Killed-in-Action in Egypt on April 30,

1918, aged 21 years. Buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery, Yerushalayim, Israel. Plot

O. 14.

66. Arthur Harold Sawyer (1899-1899) Born in England in 1899; son of Mary Hyde

Dalgliesh & Henry Charles Sawyer. He died in Holborn, England on September 9, 1899,

aged less than one year.

67. Elizabeth Winifred Sawyer (1900- ) Born in Muswell Jill, Middlesex, England on

August 2, 1900; daughter of Mary Hyde Dalgliesh & Henry Charles Sawyer.

68. Kathleen Eleanor Sawyer (1905-) Born in Muswell Hill, Middlesex, England on

February 20, 1905; daughter of Mary Hyde Dalgliesh & Henry Charles Sawyer.

69. Walter James Dalgliesh (1920-) Born in Essex, Suffolk, England in 1920; son of John

James Dalgliesh and Florence Ethel Read.

70. Marjorie Blanche Smith (1906-1981) Born in Horsey, Middlesex, England on May 10,

1906; daughter of Elizabeth Nicol Dalgliesh and William Sydney Smith. She married

Edwin Azariah Ferrero Vine in Edmonton, Middlesex in 1929. She died in North Dorset,

England in 1981, aged 75 years.

a. Edwin Azariah Ferraro Vine (1906-1951) Born in Cambridge, England on June

18, 1906; son of Edwin James Vine and Daisy Esther Halford. He died in

Cambridge on March 10, 1951, aged 44 years.

71. Ronald James Edward Dalgliesh (1902- ) Born in Hertfordshire, Middlesex, England

on March 31, 1902; son of Walter Edward Dalgleish & Blanche Ethel Martin. He married

Ivy Elizabeth Clapham in Edmonton, Middlesex in September 1931. He re-married to

Alice Power in 1955.

a. Ivy Elizabeth Clapham (1913-1986) Born on May 3, 1913. She died in Bromley,

Kent in December 1986, aged 73 years.

i. Ronald J. Dalgleish (1932-2004)

ii. Daphne Dorothy Dalgleish (1938-1978)

b. Alice Power ()

72. Stella Mary Elizabeth Dalgliesh (1908-1997) Born in New Southgate, Middlesex,

England on May 18, 1908. Daughter of Walter Edward Dalgliesh & Blanche Ethel

Martin.She died in Petersfield, Hampshire in January 1997, aged 88 years.

73. Ian Robertson Hyde (1919-1943) Born at Hammersmith March 11, 1919. Son of Robert

Robertson Hyde & Eileen Ruth Parker. He studied Law at Kings College London, where

he achieved LLB. He married Anne Mary Hall in 1939. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in

the Royal Artillery in December 1939, but transferred to Royal Air Force as Pilot Officer

in December 1941. Promoted to Flying Officer October 1942. He died in a flying

accident on October 1st 1943: His aircraft was enroute from Italy to Tunisia, but did not

arrive at destination. Fate of aircraft, passengers and crew is unknown. (Bigraphical

Notes are from Kings School Canterbury, Roll of Honour).

a. Anne Mary Hall (1920-) Born about 1920, at Walton-on-Thames, Surrey,

England.

74. Marjory Patricia Curry (1907-1982) Daughter of Marjory Stoddart Hyde & William

John Curry.

75. Kathleen Stoddart Curry (1908-) Born in Middlesex, England in July 1908; daughter of

Marjory Stoddart Hyde & William John Curry.

76. John Robertson Curry (1910-1992) Born in Middlesex, England in April 1910; son of

Marjory Stoddart Hyde & William John Curry. He died in Surrey, England on April 25,

1992, aged 82 years.

77. James Barras Hill (1906-1995) Born in Middlesex, England on March 30, 1906; son of

Florence Helena Barras & Daniel McLean Hill. He died in Middlesex on August 28,

1995, aged 89 years.

78. William Larmour Hyde Service (1900-1989) Born in England on February 28, 1900;

son of Robert Larmour Service & Elizabeth Harriet Stokes. He died in Herfordshire,

England on May 5, 1989, aged 89 years.

79. Joseph Drain (1894-) Born in Bonhill, Dunbartonshire, Scotland in 1894; son of Henry

William McLean Christie and Katherin Drain.

80. John Henry McLean Christie (1905-1979) Born in Renton, Dumbartonshire, Scotland

on November 17, 1905; son of Henry William McLean Christie and Mary Jean. He died

in September 13, 1979, aged 73 years.

81. Iain Colin Christie (1930-1991) Born in Bonhill, Dumbarton, Scotland on Apr. 28,

1930. Son of John Fulton Christie & Jessie Christina MacDonald. He died in Glasgow on

Nov. 21, 1991.

a. Jane Margaret Orgill ()

SIXTH GENERATION

82. Ronald J. Dalgleish (1932-2004) Born in Camberwell, Surry England on November 10,

1932; son of Ronald James Dalgliesh & Elizabeth Clapham. He died in Bromley, Kent,

England in November 2004, aged 72 years.

83. Daphne Dorothy Dalgliesh (1938-1978) Born in Bromley, Kent, England on September

11, 1938; daughter of Ronald James Dalgliesh & Elizabeth Clapham. She married

Reginald Davidson in Bromley in 1955. She died in Croydon, Surrey, England in 1978,

aged ~40 years.

a. Reginald Davidson (1930-1996) Born in St. Martin, Greater London on January

13, 1930; son of Robert William Davidson and Doris May Armstrong. He died in

Bromley, Kent in August 1996, aged 66 years.

Ypres hero earned respect of Argylls WEDNESDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2016 17:58 DONALD FULLARTON

A WORLD WAR ONE hero who died in Helensburgh’s Victoria Infirmary on September 28 1972 at the age of 93 was immensely popular with the local regiment, the 9th Argylls, for his courage.

Major George James Christie DSO, who spent his final years at 13 Douglas Drive East, won the medal for his gallantry at the Second Battle of Ypres in May 1915.

The 9th (Dumbartonshire) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was a Territorial Force battalion which, at the beginning of 1914, was based at Dumbarton.

"A" Company recruited men from Helensburgh, "B" Company from Kirkintilloch, "C" Company from Dumbarton, "D" Company from Milngavie, "E" Company from Jamestown, "F" Company from Alexandria, and "G" and "H" Companies from Clydebank.

In early 1915, the Battalion moved to Bedford in early 1915, landing in France on February 23 1915.

During the three weeks between April 30 and May 21 1915 the Battalion lost two commanding officers, most of its company officers, and 75% of its NCOs and other ranks.

The book “Deeds That Thrill The Empire”, a classic work which describes many deeds of valour in the Great War which resulted in the award of gallantry medals devoted a chapter to Major Christie’s exploits.

What follows is an edited extract . . .

During the night of May 9-10, a draft of thirty men, all burning to take their share in the great battle which had been in progress for nearly three weeks, joined their battalion, which was occupying dugouts n the Zouave Wood near Hooge.

At dawn the new arrivals were allocated; before midday they were fighting for their lives; and when evening came, only two of them were fit for service. That day was a terrible ordeal for the gallant Territorials.

Early in the morning the German artillery began a heavy bombardment of the British trenches on either side of the Ypres-Menin Road, which in places were soon almost demolished, and the bombardment was followed up by an attack under cover of gas.

Between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. the 9th Argylls were ordered to reinforce the 2nd Camerons with two companies, and "A" Company and "D" Company were chosen, under the command of Major Christie.

Through terrific shellfire, he led his men to a position astride the Menin Road, 200 yards west of Hooge, where the Cameron HQ was.

They dug themselves in, while the major went forward for further orders. At 9.30 he was ordered to lead one company forward to reinforce a trench south of the Menin Road, and between it and the Sanctuary Wood, which was reported to be breaking.

"A" Company, stationed on the south side of the road, was chosen, and the Helensburgh men advanced in short rushes, with cries of "Good old 9th Argylls!"

The advance lay over a bare slope right to the ridge opposite Chateau Hooge, without a ditch, or hedge, to afford cover from view, and was accomplished under murderous fire.

But though comrades were falling to right and left of him, not one of those brave local men wavered, but only became the keener to come to close grips with the enemy.

They were only just in time, for the gas, on top of the shelling, had been more than flesh and blood could endure. The trench, which they had come to save, had broken, and the men were falling back.

When they saw the Argylls, however, they raised a cheer, and the Territorials dashed into the trench, bayoneted or chased out those Germans who had already gained a footing, and, setting up their machine guns, began to mow down the advancing enemy.

The attackers, astonished by this unexpected resistance, fell back in confusion, and the Argylls and Camerons, did what they could to repair the damage done to the trench.

Soon they saw, to their surprise, a strong force of men in Cameron kilts, advancing through the Bellewarde Wood, north of the Menin Road, toward the trenches occupied by the 91st.

Uncertain as to whether they were British or Germans, they refrained from firing, until volley upon volley from the trenches of the 91st told them they were the enemy in disguise.

Meanwhile "B" and "C" Companies had advanced from Zouave Wood to the trenches, which Major Christie's men had dug near the Menin Road.

On the way, their gallant and much loved Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Clark, and another officer were killed by shells.

Major Christie, who had hurried back to report the new attack, dispatched "D" Company to reinforce the 91st, but, despite the assistance of the Territorials, they were driven from their trenches by the attacks of the kilted Germans.

The 9th Argylls and 2nd Camerons, though now exposed to fire from north of the Menin Road, gallantly held their trenches against every attack, until night fell.

Piles of corpses bore testimony to the deadly work of their machine guns and rifles. They had themselves lost heavily, however.

At 2 am relief arrived, and Major Christie, whom the death of Colonel Clark had left in command of the 9th Argylls, led his men back to their dugouts in Zouave Wood.

By then the battalion had had twelve officers and some 300 men killed and wounded.

These losses were considerably increased during the next two days, when, their position having been located by a captive kite balloon sent up by the enemy, the wood was raked by shelling.

Major Christie's own dugout was twice blown in, but he escaped without injury.

When the shelling creased, hardly a tree of that wood remained standing — all was a jumble of broken timber and undergrowth, beneath which lay dead men, broken rifles and equipment, and torn sandbags.

On May 16 the 9th Argylls were sent to the rest camp at Poperinghe. But they were not permitted to enjoy even so much as a day's rest, as, scarcely had they arrived, when orders came to join the 10th Brigade at La Brique.

Just after dawn on May 24, while they were occupying the support trenches north-east of Saint-Jean, the enemy started bombarding the front with asphyxiating shells

Immediately afterwards gas was released from the cylinders against the whole three miles of front from Shelltrap Farm to the Bellewaarde Lake. After the gas came a violent bombardment from north, north-east and east.

Seeing that the troops in the first line trenches were beginning to give way, Major Christie decided to repeat the dash to the rescue, and having adjusted their respirators, the Territorials doubled across the shell swept ground which lay between them and the fire trenches.

The sight which met their eyes was terrible, for maimed and gassed men were lying everywhere. But they lost no time getting to work, and, lining the broken parapet, opened withering fire on the advancing Germans.

The enemy fell back, but soon it became apparent that their artillery was concentrating on that particular trench, and, though the German infantry fell in heaps, they continued to advance in ever increasing numbers.

Major Christie saw that, if the trench was to be held, more men must be found to replace those being lost every minute.

As all communication with the rear had been cut, he left one of his officers in charge, and ran back to the support trench, in search of stragglers. He found a few from the Dublin Fusiliers and his own battalion and rushed them forward.

But still there were not sufficient rifles to line the parapet, so out into the fire swept open ground went the major again, searching for men with rifles.

In a small isolated trench he found another group, gassed and half dazed but with rifles.

He was leading them forward when he was hit in the leg by a piece of shell and fell to the ground. But the men he was leading went on and reached the trench.

Major Christie did what he could for himself with a tourniquet although part of his leg had been shot away, until Drummer Bell of the Argylls came out of the trench to his assistance and after giving first aid, went away and returned with two men of their battalion carrying a stretcher.

Lifting up the wounded officer, they set out for the nearest dressing station, but so heavy was the fire through which they had to pass, that they were obliged several times to take refuge in a ditch or under a hedge.

Major Christie begged the men to leave him and look after themselves, but they indignantly refused to do, and, though all three were wounded, they managed to stagger on with their load until they reached the dressing station.

Drummer Bell, who repeatedly placed his own body between his wounded officer and the enemy's fire, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the French Croix de Guerre, while Major Christie received the DSO.

As he lay injured he dictated a message: “Ninth Argylls, officers and comrades, words fail to express my admiration of the gallant way in which you rushed forward today, and I want you to continue to stick to it like heroes for your King and country, and for the honour of the county. I hope to be able to come back to again lead you on to victory.”

On July 30 1915 he was awarded the DSO, and on November 30 he was one of nine 9th Argylls mentioned in despatches for gallant ad distinguished conduct.

Major Christie was the youngest son of John Hyde Christie, chairman of the United Turkey Red Company Ltd in the Vale of Leven, and his wife Jessie, nee Fulton.

After leaving school he worked in the business, rising to the position of managing director of the Cordale Works. He served for a number of years with the Alexandria and Renton Company of Volunteers, retiring with the rank of honorary major.

A good shot who won several prizes at the Dumbartonshire Rifle Association meetings at Jamestown, he volunteered for service at the outbreak of the war.

On convalescent leave he returned to Renton to visit the Works and meet relatives of many of those with whom he had served, so he was a popular figure in Renton, which is why on September 3 1922 he was invited to conduct the unveiling ceremony of the Renton War Memorial.

In 1929 at age of 50, he married 38 year-old Jane Fulton Reid from Glasgow at Belhaven United Free Church in the city. He lived at Levenfield, Alexandria, until moving to Helensburgh.