‘Dumfriesshire in the Great War by Timothy McCracken’
A New Book Focusing on Dumfrieshire during the First World war by local author ‘Timothy McCraken’ has been published recently. Timothy studied history at Lancaster University and the University of Copenhagen. He previously researched and co-authored Langholm’s Roll of Honour, which profiles casualties and decoration recipients from Langholm in the First and Second World Wars. He has also written feature articles, about historical topics, for local newspapers.
Timothy discuses writing his book ‘Dumfriesshire in the Great War‘ with DGWGO ” I collated research for the book over a number of years. When researching the book I built up a detailed knowledge of the area during the First World War. I used a number of sources including local newspapers, material from the UK National Archives and many photographs from the First World War period. I received research advice from a number of museums and archives including the British Red Cross Museum and Archives in London and the King’s Own Scottish Borderers Museum at Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The book is written thematically to describe experiences of the Dumfriesshire population, shaped by the First World War. By structuring the book in this way it allows each topic explored to be introduced; the chapters provide background information which allows readers without prior knowledge of the region, or First World War, to understand the aspects described, before they are explored in detail.
Dumfriesshire in the Great War contributes to wider understanding of the impact of the First World War, particularly in rural areas, and will be of relevance to readers with an interest in cultural and social history.”
The Book explores many aspects of life Dumfriesshire in the Great War:-
Timothy stated above, the book is written thematically, and contains many aspects relating to life in Dumfriesshire feature throughout the book.
Early in the conflict the reception of refugees in Dumfriesshire is explored, which included a number of Belgian refugees arriving in Annandale, Eskdale and Nithsdale. As the conflict continued the building of the largest cordite factory in the UK, HM Factory, Gretna resulted in rapid changes to local society, including the billeting of labourers working in the Factory at Glentarras.
Langholm Common Riding, one of the oldest celebrations held in Dumfriesshire, continued throughout the First World War, despite several difficulties. The Common Riding during the 1914-18 period is explored in the book.
In Dumfriesshire, the most striking change during the Great War was to occur around Gretna. Here the largest cordite factory in the UK was established, work commencing on the factory in 1915, with completion in 1916.
Throughout the region the impact of the First World War was felt greatly by the local communities, which were decimated by the losses suffered during the conflict. The huge influx of workers to H.M. Factory Gretna disrupted areas of daily life and caused an increase in crime. The population of Dumfriesshire supported those who directly suffered as a result of the war, in a number of ways, including the production of wound dressings, the provision of auxiliary hospitals and fundraising efforts to provide support to refugees.
Thematic chapters, considering aspects such as recruitment, voluntary medical service and commemoration, illustrate experiences of the Dumfriesshire population, shaped by the First World War.
The book contributes to wider understanding of the impact of the First World War, particularly in rural areas, and as such will be of relevance to readers with an interest in cultural and social history.
The work of the local Voluntary Aid Detachment at Red Cross Auxiliary Hospitals throughout Dumfriesshire is described in detail, together with a number of archive photographs of patients, volunteer staff and the hospitals. In the same medically themed chapter the collecting of sphagnum moss on the hills around Beattock and Langholm, and subsequent wound dressing production, is explored.
The design and dedication of War Memorials are illustrated within a chapter focused on Commemoration in Dumfriesshire.
You can purchase a copy of the book on this link http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dumfriesshire-in-the-Great-War-Paperback/p/9759
Book Reviews
‘Dumfriesshire in the Great War’ explores various themes and contributes to a wider understanding of the impact of the war, particularly in rural areas, and will be of relevance to readers with an interest in cultural and social history.
Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser
Explores the local dimension of the events which turned the established social structures and certainties upside down. The author also describes the story of HM Factory Gretna, the cross-border cordite – explosive propellant – manufacturing complex, which brought into the area many thousands of workers, most women, from around the UK and what is now the Commonwealth. ‘Dumfriesshire in the Great War’ is well-illustrated throughout, including many pictures from the period.
Annandale Observer
