Are you related to Private James McKenzie VC (1884 to 1914)?
On 19 December 1914, while serving with the 2nd Scots Guards, Private James McKenzie rescued a severely wounded man from in front of the German trenches while under very heavy fire. Later the same day, James was shot dead by an enemy sniper while attempting a similar act. Private James McKenzie was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry.
We are seeking relatives of WW1 hero James McKenzie:
Born: 2 April 1884 at West Glen, New Abbey
Died: 19 December 1914 at Rouges Blanc, France
Father: Alexander McKenzie, born around 1856 at Cathcart, Renfrewshire
Mother: Marion Miller, born around 1861 at Riccarton, Ayrshire
At the time of the 1891 census, Alexander and Marion McKenzie and their children (James, Marion, Isabella and Agnes) were living at 23 Galloway Street, Troqueer, Maxwelltown, Kirkcudbrightshire*. Alexander’s occupation was mason (journeyman).
At the time of the 1901 census, Marion McKenzie and her children (James, Marion, Isabella, Agnes, Elizabeth, Maggie and Mary) were living at 22 Terregles Street, Troqueer, Maxwelltown, Kirkcudbrightshire*. Marion’s occupation was housekeeper.
* Maxwelltown was merged with Dumfries in 1929. Prior to that, the River Nith marked the boundary between Dumfriesshire and Kirkcudbrightshire.
If you’re related to James McKenzie or you have any information on the current whereabouts of any of his relatives, contact Hazel Kerr, Dumfries and Galloway Council, t: 030 33 33 3000
