PERTHSHIRE ADVERTISER: 11.12.1920
HONOURING THE DEAD
UNVEILING OF POST OFFICE WAR MEMORIAL
WHAT THE LOCAL STAFF DID
The unveiling of the Perth Post Office War Memorial by General Price, C.B., C.M.G., Secy. Of the Post Office in Scotland, on Wednesday afternoon was an interesting and solemn event.
The memorial is in the form of a white Sicilian marble tablet placed on the east wall of the public office. It bears at the top the raised figures 1914-1919, between which, on a finely-carved raised panel, is inscribed:- G.P.O., Perth Area”. Then follows the names of the 31 fallen men:-
Robt. W. Bett, Royal Highlanders; Donald Campbell, Cameron Highlanders; Donald Campbell, R.F.A.; John Crerar, Royal Highlanders; John D. Dewar, Royal Highlanders; John Duncan, R.A.M.C.; John Fenwick, P.O. Rifles; Jas. R. Fraser, P.O. Rifles; Thomas Greig, R.E.; Wm. Haig, Royal Scots; David Henderson, H.C.B.; Robert C. Imrie, Royal Highlanders; Wm. Laidlaw, Seaforth Highlanders; Robert Lees, R.N.R.; Peter Matthews, R.E.; George A. Meyer, P.O. Rifles; John S. Milne, Gordon Highlanders; Henry R. Michie, Royal Highlanders; Henry MacDonald, R.E.; P. M’Mahon, R.E.; Wm. Niven, Royal Highlanders; Walter Patton, P.O. Rifles; John Reid, Seaforth Highlanders; Stephen Riley, K.O.S.B.; Andrew Rennie, R.F.A.; D. B. Robertson, R.E.; John Robertson, Seaforth Highlanders; David Scott, Royal Highlanders; John Shepherd, Royal Highlanders; Jas. Smith, P.O. Rifles; and D. G. S. Young, R.E.
The ceremony took place in the main office, in which were gathered a large number of the employees. Mr R. W. Crawford, the Postmaster, in introducing General Price, said that 31 gallant men had “Gone west”, and it was to the memory of them that they met to do honour that day. To the relatives and friends of those men, many of whom were present, they expressed their deep sympathy. They knew now that their sacrifice had not been made in vain. They who had lived during the war needed no reminder that the freedom of Scotland had been preserved only at6 a great cost, but they were anxious that future generations should realise that those men had given up their lives in order that they might be free.
In performing the unveiling ceremony, General Price said they were there that day to pay their meed of reverence and gratitude to those members of the Perth staff who had set out upon the great adventure, but, alas, did not return. Scotland had always been in the forefront of all patriotic movements, and when the call to the defence of their country came Scotland was again to the front and the City of Perth had contributed its full quota. Out of a total staff of 226, 171 had served, equal to 76 per cent., which must take a very high place. No less than 31 were killed and 33 wounded. They owed to those who did not return a deep debt of gratitude. Their efforts had contributed to that glorious success, without which the future of this country would indeed be a dark one. In his position as Chief of the Post Office in Scotland it was a great source of deep regret, but at the same time it was a matter of supreme pride that he should be called upon to preside over the postal service of the country, which had made such a record. He was sure that memorial would be an object of reverence to all who entered the office. Although in course of time those names would not be known by their successors, yet he believed that monument would for all time remain a great asset in the perpetuation of the memory of their gallant deeds and sacrifices.
Prior to offering dedicatory prayer, the Rev. P. A. Gordon Clark, Chaplain to the Black Watch, said that he should like to convey the thanks of the people who were too old to be at the war to the members of the Post Office staff for the services they had rendered to their men in the trenches, and also to those who had to remain at home. He knew how often, when uncertainty was brooding over them, the joy that came to their heart when they received even a simple Field Post Card, saying “All’s well”. For that cheer and encouragement they owed an everlasting debt of gratitude to the Post Office, a debt which the nation should, and he believed in his heart, did acknowledge. As one who had mixed a good deal with soldiers both during and after the war, he knew how true it was that the morale and courage of the men had been kept up by the thought that their dear ones at home were constantly reminding them by letters and parcels and newspapers and presents, which were occasional reminders that they expected them to do their duty. The memorial would serve as an inspiration to their children, if ever the time came that they should be called to war - though they prayed to God it would never come - to follow in the brave footsteps of those who had gone before, and to do the biggest thing that men could do - their duty.
On the call of Mr J. K. Taylor, sub-Postmaster, Craigie, a vote of thanks was accorded to General Price.