1918 - Agnes McCREADIE of Saltcoats & an Aussie Soldier

q98 · Post by **q98** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:35 am

Does any TS reader recognise James ORR (b. 10 May 1885 at Glasgow) or his adopted mother Mrs Agnes McCREADIE of 5 Raise Street, Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scotland? His full name was possibly James John ORR and a Mrs A M WHITELAW, 68 Jacqueline Street, Chelsea Green, London, Ontario was his sister.

Corporal James ORR 2264, 57th Battalion (Bn), 5th Division, Australian Imperial Force was killed in action in France on 25th April 1918.

His will stated “In the event of my death I leave everything I possess to my adopted mother Mrs McCREADIE, 5 Raise Street, Saltcoats, Ayrshire, Scotland”. He enlisted originally in the West Australian 11th Bn which was heavily involved in defending the front line of the ANZAC beachhead at Gallipoli. In August 1915, 11th Bn made preparatory attacks at the southern end of the ANZAC position before the battle of Lone Pine (Australian readers will immediately recognise the significance of "Lone Pine").

After Gallipoli, he was transferred to 57th Bn which participated in the now legendary counter-attack at Villers-Bretonneux on 25 April 1918 (the day of his death) following a major German offensive on the Western Front in March 1918.

In addition, I believe James ORR served two years (pre-1914) with "Canadian, 5th Royal Highlanders". This coupled with the address of his sister indicates he probably emigrated originally to Canada and from there to Australia.

Although I do not believe we are related, I am awaiting a copy of Valuation Roll of Raise Street, Saltcoats from North Ayrshire Local History Unit in an effort to better identify Mrs Agnes McCREADIE.

nelmit · Post by **nelmit** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 2:46 pm

Hello Jim,

Have you looked at the 1901 census on SP?

They are living at 5 Raise Street. Agnes (married to James) is shown as being born at Whithorn, Wigtown about 1860.

here she is in 1881-

Dwelling: Main Street
Census Place: Ballantrae, Ayr, Scotland
Source: FHL Film 0203592 GRO Ref Volume 579 EnumDist 1 Page 20
Marr Age Sex Birthplace
James MC CREADIE M 27 M Ballantrae, Ayr, Scotland
Rel: Head
Occ: Fisherman
Agnes MC CREADIE M 22 F Whithorn, Wigtown, Scotland
Rel: Wife
Occ: Fisherman Wife
Jane MC CREADIE 2 F Glenluce, Wigtown, Scotland
Rel: Daur

Kind regards,
Annette

q98 · Post by **q98** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:19 pm

Many thanks Annette

With some flesh on the bones, it appears we MAY be related (by marriage) after all. If it is the same James (b. 23 Jul 1853, Ballantrae), I believe him to be an elder brother of my g-g-grandmother Mary.

Now to find Agnes maiden surname.

Kind regards.

Post by **Ina** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:48 pm

Hi Jim,

Jane's birth record is on Scotlandspeople. That will tell you her mother's maiden name.

Kind Regards,

Ina

q98 · Post by **q98** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:27 pm

Hi Ina

Didn't you mean either Agnes or James? Must have been very early in the morning hm?

Until one week this Thursday (pay-day), I am out of credits on SP.