Armadale & District War Memorial Museum

30/05/2026

HisStory - Remembering Private Archibald Buchanan Clark (1930–1951).

22355669 – Private A. B. Clark, 1st Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers.

Archibald Buchanan Clark — known as Archie — was born on 14 November 1930 and grew up in Armadale, West Lothian. Remembered locally as a popular and well‑regarded young man, he was “held in high esteem” in the community.

Pte Clark was the son of William and Jessie Clark of Armadale.

Before his call‑up for National Service in April 1950, Archie worked as a plasterer with Easton Builders in Armadale. Like many of his generation, his future was shaped by the demands of war.

Serving with the 1st Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, Archie was sent to Korea in 1951 — part of the United Nations force fighting in what would later be known as the “Forgotten War.”

Tragically, after only three weeks in Korea, Archie was killed in action on 22 May 1951, aged just 20.

He died during a fierce attack at Kumgong, where his company was storming a heavily defended stronghold known as “Ridge 325.” Under intense enemy fire, and just yards from the crest, the soldiers came under heavy attack. Archie was killed by enemy gunfire while advancing on the position, one of several casualties in the assault.

News of his death reached his mother, Mrs W. Clark of 17 Wood Terrace, Armadale, who had already been widowed in 1946. The loss was keenly felt across the town.

Newspaper reports at the time spoke of the “widespread sympathy” for his mother and family, and for a community that had lost one of its own

Archie now lies far from home at:�United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan (Pusan), South Korea�Plot 17, Row 10, Grave 806

He is also remembered on a family memorial in Boghead cemetery, Bathgate.

22/05/2026

Today & tomorrow in Leith – Remembering Armadale at Gretna 111.

This weekend, the Armadale & District War Memorial Museum is proud to take part in the Gretna 111 pop-up exhibition, held at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Leith.

Our small display commemorates the men from Armadale and the surrounding district who were directly caught up in the Gretna Rail Disaster of 22 May 1915—a tragedy that struck before many even reached the front line.

Remembering Armadale & District Fallen

Among those we honour are:

Private James Anderson (31) – A colliery worker, husband and father from The Beeches, Armadale.

Private William Thomson Bisset (22) – An engineering apprentice from South Street.

Private Hugh Hart (20) – A young foundry worker who walked 24 miles home to say goodbye to his parents before departing.

Private Walter Mighton (20) – A miner from Blackridge, recorded on the United Collieries roll.

All four lost their lives in the crash and are buried at Edinburgh (Rosebank) Cemetery.

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A Survivor’s Story – Sergeant James Neally, M.M.

Also featured is James Neally, who survived the disaster and later described its horror in vivid detail:

“Then came the awful smash… the train burst into flames… men were thrown in all directions… I would far rather have been out in Flanders.”

James went on to serve with distinction, earning the Military Medal for gallantry. He was killed in action in September 1918, leaving behind a wife and child—his story bridging the tragedy at Gretna and the wider sacrifice of the Great War.

Lest We Forget

18/05/2026

🌍 International Museum Day 🌍

Today, on International Museum Day, we celebrate the vital role museums play in preserving our shared heritage and telling the stories of those who came before us.

Earlier today, I had the pleasure of helping to set up the Royal Scots Museum Gretna 111 pop-up display at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, alongside fellow Royal Scots Museum Outreach volunteers. It’s a fantastic display that highlights an important part of regimental and local history, and well worth a visit.

I now look forward to being on Museum duty at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall this Friday and Saturday. I’ll be bringing along a small selection of items from my own museum collection, and I’ll be joined by my good friend Davie, who will be displaying some remarkable pieces from his medal collection relating to the 7th Royal Scots and the 8th Highland Light Infantry.

If you’re in the area, do come along, say hello, and take a closer look at these fascinating artefacts.

17/05/2026

🥇 Object of the Week: Civil Defence Medal (1961)

This week, we’re featuring a Civil Defence Medal (CDM) from the collection.

This medal was instituted by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1961 and awarded for 15 years’ continuous service in a range of Civil Defence organisations.

These included the Civil Defence Corps (CD), Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS), National Hospital Service Reserve (NHSR) and the United Kingdom Warning and Monitoring Organisation—all vital services during the Cold War era.

Locally, volunteers from communities such as Armadale played an important role in preparing for emergencies, from firefighting and rescue work to medical support and monitoring potential nuclear threats. This medal represents a significant personal commitment to public service over many years.

The medal itself is distinctive in shape and design. It is an oval silver-coloured medallion, featuring on the front the crowned head of Queen Elizabeth II. The reverse design changed over time: earlier versions show the different service organisations, while later issues simply bear the words “Civil Defence” and “Long Service” within a wreath.
It hangs from a ribbon of dark blue with narrow stripes of yellow, red and green, and additional clasps could be awarded for further long service.

Most of the organisations eligible for this medal were disbanded in 1968, marking the end of an era in Britain’s home-front defence planning. Today, the medal is a reminder of the dedication shown by volunteers who stood ready to protect their communities—including here in West Lothian.

The medal helps to preserve the story of Civil Defence and its local impact.

💬 Do you remember the Civil Defence Corps, or did someone in your family serve? Share your memories with us below.

16/05/2026

HisStory - William Murphy

Today we remember William Murphy, a 30-year-old coal miner from Blackridge, West Lothian, whose journey through the First World War reflects both courage and tragedy.

In January 1916, at the age of 30, William Murphy enlisted with the 10th Cyclists Battalion Royal Scots. Like many soldiers, he was soon transferred—this time to the 5th Royal Scots—before heading overseas to serve his country.

William embarked for France on 28 December 1916, disembarking at Boulogne and joining his unit in the field. This marked the beginning of his service with the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front.

William’s military life was marked by repeated disciplinary issues. During his service, he was charged with:
Absence without leave on several occasions, including being absent from parade and remaining absent until apprehended by military authorities.
Drunkenness while on duty.
Misconduct on parade, such as laughing or being dirty on parade.

Wilfully absenting himself from his unit.

Desertion while on active service, the most serious charge, for which he was court-martialled and sentenced to death by shooting. The sentence was confirmed by Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig and carried out at Bertrancourt on 7 March 1917.

William was not alone in his service. His brother, David Murphy, was 36 years old when he enlisted in December 1915. David served with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, was wounded in action, and was discharged as permanently unfit for further service, but was recognised for his character and resilience.

William Murphy is commemorated on the Blackridge War Memorial, which takes the form of a stained glass window in Blackridge Parish Church, as well as on the Armadale & District War Memorial on North Street, Armadale.

Their stories together reflect the sacrifices made by so many families during the war.

William was one of over 300 British and Commonwealth soldiers executed for military offences such as desertion during World War I. In 2006, all those “shot at dawn” were granted a posthumous pardon, recognising the immense pressures and trauma these men faced.

Their stories remind us not only of the cost of war, but also of the importance of compassion and understanding in remembering the past.

10/05/2026

🪖 Object of the Week: Home Guard Patch (1940)

Following on from last week’s look at the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV) armband, this week’s Object of the Week highlights an authentic WW2 Home Guard patch—often known as an overlay or conversion patch.

Issued in 1940, these khaki twill patches were designed to be stitched directly over the “LDV” lettering on the original armbands.

It was a practical solution at a critical moment, allowing the newly renamed Home Guard to rebrand swiftly without the time or expense of replacing thousands of armbands already in use.

The change reflected more than a new name. Just 70 days after its formation, the LDV became the Home Guard, signalling a more formal role in Britain’s wartime defence.

Simple, utilitarian and quietly symbolic, this patch represents adaptation under pressure—and the determination of local volunteers ready to defend their communities.
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09/05/2026

HisStory Archibald Goldie

Archibald Hayman Robertson Goldie, C.B.E.�(Born Armadale, 7 July 1888).

Born at Bathville Cottage, Armadale, Archibald H. R. Goldie went on to become one of Britain’s most important figures in military meteorology during both World Wars.

A brilliant mathematician, Goldie graduated as a Wrangler from St John’s College, Cambridge, before joining the Meteorological Office. During the First World War, Goldie served with the Royal Engineers, becoming Meteorological Advisor to the 4th Army and later establishing weather services for British forces in Italy. Goldie was twice mentioned in despatches.

In the Second World War, Goldie held senior roles within the Meteorological Office and helped oversee research that proved vital to the D‑Day landings.

In recognition of a lifetime of service to science and defence, Goldie was awarded the C.B.E. in 1951.

From Armadale to shaping world events, Goldie’s story is one of local roots and global impact.

📷 Portrait by Bassano Ltd, 1947�© National Portrait Gallery, London

07/05/2026

I’m just starting to organise a number of Armadale‑related items for this upcoming Pop‑Up Exhibition.

In late 1914, a West Lothian–specific recruitment campaign for the 2nd/7th (Reserve) Battalion, The Royal Scots, saw many men from across the county enlist. Many of these men were later transferred to the 1st/7th Royal Scots just days before the battalion departed for Gallipoli. Some would tragically lose their lives in the train disaster, while others were injured.

👉 Visit the exhibition to learn more about these local stories and the men behind them.

If you have family connections, photographs, documents, or stories linked to Armadale or the Royal Scots, please come along, share your knowledge, or get in touch — every story helps keep this history alive.

Exhibition announcement! 📢

The Gretna 111th Anniversary Pop-Up Exhibition commemorates the Gretna train disaster, which killed over 200 men from the 1/7th Royal Scots who were based here at the Dalmeny Street Drill Hall).

🌟 Curated by The Royal Scots Regimental Museum, the exhibition is designed to raise awareness of the crash, which took place in May 1915.

🌟 The Drill Hall has been chosen for this exhibition due to its history of being the 7th Battalion’s Drill Hall and its association with the people of Leith. 216 members of the 7th Battalion were killed during the disaster on the morning of 22nd May 1915.

🌟 Central to the exhibition will be the Tree of Life which contains the names of all 216 men. This will be supported by display boards featuring the stories of local soldiers and their families.

🌟 There will also be a diorama of Larbert Station (where the soldiers originally departed from) that captures the time when the soldiers were about to embark on the troop train.

🌟 We'll be sharing more information in the coming weeks, by in the meantime, why not pop the dates in your diary! 📅

📅 Monday 18th - Saturday 23rd May
⏲️ 10am - 4.30pm
📍 The Out of the Blue Drill Hall
🎫 Free entry

To find out more just head over to our website.

➡️ https://outoftheblue.pulse.ly/thvvxdlsvf

Photograph (c) The Royal Scots

03/05/2026

Museum Object of the Week - Local Defence Armband (LDV).
�Khaki cloth with bold black letters L D V

This simple armband tells a powerful story. Issued in the early years of the Second World War, it was worn by members of the Local Defence Volunteers before full uniforms were available. Made of plain khaki fabric, it identified the wearer as a bona fide soldier in Britain’s rapidly formed home defence force.
Wearing the armband carried real danger.

Adolf Hi**er had declared that LDV members would not be treated as regular soldiers in the event of invasion, placing volunteers outside the normal rules of war. Simply putting it on required courage.

The LDV soon gained the nickname “Look, Duck, and Vanish,” a tongue‑in‑cheek reflection of limited early training and equipment. Despite this, volunteers—often older, younger, or in reserved occupations—played a vital role guarding bridges, factories, railways, and local communities.

Later renamed the Home Guard, they became a symbol of resilience and local pride.

This small armband is a reminder that even the humblest objects can carry extraordinary history.

02/05/2026

HisStory: Private John Anderson, 10th Royal Scots.

43175 Private John Anderson, 1/10th (Cyclists) Battalion, The Royal Scots (Territorial Force).

We remember Private John Anderson, the youngest son of Mr and Mrs James Anderson of Burnhead Farm, near Fauldhouse.

Private Anderson was wounded in action and died from those wounds on 16 November 1916. Service in France had begun with the final draft of the 1/10th Battalion, The Royal Scots, and life was tragically cut short soon after arrival.

John Anderson came from what was proudly described at the time as “fighting stock.” James Anderson, a veteran of the Afghan War, served under Lord Roberts and held the Kandahar Medal with three clasps as well as the Roberts Star. The final action of that earlier campaign was at Majuba Hill, where James Anderson served with the Gordon Highlanders. With such a background, it is little surprise that both sons, John and James, were keen Territorials.

Remarkably, John Anderson enlisted at just fifteen years of age with the 1/10th Royal Scots. When war broke out in 1914, mobilisation followed alongside an older brother, and overseas service in France came later.

Before enlistment, John Anderson worked at Croftbead Colliery, part of the hard‑working mining community of West Lothian.

Today, we honour Private John Anderson of Butnhead Farm, Fauldhouse — a young miner, a Territorial soldier, and a member of a family whose tradition of service spanned generations.

The British War Medal and Victory Medal awarded to John Anderson form part of the Museum collection.

Lest we forget.

26/04/2026

🪙 Object of the Week: Challenge Coin

Challenge coins are thought to have originated in the United States military during the First World War. By the mid‑20th century they were firmly established as a way of recognising service, marking shared experiences and strengthening unit identity.

Traditionally presented rather than bought, they are often exchanged to commemorate achievements or significant moments.

What began as a distinctly American tradition has since crossed the Atlantic. Today, British military units and organisations have adopted challenge coins too, using them as symbols of pride, belonging and remembrance.

This particular coin is a souvenir purchased from the NAAFI at Mount Pleasant. One side features the Parachute Regiment cap badge and motto, while the reverse shows a map of the Falkland Islands set against a Union flag, bearing the words “Roulement Infantry Company 2026”. Together, the design links place, identity and service in a single object.

As with many museum objects, this coin tells a wider story – not just of military tradition, but of how practices move between cultures and take on new meanings.

Have you seen or been given a challenge coin before? Let us know in the comments 👇