Search for family of First World War solder from Helensburgh

The story of Jim Marsland – one of the best-known Helensburgh men to die in action in the first two years of the war – was told in our Eye on Millig column by the late Donald Fullarton more than five years ago.

That article, first published in December 2017, described how Jim – or Lieutenant James Francis Marsland MC, to give him his full name and rank – lost his life on August 15, 1915 while patrolling in ‘no man’s land’ on the infamous Menin Road, near the Western Front.

He was aged 39, and had 20 years’ army service, though had been serving in France for less than a year when he was killed.

The man who recovered Jim’s body was a stretcher-bearer named Peter Reid, and Peter’s grandson, Gerry Reid, contacted the Advertiser this week hoping we might be able to help put him in touch with members of Jim’s family.

Jim, who was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium, is one of the 206 Helensburgh residents who died during the Great War and whose names are etched on the Cenotaph in Hermitage Park.

He was the son of a soldier, Quarter Master Sergeant James Marsland, and his wife Lucy, who lived at Marine View, East Clyde Street.

His father was a Crimean War veteran and janitor and drill instructor at Hermitage High-Grade School in East Argyle Street, who died on October 23, 1905 at the age of 77.

Jim’s wife Mary and their children, James William (4), Renee (3) and Sheila (1), also lived at Marine View, at the corner with Glenfinlas Street.

At the time of Jim's death, Mary was pregnant with daughter Florence, born in 1916, and she was staying with her father, merchant William Casey, of 25 Main Street, Tipperary.

If you are related to Jim, or you know anyone who is, and you have any documents, photographs or any family stories that have been passed down through the generations, Gerry would love to hear from you.

He can be contacted on 07531 088669 or by emailing gerryreid78@gmail.com.