PERSONAL INSCRIPTIONS (from the CWGC website)

Many headstones have no religious symbol by request. Whether this was motivated by atheism, non-conformism or another reason was never recorded, and therefore can only be speculated upon. Personal inscriptions provide the most intimate insight into those lives lost and those forever changed by the war. Yet they were initially limited to 66 characters, and a fee of 3½ pence per letter was charged for British Army casualties.

The intention was that families would appreciate being able to practically contribute to a loved one’s commemoration, but the Commission soon faced accusations of hypocrisy because only the wealthy could afford a substantial inscription. Although we still engraved inscriptions if a payment wasn’t forthcoming, many people were deterred from writing one.

There are over 229,000 personal inscriptions for First World War graves. Ranging from literary and Biblical quotations to hymns, from meditations on abstract virtues to informal addresses to the dead, they offer a tantalising glimpse into the post-war process of grief. However, the Commission had the right to veto inflammatory inscriptions. Several Committee minutes include debates over these controversial submissions, such as “A NOBLE SON SACRIFICED FOR CAPITALISM”. Interestingly, several were permitted that suggest the futility of war, indicating the liberal attitude the Commission tried to adopt when dealing with the delicate issue of loved ones’ sole means of expression.

JAMES SIMPSON'S HEADSTONE

The inscription "AND SOME WE LOVED" is taken from a poem in the "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam ". Omar was known as "the Astronomer-Poet of Persia". Over a hundred years after his death, we can only speculate on the layout of James' headstone. It could be that James left instructions with his family how he would like to be remembered in the event of his death.

Alternatively it could be something that came up in discussion as a result of his studies at Perth Academy, before he left for the front. The absence of a religious symbol also suggests that this was a decision known to his family.

James Simpson was born on 4th May 1898 in Perth and had three older sisters: Katherine, b. c1892; Elizabeth, b. c1894; and Mary, b. c1895.

He was educated at Balhousie School and Perth Academy, and at the time of his enlistment he was employed as a writer in the Army Pay Office in Perth.

James Simpson enlisted with the 38th Training Reserve Battalion of the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) on 21st June 1916 at Lochend Camp, Dunfermline (Reg. No. 104771). At that time his fathers occupation was a Master Tailor and his address was; 4, Inchcaffray Street, Perth.

He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 15th September 1916 and Acting Corporal on 7th October 1916. James joined the Officer Cadet Battalion, at Grantham on 1st May 1917, and was appointed to a temporary commission as a Second Lieutenant with the Machine Gun Corps (London Gazette 11th September 1917).

James joined the 20th Company of the Machine Gun Corps and was posted to active service in France and Flanders. The 20th Company of the Machine Gun Corps were part of the 7th Division. In October 1917 they took part in the 3rd Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). He was admitted to a Casualty Clearing Station on 13th October 1917 and died of his wounds on 27th October 1917.

Although there is no definitive record of where, or how, James Simpson lost his life, it is likely that he was wounded at some stage of this action, and subsequently died of his wounds.

He was 19 years old.

James Simpson’s sister Katherine was married to Mr Archibald Galloway, who also served with the Machine Gun Corps.