224505 Pte. Alexander Kirk Wilson British Army 2nd Btn Kings Own Scottish Borderers from:Perth Alexander Kirk Wilson was my grandfather, and he was born in Perth, Scotland. He served with The King's Own Scottish Borderers during The First World War, and from information posted by others, it appears he was in the 2nd Battalion.
He was taken prisoner, and again from information on the internet this seemed to have happened in 1914. He had the opportunity to escape, as I remember my mother (Margaret, "Peggie") telling us, when the Germans mistook him for an officer due to the fact that he was a piper (which was possibly reflected in insignia on his uniform), but unfortunately an Englishman told the Germans he was not an officer. This tragically meant he was then held as a prisoner for another 2 years.
He was sent to Holland after he was released, which I believe was not until the end of the War, since the ravages of the German prison camp had left him barely alive. He suffered from memories of this Hell on earth throughout the rest of his life, and I believe he died when he was only in his 40's, around 1947. He married Margaret Mathieson, my grandmother, and they went on to have twelve children. They lived originally in West Maryston, between Baillieston and present-day Easterhouse. Sadly Margaret died when she was only in her 40's too, around 1942, but the family stayed together in the family home which was then in Robertson terrace in Baillieston. I like to think my grandfather's survival is the triumph of good over evil, his most treasured possession was his Bible which he carried with him throughout that Hellish camp, and which in turn was cherished by my mother (who married James Allison) after my grandfather died.
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