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Pte. James Neil Sutherland
British Army 8th Btn. Black Watch
from:Markinch, Fife, Scotland
(d.9th Apr 1917)
James Sutherland, known as Neil, was born 21st of July 1892 in Markinch, Fife, to William Sutherland and Elizabeth Mowat. In May 1909 he went to work for the Royal Bank of Scotland as an apprentice in Markinch, before moving to the Leven Street branch in Edinburgh in August 1914, and finally Cupar branch in 1916.
During the First World War he left the bank to join the army, becoming a Private in the 9th (Scottish) Infantry Division 8th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and died aged 24 on the first day of the Battle of Arras, and is buried in Mindel Trench British Cemetery at St. Laurent-Blangy. He is commemorated on the War Memorial on Balbirnie Street, Markinch.
The 8th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) were among the first Allied soldiers to spring out of tunnels in a surprise attack against the German front line at Arras. Neil died in the battle but while in the tunnels wrote a letter to his brother John back home. He was also a keen musician.
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