THE PORT GLASGOW EXPRESS : FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1921
Toll Boys’ War Memorial
UNVEILING CEREMONY TOMORROW
As intimated in Wednesday’s issue the War Memorial of the Toll Boys who lost
their lives in the great war will be unveiled tomorrow. The memorial has been
erected at a cost of £67, which sum has been gathered by the committee in charge
of the arrangements. The unveiling ceremony will be performed by Mr J. Lewis,
who had the misfortune to lose both his legs in the war. Mr Wm. McLachlan has
composed the following verses and dedicated them to the relatives of the
following twenty-nine lads who left the Toll Corner to take part in the great
war 1914-1918, and all of whom lost their lives in that great conflict. The
names are:-
W. Burnside, R.G.A.; N. Collins, P. Cooper, S. Gilmour, R. Graham, S. Kane, J.
Love, J. McGhie, J. McKay, D. Mooney, A. Orr, S. Ptolomey, all A & S.H.; J.
Kincaid, A. Logan, A. McKay, G. Potter, Cameron Highlanders; J. Rorison,
Seaforth Highlanders; F. McCorkindale, Royal Scots; A. Cooper, Royal. Scots
Greys; J. Logan, H.L.I.; R. McLean, Inneskilling Fusiliers; J. Duffy, S.
Mitchell, S. Gourlay, Naval Division; C. Simpson, D. Wilson, Royal Navy; J.
Shields, Royal Field Artillery; T. Walker, Durham Light Infantry; W. Tanner,
Howitzer Brigade.
You citizens of our town pray heed,
And when these verses you do read
Flock in your thousands out to the Toll,
And see unveiled the heroes' roll.
On August fourth, nineteen fourteen,
Some stirring sights were surely seen.
Our country for men sent out a call
The German hordes to then forestall.
Britain had taken stand for the right,
Determined to stop German arrogance and might;
Young men and old, the rich and the poor,
Flocked to the colours with British pride sure.
And out at the Toll the boys like the rest
Prepared to join up and give of their best.
They went like true heroes to their country's aid,
Undaunted in spirit, not one bit afraid.
Four years of carnage and terrible strife
They battled for Britain; some gave up their lives.
Homes were depleted, fathers and sons out there fell,
And for home and their country their lives they did sell.
Now times are all altered, peace once more now reigns;
But at what a great cost that peace we have gained.
As oftimes there flashes the thought o'er our mind
Of the thousands now left, some maimed and some blind,
And what of the lads who gave up their all,
Who answered their Heavenly Father's swift call?
Yet surely their home is Heaven above,
Installed in the glory of our Father's love.
They gave up their lives that we here should live.
What more in this world could any man give?
So now let us meet our homage to pay,
To the memory of those who fell in the fray.
They fought for the right to keep us all free,
They fought for protection for both you and me;
They lost their own lives our honour to save,
Those lads from the Port the bravest of brave.
For these young Toll lads we mourn to-day,
And for those friends bereaved we earnestly pray
That the Lord in His kindness, from His home above,
Will console and help all with His wonderous love.
Their names are embossed, on that tablet out there.
We know 'twill be kept with tenderest care
By the lads who have worked to erect their own roll,
Of their chums who'll return no more to the Toll.
For him who unveils that tablet out there,
A thought I am sure for him we must spare.
He fought for his country, but ah, what a cost!
Maimed he returned, both legs he has lost.
So what could be nobler than the Toll boys request,
That Mr Lewis should answer and do their behest?
To unveil that memorial to his comrades who fell
That right over wrong should at all times excel?
So let, many thoughts be given to-day.
To the memory of all who fell in that fray:
That for all years to come their names clear and bold,
In our hearts be engraved in letters of gold.
The Port Glasgow Express Wed. 31 August 1921
The Port Glasgow Express Fri. 02/09/21
The Greenock Telegraph Mon. 05/09/21
The Port Glasgow Express Wed. 07/09/21