Bygone News - 100 years ago and over

November 1918

The City Jubilant
Victory Celebrations Suspend Work

Dundee was far ahead of London in learning that the armistice had been signed at five o’clock on Monday morning. Before the workers left the mills and factories at breakfast time the joyful tidings had been signalled, and were radiating throughout the city. At once women left the spinning frames and the looms, workmen downed tools, and there was a general trek to the centre of the city.

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May 1918

Local Lads Win War Medals

Two Dundee men have won the D.C.M. for gallantry. They Are:-

202746  Pte. R. Barber, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Dundee).
During an engagement as a runner he continually carried messages to and from the firing line under heavy machine gun and shell fire. Though he was twice wounded, he continued at his duties without any thought for his own safety, and thus ensured communication being maintained during a critical period.

202321  Pte. A. Blair, Royal Scottish Fusiliers (Dundee).
During the attack, on the lines being cut, he went out and repaired them under an intense shell fire. On two later occasions he went out and repaired them in several places. His courageous conduct and indifference to danger were deserving of the highest praise. Read more......

February 1918

Help To End the War

What You Should Do During Tank Week
A wave of enthusiasm is creeping over Dundee. Julian the Tank will be in the city on Monday, and his visit is awaited with the keenest interest.

With his arrival comes a duty which every one of us must discharge. It is a duty to our country and to every mother’s son serving in the forces. Each and all must have a financial stocktaking. When you have accumulated all your available cash, wend your way towards Albert Square and invest the money in the Tank. Read more......

November 1917

Dundee Officer Killed During Charge on Pill Box

News has been received of the death in action of Lieut Hugh McKenzie, Canadians, third son of Mrs McKenzie, 23, James Street, Dundee. His rise in the army was rapid. He joined up as a private in Canada shortly after the outbreak of hostilities and was subsequently drafted to this country. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant. After fully a year of stiff fighting he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for conspicuous bravery in the field, and shortly afterwards received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He was further promoted to the rank of Sergeant-Major, and subsequently received his commission. Read more......

August 1917

Dundee Election

Mr Winston Churchill, Minister of Munitions, has been returned as M.P. for Dundee by a sweeping majority, which sets at rest all doubts as to the unity of the people in regard to the prosecution of the war to a successful issue. Read more......

August 1917

Dundee Election

Mr Winston Churchill, Minister of Munitions, has been returned as M.P. for Dundee by a sweeping majority, which sets at rest all doubts as to the unity of the people in regard to the prosecution of the war to a successful issue. Read more......

April 1917

Bomb Explosion

Alarming Occurrence in Dundee
A bomb which had been sent home from the front was on Tuesday responsible for an alarming occurrence in Dundee, the remarkable feature of which was the absence of more serious consequences. Read more......

January 1917

Terrible Scottish Express Smash

With a crash like a great explosion the 4.18 express from Edinburgh to Glasgow hit a light engine and crumpled up. A second later only a tangles mass lay on the permanent way. In that awful wreckage 11 persons lay dead and over 40 injured. Another death subsequently took place in Edinburgh’s Infirmary, taking the number killed up to 12. Read more......

November 1916

A Strange Error

Officer Reported Killed Turns up in Hospital
Mr James S. Weir, the popular Firemaster of Dundee Fire Brigade, has had a remarkable experience. His elder son, Lieutenant James Weir, of the Black Watch was officially reported killed last Friday, but three days later news was received that his is alive, at present in hospital in France. This was the joyful message received by Mr Weir last night. Read more......

August 1916

Gallant Black Watch

Our column to day bear testimony – in the number of casualties recorded – to the fact that the battalions of the Black Watch have again been heavily engaged in the fighting in France. As ever, they bore themselves right gallantly. A member of one of the battalions gives the following graphic narrative of one of their engagements:- Read more......