Bygone News - 100 years ago and over
May 1916
Escaped from Germany
After having been a prisoner of war in Germany for 19th months, Sergeant John Crockett, a Dundee member of the Wiltshire Regiment, has arrived at his home.
The fortunate soldier now enjoys his liberty as the result of a daring and successful escape from his internment. Read more......
February 1916
People’s Journal
The “Fourth’s” Year of War
A year ago they left Dundee, the lads of the “Gallant Fourth”.
“Dundee’s Own” they were then, dear to the hearts of the thousands who saw them depart for – somewhere.
“Dundee’s Own” they remain yet, after a year’s conflict with the Huns; but they are dearer to us now than even in that moment if parting, for they have given their blood for our sakes, and brought honour to the name of this old city. Read more......
December 1915
Dundee Soldier Gains Coveted French Honour
The proud distinction of being the first Dundee soldier to have been awarded the French Croix de Guerre has fallen on Bombardier Robert Goodman, The Royal Garrision Artillery, who previous to the commencement of hostilities resided with his grandmother, Mrs Munro, 6, Forfar Road, Dundee. Read more......
September 1915
Military Cooks
Men to be trained in Dundee
Arrangements have now been completed for the training of a new party of soldiers as military cooks at Dundee. At Tuesday’s meeting of Dundee School Board a minute of the Continuation Classes Committee was submitted, of which it was stated that a communication had been groups of 20 each – two in Stobswell School and one in Morgan Academy. The proposals have been transmitted to the military authorities. Approval was given to the recommendations by the board. Read more......
June 1915
Departure of 3/4 Black Watch
The third line of the 4th Black Watch (Dundee Territorials) left Dundee on Wednesday to join the second line of the regiment, who are under camp training at Oudenard, Bridge of Earn. The battalion, which was under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Harry K. Smith, took their departure for the city in the early morning, and notwithstanding the hour received a hearty send off, a large crowd of spectators gathering in the vicinity or the station. The men presented a very smart appearance, and seemed to be anticipating the chance with keen pleasure. They left from Tay Bridge in two special trains. Read more......
March 1915
Flag Days
Citizens Contribute a Sum of £2648
There have already been three flag days in Dundee, but none of such widespread appeal as that of Saturday. For no matter how keen the sympathy, and its greatest critic could not label Dundee unsympathetic, it is only human nature to feel most for the sufferings and heartbreaks at one’s own door. And certainly Dundee has its share at present. Read more......
December 1914
Citizen Soldiers
Lieutenant Hugh Roche McCabe
5th Battalion Black Watch (Territorials)
Lieutenant McCabe, of the 5th Battalion Black Watch, now with his regiment in the fighting line in Flanders, is a son of Bailie McCabe, one of Dundee’s most zealous municipal workers. The Lieutenant is one of the most youthful officers of his corps, but though only in his 20th year, he is an efficient and trustworthy officer. Read more......
September 1914
Sad News from the Front
Dundee Men Among the Wounded
The misery which exists in many families in Dundee owing to the breadwinner being called to the front is being made still more pronounced in some quarters by receipt of news from the War Office of a husband or son being among those who have not escaped scathless from the fighting. Read more......
July 1914
Many Recruits Coming Forward
The patriotic spirit is abroad and is spreading among all classes of the community. The appeal which has been made for recruits for the service has been very largely responded to, and many men have come forward during the last day or two prepared to defend King and Country. Read more......
April 1914
Dundee’s Grand “Easter Egg”
One Hundred Thousands Pounds
From Sir J.K. Caird for the New City Hall
This is an Easter that Dundonians will remember, for a generous fellow-citizen has presented them with a fortune. As their “Easter Egg” Sir James K. Caird, Bart., IL.D., has gifted £100,000 to the citizens of Dundee for the purpose of erecting a new city hall. The site chosen is that behind the present Town House, extending from High Street, on to the north to Shore Terrace on the south, and involves the demolition of the clumps of old properties which occupy the area.
The work of building the new structure, it is stipulated, shall be complete in three years.