Rogart remembers: Village marks 100th anniversary of war memorial
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Under blue skies, around 80 people from far and wide congregated to commemorate the centenary of Rogart War Memorial on Saturday, writes Christina Perera of Rogart Heritage Society.
It was an event that brought together the nephews, nieces and great-grandchildren of the 47 men and one woman whose names are carved into the memorial’s granite.
Almost a thousand poppies, which had been knitted, crocheted and stitched by women from as far afield as Edinburgh, decorated the newly refurbished monument.
Wreaths were laid by Lt Col Colin Gilmour, Royal British Legion Scotland; Deputy Lieutenant, Sheila Stewart; Christine Ross, Rogart Community Council; and Charlotte Gibson, Rogart Heritage Society.
The moving ceremony was led by Rev Hilary Gardner. Rachel Allan gave a brief history of the monument and Raymond Ross read out the names of the Fallen.
Dozens of small wooden commemorative crosses, each inscribed with the name of the Fallen, were placed by the descendants.
Poignant piping by Dr Alasdair B Mearns underscored the ceremony and led the parade of Legion members.
For people who couldn’t attend, the event was live streamed around the world through Facebook.
After the service, an informal lunch was laid on in Pittentrail Hall by Charlotte Gibson.
David Hannah, RBLS regional area chairman, announced that the recent work to renovate the war memorial had been recognised.
A trophy was presented for National Award for Best Kept War Memorial (new entry category).
History of Rogart War Memorial
After the Great War, 1914-1918, communities around the world mourned the loss of their loved ones and wished to mark the sacrifice made by the Fallen.
A memorial fund was set up in Rogart as early as April 1919, five months after the Armistice, and the whole parish was involved in raising money.
The Comrades of the Great War, the precursor of the British Legion, organised entertainments and sporting events. A group of ladies arranged collections. Schoolchildren got involved too.
By 1922 there were sufficient funds to create a lasting and fitting tribute.
Opinions differed on the form the memorial should take. Some people wanted a fountain at the crossroads so that they would no longer have to walk to the station for their pail of water.
Others wanted to build one or two houses to be let to ex-service men. The names of the men who had lost their lives would be listed on the gable end. Ultimately, support for a conventional memorial prevailed.
The monument that exists today was designed and executed by D & A Davidson, sculptors of Inverness.
Its form is a wheel cross with Celtic knotwork, carved from grey granite. It stands on a tiered plinth with a rustic pediment of local granite, which was supplied by William Murray, Little Rogart.
A great deal of effort went into ensuring that relevant names were recorded. These were sons, and sometimes grandsons of the parish. Initially 40 men and their regiments were listed, with a further name added later.
One hundred years ago, in September 1922, the memorial was unveiled by the Duke of Sutherland.
People from around the country attended and flowers were placed by relatives, friends and colleagues.
A minute’s silence was observed. A prayer of dedication was offered up by Reverend Mr Macleod, The Lord is my Shepherd was sung and a benediction pronounced by Reverend Mackenzie. Piper John Macdonald played Lochaber No More and three buglers played The Last Post.
At the end of this moving ceremony, the memorial was formally handed over into the parish council’s custody.
Following the war of 1939-1945, seven more names were carved into the stone.
The 100th year commemoration service on Saturday remembered the 47 men and one woman of Rogart whose valiant hearts stopped beating as a result of two world wars.
