On the 7th of October, 1922, the Kilbirnie War Memorial gateway was unveiled.

During World War One around a 1,000 Kilbirnie men enlisted.  Of these, 800 returned to Kilbirnie, but 159 men died on active service.  In their memory the Kilbirnie War Memorial archway was erected at the entrance to the new Public Park.  Built in the neo-Greek style of architecture, the war memorial was designed by James Houston, A.R.I.B.A.  Bronze tablets on either side of the gateway record the names of the 159 men who fell during the war.

The unveiling day began with a procession through the town consisting of ex-Servicemen, Girl Guides, the Brethren of the Masonic Lodge, Good Templars, school children, members of the Friendly Societies and other groups.  The procession was accompanied by several bands.

The raised platform held Mr G. P. West, Glengarnock Chairman, Major General Sir Charles M. Mathew, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.; Mr John Riddet, Justice of the Peace and Chairman of the Parish Council; Captain Bryce Knox; Mr N.J.K. Cochran-Patrick; Rev. Hugh Clarke McColl, M.A. of Kilbirnie Parish Church; Rev. Robert B. Andrew of Glengarnock Free Church and Parish Priest James Clark.  The relatives of the deceased had reserved seats close to the platform.

The ceremony began with the singing of the 23rd Psalm followed by a prayer.  Then Major General Sir Charles M. Mathew unveiled the War Memorial; Captain Bryce Knox read out the names of the fallen and Rev. Robert B. Andrew gave a prayer of dedication.  The Last Post was then played by the Buglers of the Royal Scots Fusiliers after which the 66th Paraphrase was sung, and the Lament was played by the Royal Scots Fusiliers Pipe Band.  As the music played friends and relatives placed floral tributes at the base of the memorial and Mr John Houston, JP, placed the wreath gifted by the War Memorial Committee.  Mr Cochran-Patrick then handed over the custody of the war memorial to the Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr John Riddet.  The ceremony ended with the singing of the hymn “Lead, Kindly Light”.

Amongst those named on the war memorial are four brothers, three of whom died on the same day.  They were the sons of Andrew and Margaret Mochrie of 9 Glasgow Street, Kilbirnie.

  • Corporal James Mochrie, aged 28, who served with the Gordon Highlanders “E” Company, 2nd Battalion.   Service No. 10303.  Died at the Battle of Loos, 25 September 1915.
  • Private Matthew Mochrie, aged 21, who served with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).  Service No. 16387.  Died at the Battle of Loos, 25 September 1915.
  • Private Robert Mochrie, aged 19, who served with the Royal Scots Fusiliers.  Service No. 14859.  Died at the Battle of Loos, 25 September 1915.
    James, Matthew and Robert are remembered on the Loos Memorial, France.
  • Private Andrew Mochrie, aged 38, who served with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), 9th Battalion.  Service No. 16386.  Died 09 June 1917.  He is remembered on the Arras Memorial, France.

At the completion of the unveiling ceremony, the Public Park was officially opened by Mr John Riddet, JP and Chairman of the Parish Council.

Further Reading

Kilbirnie War Memorial at Imperial War Museums