Pte 57542 David Fairweather Jamieson

• Age: 21
• From: Arbroath
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Tuesday 24th April 1917
• Commemorated at: Cherisy Rd East Cem, Heninel
  Panel Ref: 13

David Fairweather Jamieson was born in Arbroath the son of James Jamieson and his wife Jane (nee Anderson).

On the 1901 Census he is aged 4 born in Arbroath living with his parents and two siblings at 30 Ann St, Arbroath.  His father James is a 33 year old sailmaker born in Kirkden, Forfarshire, whilst his mother Jane is aged 32 born in Arbroath. His siblings are shown as; James aged 6 and Elizabeth aged just  8 months, both were born in Arbroath.

“LOVED BY ALL”

The village of Heninel was captured in a snowstorm on 12 April 1917 by the 56th (London) and 21st Division. The 50th (Northumbrian) Division, advancing from Heninel on the two following days, captured Wancourt Tower. Cherisy Road East Cemetery was made by the 30th and 33rd Division Burial Officers in April 1917. The cemetery contains 82 First World War burials, 19 of which are unidentified.

His death was reported in the Arbroath Guide on 26th May 1917:

THE LATE DAVID F. JAMIESON

KING'S LIVERPOOL REGIMENT

At the close of his sermon last Sunday morning in Ladyloan Parish Church the Rev. J M'William, B.D. said:- "It is difficult to realise that we shall never again on earth see the blithe, smiling, boyish face of David Jamieson who was killed in action in France on 24th April. That sunny smile of his, so infectious, so expressive of his nature, was one of his great charms. Because it came to him naturally, he did not need to learn the soldiers philosophy of life expressed in the popular song:-

Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag,

And smile, smile, smile.

When you've a lucifer to light your fag,

Smile boys, that's the style.

What's the use of worrying ?

It never was worth while,

So pack up your troubles in your old kit bag,

And smile, smile, smile.

David Jamieson had the sunny disposition partly by temperament and partly as the expression of his religion. He was a sincere Christian of the manly type. All his letters were mirrors that reflected a singularly white soul. His piety was not of the emotional, unstable order evoked by the strange and terrible experiences of war. He had given his heart to the Lord before ever the guns tuned up for the dance of death. And speaking of his letters, he wanted to come back. He felt awe, but not fear of what lay before him. Amid all the grim uncertainties he cherished the trust of the childheart. And still the hope was strong that he would be spared to come back, but - but - "Lochaber no more!" All the love of the heart, the light on the laughter of life - quenched. I have no details as to how the end came, but I can fancy he met his death with a smile - maybe a wistful smile, for he had the radiant heart. We tender our sympathy to his parents and family, to whom his loss means such a heartbreak. He is a loss also to this church, for he had the spirit-filled soul. In the palace of the King, he takes his place among all the bright, brave lads who counted the cost and paid it - held life dear, yet sacrificed it - who died, and yet cannot die - who fell asleep amid the tumult and awoke in the peace of eternity.

'O blest communion, fellowship divine !

We feebly struggle - they in glory shine;

Yet all are one in Thee, for all all are Thine.

Hallelujah !'

His name featured in the Roll of Honour published in the Arbroath Guide on 05th January 1918

ROLL OF HONOUR

Men From Arbroath and District Killed In The Year 

Private David F. Jamieson, King's Liverpool, 16 W.Keptie Street

Soldiers Effects and Pension to father James

David is commemorated on the following Memorials:

He was also commemorated on the Memorial at Ladyloan United Free Church, Arbroath. Sadly this is now lost.

We currently have no further information on David Fairweather Jamieson. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.