War Memorial

The North Queensferry War memorial was erected in 1921, using granite from the nearby Carlingnose Quarry. It commemorates locals who died in the First and Second World Wars.

Local research shows that, in the First World War, at least 28 local men were killed. This was a significant proportion of the village’s male population.

The names of those who died are listed on the North Queensferry Heritage Trust website. The story behind each name has been carefully researched and documented.

Brothers Robert and William Dowie were both killed in the First World War. Originally a railway worker, Robert signed up early in the war and gained a reputation for taking part in trench raids. He was awarded the Military Medal in December 1916. At the start of May 1917, his battalion was taking part in the Battle of Arras when he was initially reported Missing, subsequently updated to “Killed in Action.” William Dowie enlisted early in 1916 and was posted to the same Battalion as his brother. He had been at the front for only a few weeks when he was killed.

Herbert Charles Pearce joined the Royal Navy at just 16. At the time he was just 5ft 4inches tall. He served as a regular in the Navy until he perished in a gale aboard the Glena whilst on home leave. He died just 10 days before the First World War ended.

The stories make for sober reading but are a fitting tribute to those who gave so much. The North Queensferry Heritage Trust also offers an online local Census Search.