Life story: Walter Mackay Imlah | Lives of the First World War

Timeline

1881

sibling Mary Imlah Source:7653358 1881

1883

birth Buckie, Banffshire United Kingdom Source:2042468 Source:7653358 24th January 1883

1883

location 10-12 High Street, Buckie, Banffshire United Kingdom parents address Source:2042468 24th January 1883 - 2nd October 1926

1886

sibling Emeline Robina Imlah Source:2042468 3rd July 1886

1890

sibling Alexander Mackay Imlah Source:2042468 4th June 1890

1901

employment Banker's Apprentice Source:7653378 1901

1915

commission Regular Source:2042468 23rd September 1915

1915

theatres France & Belgium: 1a Source:2042468 21st October 1915

1916

hospitalisation Pleurisy Hospital/Institution Source:2042468 29th February 1916 - 20th April 1916

1916

hospitalisation Diptheria Hospital/Institution Source:2042468 30th September 1916 - 30th November 1916

1917

marriage Jeannie Watt Brown Source:9590022 9th May 1917

1918

hospitalisation Wounded at Demicourt Hospital/Institution Source:2042468 21st March 1918

1919

discharge Source:2042468 20th February 1919

1920

children Walter Mackay Imlah Source:2042468 12th January 1920

1921

children Alexander Brown Imlah Source:2042468 27th December 1921

1923

children Keith Cameron Imlah Source:2042468 8th May 1923

1926

children Margaret Mary Mackay Imlah Source:2042468 14th May 1926

1926

service British Army Gazetted Captain, September 1926 Gordon Highlanders 6th gordon highland Battalion Source:2042468 September 1926

1926

dates Age 43 Source:2042468 2nd October 1926

education Junior and Senior Buckie High School Buckie, Banffshire United Kingdom Source:2042468

service British Army Second Lieutenant Gordon Highlanders Source:2042468

service British Army Lieutenant Gordon Highlanders Source:2042468

service British Army Lieutenant Gordon Highlanders 6th battalionthe gordon highland Battalion Source:2042468

1926

death War Related Sickness During the war Walter suffered from pleurisy, then diphtheria and in 1918 was wounded at Demicourt in the German Somme offensive (with gas gangrene complications). Buckie United Kingdom Source:2042468 2nd October 1926

burial Burnside Cemetery Non-War Cemetery Buckie, Banffshire United Kingdom Source:2042468

Details

Names

Type	Name
First Names	Walter Mackay
Initials	WM
Last Name	Imlah
Source	2042468
First Names	Walter
Initials	W
Last Name	Imlah
Source	2042468

Gender

Gender	Source
Male

Locations

Address	Country	Type	Date	Source
10-12 High Street, Buckie, Banffshire	United Kingdom	parents address	24th January 1883 - 2nd October 1926

Contribution

Military Service

Service	Unit	Section	Rank
British Army	Gordon Highlanders		Second Lieutenant
British Army	Gordon Highlanders		Lieutenant
British Army	Gordon Highlanders	6th battalionthe gordon highland Battalion	Lieutenant
British Army	Gordon Highlanders	6th gordon highland Battalion	Gazetted Captain, September 1926

Family

Children

Name	Relationship	Dates
Walter Mackay Imlah	son	12th January 1920
Alexander Brown Imlah	son	27th December 1921
Keith Cameron Imlah	son	8th May 1923
Margaret Mary Mackay Imlah	daughter	14th May 1926

Parents

Name	Relationship	Dates	Source
Mary Emeline Imlah	mother
Alexander Imlah	father

Siblings

Name	Relationship	Dates
Emeline Robina Imlah	sister	3rd July 1886
Alexander Mackay Imlah	brother	4th June 1890
Mary Imlah	sister	1881

Spouse

Name	Relationship	Dates	Source
Jeannie Watt Brown	wife	9th May 1917

Religion

Date	Religion	Source
1983-01-24	Presbyterian - inc Church of Scotland

Media

Walter Mackay Imlah & Wallace the Dog 1917

In the uniform of the 6th Gordon Highlanders during WW1

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Jean Watt (Brown) Imlah & children, Buckie

This was the family that Walter Imlah left behind by his early death in 1926, exacerbated by war wounds. Left to right: Sandy, Mrs Imlah, Margaret, Walter (junior) and Keith

Contributed by:
Alison25968
1913 - Garden of 10-12 High St. Buckie

This shows Walter Imlah and his brother, Alex, working in the garden of their home, 10-12 High Street Buckie. A renowned local horticulturalist Walter won many prizes at the local flower shows

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah in his garden in High Street, Buckie

Walter Imlah, with wife Jean and one of his children in the background, tending his garden 10-12 High Street, Buckie.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah & Sons, High Street, Buckie 1926

This photograph shows Walter Imlah with his 3 sons, left to right, Walter (Jnr), Keith and Sandy (Alexander) after the war, in the garden of their home in High Street, Buckie. It was not long before Walter's death in 1926, aged 43. His only daughter, Margaret, was 4 months old when he died.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Portrait of Walter Mackay Imlah

Walter Imlah is wearing the uniform of The Gordon Highlanders for this portrait painted on 26th March 1924. It is believed to have been done from a photograph. I have the receipt from L E McKenzie, Glasgow for £12.12.0

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah, his parents, brother and sister

This is a studio photograph taken by Clark the photographer in Buckie. It shows Walter's parents, Alexander Imlah and Mary Mackay, with the 3 children - from left to right, Alexander, Walter (standing) and Robina.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Leaving for Active Service

'Officers from 3/6th Gordons leaving for Active Service'. This photograph was taken at Keith Railway Station and Lt Walter Imlah is 3rd from right.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Lt Walter Imlah and 3 fellow Gordon Highlanders

In the uniform of The Gordon Highlanders in a studio portrait. Lt Walter Imlah on the left. Photograph produced in France so probably photo taken there whilst on leave to send to families back home.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Private Walter Imlah, 1903, aged 21.

On the reverse of this photo: Private Walter Imlah, Seaforth Highlanders, in 1903, when joining the Union Bank of Scotland at the Fochabers Branch as a bank clerk. Aged 21. In the same year there was a Royal Parade in Edinburgh before Edward V11 which Walter would have attended.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Imlah Family Tree to Mgt M M Imlah

This family tree goes back to the 1800s for the Imlah and Brown families, ending with my mother, Margaret Mary Mackay Imlah. On the Imlah side it starts with Peter Imlah 1811 - 1882 from Fyvie.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
17 page letter home from The Front

This is a long letter describing a German attack and Walter's involvement in it. Here is an excerpt of the letter written to Alick, his brother (Alex Imlah) home on leave: 'Fortunate I have hitherto been, but such luck almost seemed phenomenal, as often only a matter of yards separated us from those shell bursts on either side and, when the shrapnel ranges were lengthened or decreased we found ourselves just in between the danger zones. Nothing could have saved us had it been overhead'.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Address: Walter Imlah, Bank Agent, Portknockie

This envelope addressed to Walter Imlah Esq., Bank Agent, Portknockie was from Buckie Thistle Football Club being the receipt for a £10 loan for debenture number 52 and included the certificate confirming that. The loan was to be repaid to Walter by 1925 with interest

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Buckie War Memorial 100 years after WW1

This war memorial was put initially in the middle of Cluny Square, Buckie, and erected there in 1925. As Walter Imlah died in 1926 his name is not on the memorial although his brother Alex is. He died of war wounds in 1924.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Buckie South Church - the Imlah Church

This is the church, on the High Street, where the Imlah family worshipped. Like many families then, they had their own pew (up on the balcony but now no longer used for the congregation as attendances have reduced). There are 2 oak chairs in the entrance lobby given in memory of Walter's wife, Jeannie Watt Imlah, our granny.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
'Lyndhurst' home of the Sandison family, Buckie

A well-known house as the Imlah children grew up. Betty and George Sanderson lived at 'Lyndhurst' on West Cathcart Street. Betty was at school with my mother and still lives there (2019) and they both knew all the Imlah boys and Granny Imlah at the shop on the High Street and at Easthaven.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The Imlah Family Grave, Burnside, Buckie

Thanks to Fiona and Peter Imlah, this is a new Imlah family gravestone erected in 2012. The previous stone had run out of space and so Peter and Fiona commissioned a new one for the family for which we are all very grateful.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The famous Pozzi's shop, High St., Buckie

Pozzi's is very near to where the family grocery business was on High Street, Buckie. It was the main newsagent in Buckie. This is an old advertisement for the business. Pozzi's is now a cafe and gift shop with newspapers & magazines just a small part of the business.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
High Street, Buckie c. 1926

This clearly shows the War Memorial, erected in 1925, in the centre of Cluny Square in Buckie and the low-slung buildings on the left before Pozzi's shop is the Imlah grocery business and the Imlah home. Walter, Sandy, Keith and Margaret, my mother, were all born there.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Easthaven (on the right), West Church St., Buckie

This is the house the Imlah family moved to in 1927 after Walter Imlah died in October 1926 leaving a widow with 4 children under 5. Walter had recently been offered the Bank Manager's position in Cullen and large furniture had been bought to furnish the accommodation that came with the bank. Much of it had to be squeezed in to Easthaven.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Buckie Thistle F.C. Debenture Receipt

This was sent to Walter Imlah Esq., Bank Agent, Portknockie from the solicitor for Buckie Thistle Football Club confirming receipt of the cheque for £10 for denture number 52 'in your favour'

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Buckie Thistle FC Debenture Certificate

This is the certificate issued to Walter Imlah, Bank Agent, Portknockie by Buckie Thistle Football Club. Walter Imlah's sons, Alexander (Sandy) and Keith both went on to play football for the club

Contributed by:
Alison25968
To W Imlah, Lieutenant, Territorial Army

This is a certificate to W Imlah, 6th The Banff and Donside Battalion, Gordon Highlanders in the name of King George to 'Appoint you to be an officer in Our Territorial Army from the 10th day of June, 1925. You are therefore cordially and diligently to discharge your Duty as such in the Rank of Lieutenant ...' Given at our Court of St James's the 14th Day of August, 1925. By His Majesty's Command ...

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Gardening Certificate presented Walter Imlah 1926

Walter Imlah, our grandfather, loved gardening. This certificate was awarded for the Best Fruit Exhibit (Plums) at the Buckie & District Horticultural Show. One of his sons, Walter, and his only daughter, Margaret, inherited this love of gardening. Sadly, Walter Imlah died within 2 months of this award.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Outline of the Life of Walter Imlah

Researched by Walter Imlah's daughter, Margaret, this outlines the life of Walter Imlah - both military and civilian

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah's 'Officer's Record Book'

Officer's Record of Services Army Book 439 belonging to Walter Imlah. This gives an outline of service - Courses, Promotions, Service and Rewards

Contributed by:
Alison25968
W Imlah's Officer's Army Record Book Page 2

This page gives the main details of the owner of The Officer's Record of Services Army Book 439 - i.e. d.o.b. 24.1.1883; Regiment: The Gordon Highlanders; Permanent Home Address: High St., Buckie; Civil Profession - Bank Accountant; Next of Kin - Mrs J W Imlah, Drakemyres, Keith

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Portknockie Harbour Bazaar 1922

This pamphlet advertises A Bazaar in aid of the Harbour Extension Fund to be held in The Public School, Portknockie on Wednesday & Thursday, 27th and 28th Dec. 1922. On the reverse Walter Imlah is down as one of the Joint Secretaries on the committee and the Duke of Richmond & Gordon, the Countess of Seafield and Ex-Provost Archibald of Buckie as three of the patrons.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The Committee for the Portknockie Harbour Bazaar

This bazaar was to raise funds for the extension to the harbour at Portknockie. On the back of the pamphlet it says that 'When war broke out in 1914 arrangements were being made to have the work begun .... these arrangements were of necessity upset by the war ...an effort is now being to procure a Harbour that will provide accommodation for the fleet of drifters and motor boats belonging to the port.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Patrons & Committee of Portknockie Harbour Appeal

This outlines the patrons, the committee and the reason for the appeal to raise money for the extension of Portknockie Harbour

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah as a young man (undated)

Walter Imlah pre-war

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Letter to W Imlah - Scottish Bankers Assoc. 1919

The letter: From 90 High St., Elgin To Imlah Esq., Union Bank of Scotland Ltd Portknockie Dear Sir, Scottish Bankers Association Banff and Morayshire Branch At the meeting held here on Saturday last you were elected a Member of the Committee of Management of this Branch of the Scottish Bankers Association. I shall be glad to know that you are agreeable to act. Your faithfully, G McDonald

Contributed by:
Alison25968
War PC from W Imlah to Miss Brown

This postcard was written from France during the war and is from Walter Imlah to 'Miss Brown, Drakemyres, Keith, Scotland' - 1915 postmark so before 1917 when they married. He writes: here but been busy all afternoon in preparation for our moving out tonight. Dining in town with Paterson (?) whom I am much with the days. His French permits of our getting along fair. Delightful weather here and I do like France well & so far. Hope John is improving ... Best wishes to all at Drakemyres. Yours Walter

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah's Signature at the Bank

This is the signature of Walter IMlah with the stamp underneath of Union Bank of Scotland Ltd. Portknockie (U.B. of S. Ltd)

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah, Union Bank, Portknockie

This is a photograph of Walter Imlah, Bank Agent (Manager), of the Portknockie Branch of the Union Bank of Scotland - he is on the right with a colleague on the left. Guessing this is 1919 when he got the position but Walter was there until 1926 when he was appointed to take over Cullen & Portknockie but sadly he died before he could take up that post.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The Union Bank of Scotland, Cullen

Walter Imlah was appointed to become Bank Agent for both the Cullen and Portknockie branches of the Bank of Scotland in May, 1926. This position included family accommodation above the bank. Sadly, Walter died in October, 1926 before the family had moved in. The family then remained in Buckie eventually moving to Easthaven in West Church Street.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
W Imlah - Statement of Income 1916 - 1919

This statement of income for Walter Imlah for the 3 years from 5 April 1916 to 5 April 1916 was written (oddly enough) by my Aunt Alice who then worked for the Portknockie bank. Alice married David Bruce, my grandfather's brother so she was on the Bruce side of the family (my father's) not the Imlah side. The statement lists Army Pay 1916-1917 as 2nd Lt. as £136.17.6 and for 1917-1918 as an Lt. £184.5 and then £184 1918 - July 1919. Bonus by Bank on return to service £50. Average yearly income £200.1.4. Then Rebates total £120 - for wife, for 1 child and for Life Insurance. This is Certified a true & correct statement, 6th Feb 1920, Walter Imlah

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The British Legion letter of Sympathy 1926

This letter from The Buckie Branch of the British Legion was written to Mrs Walter Imlah 12 High Street, Buckie offering their sympathy on his early death.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The British Legion Minutes on the death of W Imlah

These were the Minutes of the meeting of the Buckie Branch of the British Legion on Monday, 6th December 1926. It lists the 10 members of the committee who attended this meeting.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Mrs Imlah bereavement card thanking friends

The black-edged card simply says: Mrs Imlah and Family return sincere thanks for kind sympathy in their recent sad bereavement. High Street, Buckie, October 1926

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The Original Imlah Headstone, Buckie

This headstone was the original Imlah one which began with Walter Imlah's name in 1926. As there was little space left after his eldest son Walter, and his wife, Anthea, died another stone was erected by Fiona and Peter, Walter's daughter and son-in-law. Keith's name was added to this one but my mother's, Margaret M M Bruce nee Imlah, is now on the new stone (2012).

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah's War Service

From enlisting in May 1915 to being Gazetted out in 1919 and being appointed C.O. of the Terrritorials, Gordon Highlanders in 1924, this is an account of Walter's war service including various stays in hospital from pleurisy, diphtheria and war wounds. Walter died on 2nd October, 1926 of meningitis and the War Office disclaimed war wounds were responsible so there was no war pension for his widow or the 4 children under the age of 6.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Mrs W M Imlah, Keith business card

As Walter Imlah and Jeannie Watt Brown were married in 1917 and then lived in High Street, Buckie after the war this card must have been printed for use in 1917. Granny lived at Drakemyres Farm, Keith. They married in May, 1917 while Walter was home on leave ('or 'furlough').

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah's mother, Mary Mackay Imlah

Walter's mother, Mary Mackay Imlah was born in 1848 and died just before the war, 22nd December 1913.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Christmas Card from his father to Walter Imlah

This card was sent to Walter Imlah from his father, Alexander, during the war years. His father died in July 1918 just before the end of the war

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Card from Mary Mackay Imlah to daughter, Mary

The card says: My dear Mary write to me because I cannot write you, your Mother. I cannot be sure the locket of hair came with this card but it was on the card in a small plastic envelope. Mary Mackay died in 1913. Her daughter, Mary, became a Queen's nurse at Clydebank, Glasgow.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Mary Emeline Imlah, sister of Walter Imlah

Mary Emeline Imlah was the eldest of the 5 children born to her parents, Alexander and Mary Mackay (one child died in infancy). Mary became a Queen's nurse in Clydebank, Glasgow after training in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Nurse Mary Imlah 1881 - 1925

This shows Mary Imlah, Walter's elder sister, in her nurse's uniform

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Alex. Imlah in Gordon Highlander Uniform

Alex Imlah was Walter Imlah's younger brother and who died in 1924 of war wounds.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
In Memoriam card for Mary Mackay Imlah d. 1913

This card would have been given out at church at Mary Mackay Imlah's funeral. This was Walter Imlah's mother.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Marriage of W M Imlah to J W Brown 1917

This marriage notice in the local Banffshire newspaper: At Drakemyres, Keith, on the 9th May, by the Rev. W. H. Macfarlane, South U.F. Church, Walter M Imlah, Second Lieutenant, 6th Batt., Gordon Highlanders, to Jeannie Watt, youngest daughter of he late Alexander Brown, farmer, Drakemyres. Below this are 2 notices for men killed in action during the war.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Jeannie Watt Brown who married Walter Imlah, 1917

This is a portrait of Jeannie Watt Brown

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Mr & Mrs Walter Imlah with son Walter aged 2

This photograph, taken in the garden of 10-12 High Street, Buckie show Walter Imlah, wife Jeannie with their son Walter, then aged two and a half, in July 1922.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Letter from Walter Imlah to his brother 1917

This is the first page of a 17 page letter home to his brother 'Alick' (Alex), then home on leave, and it recounts, in some detail, life at war and in particular 'my most poisonous and fatiguing night'

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Imlah Family Tree from 1765 to present day

This Imlah family tree takes the Imlah family from Sutherland to Methlick, to Inverness and then to Buckie, Banffshire

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Peter Imlah 1811 - d. 1882 New Deer

Peter Imlah was Walter Imlah's grandfather but died just the year before his grandson was born. He died at New Deer and is interred in Methlick. He married Mary Wilson who died in 1900

Contributed by:
Alison25968
British Legion - Buckie Branch 1923 Bazaar

This Bazaar, held in The Fishermen's Hall, Buckie, 5th December 1923, was to raise funds for 'provision of Club Rooms for ex-Service Men'. President of the British Legion in Buckie, and of the Appeal, was Walter Imlah. In the appeal leaflet it explains: 'It cannot be doubted that the public in general have still a lively recollection of what these ex-Sericie men did in the cause of liberty and freedom, and the ex-Service men of Buckie confidently appeal to the public for help in their efforts to get a meeting-place'. There are various stalls also advertised, one of which is the Produce Stall with Mrs W Imlah and Mrs Geo. Webster noted as Joint Conveners.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Letter confirming W Imlah Agent at Cullen Bank

This letter from the Union Bank of Scotland, 28th June 1926, was sent to the Agents of the bank informing them of various personnel changes the first of which was the retirement of Mr Charles Taylor and the appointment of his successor, Mr Walter Imlah as Agent of the Cullen Branch.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Opening of Portknockie Bank Branch 1913

This letter to the Agents of the Union Bank of Scotland is to inform that that 'a Sub-Branch of the Bank will be opened at 55 Portknockie, Banffshire, on Friday, 25th instant, under the charge of Mr Charles Taylor, Agent at Cullen. Attendance at Portknockie will be given on Tuesdays and Fridays. This was the branch that Walter Imlah took over in May 1919

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Granny Imlah and Boys, Buckie

This photograph shows Walter, Jeannie Imlah, Sandy and Keith in their 'Sunday Best' wearing the kilt

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Newspaper notice of death of Walter Imlah, aged 43

This notice from the local paper: Deaths. IMLAH - At High Street, Buckie, on 2nd October, 1926, Walter Imlah, agent, Union Bank, Portknockie and Cullen, aged 43 years - Deeply regretted.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Portrait commissioned by Granny of husband, Walter

This shows both the commissioned portrait plus the receipt - Received from Mrs Imlah, 12 High St., Buckie L E McKenzie, Portrait Artist, 59 Ascaig Crescent, Mosspark, Glasgow - 1 Portrait in Oils: £12.12.0

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Funeral Notice for Walter Imlah, 5th October 1926

This is the invitation Granny had printed for the funeral of Walter Imlah: Sir, My husband, Walter Imlah, died here this morning at 5.30 o'clock, and his remains are to be interred in Burnside Cemetery, Rathven, on Tuesday, 5th inst. The favour of your presence here on that day, at 1.30 o'clock afternoon, to accompany the Funeral to the place of interment is respectfully requested by, Sir, Your obedient Servant, Jean W Imlah 12 High Street, Buckie, 2nd Oct., 1926

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah War Diary & Wedding 1917

This page of Walter Imlah's diary from 7th - 9th May, 1917. Monday, 7th - Home via Glasgow. Mary travelling with me (his sister worked as a nurse in Glasgow) Tuesday, 8th - Keith to Mulben Procolamation Drakemyres (the farm where Granny's family, the Browns, lived) Buckie Heavy snow & Rain Wednesday, 9th - Buckie to Keith & Drakemyres Motored to D (Drakemyres) with Mary & Alick (his sister & brother) Married to J W Brown Motored to Spey Bay Hotel

Contributed by:
Alison25968
W Imlah War Diary, Page: 21st Nov 1917

On this day Lt. Walter Imlah writes: Men very tired on arrival at Ytres Station. No train & Batt. marched into open field. Hurricane of wind & rain & men had to lie in field, no coats, or cover of any kind for 4 1/2 hours. Bundled in to trucks. 40 men in each truck. Some reward for damn hard work.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Spey Bay Hotel: After Mr & Mrs Imlah's Wedding

This is the Spey Bay Hotel where the new Mr & Mrs W Imlah had their wedding celebrations. We used to go there as children with our parents and grandparents for afternoon tea.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Letter from Walter to brother Alick home on leave

This letter refers proudly to the winning of the Victoria Cross by George Mackintosh of Buckie and how that was achieved. Walter also writes animatedly about an Officers' football match he was involved in and ends the letter with discussion about Wallace their dog, or 'dung box' as he called him.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah, 6th Gordon Highlanders, Rouen 1916

Walter Imlah in the uniform of the Gordon Highlanders during the war in France

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The Journal of the Gordon Highlanders, Nov 1926

The Tiger and Sphinx was the Journal of the Gordon Highlanders and this edition was published in November, 1926. It records 'with much regret' the death of 'Our Company Commander, Captaincies. Walter Imlah'

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah in Nice, France 1916

This photograph was taken on the Promenade des Anglais, Nice (Negresco Hotel in background) when Walter was recovering from pleurisy

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah in Nice during convalesence

The Negresco Hotel can be seen in the background of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Walter was recovering from pleurisy and convalesced at the Lady Michelham Home for British Officers (see information below)

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Tiger & Sphinx Obituary Walter Imlah, Nov. 1926

'It is with much regret that we announce the death of our Company Commander, Capt. Walter Imlah. Capt. Imlah joined the 6th before the war as a Private, and went with them to France, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He was severely wounded during the war. About two years ago he took command of the Company, and the confirmation of his promotion to the rank of Captain was gazetted on a few days before his death. He was President of the local Horticultural Society, in which he took a very active interest. A keen horticulturalist himself, he did a great deal to encourage the art locally. In musical circles he was a prominent figure, being for a number of years Secretary to the Buckie Oratorio and Operatic Societies. It was only recently that he was given charge of the Union Bank at Cullen, in addition to the one at Portknockie, which by his energy he had greatly developed. He is survived by a widow and four young children, for whom the greatest sympathy is felt'.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
French postcard - 'One Sunday at the Seaside'

Walter's words on the reverse of this PC: Imagine us staring our eyes out with glasses looking out for any odd Bosches and such pictures as these waiting to be snapped. W.I. Let Wm McConnachie see this one

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The Imlah Family, Buckie, July 1935

Walter, 15, Keith, 12, Sandy, 13, and Margaret, 9, with their mother, Jeannie Imlah, in this photograph taken by Morgan's of Aberdeen.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Imlah Family Group by Clarks of Buckie, 1930

Sandy, Jeannie (our Granny) Imlah, Margaret, Walter and Keith

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Banffshire Herald Article - June 1905

From the Banffshire Herald: Keith, Saturday, August 19,1905 Mr Walter Imlah, lately promoted from the Fochabers to the Keith Branch of the Union Bank, was met in Fochabers on Saturday by his fellow members of the Fochabers Wanderers Football Club and presented with a dressing case in appreciation of his services in connection with the local club.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Jeannie Watt Brown School Teacher c. 1905

Jeannie Watt Brown, seated far left, with other student school teachers at Keith School c. 1905

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The Imlah Family after Walter Imlah had died 1926

This photograph shows: left to right Keith, Walter, Sandy with Jeannie Imlah holding the baby, Margaret born in May 1926. Walter, the children's father died in October that year. The family were still living then in the High Street, Buckie

Contributed by:
Alison25968
To Walter Imlah from Buckie Oratorio Society 1922

This is the engraving from a pen and ink stand presented to Walter Imlah from the Buckie Oratorio Society in 1922

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Pen stand presented to W Imlah

This is the pen and ink stand 'Presented to Walter Imlah by the Buckie Oratorio Society 1922' Walter was President of this Society for a number of years so this presentation may be linked to his retirement from that role

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Jeannie Watt Brown on horseback c 1905

Jeannie Watt Brown who became Granny Imlah used to ride from Drakemyres farm in to the local town of Keith. Here she would have been about 20 years old.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Letter re awarding of M.C.s - Gordon Highlanders

This letter was written by Ian Stephen, Cliff Terrace, Buckie (actually a friend of the young Walter Imlah) and he writes that his father A/Capt. J T Stephen, 6th Bn. The Gordon Highlanders felt strongly that A/Capt. Walter Imlah should have been awarded the M.C. when three were awarded but one of those was to the officer in charge of the company kept in reserve and not in charge of a company as Walter was. He wrote this in 1989.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Certificate awarded to Lieut. W Imlah 1919

The wording on this certificate: Lieutenant W Imlah, 6th Btn., The Gordon Highlanders Served with Honour and was disabled in the Great War Invalided from the Service 20th February, 1919

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Alexander Imlah's Book with Imlah Births

From the 1880s this document was the only sheet in a handwritten book: 'Alexander Imlah's Book' - it outlines all the births of his 4 children: Mary Emeline was born Eight April 1881 at 3 Stephen St Inverness Walter Imlah was born Twenty Fourth January 1883 at Cluny Cottages, Buckie. Alexander Imlah was born Third February 1885 at 12 High St. Buckie. Emmeline Robina Imlah was born Third July 1884 at 12 High St Buckie Not written in is Alexander Mackay Imlah born 4.6.1890 and d. 12.4.1924 (Alexander Imlah from 5th Feb. 1885 died in January 1886)

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Officers from 6th Gordons Keith Railway Station

This photograph shows 'Officers from 6th Gordons leaving for Active Service from Keith railway station. Walter Imlah is 3rd from right.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
The Imlah Children, Easthaven, Buckie

This photo was taken after the Imlah family moved to Easthaven, West Church Street, Buckie in 1927. Granny Imlah lived at Easthaven until her death in 1965. It was a very happy house.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
'Papa' Imlah with his 3 boys, High Street, Buckie

Possibly taken on a Sunday when the boys would have been in their 'Sunday best'. Definitely taken in the garden of their home in High Street, Buckie.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah with his 3 sons in the garden

This photo shows Walter Imlah with his 3 sons - Keith on his lap, then Walter and then Sandy. Probably before Margaret was born in May 1916

Contributed by:
Alison25968
10 - 12 High Street, Buckie in 2018

The old Imlah house and business is now a veterinary surgery with the garden now a car park. The old buildings at the back look the same.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah, aged 20, 1903 as a young bank clerk

Walter here shown as a young bank clerk in the Union Bank of Scotland in Fochabers where he started. He then joined the Seaforth Highlanders as a young Private in 1905.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Walter Imlah in 3rd V.B. Seaforth Highlanders 1905

Walter joined the Volunteer Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders when he was working for the Union Bank of Scotland in Fochabers in 1905. He is on the top row, 2nd from left. Walter was then 22 years old.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
3rd V B Seaforths at Royal Review 1905

Walter Imlah had joined the Volunteer Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders when he began his banking career in Fochabers with the Union Bank of Scotland. He then became part of the Royal Review in Edinburgh in 1905. This souvenir booklet writes that they left Elgin at 10.30 on Sunday night arriving in Edinburgh at 4.30 a.m. There were 23 officers and 415 non-commissioned officers and men present, They then marched to the Castle Hill School, their quarters for the day. At The Grassmarket the following day they were joined by more Seaforths, the Camerons and the Black Watch Brigade and the Gordons. On to the King's parade. Slowly the King passed, on horseback, 'with due respect and honour' and it was over. They were back in Elgin by 1.00 on Tuesday morning.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
6th Gordons leaving Bedford 9.11.1914

Walter Imlah was in the 6th Gordon Highlanders. After training in Bedford this photographs shows them leaving on 9th November 1914.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
W Imlah diary entry 7.8.1917 'Lucky to Return'

From Walter Imlah's diary entry on 7th August, 1917: Billeting at Canal Bank. Returned to Gun Pit, from which went out at 6 pm with Poland for info re aeroplane down beyond Vanacker Farm. Found pilot dead. Returned to post 6 am after a poisonous night. Lucky to return.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
WW1 Aluminium name tag Lieut W Imlah

The tag is to show name, serial number, division and religion. On the front - W Imlah Gor Lieut. On the reverse it reads Presbytarian. Gor is for Gordon Highlander. This is the tag Walter Imlah wore during WW1

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Alex. Imlah Family Grocer ... and Seedsman

This advertisement for the Imlah family business was in the Bazaar Book of Buckie South United Free Church. By this time the Imlah family have moved to Easthaven. Mrs Imlah is to help on the Cake and Candy Stall

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Diary Nov 1918 Walter billeted in Scarborough

Monday 18.11.1918 Move to Scarborough. Billeted Royal Hotel. Friday 22.11.1918 Transferred to room in Grand Hotel

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Easthaven, West Church St., Buckie bought in 1926

Walter and Jeannie Imlah bought this house in 1926 and then, when Walter was appointed to take over the Cullen branch of the Union Bank of Scotland, which came with family accommodation, Easthaven was rented out to the local minister, Rev. Greenlaw. When Walter died in October, the Imlah family had to stay at 10-12 High Street until the Greenlaws moved out in 1927. This photo of the front door was taken in 2008 but it was little changed over the years.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
1900 Imlah family photo.

This photograph shows young Walter, 17, standing, with brother Alex, 10, in front together with their parents Alexander and Mary Mackay Imlah

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Baby Keith Imlah arrives 1923

Sandy, baby Keith and Walter Imlah 1923, Buckie

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Baby Walter Mackay Imlah 1920

Photo of Walter Mackay Imlah, High Street, Buckie - first child of Walter and Jeannie Imlah

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Alexander Brown Imlah (Sandy) born December 1921

Sandy in christening robe perhaps.

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Father Walter with his 3 boys July 1926

Baby Margaret not in the photo but would have been 2 months old when this photograph in the garden was taken. Boys wearing the kilt. Maybe for Margaret's christening?

Contributed by:
Alison25968
Junior Imlah Family Tree (Walter - 2019)

Family Tree from Walter Mackay Imlah through to present day (2019)

Contributed by:
Helen159918

Communities

This person is not linked to any communities.

Evidence

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Official Records

Title	Connected by	More information
Medal Index Card
1891 England, Wales & Scotland Census Transcription	Selena49658
1901 England, Wales & Scotland Census Transcription	Selena49658

External Evidence

Reference	Connected by	More information
Marriage of Walter Imlah to Jeannie Watt Brown, 1917	Alison25968

Multimedia

Title	Connected by	More information
Walter Mackay Imlah & Wallace the Dog 1917	Alison25968
Jean Watt (Brown) Imlah & children, Buckie	Alison25968
1913 - Garden of 10-12 High St. Buckie	Alison25968
Walter Imlah in his garden in High Street, Buckie	Alison25968
Walter Imlah & Sons, High Street, Buckie 1926	Alison25968
Portrait of Walter Mackay Imlah	Alison25968
Walter Imlah, his parents, brother and sister	Alison25968
Leaving for Active Service	Alison25968
Lt Walter Imlah and 3 fellow Gordon Highlanders	Alison25968
Private Walter Imlah, 1903, aged 21.	Alison25968
Imlah Family Tree to Mgt M M Imlah	Alison25968
17 page letter home from The Front	Alison25968
Address: Walter Imlah, Bank Agent, Portknockie	Alison25968
Buckie War Memorial 100 years after WW1	Alison25968
Buckie South Church - the Imlah Church	Alison25968
'Lyndhurst' home of the Sandison family, Buckie	Alison25968
The Imlah Family Grave, Burnside, Buckie	Alison25968
The famous Pozzi's shop, High St., Buckie	Alison25968
High Street, Buckie c. 1926	Alison25968
Easthaven (on the right), West Church St., Buckie	Alison25968
Buckie Thistle F.C. Debenture Receipt	Alison25968
Buckie Thistle FC Debenture Certificate	Alison25968
To W Imlah, Lieutenant, Territorial Army	Alison25968
Gardening Certificate presented Walter Imlah 1926	Alison25968
Outline of the Life of Walter Imlah	Alison25968
Walter Imlah's 'Officer's Record Book'	Alison25968
W Imlah's Officer's Army Record Book Page 2	Alison25968
Portknockie Harbour Bazaar 1922	Alison25968
The Committee for the Portknockie Harbour Bazaar	Alison25968
Patrons & Committee of Portknockie Harbour Appeal	Alison25968
Walter Imlah as a young man (undated)	Alison25968
Letter to W Imlah - Scottish Bankers Assoc. 1919	Alison25968
War PC from W Imlah to Miss Brown	Alison25968
Walter Imlah's Signature at the Bank	Alison25968
Walter Imlah, Union Bank, Portknockie	Alison25968
The Union Bank of Scotland, Cullen	Alison25968
W Imlah - Statement of Income 1916 - 1919	Alison25968
The British Legion letter of Sympathy 1926	Alison25968
The British Legion Minutes on the death of W Imlah	Alison25968
Mrs Imlah bereavement card thanking friends	Alison25968
The Original Imlah Headstone, Buckie	Alison25968
Walter Imlah's War Service	Alison25968
Mrs W M Imlah, Keith business card	Alison25968
Walter Imlah's mother, Mary Mackay Imlah	Alison25968
Christmas Card from his father to Walter Imlah	Alison25968
Card from Mary Mackay Imlah to daughter, Mary	Alison25968
Mary Emeline Imlah, sister of Walter Imlah	Alison25968
Nurse Mary Imlah 1881 - 1925	Alison25968
Alex. Imlah in Gordon Highlander Uniform	Alison25968
In Memoriam card for Mary Mackay Imlah d. 1913	Alison25968
Marriage of W M Imlah to J W Brown 1917	Alison25968
Jeannie Watt Brown who married Walter Imlah, 1917	Alison25968
Mr & Mrs Walter Imlah with son Walter aged 2	Alison25968
Letter from Walter Imlah to his brother 1917	Alison25968
Imlah Family Tree from 1765 to present day	Alison25968
Peter Imlah 1811 - d. 1882 New Deer	Alison25968
British Legion - Buckie Branch 1923 Bazaar	Alison25968
Letter confirming W Imlah Agent at Cullen Bank	Alison25968
Opening of Portknockie Bank Branch 1913	Alison25968
Granny Imlah and Boys, Buckie	Alison25968
Newspaper notice of death of Walter Imlah, aged 43	Alison25968
Portrait commissioned by Granny of husband, Walter	Alison25968
Funeral Notice for Walter Imlah, 5th October 1926	Alison25968
Walter Imlah War Diary & Wedding 1917	Alison25968
W Imlah War Diary, Page: 21st Nov 1917	Alison25968
Spey Bay Hotel: After Mr & Mrs Imlah's Wedding	Alison25968
Letter from Walter to brother Alick home on leave	Alison25968
Walter Imlah, 6th Gordon Highlanders, Rouen 1916	Alison25968
The Journal of the Gordon Highlanders, Nov 1926	Alison25968
Walter Imlah in Nice, France 1916	Alison25968
Walter Imlah in Nice during convalesence	Alison25968
Tiger & Sphinx Obituary Walter Imlah, Nov. 1926	Alison25968
French postcard - 'One Sunday at the Seaside'	Alison25968
The Imlah Family, Buckie, July 1935	Alison25968
Imlah Family Group by Clarks of Buckie, 1930	Alison25968
Banffshire Herald Article - June 1905	Alison25968
Jeannie Watt Brown School Teacher c. 1905	Alison25968
The Imlah Family after Walter Imlah had died 1926	Alison25968
To Walter Imlah from Buckie Oratorio Society 1922	Alison25968
Pen stand presented to W Imlah	Alison25968
Jeannie Watt Brown on horseback c 1905	Alison25968
Letter re awarding of M.C.s - Gordon Highlanders	Alison25968
Certificate awarded to Lieut. W Imlah 1919	Alison25968
Alexander Imlah's Book with Imlah Births	Alison25968
Officers from 6th Gordons Keith Railway Station	Alison25968
The Imlah Children, Easthaven, Buckie	Alison25968
'Papa' Imlah with his 3 boys, High Street, Buckie	Alison25968
Walter Imlah with his 3 sons in the garden	Alison25968
10 - 12 High Street, Buckie in 2018	Alison25968
Walter Imlah, aged 20, 1903 as a young bank clerk	Alison25968
Walter Imlah in 3rd V.B. Seaforth Highlanders 1905	Alison25968
3rd V B Seaforths at Royal Review 1905	Alison25968
6th Gordons leaving Bedford 9.11.1914	Alison25968
W Imlah diary entry 7.8.1917 'Lucky to Return'	Alison25968
WW1 Aluminium name tag Lieut W Imlah	Alison25968
Alex. Imlah Family Grocer ... and Seedsman	Alison25968
Diary Nov 1918 Walter billeted in Scarborough	Alison25968
Easthaven, West Church St., Buckie bought in 1926	Alison25968
1900 Imlah family photo.	Alison25968
Baby Keith Imlah arrives 1923	Alison25968
Baby Walter Mackay Imlah 1920	Alison25968
Alexander Brown Imlah (Sandy) born December 1921	Alison25968
Father Walter with his 3 boys July 1926	Alison25968
Junior Imlah Family Tree (Walter - 2019)	Helen159918

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We remember Walter Mackay Imlah

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We remember Walter Mackay Imlah

We remember Walter Mackay Imlah

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We remember Walter Mackay Imlah