BATHGATE 

Cameron McConnachie and Helen Kelly

Cameron (Cammy) McConnachie sadly passed away on 20 July 2023. He was born at the family home in Kirknewton and served in the TA from 1972-74 before heading to Australia as a plumber. He then spent some time as a prison officer, and served three years in the Australian Army. 

Cammy returned to Scotland in 1978 and re-joined his Unit 243 with the Royal Military Police based in Edinburgh where he reached the rank of staff sergeant, before leaving in 1996. 

Cammy was president of the Bathgate branch for over seven years and served as branch secretary for a period. 

Cammy’s wife Helen Kelly also sadly passed away on 13 July 2023. Helen served as secretary on the Bathgate branch committee for over seven years. 

Both Cammy and Helen will be sorely missed by the committee, staff and members. 

INVERNESS 

William Dingwall BEM

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of national life member, Mr William [Bill] John Dingwall BEM, at home on 17 August 2023. 

Bill was born in Inverness in January 1931. He completed his National Service during the Korean War, in the submarine service. In 1954, Billy returned to Inverness and found employment in the local Inverness foundry as a welder. 

He also joined Inverness branch, and took a great interest in the ceremonial side, learning standard bearing and other aspects, which he became very proficient at, over the years winning several local championships. 

For quite a while Bill was parade commander for the Inverness Remembrance Day parade and other similar events. When not commanding a parade, he would carry the branch standard. 

Bill was awarded the BEM in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his long involvement and support of Legion Scotland. He was presented with his award later that year by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Young. 

From 1956, he held various committee posts within both Inverness branch and Inverness Legion club, until retiring from the club committee in 1995 when he was made a life member and branch vice president.

During his service he was also heavily involved in welfare and sports activities. Bill will be greatly missed by both the branch and the club. He is survived by his daughters Yvonne, Elaine and Allison and families.

 

LARGS 

Jack Ransom

The last remaining UK survivor of the horrors of the Burma Railway and local celebrity in the Largs community, Jack Ransom passed away peacefully at his home on 4 August. Jack was a true gentleman and supporter of Legion Scotland. Born in Peckham and known locally as the ‘Scottish Cockney’, he was a true force of nature with a tremendous outlook on life. 

Jack celebrated his 103^rd birthday in style earlier this year with many gathering to commemorate his life, making up for the 100^th birthday festivities he had missed out on due to the pandemic. 

A stalwart member of Largs branch, Jack featured in Legion Scotland’s specially commissioned online coverage for the VJ Day 75^th commemorations. Jack also joined us for the National Remembrance Service in Edinburgh in 2021 to lay a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance. 

His story has since been captured on film, and he even penned his own memoirs and published them in a book six years ago. He was laid to rest on 25 August at Clyde Crematorium in Largs. The service was well attended and supported by both local, area and national standard bearers as well as Legion Scotland members and local community representatives. 

Jack leaves behind his wife Maddie and extended family and we know he will be sorely missed by both the Legion Scotland and Largs communities.