In Autumn 2002, I contacted Sarah�s neice, Joanne, in Australia, through an advertisement she had placed on an Ancestry website, asking for information about the Weddell�s (Sarah�s maiden name.) It turned out that Jo was Sarah�s brother�s son�s daughter. Sarah�s two brothers had emigrated to Australia in 1951 on the �1 plan of the time. Information has been exchanged between the two sides of her family since. The following, courtesy of Jo, traces the family back to the beginning of the 19th Century. I hope you find it as fascinating as I do.
Ancestors of Sarah Weddell
Generation No. 1
1. Sarah Weddell, born 9 September 1921 in West Richmond St, Edinburgh, Scotland. She was the daughter of 2. George Weddell and 3. Sarah Dakers. She married(1) Thomas Knight 3 September 1949. He was born about 1904.
Generation No. 2
2. George Weddell, born 1885 in Glasgow, Scotland; died 20 December 1961 in 41 Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the son of 4. George Milnes Weddell and 5. Mary-Anne Murphy. He married 3. Sarah Dakers 5 November 1907 in Lady Glenorchy's Church, Edinburgh, Scotland.
3. Sarah Dakers, born 1 November 1888 in 32 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh, Scotland; died 24 June 1973 in 45\4 Viewcraig Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland. She was the daughter of 6. Alexander Dakers and 7. Mary Martin.
Notes for George Weddell:
His mother died when he was about 3. He was brought up by his uncle John/ Thomas (�Poodle.�)
George Weddell was an active member of the 17th (Service) Battalion (Rosebery), Royal Scots, were he held the rank of Private. This Battalion was formed in Edinburgh, February 1915, by Lord Rosebery, as a Bantam battalion.
What is a Bantam?
The bantam is a fighting cockerel, small but hardy and aggressive.
In 1914, the Member of Parliament for Birkenhead, Alfred Bigland, pressed the War Office for permission to form a battalion of men who were under regulation size but otherwise fit for service. A few days later, some 3,000 men had volunteered, many of who had previously been rejected as being under height. The original men were formed into the 1st and 2nd Birkenhead Battalions of the Cheshire Regiment (later redesigned the 15th and 16th Battalions). Other regiments began to recruit similarly: the Durham Light Infantry, Lancashire Fusiliers, West
Yorkshires, Royal Scots, and Highland Light Infantry most notably. Many of the recruits were miners. Eventually these units were formed into the 35th Division. Another, the 40th, had a mixture of bantam and regulation units, although it is generally recognised as a bantam Division. The bantams were very popular at home, and were often featured in the press. However, by the end of 1916, it was found that the general fitness and condition of men volunteering as bantams was no longer up to the standard required. Brigades were informed that no more undersized men would be accepted, and the Divisions lost their bantam status as replacements diluted the number of small men in the mix. (5ft 3in + being the regulation height). The "bantams" were composed of men who were technically too short or of too small a stature to be admitted into the regular battalions. Despite this limitation they fought valiantly in all Theatres of the War.
In June 1915 the 17th Battalion, Royal Scots, was attached to 106th Brigade, which was part of the 35th Division (A Bantam Division).
This 35th Division was formed at Roomer Common, Marfield, Fearby and Masham in June 1915 from the Locally Raised or Pals Battalions mainly from the North of England and Scotland. The Division was taken over by the War Office, August 1915.
Arrived in France in January 1916. Served in France and Flanders until the Armistice.
Battles and Engagements, of the 35 Division, in the Great War 1914-1919.
France and Flanders.
Battle of Albert. ( Somme, offensive) 1-13 Jul 1916, including the capture of Montauban.
Mametz, Fricourt, Contalmaison and La Boisselle.
German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. 14 Mar-5 Apr 1917.
Second Battle of Passchendaele. 26 Oct-10 Nov 1917.
First Battle of Bapaume. 24-25 Mar 1918.
Battle of Ypres. 28 Sep-2 Oct 1918.
Battle of Courtrai. 14-19 Oct 1918.
Actions of Tieghem. 31 Oct 1918.
The 17th Battalion, Royal Scots served with the 106th Brigade, 35th Division, from June 1915 - 11 November 1918. It is likely that sometime after the end of the war, Private George Weddell would have been attached to the Labour corps, whose duties would include removal and burial of the war dead from the battle fields of France & Flanders. For his services in the Great war, Private George Weddell would have been entitled the British war medal and the Victory medal.
Total fatal casualties for the 17th Battalion, Royal Scots in the great war 1914-1919.
Rank & file: 385
Officers: 13
source : http://www.kev84.worldonline.co.uk/soldiersdied.html
More About George Weddell:
Burial: 1961
Census: 1891, Age 6, Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Military service: Between 1914 - 1918, Private, 17th Royal Scots
Occupation: Labourer\Brewery Labourer
Occupation2: 1891, Scholar
More About Sarah Dakers:
Cause of Death: Bronchopneumonia Bronchogenic carcinoma and possible metastases
Census: 1891, Age 2
Census2: 1901, Age 11
Occupation: 1901, Scholar
Residence: 1891, 10 Marshall St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence2: 1901, Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
Children of George Weddell and Sarah Dakers are:
i. George Weddell, born about 1908; died 1909 in St. Giles, Midlothian, Scotland.
More About George Weddell:
Burial: 1909, Easter Road Cemetary, Scotland.
ii. John Weddell, born about 1910; died 1913 in Newington, Midlothian, Scotland.
Notes for John Weddell:
Thought to have lung weakness-bronchitis, pneumonia
More About John Weddell:
Burial: 1913, Easter Road Cemetary, Scotland.
iii. Robert Weddell, born 1913; died 7 March 1940.
More About Robert Weddell:
Cause of Death: Splenic anaemia
Medical Information: leukaemia?
Occupation: van driver
iv. George Weddell, born 17 May 1915 in 6 Richmond Street Edinburgh Midlothian; died 10 September 1989 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; married Maude Stewart 26 June 1942 in Edinburgh, Scotland; born 13 December 1913 in 16 New Row, Elphinstone, Scotland; died 2001.
More About George Weddell:
Burial: Aft. 10 September 1989, Rookwood Cemetary, NSW Australia
Emigration: 1951, "Ormande "
Occupation: Sheet Metal Worker
Notes for Maude Stewart:
*Was in Ireland when her grandmother died about aged 20. During the abdication of the king of England ,Edward 8th.*
More About Maude Stewart:
Emigration: 1951, " Ormande "
v. Stillborn Girl Weddell, born between 1919 - 1920; died between 1919 - 1920.
1 vi. Sarah Weddell, born 9 September 1921 in West Richmond St Edinburgh, Scotland; married Thomas Knight 3 September 1949.
vii. Mary Dakers Weddell, born 27 December 1927 in Gifford Park Scotland; married John Wilson 1948; born 20 July 1927.
Generation No. 3
4. George Milnes Weddell, born 7 October 1861 in Glasgow, Scotland; died about 1930 in Gifford Park Scotland. He was the son of 8. James Weddell and 9. Ann Bishop Dalgleish. He married 5. Mary-Anne Murphy14 July 1882 in St Patrick's RC, Scotland.
5. Mary-Anne Murphy, born about 1862; died 1891 in Canongate , Edinburgh, Scotland. She was the daughter of 10. Patrick Murphy.
Notes for George Milnes Weddell:
Neighbours were Milnes? 1881 census
1891 census shows widowed living with brother, sister, step brother & 3 children...??
1901 census
58 Canongate, Edinburgh
George Weddell
Mary (Webster)
George 15 - apprentice iron dresser
Thomas 22 - apprentice iron moulder
More About George Milnes Weddell:
Burial: About 1930, Easter Road Cemetary, Scotland
Census: 1891, Age 29, Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Census 2: 1881, Age 19, 5 Morroco Close, Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Occupation: 1891 � iron dresser
Occupation2: 1881- iron moulder
Children of George Weddell and Mary-Anne Murphy are:
i. George Weddell, born 1885 in Glasgow, Scotland; died 20 December 1961 in 41 Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland; married Sarah Dakers 5 November 1907 in Lady Glenorchy's Church, Edinburgh, Scotland.
ii. John Weddell, born 1888 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
More About John Weddell:
Census: 1891, Age 3, Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland.
iii. Patrick Weddell, born 1891 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
More About Patrick Weddell:
Census: 1891, Age 3 mths, Cannongate, Edinburgh, Scotland.
6. Alexander Dakers, born about 1842 in Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland; died about 1920. He was the son of 12. *James* Dakers and 13. * Margery Ramsay Milne *. He met 7. Mary Martin.
7. Mary Martin, born about 1843 in North Leith, Midlothian, Scotland; died about 1924. She was the daughter of 14. * John * Martin.
Notes for Alexander Dakers:
Supposedly of Norwegian descent
More About Alexander Dakers:
Census: 1891, Age 49
Census 2: 1901, Age 59
Occupation: 1891, Plasterer
Occupation2: 1901, Plasterer
Residence: 1879, 6 New Broughton, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence 2: 1891, 10 Marshall St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence 3: 1901, Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence 4: 1888, 32 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh, Scotland
More About Mary Martin:
Census: 1891, Age 48
Census 2: 1901, Age 58
Occupation: Domestic Servant
Residence: 1879, 10 Nth Junction St Nth, Leith, Midlothian, Scotland
Residence 2: 1891, 10 Marshall St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence 3: 1901, Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence 4: 1888, 32 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Children of Alexander Dakers and Mary Martin are:
i. Margery Dakers, born 15 October 1872 in Middle-East-West Parishes, Greenock, Renfrew, Scotland; died about 1945.
More About Margery Dakers:
Census: 1891, Age 19
Occupation: 1891, Type Setter
Residence: 1891, 10 Marshall St, Edinburgh, Scotland
ii. John Martin Dakers, born 4 March 1875 in Midlothian, St Andrews Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; died about 1950.
More About John Martin Dakers:
Census: 1891, Age 16
Census2: 1901, Age 23
Occupation: 1891, Printer
Occupation2: 1901, Tinsmith
Residence: 1891, 10 Marshall St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence2: 1901, Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
iii. James Dakers, born about 1876 in Edinburgh, Scotland; died about 1950; married Mary Hume; born in Edinburgh, Scotland.
More About James Dakers:
Census: 1891, Age 15
Census2: 1901, Age 21
Occupation: 1901, Labourer
Residence: 1891, 10 Marshall St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence2: 1901, Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
More About Mary Hume:
Medical Information: blind
iv. Helen Dakers, born 20 November 1879 in 10 Nth Junction St, Nth Leith, Midlothian, Scotland; died 1950; married Robert Brown - 1 September 1899 in 3a Chambers Crescent, Edinburgh; died before 1969.
Notes for Helen Dakers:
Spinster...Living at 41 North Richmond Street Edinburgh
Census: 1891, Age 11
Medical Information: Twin
Occupation: Laundress
Residence: Davie Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Notes for Robert Brown:
Batchelor, living at 26 Simon Square, Edinburgh
Occupation: Saddler [leather worker]
v. William Dakers, born 20 November 1879 in Nth Leith, Midlothian Scotland; died 20 June 1918 in France.
Debt of Honour Register - Commonwealth War Records
In Memory of W DAKERS, Private 47668, 2nd Bn., Welsh Regiment
who died on Thursday 20 June 1918.
Cemetery: PERNES BRITISH CEMETERY Pas de Calais, France
Grave or Reference Panel Number: V. B. 37.
Location: Pernes-en-Artois is a small town on the main road from Lillers to St Pol. The British Cemetery is nearly one kilometre west of the town on the road to Sains-les-Pernes.
Historical Information: The cemetery was not begun until April 1918 when the 1st and 4th Canadian Casualty Clearing Stations came to Pernes, driven back by the German advance. In May, the 6th and 22nd Clearing Stations arrived and in August, they were joined by the 13th. Almost all the burials were made by these units, but a few of the graves were brought into the cemetery after the Armistice. There are now 1,075 First World War burials in this cemetery and 18 graves from the Second World War, all of the latter dating from 3/4 September 1944. The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
William Dakers.
Former Regiment: Royal Engineers. service number, 180090.
Enlisted: Edinburgh.
Died how: Died of wounds.
Theatre of war: France & Flanders
Private William Dakers first choice Regiment was with the Royal Engineers before transfer to the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment.
The 2nd Battalion were with the 3rd Brigade, who were with the 1st Division. The Division was one of the first to move to France, the 1st Division remained on the Western Front throughout the war. It took part in most of the major actions.
Battles and Engagements of the 1st Division in the Great War 1914-1919.
France and Flanders.
Battle of Mons. 23-24 Aug 1914.
Rearguard affair of Etreux. 27 Aug 1914.
Battle of the Marne. 7-10 Sep 1914, including the passage of the Petit Morin and the passage of the Marne.
Battle of the Aisne. 12-15 Sep 1914, including the capture of the Aisne Heights including the Chemin des Dames.
Actions of the Aisne Heights. 20 Sep 1914.
Action of Chivy. 26 Sep 1914.
Battle of Langemarck. 21-24 Oct 1914.
Battle of Gheluvelt. 29-31 Oct 1914.
Battle of Nunne Bosschen. 11 Nov 1914.
Defence of Givenchy. 20-21 Dec 1914.
First action of Givenchy. 25 Jan 1915.
Affairs of Cuinchy. 29 Jan. 1 Feb. 6 Feb 1915.
Battle of Aubers. 9 May 1915, including the attack on Fromelles and the attack at Rue du Bois.
Battle of Loos. 25 Sep-8 Oct 1915.
Actions of the Hohenzollern Redoubt. 13-19 Oct 1915.
Battle of Albert. 1-13 Jul 1916, including the capture of Montauban, Mametz, Fricourt, Contalmaison and La Boisselle.
Battle of Bazentin. 14-17 Jul 1916, including the capture of Longueval, Trones Wood and Ovillers.
Battle of Pozieres. 23 Jul 1916, including the fighting for Mouquet Farm.
Battle of Flers-Courcelette. 15-22 Sep 1916, including the capture of Martinpuich.
Battle of Morval. 25-28 Sep 1916, including the capture of Combles, Lesboeufs and Gueudecourt.
German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. 14 Mar-5 Apr 1917.
Operations on the Flanders Coast. 20 Jun-11 Nov 1917.
German attacks on Nieuport. 10-11 Jul 1917.
Second Battle of Passchendaele. 26 Oct-10 Nov 1917.
Battle of Estaires. 9-11 Apr 1918, including the first defence of Givenchy.
Battle of Hazebrouck. 12-15 Apr 1918, including the defence of the Hinges Ridge and the Nieppe Forest.
Battle of Bethune. 18 Apr 1918, including the second defence of Givenchy.
Battle of Drocourt-Queant. 2-3 Sep 1918.
Battle of Epehy. 18 Sep 1918.
Battle of Beaurevoir. 3-5 Oct 1918.
Battle of the Selle. 17-25 Oct 1918.
Battle of the Sambre. 4 Nov 1918, including the passage of the Sambre-Oise canal and the capture of Le Quesnoy.
On the Day Private William Dakers lost his life, dying from his wounds, two other soldiers from the 2nd Battalion Welsh Regiment, died with him. These soldiers also died of their wounds. They were Company Sergeant Major Thomas Evans DCM, Age 31 from Merthyr Tydvil, and Private Thomas Grierson, Age 19 from Dumfriesshire.
These two men are buried along side Private William Dakers in PERNES BRITISH CEMETERY Pas de Calais, France. Private Thomas Grierson, grave number V . B . 35. Company Sergeant Major Thomas Evans DCM, grave number V. B. 36. Private William Dakers grave number V. B. 37.
Total fatal casualties for the 2nd Battalion Welsh Regiment in the Great war 1914-1919
Rank & file: 1,262
Officers: 11
source:http://www.kev84.worldonline.co.uk/soldiersdied.html
More About William Dakers:
Burial: After 20 June 1918, Pernes British Cemetary, Pas De Calais, France
Cause of Death: Died Of Wounds - War casualty
Census: 1891, Age 11
Census 2: 1901, Age 19
Medical Information: Twin
Military service: Bet. 1914 - 1918, Private 180090, latterly 47668 2nd Bat The Welsh Regt - The Royal Engineers
Occupation: 1901, Messenger
Residence: 1891, 10 Marshall St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence 2: 1901, Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
vi. Mary Agnes Dakers, born 30 July 1882 in Edinburgh, Scotland; died 18 April 1941; married David Hunter Ogilvie; died 19 December 1948.
Census: 1891, Age 9
Census 2: 1901, Age 18
Occupation: 1901, Laundrymaid
Residence: 1891, 10 Marshall St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence 2: 1901, Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
More About David Hunter Ogilvie:
Occupation: rubber worker
vii. Alexander Dakers, born Abt. 1885 in Edinburgh, Scotland; died Abt. 1927.
Census: 1891, Age 6
Census2: 1901, Age 17
Occupation: 1901, Messenger
Residence: 1891, 10 Marshall St, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence2: 1901, Leonards Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
3 viii. Sarah Dakers, born 1 November 1888 in 32 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh, Scotland; died 24 June 1973 in 45\4 Viewcraig Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland; married George Weddell 5 November 1907 in Lady Glenorchy's Church , Edinburgh , Scotland , UK.
Generation No. 4
8. James Weddell, born about 1833 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland. He was the son of 16. Alexander Weddell and 17. Jane Lyon. He married 9. Ann Bishop Dalgleish 10 September 1860 in Edinburgh Parish, Edinburgh, Scotland.
9. Ann Bishop Dalgleish, born after 1836; died after 1871. She was the daughter of 18. Robert Dalgleish and 19. Margaret McPherson.
More About James Weddell:
Census: 1891, Age 58, Cannongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Census2: 1881, Age 48, 5 Morroco Close, Cannongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Occupation: 1891, Bookbinder & Printer's Porter
Occupation2: 1881, Bookbinder
Children of James Weddell and Ann Dalgleish are:
i. Alexander Weddell, born 6 October 1860 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
ii. George Milnes Weddell, born 7 October 1861 in Glasgow, Scotland; died about 1930 in Gifford Park, Scotland; married (1) Mary-Anne Murphy, 14 July 1882 in St Patrick's RC, Scotland; married (2) Mary Webster about 1907.
iii. Robert Dalgleish Weddell, born 23 April 1863 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
iv. Maragret McPherson Weddell, born 4 June 1865.
v. James Weddell, born 13 August 1867 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
vi. Thomas Dalgleish Weddell, born 21 February 1869 in Glasgow, Scotland; died 1951.
Notes for Thomas Dalgleish Weddell:
Thomas mentioned on census 1891 living with George (�Poodle� - 1876-1951)
Census: 1891, Age 23, Cannongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Census 2: 1881, Age 13, 5 Morroco Close, Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Occupation: 1891, ? porter
Occupation 2: 1881, Scholar
vii. Jane Lyon Weddell, born 30 December 1871 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Notes for Jane Lyon Weddell:
Mentioned living with George 1891 census
Census: 1891, Age 19, Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Occupation: 1891, Domestic Servant
10. Patrick Murphy
Child of Patrick Murphy is:
5 i. Mary-Anne Murphy, born about 1862; died 1891 in Canongate , Edinburgh, Scotland; married George Milnes Weddell 14 July 1882 in St Patrick's RC, Scotland.
12. *James* Dakers He married 13. * Margery Ramsay Milne * 27 April 1844 in Brechin, Angus, Scotland.
13. * Margery Ramsay Milne *
Children of *James* Dakers and * * are:
6 i. Alexander Dakers, born about 1842 in Brechin, Forfarshire, Scotland; died about 1920; met Mary Martin.
ii. William Cargill Dakers, born 18 December 1855 in Brechin, Angus, Scotland.
iii. David Dakers, born 30 November 1860 in Brechin, Angus, Scotland.
14. * John * Martin
More About * John * Martin:
Occupation: Seaman [ merchant services]
Children of * John * Martin are:
i. Sister of Mary Martin, born in Leith, Scotland, UK.
More About Sister of Mary Martin:
Emigration: About 1863, To Tasmania
7 ii. Mary Martin, born about 1843 in Nth Leith, Midlothian, Scotland; died about 1924; met Alexander Dakers.
Generation No. 5
16. Alexander Weddell, born about 1812; died before 1860. He married 17. Jane Lyon 20 March 1832 in Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Scotland.
17. Jane Lyon, died after 1860. She was the daughter of 34. James Lyon.
Child of Alexander Weddell and Jane Lyon is:
8 i. James Weddell, born about 1833 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland; married (1) Ann Bishop Dalgleish 10 September 1860 in Edinburgh Parish, Edinburgh, Scotland; married (2) Helen Ellen ? Weddell ? Bet. 1871 - 1878.
18. Robert Dalgleish, died after 1860. He was the son of 36. *Thomas* Dalgeish. He married 19. Margaret McPherson 10 March 1836 in Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland.
19. Margaret McPherson, died after 1860. She was the daughter of 38. Thomas McPherson.
Child of Robert Dalgleish and Margaret McPherson is:
9 i. Ann Bishop Dalgleish, born after 1836; died after 1871; married James Weddell 10 September 1860 in Edinburgh Parish, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Generation No. 6
34. James Lyon
Child of James Lyon is:
17 i. Jane Lyon, died after 1860; married (1) Alexander Weddell 20 March 1832 in Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; married (2) George Milne 21 October 1842 in Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.
36. *Thomas* Dalgeish
Child of *Thomas* Dalgeish is:
18 i. Robert Dalgleish, died after 1860; married Margaret McPherson 10 March 1836 in Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland.
38. Thomas McPherson
Child of Thomas McPherson is:
i. Margaret McPherson, died after 1860; married Robert Dalgleish 10 March 1836 in Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland.
� Joanne Waddell
Back, far left (Sarah), Back, 2nd from left (Sarah's husband, Tommy Knight), center, middle row (Sarah's mother - Sarah Dakers), 2nd from right, middle row (Sarah's father - George Weddell)
