221860 Pte. Robert Leggate MM.British Army 9th Btn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) from:Strathaven Robert Leggate, my father's brother, was born in 1892 and served through the war with his 2 brothers. My father served with the RFA and youngest brother with the Cameronions, both survived. Uncle Robert was awarded the Military Medal at Passaendale. This was noted in Hamilton Adviser in 1918 when his father was notified at 46 Glasgow Rd. Strathaven.
Robert married a young woman from South Uist, Catherine Mc.Intyre. His wife died in 1924 of TB or consumption, as was known then. His children all died at a very young age. All are buried in Shots Auld Kirk Graveyard. He remarried and had a daughter, Madge who at the age of 21 died of TB. Robert died in1954 at work from a heart attack. His wife, Annie and son Jack moved to Canada.
I met him on a few occasions and loved being in his presence. In talking to my father, no mention of war did I ever hear but at such a young age 12 yrs. I didn't take too much in but my father and him were just jokers between them. I am the youngest of 10 have some great memories having visited some of the war graves in Belgium on 3rd August 2014.
|