Dumfries and Galloway will commemorate the centenary of the Quintinshill rail disaster on 22 May 2015.
The Quintinshill rail disaster on 22 May 1915 claimed 227 lives, including 216 servicemen of The Royal Scots as they headed for Gallipoli. Another 246 people were injured. The train crash, near Gretna, remains the UK’s worst rail disaster.
A troop train that had departed from Larbert station crashed into a local service at a junction near Gretna. An express train bound for Glasgow ploughed into the wreckage just moments later.
Many of those who died in the tragedy were servicemen with the Leith-based Royal Scots, who were travelling to Liverpool before they sailed to Gallipoli.
The events at Gretna on 22 May will be followed by a commemoration in Leith the next day.
They will be included in the national World War One centenary commemoration programme.
The programme of events includes a march to Quintinshill rail siding; the opening of a Roll of Honour at Gretna Old Church; a commemorative tree planting at Gretna Green war memorial; the premiere reading of Quintinshill poem at Stormont village hall; and a wreath laying at Quintinshill Bridge. HRH The Princess Royal will visit the region to participate in the commemorations.
Council Leader Ronnie Nicholson said, “As we commemorate the events in World War 1, it’s important that we take time to respectfully mark the centenary of this momentous event, which took place in our region. Our Council is working with local communities and a range of appropriate organisations to deliver a fitting tribute.”
Wednesday 29 April 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-31364439
http://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/local-news/falkirk-men-among-quintinshill-rail-disaster-victims-1-3746492
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