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Armadale & District War Memorial Museum, Armadale, Bathgate (2026)

09/09/2026

HisStory: Leading Aircraftman Alexander Roy Collins (1820541)

Armadale & District War Memorial Museum would like to thank Alexander's grandson for sharing his grandfather's story and photograph with us.

Leading Aircraftman Alexander Roy Collins was born on 22 April 1924 in Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, the son of James and Annie Collins (née Roy). During his youth, the Collins family relocated to Armadale, where Alexander would spend most of his life.

In 1942, Alexander lived at 30 Harestanes Road, Armadale, and worked as a Pipe Brick Works Labourer with United Collieries. Like many young men of his generation, he was eager to serve his country and aspired to become a pilot or aircrew member in the Royal Air Force. To support this ambition, he joined the Air Training Corps and successfully passed Professional Certificate Part I, even undertaking private mathematics tuition to improve his qualifications.

However, fate had other plans. During his aircrew medical examination, Alexander discovered he was colour blind and therefore ineligible for flying duties.

Undeterred, he was told that the RAF urgently needed groundcrew. Rather than return home disappointed, he volunteered immediately and enlisted in the Royal Air Force on 27 November 1942.

Training as an Airframe Mechanic, Alexander qualified to work on several aircraft types, including the Vultee A-31 Vengeance dive bomber, the Vickers Wellington, and the Consolidated Liberator.

His service record shows that he arrived in India on 12 August 1943, where he would spend the majority of the war.

For a period, he served with 144 Repair and Salvage Unit, undertaking the demanding work of aircraft recovery and repair. He was later posted to 152 Operational Training Unit, which trained aircrew on Vengeance dive bombers.

Alexander recalled witnessing the tragic loss of one aircraft during a training exercise when it entered a dive and failed to pull out before crashing.

Subsequently, he served with No. 99 Squadron, which transitioned from the Wellington bomber to the Liberator in late 1944. His grandson recalls family stories of Alexander's time in the Cocos Islands, where the squadron was based during part of the war. By the conflict's end, he was serving in Singapore, with his service record appearing to place him at RAF Kallang during late 1945.

During this period, Alexander became separated from his original squadron and was assigned to a Motor Transport Pool. What began as temporary employment would have a lasting impact on his life, as it was here that he learned to drive. His commanding officer later noted on his release papers that although Alexander had been employed outside his original trade, he had adapted "very well to work on motor transport."

Alexander was released from RAF service on 30 March 1946 and remained in the reserve until his final discharge on 2 March 1959.

Returning to Armadale, he resumed civilian employment and, in 1949, married Mary Traynor. Together they raised two children and made their home at 20 Avondale Crescent. After later being made redundant from the pipe works, Alexander found work with Cameron Iron Works, where aircraft components were manufactured for Rolls-Royce. His RAF engineering experience undoubtedly proved valuable in this role.

Following the death of his wife, Alexander moved to Bield Housing near South Street, Armadale. He passed away on 7 November 2011 and now rests beside Mary in Woodbank Cemetery.

One particularly touching aspect of Alexander's story concerns his medals. He rarely spoke about them and never wore them. Indeed, for many years he did not even know where they were. As a boy exploring his grandparents' home, his grandson discovered a War Medal tucked away in an old tin. Fascinated, he showed it to his grandfather, who explained that he believed he had received four medals, including the 1939-45 Star and the Burma Star, as recorded in his paybook.

Years later, enquiries to the Ministry of Defence revealed that the wartime paybook entry had been completed before medal entitlement rules were fully settled. As Alexander's wartime service in India was classified as service in a non-operational area, his official entitlement was confirmed as the War Medal 1939-1945 and the Defence Medal. The Ministry of Defence subsequently reissued the Defence Medal, and today both medals are proudly framed and displayed by his grandson, preserving the memory of a man who answered his country's call despite setbacks and served faithfully throughout the war.

We are honoured to share the story of Leading Aircraftman Alexander Roy Collins, one of Armadale's wartime generation whose service and dedication deserve to be remembered.

Lest We Forget.

07/09/2026

- War Medal 1939-45

One of the most widely awarded British medals of the Second World War, the War Medal 1939-45 recognised the service of millions of Commonwealth servicemen and women who contributed to the Allied victory. Instituted in August 1945, it acknowledged both operational and home service, ensuring that those who served their country during the war received recognition for their contribution.

The War Medal 1939-45 was awarded to personnel who completed 28 days of full-time service in the Armed Forces between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Eligibility extended across the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy, and qualifying Commonwealth forces.

The ribbon incorporates the colours of the Union Flag, symbolising the British nation at war. Its red, white and blue design reflects the national colours under which Britain's servicemen and women served throughout the conflict.

*Mentioned in Dispatches*

The War Medal 1939-45 is also significant because it is the medal on which a Mention in Dispatches (MiD) oak leaf emblem is worn for Second World War awards.

A Mention in Dispatches was one of the British Armed Forces' oldest and most respected forms of recognition. Rather than receiving a separate medal, an individual's gallant or distinguished service in the presence of the enemy was recorded in an official report, or "dispatch", written by a senior commander. Recommendations usually originated from the recipient's commanding officer and, once approved, the individual's name was published in The London Gazette, the official record of honours and awards.

Recipients were entitled to wear a bronze oak leaf on the ribbon of their War Medal 1939-45. This small emblem signified that their service had been specifically recognised for bravery, leadership, or distinguished conduct under operational conditions.

Do you have a War Medal 1939-45 in your family collection? Perhaps there's an oak leaf on the ribbon. Share a photograph and the story behind it in the comments.

06/09/2026

Object of the Week: British Army Issue COVID-19 Face Covering Set

This week's featured object is a reminder of an extraordinary period in recent history: a British Army Issue COVID-19 Face Covering Pack, produced during the global coronavirus pandemic.

Issued by the Ministry of Defence for use in non-clinical settings, each pack contains three reusable fabric face coverings: two olive green and one black mask, manufactured by Scimitar and supplied in original sealed packaging.

Made from 100% cotton, the face coverings were designed with an outer layer that is both fluid repellent and breathable, while the two inner layers are described as antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

The masks feature elasticated ear loops made from nylon and elastane, and were intended to be washable and reusable.

The packaging includes detailed Ministry of Defence guidance on their correct use. Importantly, the instructions stress that these coverings were not medical masks or personal protective equipment (PPE) and were intended only for use in non-clinical environments. Users were advised that face coverings should not replace social distancing or regular hand washing, reflecting the public health messaging of the time.

Today, this seemingly ordinary item provides a fascinating snapshot of the COVID-19 pandemic and how organisations such as the British Armed Forces adapted to unprecedented circumstances. As museums increasingly collect objects connected with the pandemic, items like this help document the practical, social, and institutional responses to a global event that shaped daily life around the world.

05/09/2026

HisStory: Pte William Bonar Military Medal

"For conspicuous courage and devotion to duty..."

Today we remember Private William Bonar MM, an Armadale man whose bravery on the battlefields of the First World War earned him the Military Medal.

Born in Armadale and the son of Mrs Bonar of Elm Cottage, William emigrated with his wife, Mary Sanderson, and family to British Columbia, Canada, around 1905. When war came, he enlisted in April 1916 with the 47th Canadian Battalion (Western Ontario Regiment).

During the closing stages of the war, on 1 November 1918, as Canadian forces advanced before Valenciennes, Pte Bonar performed acts of exceptional courage that would earn him the Military Medal.

According to the official citation, heavy casualties among stretcher-bearers led to Bonar being placed in charge of two stretcher parties. Throughout several hours of intense fighting, he moved across the battlefield searching for and bringing in wounded men from both his own and other units.

Despite being exposed to heavy shellfire and gas, he continued his work until the area had been completely cleared. The citation praised his "coolness, courage, and resource," noting that his personal example inspired those around him and that several lives were saved through his actions.

Remarkably, William Bonar was not a stretcher-bearer by trade. He volunteered for the task when it was most needed.

Lieutenant-Colonel W. Menzies wrote personally to congratulate him on receiving the award, while Captain G. C. H. Lindsell assured his mother in Armadale that her son had gained the Military Medal "for bravery in action" and that she had "every reason to be proud of him."

Lest We Forget.

📸 Private William Bonar MM

30/08/2026

Object of the Week: SHAEF / USAREUR Shoulder Sleeve Insignia.

This week's featured object is a United States Army Europe (USAREUR) shoulder sleeve insignia, a Cold War-era patch whose origins can be traced back to the Second World War and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF).

The insignia features a deep blue shield bearing a silver flaming sword beneath a rainbow arch. The design represents the Allied forces in Europe, with the flaming sword symbolising liberation and military strength, while the rainbow signifies hope, unity, and peace following conflict.

Originally approved in 1944 for SHAEF, the multinational headquarters commanded by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the insignia was worn by personnel serving at the headquarters of the Commander of Allied forces in north-western Europe. SHAEF coordinated Allied operations during the liberation of Europe, including the D-Day landings and the campaign that culminated in the defeat of N**i Germany. Following Victory in Europe (VE) Day in May 1945, this patch was worn by personnel serving at Allied headquarters in north-western Europe.

As the post-war military structure evolved, the insignia was later redesignated for United States Army Europe (USAREUR). During the Cold War, USAREUR was responsible for operations throughout the United States European Command (USEUCOM) Area of Responsibility, maintaining the American Army's presence in Europe and contributing to NATO's collective defence.

This patch represents more than a military formation badge. It reflects the continuity between the wartime Allied coalition that liberated Europe and the enduring commitment to European security during the decades of the Cold War.

29/08/2026

TheirStory: The Bishop Brothers of Armadale

Following on from last week's HisStory post about Private Andrew Bishop, we turn our attention to the wider Bishop family. Andrew's story was one of courage, sacrifice and suffering, but he was not the only member of the family to answer the call. This week we remember Andrew's nephews, the four Bishop brothers of Armadale:

Andrew, John, Thomas and Charles Bishop, sons of Thomas Bishop of Edinburgh, formerly of Armadale.

Before their wartime service took them on different paths, the brothers were associated with C (Armadale) Company, 10th (Cyclists) Battalion, Royal Scots, the local Territorial unit that drew many of its members from Armadale and the surrounding district.

Private Andrew Bishop, later attached to the Royal Scots Fusiliers, served in Belgium and France, including at Loos and Hulluch. Wounded at Ypres in August 1916, he lost an arm and suffered severe injuries to his leg. He later sustained further wounds during the Battle of Passchendaele, resulting in the amputation of his left arm.
After his discharge from the Army, Andrew spent time recuperating with his sister-in-law, Mrs Tom Bishop of Woodend. Sadly, he contracted pneumonia, which developed into pleurisy. He was admitted to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he died and was subsequently laid to rest in Bathgate Cemetery. His service came at the highest personal cost.

Pioneer John Bishop served with the Royal Engineers in France. Although still serving on the front line when reports of Andrew's wounds appeared in the local press, his health later deteriorated and he was discharged in 1918. Army records noted that his varicose veins had been aggravated by military service.

Private Thomas Bishop served overseas with the 11th Battalion, Royal Scots, seeing service in France, Greece and Salonica. During the war he survived the torpedoing of a troopship, one of the many dangers faced by soldiers travelling to and from distant theatres of war. Thomas was discharged in April 1919 and was awarded a military pension as a result of malaria contracted during his service. Unlike his brother Andrew, he survived the conflict and returned home.

The fourth brother, Charles Bishop, enlisted in the Reserve Battalion of the 10th Royal Scots in December 1914. However, his military career was short-lived. He was found to be medically unfit for service due to poor eyesight and was discharged on 22 June 1915.

The story of the Bishop brothers reflects the experiences of many West Lothian families during the Great War. Four brothers stepped forward to serve their country. One would ultimately lose his life as a consequence of his wounds and illness, while the others each carried their own experiences and hardships from the conflict.

We will remember them.

24/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating Two Years of the Armadale & District War Memorial Museum 🎉

Today marks the second anniversary of the Armadale & District War Memorial Museum page.

What began while I was deployed to Cyprus with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force has grown into a platform dedicated to preserving and sharing the military and civil defence heritage of Armadale and the surrounding district.

The concept of a stand-alone museum and educational page was born from a desire to ensure that the stories of local service and sacrifice would not be forgotten and could be shared with a wider audience.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has followed the page over the past two years. Your support, views, comments, shares, and interactions with the posts have helped make this project a success. Every like, comment, and share helps to keep these important stories alive.

The aim of the museum remains the same today as it was when the idea first took shape: to tell the stories of the men and women from Armadale and District who have served in His Majesty's and Her Majesty's Armed Forces, Civil Defence organisations, and other services, while also showcasing artefacts from my personal collection. By preserving both the stories and the objects connected to them, we can ensure future generations understand the contributions, sacrifices, and experiences of those who served.

As we move into our third year, I am currently working on a Second World War Home Front display, which will be accompanied by educational worksheets for local primary schools. It is my hope that this project will help bring history to life for the young people of Armadale and District, inspiring them to learn more about the experiences of those who lived, worked, and served during wartime.

Thank you once again for your continued support. I look forward to sharing many more stories, artefacts, and local histories with you in the years ahead.

Lest We Forget.

Tom - Armadale & District War Memorial Museum

23/08/2026

Object of the Week: WW2 Child's Evacuation Suitcase

This week's Object of the Week is this small child's suitcase, used during the Second World War when thousands of children were evacuated from areas considered vulnerable to enemy attack.

The size of the suitcase is striking. With only limited space available, a young evacuee could take very few belongings on what was often an uncertain journey to a new home. A change of clothes, a favourite toy, treasured photographs, or other small personal items would have had to fit inside. Looking at this case today, it is easy to imagine how difficult it must have been for a child to leave home carrying everything they could bring in a single suitcase.

While children were not evacuated from Armadale, the town played an important role in receiving evacuees. Many children from more heavily populated and vulnerable areas were evacuated to Armadale and the surrounding district, where local families provided accommodation and a safer environment away from the threat of bombing.

This well-travelled suitcase serves as a powerful reminder of the experiences of wartime evacuees and the resilience of the children who faced an unfamiliar future with just a few possessions and a great deal of courage.

Have you or your family members got memories of wartime evacuees coming to Armadale? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments.

22/08/2026

HisStory: Andrew Bishop, Armadale's Tel-el-Kebir Veteran.

Andrew Bishop (1855-1952) was one of Armadale's oldest surviving soldier veteran and a proud son of South Street. Today we remember one of the town's most remarkable servicemen, whose military career took him from West Lothian to the battlefields of Egypt and Sudan during the Victorian era.

Born around 1855, Andrew began his military service at just 19 years of age when he joined "C" Company, 8th Volunteer Battalion, Royal Scots, the unit that later became known as the Armadale Company. Following service with the Dunbar Militia, he enlisted in the Regular Army in 1880.

Initially serving with the 75th Regiment, which later became the Gordon Highlanders. While stationed in Malta, Andrew qualified as a military telegraphist before events in Egypt would soon bring him into active service.

In 1882, Andrew landed in Egypt with the Gordon Highlanders as part of the British expedition sent to suppress the revolt led by Arabi Pasha.

On 13 September 1882, he fought at the decisive Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, where British forces launched a dawn assault that overwhelmed Egyptian defensive positions and brought the campaign to a swift conclusion.

Andrew later recalled the aftermath of the battle. Exhausted after hours of marching and fighting, he and several comrades obtained a turkey from a nearby village. Boiled in a discarded tin and shared among the men, it provided a welcome meal before orders were given to move on once again.

Andrew's military service continued beyond Egypt. He went on to serve in the Sudan campaigns, taking part in:
• El Teb (1884)�• Tamaai (1884)�• The Relief of Tokar�• The Nile Expedition sent to relieve General Gordon at Khartoum

Like many of the soldiers involved, Andrew and his comrades received the devastating news that Khartoum had fallen and General Gordon had been killed before they could reach him.

Andrew's military journey was shared by his younger brother, Robert Bishop. Andrew later recalled:
"After he had been a week in the service, he was joined by his brother, Robert."

The brothers served together for much of their army careers. Both transferred to the Gordon Highlanders while stationed in Malta and both sailed to Egypt with the regiment in 1882.

At Tel-el-Kebir, Andrew and Robert stood side by side in the ranks of the Gordon Highlanders.

Contemporary accounts record that only a handful of Armadale men fought in the battle, including Andrew and Robert Bishop, Andrew Brown, Andrew Currie, and James Hall of the Dragoons.

Years later, when veterans gathered to commemorate the famous victory, Andrew was recorded as the sole surviving representative from Armadale. His brother Robert had already "passed on", leaving Andrew as one of the last living links to the town's contribution to the campaign.

After returning home, Andrew rejoined "C" Company and remained with the Volunteers until 1900. He became widely known as an exceptional marksman, winning shooting competitions at company, battalion, and national level, including events at Bisley, Darnley, and Hunter's Bog. Among his many achievements was outright victory in the Hendry Challenge Silver Cup.

Andrew's service is recorded on the official medal rolls. His awards included:

• Egypt Medal (1882-1889) with clasps: Tel-el-Kebir, Suakin 1884, and El-Teb-Tamaai

• Khedive's Star (1882)

His participation in the campaigns at Tel-el-Kebir, El Teb, and Tamaai is officially recorded on the Medal Roll.

By the 1940s, Andrew was recognised as Armadale's oldest surviving soldier veteran. Even in his nineties he remained remarkably active, living independently in South Street and regularly attending commemorations of the Tel-el-Kebir veterans.

He represented a generation of Armadale men whose service carried them far beyond West Lothian, to Egypt, Sudan, and the Nile.

Andrew Bishop died on 7 January 1952, aged 96. A respected veteran, marksman, and former sergeant of Armadale's "C" Company, he was remembered across the district as one of the last surviving links to a remarkable chapter in the town's history.

We remember Andrew Bishop, Gordon Highlander, Tel-el-Kebir veteran, distinguished marksman, and proud Armadale man.

🌺 Lest We Forget.

21/08/2026

Developing a series of WW2 Home Front educational activity sheets for primary schools, which will accompany a small hands-on museum display where children can explore and learn about wartime life through artefacts and interactive activities. I'm also exploring how Microsoft Copilot can be used to create engaging, museum-branded worksheet headers.

Armadale & District War Memorial Museum

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