Catalogue description Alexander Wanliss Collection

Service Records, Photographs, Correspondence, Certificates of Education, Certificates, Books and Pamphlets, Christmas Cards, Records relating to the death of James Storrer Greig, Miscellaneous

Catalogue prepared to International Standard of Archival Description (General), 2nd edition.

Wanliss, Alexander (1879-1915)

Open access, by appointment.

Reproduction or publication of records is subject to the written permission of The Black Watch Castle & Museum.

Catalogue available on request

Alexander Wanliss was born on the 26th February 1879 at Rashiehall, St Martins, Perthshire to parents James Wanliss and Mary Ann Campbell.

Before joining the military, Wanliss worked as a gardener and lived in Inchture, Perthshire.
On the 1st March 1900, he enlisted with The Black Watch in Inverness at the age of 21 and his regimental number was 7738.

During the first few years with the Regiment, Wanliss instructed musketry in Curragh, Ireland and participated in many rifling competitions throughout the United Kingdom.
Most of his sports medals and trophies can be found within this collection.

When the First World War broke out, Alexander Wanliss joined the A Company, 1st Battalion, The Black Watch and was appointed to 2nd Lieutenant on the 1st October 1914.
While serving in the First Battle of Ypres on the 2nd November 1914, Wanliss was wounded and was discharged for several months.

He re-joined his Battalion on the 12th March 1915 and fought at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle.

Alexander Wanliss was promoted to Lieutenant on the 3rd May 1915 but a few days later, he went on to fight at Aubers Ridge and was killed in action on the 9th May 1915.
His unidentified body was buried by British troops in an area South West of Armentieres on the 27th May 1915.

In January 1924, an exhumation was carried out by the ‘Imperial War Graves Commission’ and the body of the unknown soldier was revealed as Alexander Wanliss.

Wanliss’ remains were re-interred in Plot 16, Row E, Grave 4, Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery in Souchez, France and his name was commemorated on the war memorial in Inchture, Perthshire.

In his personal life, Alexander Wanliss was a member of the Perth Royal Arch no. 122 Masonic Lodge. He married Mary Catherine Greig (dressmaker) on the 19th December 1909 in Perth and they lived together in 25 Gilmore Place, Edinburgh.