Served in the Military: Benson

Introduction

These two gentlemen are my 2nd great uncles on my father's side. They were both born in Aberdeen, Scotland to William Henry Benson and Isabella Speid. Their 3rd brother was William Benson, my great grandfather, who went to India as a tea planter, where he died.

James Speid Benson

26 May 1873 -27 Mar 1963

James was the eldest. He was a trained solicitor so did not see overseas action in World War I. He was a Private in the 1st Volunteer Battalion Gordon Highlanders (previously City of Aberdeen Volunteer Regiment). The rest of the entry reads November 1914; commissioned, October 1916. Home service, Aberdeen, 1914-19.

In 1917 he married Blanche Jane Montgomery Falconer and the couple had 2 daughters. I will be saying more about James in other posts.

John Speid Benson

10 Jun 1877 - 23 Jun 1916

John was the youngest of the 3 brothers. The 1819 Scotland Census lists him as a scholar and by 1896 we find him listed on UK Incoming Passenger Lists, returning from New York to Southampton. He is travelling in steerage and is listed as a printer. In 1900 he makes a similar journey from New York to Southampton, also in steerage, but this time he appears to be a miner. Unfortunately the UK Outgoing Passenger Lists do not start until 1890. 

On 24 August 1915 John enlisted in the UK Royal Air Force. He was posted to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in Central Africa where he held the rank of Sergeant, in the 26th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. Unfortunately he contracted malaria and died on 23 June 1916 at the Blackwater Ridge.

More information about John can be found at: http://www.southafricawargraves.org/search/details.php?id=1613

Born elsewhere

Here is the list of ancestors who were born in other countries, but where there are not so many to get their post.

Argentina
Rossiter

Belgium
Dube

Burma
Plant

The Congo
Meneux dit Chateauneuf

Cyprus
Christodoulou
Donald

Denmark
Bloom
Christie

Egypt
Plant

Italy
Danero
Gardella

New Zealand
Speid

Poland
Lachman
Mazonowicz

Portugal
Kingston

South Africa
Liesching

Switzerland
Rudin

Turkey
Cutler